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As video production
technology gets more and more affordable, more and more job hunters
are turning to video resumes.
But if you make a
video resume, you better make it good. Because with the advent of
the internet and YouTube, your video job pleas might wind up on
television and turn you into an international laughing stock. The
video resume trend was featured on a recent edition of
NPR’s Morning Edition.
NPR highlighted a
great example of a video resume by Trent Willis, a college graduate
seeking a job as a political consultant in Washington DC. His
video resume took the form of a
political attack advertisement. And it’s a lot of fun, ending with
the line “Trent Willis, Wrong for Unemployment.” What makes the
video resume strong is that it looks very professional and has a
clear message, focusing on his qualifications for the job. It also
shows a lot of creativity.
From a
communication skills perspective, the voice over is nicely
energized. Trent speaks with lots of energy and hams it up a
little, which is fun.
And by the way, the
resume worked. NPR reported that he has received a lot of interest
and has lot of interviews scheduled.
The resume “made me
laugh," Colburn Aker, who runs a Washington D.C. P.R. firm told NPR.
"I guess I get about one or two resumes a day from people looking
for jobs. When his came in, what amazed me was not just that he did
that, but that he did it in a way that his creative ability came
through."
By contrast, NPR
pointed to a video resume by
Aleksey Veyner that has been less
well-received. Indeed, when the resume was leaked to YouTube,
Fox News did a piece about Veyner’s proposed
lawsuit. The video resume has even spawned
mocking imitations.
To our mind, the
problem with Veyner’s resume is that it really doesn’t deal with the
most important issue that a resume must address: job
qualifications. Rather he talks generally about keys to success in
life. Also Veyner speaks in such a flat monotone, that he comes off
as rather distant and aloof.
A video resume can
be a great way to connect with potential employers. But make sure
that you put out something that you wouldn’t mind seeing on the
evening news.
At Speechworks we
help our clients learn how to communicate in a way that connects and
persuades. If you’re interested in becoming a great communicator
give us a call at 404-266-0888 or check out our website at
www.speechworks.net. |
