UGH. Time to update your resume. Stiff and stodgy words on a black and white page. Why are resumes so boring and painful? We make videos and social media posts that are fun, colorful, and interesting. They give so much insight into who we are as people.
But these boring resumes give no insight at all — yet, they are such an important instrument in helping us get jobs. Jobs that we need to live and support ourselves. Jobs that define so much of our happiness and fulfillment.
In fact, candidates are told not to put a headshot or too much personal information on a resume. WHAT?! WHY?! Aren’t we supposed to bring our whole selves to work? Don’t corporations say that they embrace who I am? I’m more than the words on a page and the roles in my job history. Don’t they want to know what makes me? Don’t they want to learn about what makes me tick and hear from me directly?
There is a need for change, and it looks like job seekers have already begun to take it upon themselves to initiate a shift. In fact, #VirtualResume is already a trending hashtag on TikTok as we see candidates using video to speak directly to hiring managers, in hopes of landing their next job.
Video resumes have benefits to both the candidate and the hiring manager. With this modernization and step forward, candidates are able to put their best foot forward first and control what their first impression looks like. A video resume can help you tell your story and show off all of who you really are, as a person and as an employee. You can discuss openly what you are looking for in a new role and give additional context into experiences you have that aren't translating well on your resume.
From the perspective of those looking to hire, traditional resumes can leave feelings of frustration. They get excited by feeling like they have found the best candidate for their open role based on a resume, but are left disappointed when, after a first interview, they realize that the candidate lacks the right soft skills for the position, or may not be the right cultural fit. The benefit of virtual resumes for employers is the time and money saved by adding speed to their hiring process. They will get a better picture of who a candidate is much sooner in the process. This also benefits candidates, because it saves you the time and energy of prepping for job interviews that you aren’t a fit for, giving you more time to prepare for your other interviews.
However, there is a disconnect between the trending #virtualresumes on TikTok and what a hiring manager wants. Chances are low that those hiring are going to go out to social media sites to sift through thousands of videos, seeking a diamond in the rough, or that they’d stumble across your video in their personal time.
Employers want an application that still encompasses many of the traditional elements of a resume (i.e. details of key skills, professional experience, and educational background), that comes right through their ATS in a neat package, but that also has the element of video technology as seen on TikTok.
Does this even exist? It does now…
That’s why I created CandidateNext. CandidateNext is a platform that helps candidates create quality, virtual resumes that include self-recorded videos of themselves discussing their qualifications and motivations. These videos make resumes much more personal and add a “face” to the outdated concept of paper resumes. CandidateNext also includes the traditional sections of a resume that a hiring manager or recruiter would expect to see – giving a 360 view into the candidate. Best yet – our resumes are ATS-friendly so they can be used to apply to job postings.
First, it’s best to look at the production of your video. Be sure that your background appears neat and orderly. Take down any distracting artwork or paraphernalia that could detract from your video. Don’t worry, CandidateNext offers backgrounds you can choose from in case you don’t like your own set up.
When choosing what to wear, consider what job opportunities you are seeking. While business attire isn’t always required, you should dress professionally and put your best foot forward. Again, choose clothing that you would want a potential employer to see you in… athleisure or attire that is too casual should be avoided.
The point of the video resume is to let your personality shine and give the viewer more to consider beyond the text on your resume. Showcase your good presentation skills, professionalism, and what a dynamic candidate you are. Let your personality shine and appear excited! Excitement is a key element that hiring managers are looking for in candidates, so even if you’re sick and tired of the job hunt, you should at least try your best to put on a smile!
It’s best to aim for a video that is one to two minutes in length. There is no need to be overly verbose as this can be a turn-off. It’s said that recruiters look at a resume for an average of seven seconds. If they view your virtual resume, think about all of the extra time you’re getting to demonstrate that you’re the best candidate! Try to keep the video on the shorter side.
Here are some general rules of thumb in terms of how to lay out your video:
There are many benefits to thinking outside of the box when creating a resume. By giving a hiring manager additional insights into your background and personality through a video resume, you are appearing technologically-forward and like a candidate that goes above and beyond.
Get started with CandidateNext for 1:1 support to create a resume that stands apart and helps put your best foot forward.
