Video Profiles: This Is Not Your Father’s VHS Camera

Today we are excited to have a guest post from Jason Randolph, the co-founder and CEO of ViewYou. We were introduced to ViewYou a few months ago and we think that video resumes are another interesting way to go about your job hunt (as long as you make sure you put together a great looking, professional video). If you would like to check out ViewYou, you can do so through this link (affiliate link) and even get the PLUS profile for the BASIC profile price. The service is as little as $1 a month, so we aren’t talking about a ton of money. Feel free to try it out if it interests you, or contact our friends at ViewYou if you have questions.

Now, without further ado . . .

Firms are relying on social networks such as LinkedIn, Google+, and Twitter as standard practice to gauge candidates’ suitability for a job. At most firms, resumes and standard online applications are still the first step of the recruiting process which provides little depth about candidates. Let’s face it; depth is what employers are constantly seeking and what gets candidates hired. Employers are most interested in what people are like, how they are to work with, and how they think.

Demonstrating depth on an 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper is a tall order. There is an entire industry of “resume tweakers” out there advising you on keywords, format, and impact strategy. Once your resume has been adequately honed, consider this; you’re essentially presenting yourself to employers in the same format your parents did.  Sure, you may have sent it electronically or uploaded it to the firm’s applicant tracking system, but your resume is frighteningly similar to your mom’s. Of course, it’s prudent to travel the traditional application routes and follow the processes of each potential employer, but you’ve ditched the stamps and linen paper, so why not leverage all the same technology firms are using to evaluate your depth?

Face to face screening interviews are the first chance firms have to evaluate your personality, demeanor, and presence . . . your depth.  There is no substitute for the face to face encounter as an opportunity to engage both candidate and employer. However, leveraging the technology you have at your fingertips and in your pocket or handbag may provide you a jumpstart on demonstrating the one thing that will get you hired . . . your depth.

The phrase “Video Resume” typically incites a response similar to that of biting a lemon. But if biting lemons provided a leg-up for candidates competing for the face to face interviews, the line at the campus grocery store would rival “free beer day”.

Done with intent and preparation, video profiles coupled with traditional candidate documentation will provide the employer with tangible insight into the person.  The depth not discernible on your resume will be visible before the face to face. Videos should be timely, concise and unscripted. Scripted looks scripted. Keep it under two minutes. Know what you want to say and get it across succinctly but conversationally.

Imagine picking the questions the potential employer was going to ask in the face to face. The questions that highlight your skill set, your unique experiences, and how you would “fit” beautifully into this firm’s culture. This is possible through the one-way video profile. It’s your video, pick out the elements that make you the right candidate and highlight them specifically. Don’t blur them with other experience or skills.  It’s not a contest to list everything you’ve ever done in 90 seconds. Talk about your depth! No one knows you better than you so don’t be intimidated.

They won’t guarantee a gig but video profiles will insure a “look”.

“Bee Hives” need not apply.

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If you found this post helpful, check out our other Job Hunting 101 series:

• Job Hunting 101: It’s Not All About You
• Job Hunting 101: Project a Consistent Image
• Job Hunting 101: Don’t Neglect Your Headshot

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Image by ftibor via stock.xchng.