Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, we’ve all seen an increase in video communication platforms such as Zoom and Skype, whether to keep in touch with friends and family or join in on work meetings or business conferences from afar. But did you know that the use of video CVs is on the rise too?
Since March 20202, it’s estimated that around 65% of companies around the world have hired new employees without ever meeting them in person. And while it’s no surprise that hiring processes now hinge heavily on video interviews, submitting CV videos has also become more of a common practice for job candidates.
There are many reasons why you may choose to create a video CV instead of a traditionally formatted document. If done right, a CV video can help you stand out from the crowd and catch the eye of recruiters in a way that a paper application never could.
However, it may not always be appropriate to submit a video CV. There are several considerations you should take into account before choosing to create a CV video.
On this page, we help you decide if a video CV is right for you and outline the steps you need to take to ensure your video presentation maximises your chances of getting noticed.
What is a video CV?
Video CVs are short video files between 30 seconds and 2 minutes long that serve as an introduction to a potential employer.
You can use it to personalize your application and present your background, skills, and experience to recruiters instead of a cover letter and CV combination.
A CV video may either replace the standard method entirely or be submitted in addition to a paper CV and cover letter to enhance the application.
Sometimes, an employer may request a video CV to see how committed a candidate is to get the job. The logic is that only candidates truly enthusiastic about landing the role will go out of their way to produce and edit a video.
However, many candidates simply decide to create a CV video so that their employer can get to know them better and leave a strong impression from the start of their contact.
The rise of CV videos
The concept of video CVs is not exactly new and was spearheaded by the company Inspiring Interns & Graduates as far back as 2009. Over the years, Inspiring Interns video CVs have proved popular and have helped over 7,500 recent graduates find jobs.
However, the use of video CVs has boomed in the wake of the COVID pandemic.
The concept became more popular in 2021 with the launch of the LinkedIn Cover Story feature, which allows users to upload a 30-second video to their profile page. A number of independent platforms have also cropped up in recent years offering video CV advice.
A March 2021 LinkedIn survey showed that up to 79% of hiring managers think that CV videos have become “more important” in choosing employees. Additionally, around 61% of job candidates surveyed agreed that “a recorded video could be the next iteration of the traditional cover letter”.
When to submit a video vs. written CV
Submitting a CV video instead of a standard application is a good strategy for most job seekers. CV videos give the candidate an opportunity to showcase their initiative, creativity, and personality.
They are an especially good idea for candidates with a video editor CV who want to demonstrate their skills in a practical way.
However, they can also benefit candidates in industries where public speaking or high self-confidence are valued, not just creative fields.
Additionally, they can be an ideal option if:
- You aren’t confident about building a CV in the standard format and you feel that your personality would come across clearer in a video presentation
- You’re a recent graduate and don’t have too much experience to include on a paper CV
Of course, it’s important to first determine if the recruiter would be open to receiving a video CV. The format is still mostly preferred in creative sectors or companies that value innovation.
However, a 2021 study by Canadian research institute Cirano revealed that over 2 thirds of recruiters open and watch video CV submissions. The same study showed that CV videos increase the chance of getting a follow-up call by up to 10%.
Creating a video CV: step-by-step guide
The first step to take is to check if the employer has any specific guidelines for video CV submissions. You should keep these requirements in mind when planning what you want to shoot.
Next, you’ll want to
- Watch video CVs created by others. Check out other video CV examples to get an idea of what has worked for professionals in your sector in the past.
- Choose the style of your video. While most candidates prefer to simply talk directly into the camera, others might take a more creative route and incorporate animation, or whiteboard drawings into their video in order to stand out.
- Write a script in advance. While not always essential, you may want to have a written outline so that you feel more prepared and include all the information you want to convey.
The last step to take before filming is to ensure you have a suitable space with natural lighting and a neutral background. Make sure the space isn’t cluttered and is free of any distractions that can take away from your presentation.
Filming the video for your CV
Aim to keep the video short and sweet: the length of a CV video shouldn’t exceed 2 minutes.
That may not seem like a lot of time to properly showcase your skills. But really it’s more than enough to only present essential information and convince a recruiter you are an ideal candidate for the position.
You should also:
- Consider experimenting with different devices to find the format you like best. However, no one is expecting you to shell out for professional camera equipment. You can record a perfectly decent video CV on any smartphone with good camera function.
- Study the job description carefully before recording and make sure you include keywords relevant to the role. It’s fine to talk a little bit about your hobbies and interests but focus more on your professional accomplishments.
- Be aware of how you present in the video. If the company seems relaxed about attire, then you can perhaps get away with a casual look. But if the position is of a corporate nature, you may want to comply with a more formal dress code.
Additionally, make sure you record several takes. Experiment with different tones and facial expressions, and consider spittling your speech into shorter segments you can edit together later.
Editing and submitting a CV video
When it comes to editing your video CV:
- You can use any simple editing software automatically installed on computers to put your video together. Although if you have more advanced editing skills you may opt for more professional software.
- Choose the clips you like best and that best convey what you have to offer
- Make sure you review your finished CV video a few times to ensure you’re totally satisfied with how you come across and that it meets the target company’s standards.
You might also want to ask close friends or family for constructive feedback on how to improve the video. You can then tweak it and make any small changes until you feel like it’s ready to send.
Other tips for creating the best video CV
To create a truly stand-out video CV that’s interactive and engaging, consider
- Focusing on one or two particular qualities that you think are essential to the role and on fleshing out a story that demonstrates these skills
- Enhancing the final footage with text or animation when editing the clips
- Including screenshots of relevant material, such as articles you have had published, or infographics or photographs that illustrate and complement the points you make
Finally, remember to try to have fun when making your video CV. If you feel nervous about recording yourself speaking, don’t push yourself to get it right straight away.
If you take your time and allow yourself to relax, it will come across better in the final CV video.
Downsides of video CVs
If you don’t feel comfortable at the thought of recording a video CV, then rest assured that many industry professionals are not convinced that they will completely replace standard written application methods.
Experts have identified several problems with applying with just a CV video, including:
- Can fuel biases and increase subjectivity, something many companies are actively trying to eliminate
- Raise the chance of being discriminated against because of disabilities, age, race, or ethnicity
- Rejection of video CVs tend to leave candidates more anxious about the reasons for the snub if they do not receive proper feedback
Additionally, no one expects video CVs to become the exclusive new standard for job applications and they do not guarantee success. Even if a video CV gets you noticed, you will still have to ace an interview to secure the job.
While CV videos may enhance a candidacy, the majority of hiring managers still expect to see a well-written traditional CV and cover letter combination. This is why the widespread use of professional online CV templates isn’t going to go away any time soon.
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