You can make a great video for your online resumes without professional equipment by paying attention to details such as background, lighting, sound and how to present yourself. Here are some tips:
What To Say
Your video resume should include a general description of your work history that emphasizes your skills and qualifications for the job you are seeking. It’s a good idea to avoid explaining where you're from or how many pets you have. Instead, focus on things you have learned in previous job roles and how those lessons will be applied to future work situations, specifically the job you're making the video for.
Don't be negative and don't highlight mistakes. Everybody makes mistakes at work and you should definitely be able to admit that in a person-to-person interview, but this is your opportunity to shine and look better than the next candidate. Speak about your success and steer clear of humbling failures.
Most importantly, KEEP IT SHORT. Aim to keep it under 45 seconds.
How To Act
Genuine, confident and professional. Be yourself and remember that you're not talking to a camera lens but rather a person on the other side. Employers want to see who you are, and feel that you're personality will fit nicely in their company's work environment.
You want to be articulate and somewhat serious. You may be witty or have a special brand of humor, but keep it light. The person hiring may not have a sense of humor at all. Show you're personality through facial expressions and inflection but keep your content professional.
What To Wear
Dress professional and/or job-appropriate. Wearing something more casual may convey how cool and laid back you can be, but it can also make you look lazy and rebellious. Do not wear any logos or insignia that advertise your political or religious beliefs.
What To Put In The Background
You are the focus of this video, so don't put anything too distracting in the background. No messy living rooms or cluttered desks. The environment that surrounds you can say a lot about who you are. Don't allow any unnecessary movement in the background like an oscillating fan or a family member looking in the fridge. In fact, no refrigerators either. Using a stocked bookshelf, a desk lamp or a simple plant in your backgrounds can go a long way in a video resume. If possible, try not to use a plain white wall as your background.
Some participants may have access to green screen equipment and someone who knows how to use it. The green screen process allows you to tape yourself in front of an evenly lit green background and later replace the green with a background of your choosing.
Check out the links at the bottom of the page to learn more about shooting green screen footage.
Shooting The Video
Content and personality are paramount, but how you present these things can make or break you. You could be the perfect candidate but if the camerawork is shaky and the audio is fuzzy, the hiring manager won't have a clear view of who you are. Remember, a well produced video speaks volumes about your ability to recognize quality and to effectively communicate a message.
Cameras
Many computers now come equipped with a webcam. The quality of video these cameras produce improves every year, but we still recommend you use a home video camera or anything better that you can get your hands on. Many digital still cameras can also record video which makes it very easy to transfer them to your computer and upload to online resume.
Sound
Do not underestimate the importance of good, clear sound on your videos. Do anything you can to eliminate background noise. Take note of any nearby devices or appliances that create a steady hum, like a refrigerator or a ceiling fan and either relocate or turn them off. Close all windows and doors too.
By far, the best way to achieve quality sound is to use a microphone. Go to Radio Shack or some other consumer electronics store and they should have an inexpensive mic solution that works with either your camera or computer.
Lighting
This can make a big difference. Not everyone has access to lighting equipment but a lot can be achieved using the natural daylight streaming through a nearby window or a household lamp positioned 45 degrees to the subject. Whether the lighting is good or bad, YOU MUST BE VISIBLE. No dark blobs that resemble a human form, and the light being cast from your computer screen below your webcam is not enough, it will make you look sallow and sickly.
Editing
Most computers come packaged with free video editing software. Generally speaking, you want your video to be as "raw" as possible. Some editing, titles and music may be acceptable but don't let it distract from the message. That being said, you want your talent and individuality to stand out, so don't be afraid to take some risks.
SOME USEFUL LINKS:
Sample Video Resumes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuADohvEZbo&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oHhD3Bk9Uc&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jnCic3RPn0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5eVefNxDWA&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoodirGsX-o&feature=related
Vault.com Guide To Creating Video Resumes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdH4FejMB7k
CollegeGrad.com Tips on Creating Video Resumes
http://www.collegegrad.com/job-search-videos/video-resumes/
Video Resumes in the News
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kz9AODQkmiM&feature=related
Basic Lighting Techniques
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rwq5O0U88QI&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WD1W1buI7Hs
Shooting Greenscreen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PK0Yqd5M9UQ&feature=PlayList&p=7765E2071C...
