Category: Job Search

Are You as Employable as You Think? Do This if Not

Posted on by Edna Crane

So, you’ve got your degree and qualifications from college and your resume and references show that you have always worked hard throughout school. Now all you need to do is to start applying for jobs and you’ll soon have bagged your ideal career, right? Well, unfortunately, these days it isn’t quite as easy as that.

Ever since the big financial crisis of 2007, the job market has been extremely competitive. The job market hasn’t fully recovered just yet and, as a result, there are fewer jobs than there are applicants in most industries. That means that you will be going up a lot of competition when you do find a job that you want to apply for. And, trust me, some of that competition is going to be very tough. So, you need to make sure that you are extremely employable and that your resume stands out from all the rest. Unfortunately, in this day and age, that means having more than just the suitable qualifications.

This leaves most job hunters wondering what they need to do in order to make themselves even more employable than what they currently are. If you are in this situation, then you should read through this blog post. I’ll let you know what makes you super employable to most employers out there.

Employers Want Well-Rounded Individuals

These days employers want to see more than just your qualifications. They want to make sure that you are a well-rounded individual and have a few different strings to your bow, so to speak. So, it’s worth mentioning more than just qualifications and work experience on your resume. You should also include your hobbies and any clubs or groups that you are a member of. As well as that, it’s also worth mentioning any organizations or charities that you have previously volunteered for. Be sure to mention anything that will help to show off your character as a whole in a positive light.

You Need Transferable Skills

One of the big mistakes that many job hunters make is that they only mention the skills that are directly relevant to the job that they are applying for on their resume. Sure, employers want to know all of these but they also want to see that you have some transferable skills as well. These are more general skills that can be used in a wide variety of jobs. They are ones like good communication and people skills, as well as IT know-how and numeracy knowledge. It’s important to have plenty of these as they help you be an adaptable individual. No matter what tasks or jobs need carrying out, your employer can be happy knowing that you will be able to adapt to them even if they aren’t part of your usual daily schedule.

Get Plenty Of Work Experience

As well as plenty of education experience and solid qualifications, you need to have done some work experience in the field that you are applying. Even though this doesn’t need to be experienced in the exact same job that you are applying for, it should be in the relevant industry or sector. This shows that you are dedicated to finding a career in this area. Not only that, though, but it also indicates that you will already have a good idea of what working in that industry will be like. Depending on how hands-on your work experience was, you might have even been able to develop some skills that can help you in your new job. So, if you haven’t already done some related work experience, it is very much worth trying to carry some out before you start applying for a new job.

Boost Your IT Skills

These days, we all need to have a good set of IT and tech skills, no matter what our job is. Even if you work in a cafe or as a carer, there is a good chance that you will need to use a computer or other device as part of the work at some point or another in your working day. So, if you don’t already know the basics of using a computer and tablet devices, it’s worth brushing up your skills as soon as possible. If you know that the job which you are applying for will be quite hands-on when it comes to IT and tech, then it’s worth going one step further to improve your skills. Studying for a master of science in operations management or a similar computer course will vastly improve your knowledge of all things tech. And taking part in a computer course in your spare time will show any potential new employers that you aren’t one to shy away from new developments in tech.


Communication Is Important

How you communicate with any potential new employers during the application process is also very important. The recruiters who judge your application will be watching exactly how you communicate and using this to judge your communication skills. So, make sure that you are always professional when you are dealing with anyone who is linked to the new job. It will also really pay off to double check all your written communication to ensure that there are no spelling or grammar errors whatsoever. Using a writing tool like Grammarly can help you with that, or you might want to get a friend or relative to read everything over.

Fill In Any Resume Gaps

There might be understandable reasons why you have had some periods not working. It’s important that you explain these on the resume so that the recruiters understand why you took an extended time out of work. One of the most common reasons for women is that they took time off work to look after a new baby. Or perhaps you had to deal with a long-term health condition and needed to take time off work to recover. Ensure that all resume gaps are explained or else recruiters may not take your application seriously.

