How to create an outstanding video resume

Last updated: October 14, 2019

In today’s competitive job market, a video resume can help you stand out from the crowd and make an impression on recruiters. 

When you apply for a job listing online you’ll be competing against hundreds of other qualified candidates, and only a handful will even get an interview. According to job market expert Rob Meier, only the top 2% of candidates reach the interview stage while “98% of job seekers are eliminated at the initial resume screening.”

Including a compelling video with your application can help you jump into that top-tier and land an interview, but it has to be done right. Here’s what we’ll cover:

1. How to create a video resume using Clipchamp

2. Is a video resume right for you?

3. Tips for good video resume content

In the past, you’d need to buy expensive video editing software or hire someone to make your video, but with Clipchamp Create, making a great video resume is easy. Our free online editor puts powerful video editing tools at your fingertips. Here’s how to get started:

Step 1: Open a free video editor account at Clipchamp

You can use email, Google or your Facebook account to sign up – make sure you’re on the latest version of Google Chrome and access the editor on a laptop or desktop computer.

Step 2: Start a new project

Once you’re logged in, you’ll see an account overview page where you can start a new project by clicking the “+” icon or clicking “Start a new project” in the top right hand corner.

Step 3: Name your project

Choose a name for your project and select and aspect ratio. We recommend using widescreen (16:9) since it’s the current standard for online videos. 

Recruiters could watch your video on a range of possible screen types – laptop, desktop, smartphone, tablet – and 16:9 is the safest bet to look good on all of them.

Click on “Create Project” once you’re done.

Step 4: Add your video, audio and image assets to the project

In the video editor window, click on “Add Media” or drag your files into the dotted box to add videos and other supported files to the project. If you don’t have a recording available, our webcam recorder is a good option to film yourself using your computer’s webcam. You can record up to 5 minutes of video in full HD or up to 30 minutes with a Business account.

Another option is to use your smartphone – any modern device includes a camera that shoots good quality footage and there are a number of things you can do to make your recording look professional even if you’re on a budget.

Step 5: Edit your video resume

Clipchamp Create comes with all the basic editing features you need to create a great video resume. You can change the speed of clips and edit them together, not to mention you can trim, crop, rotate, colour balance, add filters, text and colored backgrounds to your video.

Adding music to your video resume will also make it more engaging and professional – music is half the magic! If you don’t have readily available tracks, you can use something from Clipchamp’s stock library with more than 100,000 audio and video assets. 

If you’re unsure how to get started with your video resume, check out our selection of templates. For example, if you’re applying as a chef with a high-end restaurant this template could be a big help:

Use this template

When you’ve added all media to the project and are finished editing, you can export your video as the last step and save it to your computer. 

Is a video resume right for you?

So long as it’s well-made and appropriate, a video resume is unlikely to hurt your job application. But there are definitely fields where they are especially helpful. 

Any application for a job involving performance will be aided by a good video resume. If you’re an actor, dancer, or musician, your video could include clips of your work. 

Alternatively, a clip of you giving a PowerPoint presentation to a team could help with upper management roles. If you’re applying for a job in design or film editing, then a great looking video resume can even form part of your portfolio

If you’re applying for a customer service or sales job, then a video resume can show off your winning personality that will charm customers.

The most important thing is to ensure that your video is professional and appropriate, otherwise it could really backfire. The last thing you want is for a poorly judged video resume to scupper your chances at a job – or worse yet, become a viral joke.

So, follow the tips below and run your video resume past trusted friends and mentors before sending it out.

Tips for good video resume content

It’s important to keep in mind that your video resume, like any piece of content, is telling a story. You want that story to capture your audience’s attention and hold it, not have them switch off after a few seconds.

Make sure your video has a strong opening – introduce yourself by name, address the challenges the company faces, and explain how you can help with these challenges. It’s also a good idea to have some attention grabbing visuals up-front to get people hooked into your video. 

For an example of what we mean, check out this video resume: 

You’ll notice that Nick uses eye-catching animation in the first 10 seconds of his video and succeeds in impressing. He then talks briefly about his personal background and goes straight into skill sets and work experience.

In addition to detailing his skills and experience, the video resume also allowed Nick to convey his open personality, creativity, and his sense of humour – soft skills that recruiters value highly when building teams.

A few more tips for your video resume are:

• Be professional: that doesn’t mean be stiff or boring, but dress professionally, don’t swear or use slang, and make sure the background in your shots is tidy and appropriate.

• Follow a script or outline: you want to seem natural but also avoid rambling so either memorise a script or create an outline to ad-lib from. Never read directly from a script though as you’ll seem wooden.

• Use visuals instead of words – or to enhance your words – wherever possible.

• Keep your videos between 1 and 3 minutes so they don’t drag on

• Don’t use your video resume as a replacement for your traditional CV: some recruiters won’t want to watch a video resume for various reasons, so make sure there’s a written CV as well.