Five tips for creating an impressive video CV for creative roles
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When you’re looking for a job in a creative role, there’s only so much of your skill you can show in a standard CV. That’s why so many creative professionals are turning to video CVs to let employers see just how creative they can get. It’s perfect for flaunting your creativity and ability to think outside the box, whilst also showing you can be professional. If you’re a designer, performer, stylist, or anything else creative, you might decide that video is the right medium for you — so here are some tips for creating an impressive video CV that will blow employers away.
Focus on your skills
Before you start planning your video, identify the main skills you want it to show. Designers will want to display their artistic skills, for instance, while filmmakers want to show they can make movies. Come up with a concept that can demonstrate your key skill at its centre. And don’t neglect any additional and ‘soft’ skills you want to put across too. Whether it’s familiarity with certain programs andmedia, adaptability, communication — find a way to incorporate it all into your video.
Prepare well
Preparation is everything, especially if you’re using an interesting format. Write a script, and maybe even plot a storyboard, to plan exactly what you’re going to say and do in your video. See if you can get a friend to read over everything when you’re done in case there’s something you’ve missed. And if you’re filming yourself for your CV you may want to get that friend to help you with the camera work too. Schedule a time, and have a few practice runs with your script to make sure everything works and feels comfortable. Alternatively, for a video that’s highly visual or artistic, start by getting some sketches and initial designs done, to really plan out how everything will look. If you’re stuck for ideas it can be helpful to have a browse through YouTube at other people’s video CVs. Jot down a few notes on what works and what doesn’t, and bear this in mind when you come to make your own vid.
Keep it professional
Although a video CV isn’t quite your average CV, it’s a CV nonetheless. The comedy writing skills that you’re showing might be top-notch but employers also want to know that you’re going to be good to work with. Silly or cute stuff is great when kept to a minimum; try and put across your professionalism as well. Remember that it’s employers and recruiters you’re making this video for, so think about what sort of things they’ll want to see, as well as what they’re looking for in an employee and what exactly your role will involve if you get hired by them. And make sure you have a professional appearance — by wearing appropriate clothes, for instance — if you’re filming yourself. This is the first contact employers will have with you, so you want to make a great first impression.
Usegood quality equipment
Even the best video CV ideas can be brought down if the actual video is poor quality. Buying or borrowing a decent camera and microphone can help give your CV a nice crisp picture. And if your footage needs editing together, you’ll need some good video editing software too. Do a little research, and find a program that will suit your needs the best. Some programs, such as Windows MovieMaker, are free to download if you don’t want to splash out. Even a video that uses animation or graphics will need to be done using the right program. Don’t let silly technical issues hurt your CV — and therefore hurt your chances at a job.
Treat it like regular video CV
There are no hard and fast rules or standards when it comes to video CVs, which is great if you’re taking a creative approach, but there’s still some etiquette you may want to follow. For instance, it’s typical for video CVs to last between just one and two minutes. Any more than that, and an employer may get bored and switch off. Remember to include everything that employers are going to want to see along with your skills, too: experience, education, how to contact you, and so on. Check that all your personal information and contact info is up to date on your CMe or paper CV too, so that employers can get in touch with you easily if they like what they see.
When your video CV is ready to go, register at HolyMoleyJobs.com and upload it to your CMe, and find your job matches today.