And Take Irrelevant Experience Off Your Resume

It’s always best to write out your resume and cover letter for each individual job that you apply for. This gives you the chance to ensure that both of them are tailored to the job. You should ideally remove any work experience or skills that aren’t relevant to the job you are applying for, otherwise they could look very out of place. It’s also not worth mentioning any irrelevant skills in your cover letter. So, before you do submit a resume and cover letter, make sure that you have another read through them again to ensure that the content is completely relevant and refers to the job advert and candidate specification.

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Don’t Be Overly Keen

Looking for a job and then applying can be a very long process. There’s no wonder that we all get so frustrated when we receive yet another rejection! After applying and being rejected for a few jobs, quite a few people start to feel the rejection set in. When this does happen, you might think that it’s best to show that you are super keen. However, it’s best not to be overly keen when talking to recruiters and potential employers. This could in fact give them the wrong impression. You don’t want to look too desperate in your application or those judging it could think that they are a last resort for you.

Think About Learning Another Language

One skill that is a huge bonus on any resume is a second language. Even if the job that you are applying for doesn’t require you to know a second language, many employers will still jump at the chance to hire someone who has extensive language skills. Any other languages that you have are a huge bonus. One reason why your language will stand out on your resume is that it could come in useful in the future if your employer ever decides to expand the business into a global market. But even if they don’t ever expand globally, your language skills still show that you are a very able communicator and will find it easy to adapt to new and unusual situations.

Monitor Your Social Media Use

If you are an avid user of social media platforms, like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, then it’s worth reviewing how you are using them. That’s especially important if your profiles are all public and anyone is able to stumble across them and see what you are posting. Many employers and recruiters now make a point of looking up all the social media profiles of every applicant. If they see something that could be considered offensive or inappropriate then they might disregard your application. That’s because they don’t want anyone who could jeopardize their company’s brand by posting inappropriate material on such a public platform as social media. So, be sure to switch all your profiles to private or completely deactivate them while you are hunting for jobs.

Hopefully, all these tips help you become even more employable!

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Are you as employable as you think? Probably not. Try these tips to improve your job search. #career #careeradvice #getajob

5 Advantages of Internship

Posted on by Edna Crane

Back when we were at school the likelihood was that our teachers pushed us to pass our exams, get good grades and apply for universities around the country. University has always been seen as the main way to gain the knowledge and skills for a great career and it is something which has always been a big part of our lives. However, a college education alone will not get you a job.

Employers want you to have real-life experience. When employers are looking at applicants for entry-level jobs, they are going to hire applicants that have job experience over those who don’t. The best way to gain experience while earning a degree is through internship.

Here are five advantages of internship:

1. You Learn on the Job

The main advantage of internship rather than through a university course is the fact that you will be able to learn on the job and this will allow you to branch out and learn hands on skills which you wouldn’t learn during a course. You’ll gain people skills and experience from day one and this will always look good when you come to apply for jobs later down the line.

2. You Can Find Multiple Mentors

When you come into an internship there will be one member of staff who is charged with mentoring you and guiding you through the work making sure that you are safe and able to understand the work you are being given. This employee will be able to sit down and talk you through your work and they will be able to give you some rest advice from a person who actually works in the industry. It can be very valuable and allow you to be more successful.

3. It Helps You Learn Discipline

The main thing which will change for the way you work as you get an internship in a new place of work will be the education style. When you are thrust into the working world like this you will have to learn how to delegate work to yourself and make sure that you stay on track. You won’t have a teacher giving you homework and deadlines and this means you have to learn how to discipline yourself. It can be hard at first but it is a very valuable skill to learn.

4. It Looks Great on Your CV

Working in the job while you learn will always look good on your CV because it helps you to seem like a person who has it all figured out and it will show that you have the ability to manage your time and stay organized which is always what an employer wants. Being able to show that you have experience over people a similar age will also benefit you and it will ensure that they pick you rather than someone else for the job.

Related Post: 9 Reasons I’m not Hiring You

5. You Could Earn Your Future Job

If you work in a certain place for your internship and they like you, you could earn yourself a permanent position at the workplace and this can mean that you already have your future career in the bag.

