Recruiter-Rater

I heard a story on npr.org this morning about video resumes, which made me think a little. Everyone whom I've ever talked to about resumes (except recruiters), has said that I must have one sheet, and list all of my work-related experience on one sheet -- and no picture. Now people are doing video resumes. How can they even think that could work?

I have tried almost everything with my resume: from 7 pages to 1 page, vivid descriptions, brief descriptions, different wording -- I was even going to try a picture on my next resume, maybe a few simple graphics. I wasn't thinking about anything as crazy as video.

I haven't seen my resume or my 10 years of experience work for me yet. I *still* get all of my work through word of mouth, or because I know someone. And to be honest, even when I've known someone, that doesn't mean that I will get the job. I still have to fight for it at the interviews, and on the phone. A resume has to stand out from the rest, while also showing an experienced and capable candidate.

I expect to whip up a video resume over the next week or two, and throw it on YouTube, ResumeTV, and elsewhere. I figure that if there's anyone that needs a job, that its me, and I have to try something different. Now there is something different -- different enough to make the news. I wish I thought of that. But then again, when people tell me 'No', it is probably a good idea to do it anyway -- especially on the Internet. I keep having to remind myself of that.

Having done videos before has given me a bit of experience in what works, how to put it together, and also how to screw it up. Not all of us can have a video studio in our homes, but with a PC and a camera, you can still produce a video that is not too terrible looking.

Here's a couple of guidelines that I suggest:
• Use a backdrop - Whether it is a blank sheet hanging behind you, a fabulous building during rush hour, or a bank of monitors -- remember what is behind you, and use that to your advantage.
• Pay attention to the Sound - Cut down on wind noise if you're outside, or other fans and whirring if you're inside. Make sure you can be heard clearly, and that your background noises are kept to a minimum. If you only have a PC microphone, hide it in your shirt, or put it out-of-frame near your face . Wrapping it with tissue paper or foam may help absorb background noise. Make sure you don't have to shout, too!
• Lighting - Make yourself look good on camera. Television professionals spend lots of time with makeup and lighting. Play with your camera settings and lights until you have a good image. Make sure your combination of lights and settings smoothes any blemishes, and not aplifies them. Light your background seperately so that *you* stand out.
• Television is Television - People compare videos to what they see on TV. Make sure your video is as entertaining as it is anything else. Please don't just sit there and read something. Get into it, walk around, wave your hands at the very least.

I hope to post some links to video resumes here, and also get into some discussion with hiring managers that have seen some of these, and what they think of them. I also expect to put one together, which I will share here. Break a leg!

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