First things first, a video resume is a double edged sword – done right (and for the right industry), it could be the differentiator. However, if it’s not done well, or if you don’t appear confident and are not able to articulate your strengths well, it could backfire.
However, if you do want to go beyond just using print resumes, and experiment with a new medium, then there’s nothing better than a video resume. It is a short video created by a candidate and uploaded on a social networking site for people to view. The candidate can also share the video via email.
The video includes detailed information about a candidate’s skills and experience. Unlike general perception, a video resume is not a replacement of the print resume, but is instead a value-add. The decision to have a video resume depends on the type of industry you’re a part of. It could work really well if you are a part of a creative field!
As mentioned earlier, having a video resume is optional, because organisations generally don’t ask for it. According to a survey by US-based management consulting company, Robert Half, 78% of the companies prefer traditional resumes. Only 3% were interested in video resumes.
In short, a video resume is a good way to showcase your personality, especially for those who are in client-facing roles. However, if your role is far from creative, then a video resume might seem out of place.