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Prepare to Find a Job in a Foreign Country

Posted on by Edna Crane

If you have dreams of working abroad, there are a few things you can do to prepare. Before you start packing your bags, you need to get your job application materials in order. You’ll do best in your oversea career journey if you have interviews scheduled before you get there, or better yet, you already have a job! Here are a few things you can do to prepare for your job search in a foreign country:

Apply for an Exceptional Talent Visa

If you are planning on working in a country where you are not a native citizen, you are going to have to apply for a visa. However, if you feel that you are particularly skilled in your area of work or specialism, you should consider taking tier 1 exceptional talent guidance. Any individual who is considered to be particularly gifted or competent in any area of the sciences, arts, humanities, medicine, digital technology, or engineering is eligible to apply for a tier 1 exceptional talent visa.

There are two categories when it comes to this visa. If you already established in your field and have proof of your worth to the new nation’s economy or culture, you count as a recognized leader with exceptional talent. If you are still emerging in your field, you are an emerging leader holding exceptional promise and will also be eligible. Securing this type of visa will show potential employers that you have been granted a visa solely on your merit and will encourage them to take you on.

Craft a CV

In the USA, we predominately use resumes as our introductory “here’s my career story” document. Our resumes are edited down to just what matters for the job at hand. We keep it focused, short, and to the point. However, in foreign countries, you may be asked for a curriculum vitae, or CV for short. 

A CV lists all of your experience, education, awards, presentations, and other career experience. It can be quite lengthy—most are 3-5 pages. Be aware, though, that not every employer will want your CV. Read the job ad carefully and decide whether you should submit at CV or a resume.

If you do need to submit your resume, keep it neat and succinct. Ditch your resume’s objective and replace it with a professional summary or profile. If you include too much information on your resume, employers are likely to feel inconvenienced and miss the important information that you need to get across. So, make use of online resume templates to ensure your resume is easy to read. You find templates for CV’s, too. 

Write a Polite Cover Letter

Your cover letter is exceptionally important when you’re applying for a foreign job, especially if you’re submitting a super-long CV. It’s your introduction to the employer, and it should be culturally sensitive. Some cultures expect a “softer” introduction, where others expect a direct approach witha call to action.Do you research before you submit your application materials.

No matter what, keep your cover letter polite. Use “please” and “thank you,” always. 

Your cover letter should highlight how your work experience meets the needs the employer listed in the job advertisement. If you have a visa already, you could include this information in your concluding paragraph. 

Line up Your References

Not all positions require a reference. However, it’s a good idea to have some ready. A good reference will essentially give the employer a green light to hire you. No matter how competent or qualified someone may be on paper, there is still a chance that they may not be a good employee. Perhaps they are unreliable, not turning up to shifts or arriving late regularly. Maybe they have a poor work ethic or a bad attitude. They might simply not work well with colleagues and always bring tension or a negative atmosphere to the workplace. A good reference will prove that you are none of these things and that you will form a valuable part of your potential new employer’s company, giving them confidence in offering you a position.

You Need a Portfolio 

Without a doubt, you need an online portfolio that makes you shine. Foreign employers will want to see your talents before taking a chance on you, and they aren’t likely to wait for you to take a week to put something together. 

However, you don’t want to rush through just throwing something together. Your portfolio should show off your achievements in their best light. So, make sure that it is ready before you are even asked for it.

You can create an online portfolio inexpensively with WordPress or Weebly without knowing anything at all about web design. There are no excuses for not having a portfolio. 

Focus on Specific Countries and Know Their Customs

If you’re sitting in front of your computer dreaming of escaping your current work situation, you need to get clear on where it is you want to go, and then you need to research as much as you can about your chosen countries. Just wanting to go anywhere at all will make your job search difficult. Instead, narrow your search down to 2-3 countries, and make sure you know everything there is to know about those countries’ professional etiquette. 

For example, in some countries, it is customary to spent the first ten minutes of a meeting talking about non-work related topics. If you know this custom, you can prepare ahead of time to talk about neutral topics before jumping into why you’re the perfect person for the job. Strategy is everything in finding a job abroad, so make sure you understand your target countries before you apply for a job.

