Why people laugh at video resumes!

I have a theory as to why people laugh at job applicants who submit video resumes - because the video resumes are laughable! It's really quite simple. Check out this video resume I found online:



You can find many more like this if you search YouTube.

The horrifying thing is, people are still making these diabolical things and are actually sending them to employers. That's completely insane. I'm all in favor of a video resume, just not one that will make prospective employers cringe. Sites such as Careerbuilder.com are allowing people to upload video resumes for the consideration of employers. But the general populous does not know how to make a quality video. Has anyone watched America's Funniest Home Videos?

An average person will position their camcorder (or even worse, their iPhone or Flip Phone) without bothering to plug in an external mic, sit in front of it, and then talk to 5 minutes about themselves - maybe even reading their paper resume. That's a complete waste of time. No one wants to see that. There is even a website that lists video resumes for employers to look at: www.videoresumes.com

Whoever is doing the hiring at a company has, more likely than not, watched television sometime in their life. They are used to seeing things on TV. They know in the back of their minds what looks good and what looks crap. They know what commercials look like on TV. People are used to consuming highly produced material even if they don't think to themselves "wow that was highly produced." And that is where my idea comes in. Why not give employers something that combines a video resume with production values. Check out my website on this: EXECUTIVE VIDEO RESUMES

"In today’s economy, it’s never been more important to stand out from the crowd when applying for executive positions. Companies will often receive thousands of resumes for top openings, and most will barely get a look in. Don’t let your resume get lost in the mountain of rejected applications.

The solution - an Executive Video Resume - a one minute biographical film which can be included on a DVD with your application package, positioned online for prospective employers to see, or emailed as an attachment. Those in charge of hiring the next leading executive for their firm will actually get to see you before they even call you for an interview. It’s a perfect chance to shine, to standout from the crowd, to show your passion and enthusiasm for business. A paper resume could never do that!

A small number of people are already putting together their own EVRs, but they often look substandard - poorly produced with low sound quality, bad photography, and non-existant production and editing values. Why not consider a professionally produced Executive Video Resume?

We will not only come to your location at a time of your convenience, but we will also shoot a highly produced, polished and professional video. Our mission is to make you look as impressive as possible to employers. An experienced television journalist and videographer will spend quality time with you talking over how your video will look. We will coach you on your delivery and presentation as we shoot the video, discuss what pictures to use to make your video stand out, and ensure your EVR hits all the key points you want to make.

Video biographies give modern executives the edge they need to command respect and attention in today’s job market. Help capture your unique selling points and position yourself for success.

An EVR is not for everyone. This is for modern executives that understand you can’t put a price on the power of a professionally produced presentation. If you’re serious about setting yourself apart from the crowd, schedule a free, no-obligation consultation"

Here is a sample of an 'Executive Video Resume' I produced for an entrepreneur:



Now compare that to the first video I showed you at the top of this post. The idea is to make a sort of corporate video for the individual, using editing techniques, interview snippets like you would see on television, graphics and music. The basic elements of the resume can be adjusted according to the person you are making the video for. The length can be varied, but should not be longer than 90 seconds. While people are used to watching TV, the average TV viewer has A.D.D. No one will sit through a video resume longer than 90 seconds. It needs to hit all the points, use very short sequences of pictures, and sell the person right off the bat.

If you're shooting a video resume, shoot it like you would any other high-end video. And use your skills as an on-camera talent to coach the subject on how best to come across.

Market these videos to executives who have money to pay for such things. That way you can charge premium rates. You'll never get your average Monster.com job seeker to pay good money for a video resume. It's just not going to happen. Video resumes do not need to be maligned anymore. Videographers just need to bring their professional expertise to the field. And if you're also a TV reporter and editor, you're in an even better position to know what people are going to expect to see from the finished product.