Prepare to Find a Job in a Foreign Country - #workabroad #foreignjob #career

9 Things You Must Do to Be Hirable

Posted on by Katie Evans

Jarell and I were invited to participate in a career fair for college students in California last week. We were asked to create a 2-minute video explaining something about careers. Do you know how hard it is to explain something as complicated as careers in two minutes? Let me tell you: It’s very hard!

As instructional designers, we’ve made videos using instructional software, like Camtasia, but we’ve usually shied away from the more professional stuff like Adobe’s Premiere Pro. Now that we’re running our own company, we decided it was time to let go of our old learning developer training wheels and see what we could do.

Video Challenges

Of course, my computer didn’t have enough hard drive space (or RAM) to make a video, so the first thing we had to do was replace it. This meant buying and returning three Macbook Pros over four days before finding the right one for the job! Then, we had to source footage, write a script (and rewrite it 20 times), record voiceover (and re-record it four times), and ask for newbie clarifications on minutiae like “how long does the fade at the beginning need to be?”

Trying new things is important, though. We tell you all the time how important it is to keep your skills fresh and become a lifelong learner—it’s the only way to stay relevant in the job market. So, try not to judge us too harshly as you watch our first Perfectly Employed video: 9 Things You Must do to Be Hirable.

Just in case you missed something, we created this handy infographic:

9 Things You Must do to be Hirable #career #getajob #findajob #behirable 

5 Things to Do if You Can’t Find a Job after College

Posted on by Katie Evans

If you’ve just graduated college, you may not be prepared for the cold, harsh reality that adulting is hard. The real world can be discouraging, and in our current political climate, it can be downright depressing. But no matter how much rejection you face, you still have to pull up your big girl (or boy) shorts and take action. You have to find a job.

You have to strategize to find the job you want. You can’t just fill out a bunch of online applications and assume you’re going to find a job. You might just out of sheer chance, but when you leave your career to chance, you usually end up in a crappy job you hate. There are better ways.

1. Visit Your College’s Career Advisors

Most colleges have an office dedicated to helping students and alumni find jobs. It might be called a “career center” or “alumni services.” If you’re not sure where to find it, ask the receptionist at your former school.

It’s in your former college’s best interest to help you find a job because the US Department of Education keeps track of information regarding how many graduates have jobs, both in and out of their degree industry. Your employability should be a priority to your former college, because if you have their shiny degree and can’t get a job, they look bad.

Your college’s career advisors usually have a list of employers looking to hire graduates. Some advisors can help with your resume and cover letter too, but in our experience, their advice is usually outdated on those particular topics. Some career offices have a closet of professional attire for interviews—just ask!

2. Don’t Take a Gap Year Before Getting a Job

As you’re leaving school or college, your focus should be on getting a job. Taking a “gap year” before getting a job is an immature idea that won’t impress employers. You (or your parents) have spent a lot of money on your college education. The least you can do is put your degree to work. Be a grownup and get a job.

When your job search isn’t going your way, it can be tempting to just give up. Unfortunately, life doesn’t let you just give up. You have to find a job, so don’t stop trying until you have one!

3. Find a Coach

If you’re waiting for the job fairy to show up and hand you your first job, it’s time you find a career coach. If you’re stuck in your career in any way, a career coach can help you set goals and clearly see the steps to reaching them. Jarell and I offer career-coaching services via phone, online, and even in person if you live in the Orlando or Tampa area.

4. Redo Your Resume

One of the easiest things you can do to make meaningful change in your job search is to do something different with your resume. Improve your action verbs. Ditch your objective. Create a professional profile. Add skills. Change the format. Make a video resume. Keep playing with it until you find a winner!

Remember that you should alter your resume for each job advertisement you answer. Look for keywords and key skills that the employer wants and make sure your resume includes them.

5. Do Something to Gain Experience While You’re Looking for a Job

f you didn’t intern while in college, your lack of experience may be holding you back from finding a job. That doesn’t mean you stop looking for a job, but it does mean you should do something to fill that experience gap.

The first thing you should consider is taking an externship or fellowship, but if you can’t find one of those, volunteer. Find a company you admire, and offer to work for free. The worst they can say is “no.”

You can also start a side hustle. Employers will be impressed at your entrepreneurial spirit, and your parents will be impressed that you’re making money all on your own. Running your own side business gives you skills that you can take into any job field; plus, it gives you something to talk about in your cover letters and interviews.

Bonus Idea

Check out the Transitioning from College to Career: A Guide for New Grads for great tips and advice for finding a job, acing interviews, and figuring out life in general after college. 

Related Posts That Will Help You

Keep Looking

No matter what, don’t give up on your job search. Keep looking for new ideas. Connect with as many people as you can both on LinkedIN and in person. Go to job fairs. Talk to recruiters. Network with your classmates and former professors. If you don’t have a job, your job is finding a job so get to it!

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5 Things to Do if You Can't Find a Job after College - #getajob #intern #sidehustle

Overcome Your Obstacles to a Career in Health Care

Posted on by Katie Evans

Working in the healthcare sector is one of the most emotionally satisfying careers imaginable. Sadly, landing your dream job isn’t always easy, even after putting yourself through medical school.

Here are just four common hurdles that you’ll have to clear, and what you can do to stop them from standing in your way:

Problem 1: No One is Hiring for the Job You Want

There will always be a calling for healthcare professionals. Nonetheless, it’s also worth noting that the competition for the best positions is fierce. If you lack experience or connections, your opportunities may be limited.

If you are determined to work in this field, though, you can start by broadening your horizons. Specializing in locum tenens staffing roles is a great option. Above all else, covering for other physicians ensures each day is a new challenge.   

On a similar note, joining a similar agency for nursing roles can be a great way to land steady employment while keeping things fresh. This kind of job also leads to great networking opportunities that can help you find the job of your dreams when you’re ready.

Problem 2: You Can’t Land an Interview

Once you’ve found the perfect role, you’ll be desperate to prove yourself to the employer in the job interview. Unfortunately, the bland nature of application processes can make it difficult to stand out from the crowd. The numbers are against you, especially if you’re inexperienced.

A little creative thinking can soon solve this problem, though. A video resume can be a great way to draw attention and start to showcase your personality while highlighting your credentials. If the employer likes your character, this will bode well for your chances.

If you really want to leverage a video resume to its fullest potential, you could make a customized video for each employers. This extra attention to detail shows how much you want the job.

Problem 3: You Struggle with Getting to Work

As a healthcare worker, you shouldn’t have to travel too far for work. Still, you may need to visit several venues depending on the type of job. Likewise, there’s a chance that the early or late work hours will make it hard to use public transportation. Paying for a cab is hardly ideal either.

You need to know how to drive. A crash course that helps you pass your test within a few days may be one of the smartest investments you’ll ever make. Besides, who wants to carry home their groceries on the bus? Knowing how to drive makes your life better overall. From a working perspective, it makes you a better candidate and helps you stay punctual.

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Problem 4: You Can’t Find A Job That Suits Your Schedule

The harsh reality is that the healthcare sector runs on a 24/7 basis. If you aren’t prepared to complete at least some shifts at potentially unsociable hours, you may need to look at another industry. After all, you cannot expect to turn up and have everything your way.

This may mean that you need to cancel the odd night out. You may even need to consider having a babysitter from time to time. However, this doesn’t need to be a permanent fixture in your life. Once you’re established in your position, you can think about perfecting your hours and workload.

Right now, though, simply getting your foot in the door should be the priority. Do not forget it.

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 Overcoming your obstacles to a career in healthcare - #healthcarejobs #healthcare #getajob #career

3 Things to Do if You Can’t Find a Job

Posted on by Edna Crane

If you’ve been searching for a job for awhile, it’s easy to get discouraged when you can’t get an interview—or worse, when you land interviews, but never hear from the employer again. After countless applications and resume tweaks nothing is coming back positively for you. You wonder if you will ever manage to get a job and you’re starting to lose hope.

The first thing you should do is read our article on the 9 Reason I’m Not Hiring You. Katie talks about her experience as a hiring manager for our parent company, and the biggest mistakes that keep her from hiring applicants.

Then, there are three positive actions you can take right now to improve your chances of finding a job. Take a deep breath, then get started!

Spruce Up Your Resume

You will start to notice a much quicker and more positive response rate from your applications if you give your entire resume an overhaul. You need an excellent resume objective in order to land an interview. You might need to tweak your resume for each individual job you apply for, so that you can showcase and highlight your strengths. This will take time to refine but once you have got the hang of it, you will soon become a pro.

Our Top Resume Articles

We will makeover your resume for just $49!

Raise Your Interview Game

Landing the interview is one of the most difficult parts of obtaining your dream job. Once you have the interview in the bag, you will need to brush up your interview techniques. Don’t rest on your laurels or credentials in order to bag the role, you will need to be articulate and well informed during the interview. Making a good impression in the interview room is easier than it sounds. All you have to do is be yourself, tell the truth and tell stories about how your previous experience will help you in this job. Make sure you can explain exactly why you applied for this job too, otherwise the panel won’t feel invested in you.

Our Top Interview Articles

Strengthen Your Skill Set

In order to reach your career goals you need keep your skills on top form. The more you can talk about first-hand experience in an interview environment the more impressive it will be to your prospective employer. Go above and beyond to meet the criteria of the job description and you will be sure to impress your future bosses.

Our Top Articles about Strengthening Your Skill Set

Bonus Tip: Start a Side Hustle

If you’ve been out of work for awhile, you’re probably running low on funds. One way to make some money and strengthen your resume is to start a side hustle. There’s a million ideas, from teaching English to Chinese students online for VIPKid, to selling your freelance services on Fiverr.

Our Top Articles on Side Hustles and Saving Money

So get your resume together, gain the skills you need, and get some hands on experience. Employers will be jumping at the chance to hire you as long as you aren’t afraid to showcase your skills and talents. It can be a cut throat world, so there is no time to be shy and reserved. Know your worth and always be positive about your abilities.

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Are you ready to record a video resume and start rocking your job search? If so, you need a script. Our “What to Say in a Video Resume Guide” will help you figure out what to say so you can start getting noticed in your job search right away. Enter your email address below to get your free guide!

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3 Things to Do if You Can't find a Job - #career #getajob #resume

Can’t Get an Interview? Try Making a Video Resume

Posted on by Katie Evans

A video resume is an especially good addition to your job application materials if you’ve been applying to a lot of jobs, but haven’t landed an interview. It’s a quick and easy way to stand out in a stack of boring resumes. It shows a glimpse of who you are, and it gives you a chance to show your poise and professionalism.

If you’re one of those people who know that if you can just land the interview, you’ll get the job, then a video resume is a great way to introduce yourself to a potential employer. Here’s what you need to know about video resumes:

1. It’s Not a Live Reading of Your Resume

When I say “video resume,” a lot of our clients think I mean that they should turn on their webcam and read their resume to the camera. That’s boring, and it’s not going to get you interviews.

Think of your video resume as an introduction of your skills and experience to an employer. You’re also trying to show that you have personality and poise—you’re not just a name on a piece of paper. You’re the best person for the job, and they’d be fools not to hire you.

2. Good Video Resumes are Very Short

Your video resume should be no more than three minutes. In fact, that’s a bit long. Keep it short and to the point. You need a script, but you don’t want to look like you’re reading it on camera. You want to seem like you’re speaking directly to your potential employer.

3. You Need a Good Camera

Good, HD-quality cameras are everywhere these days. Anyone can buy a GoPro, and our iPhones take fantastic videos. For example, check out this video of my kid’s lion mosaic I shot with an iPhone 8 in my back yard:

In broad daylight, your cell phone’s camera is a great choice. For best results, shoot early in the morning (before 10 AM) or an hour before sunset. The lighting is naturally flattering, and you won’t be squinting against the sunlight.

4. Get a Friend to Help You

A video resume is not the time to show off your selfie skills. Instead, have a friend help you run your camera. They can hit record and stop in the right places, and signal when you should start speaking. Plus, having a friend there gives you someone to look at as you’re speaking so you look more natural on camera.

A good friend will also help you adjust your script to sound as natural and professional as possible. Good friends who will tell you the truth are one of your strongest assets.

5. Use a Tripod or a Stable Surface

Even with a friend’s help, you still need a stable surface to set your camera on while you record, otherwise your video will turn out bumpy and shaky. You don’t want to distract your audience with a shaky camera.

Ideally, you need a tripod. Luckily, they aren’t as expensive as they used to be, and you can get them anywhere, from Amazon to Target. If you’re recording with your iPhone, you will need a tripod mount. Most GoPro kits come with one included in the box.

6. Your Sound Quality is Very Important

Your beautiful, HD video isn’t worth the memory space it’s written on if your sound quality sucks. Many career gurus say you should invest in a professional microphone for a video resume, but it’s not necessary. As long as you are close to your iPhone or GoPro when you speak, and you limit background noise, you can shoot a professional-looking video without a fancy microphone.

To make sure your video sounds crisp, clear, and professional, don’t shoot your video outside when it’s windy. Your hair may look amazing, but all you’ll be able to hear is the wind.

Make sure noises like barking dogs and traffic aren’t audible on your video, too. Always listen to your recording as soon as you make it so you can make adjustments as necessary.

7. Choose Your Background (or Shoot Location) Wisely

Your background is important. You have to have balanced lighting, which is why an outdoor location is a solid choice. But, if you have a lovely home office, with your fancy degree and awards hanging strategically on the wall behind your office chair, you have the perfect background.

If you choose an indoor location, make sure you have good lighting. You can always reposition lamps or shoot your video sitting next to a window.

You might also think of an industry-specific place for your video shoot. For example, if you’re applying to be a lifeguard, shoot your video resume at the beach or beside a pool. If you’re applying to be a Web developer, position your computer in the background. Get creative!

Related Posts that May Interest You

8. Dress Professionally, but not in all Black

This should go without saying, but every time I think everyone should know to dress professionally when on camera with a potential employer, I end up in a Skype interview with a candidate dressed in a ratty T-shirt and disheveled hair. So, I’m saying it: Dress professionally for your video resume.

Black is not the best color on camera. It usually makes you look like you’re heading to a funeral or hanging out with the mob. If you must stick to a dark color, go with navy or charcoal grey—and don’t forget a pop of color, like a blue scarf or a pink camisole.

Dress as if you were headed for an interview. You want to look polished. Make the time to look your best—you won’t regret it!

9. Just Like Your Paper Resume, You Need More than One

If you’re becoming an expert at job searches (and we hope by now you are), you are applying for several different kinds of jobs within your chosen industry or career field. For example, as an instructional designer, Jarell and I pick up instructional design jobs, but we also look at web development gigs with an education focus, educational writing gigs, retention and student success consulting gigs, teacher training gigs—anything related to educational support. Obviously, the same video resume wouldn’t work for all of those types of jobs. That’s why you need more than one.

Think about your different audiences when you’re writing your video resume scripts, and write a different script for each audience. Most people should have 3-5 different video resumes.

10. Video Resumes Aren’t for Every Industry

Of course, video resumes aren’t for every industry. If you’re applying to be a police officer or a fireman, a video resume probably won’t help you as much as if you’re applying to be a journalist or consultant. If you’re an entrepreneur, a video resume can do wonders for attracting clients. Use your best judgment, and if you find yourself in a situation where you’re not getting any bites on your job application materials, it never hurts to try a video resume.

Example Video Resumes

What to Say in a Video Resume – Our Free Guide!

If you’re ready to make a video resume, the first thing you should do is draft a script. To make it easy for you, we’ve drafted a What to Say in a Video Resume guide that includes examples and a “mad libs” like template for writing your script! Fill out the form below to download your free copy.

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Not Getting Job Interviews? You Need a Video Resume. Free "What to Say in a Video Resume" Guide! #videoresume #career #getajob

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