Some people take pride in treating job applications as a full-time job in itself — but should it really be this hard? Being unemployed is already stressful enough, now add the grind of knocking on countless doors, only to have most of them stay shut.
Maybe that’s why Ring doorbell cameras exist — the walls come down when someone inside sees it’s safe to open up.
In the same way, a video resume works like that first friendly wave through the peephole. A hiring manager is more likely to “open the door” when they see someone worth knowing on the other side. It’s a lot easier to grab that attention through a personal introduction than through a sheet of bullet points that often read like a copy-pasted job description.
What Is a Video Resume?
A video resume is a short, engaging video that tells your unique career story by highlighting your achievements, demonstrating your values, and showcasing your personality. Instead of relying solely on text, you can connect with employers through voice, tone, and body language. Because let’s face it – how is someone supposed to gauge your personality from a piece of paper?
Common Formats and Length
When deciding how to make a video resume, remember: 90 seconds is the sweet spot. Be concise and engaging — hiring managers may scan hundreds of applications a day.
Popular formats include MP4 files or, even better, a streaming link or QR code for instant viewing without downloads.
Essential Elements to Include
Your video should have:
- An introduction or hook to grab attention
- Your value — what kind of an impact you’ll make on an organization
- A personal touch — show your future employer what it’ll be like working with you
- A strong closing — this is your chance to leave them with a lasting impression
Benefits of a Video Resume for Job Seekers
Showcase Personality and Communication Skills
A video resume shows so much more than words on a page — it shows you.
Psychologist Albert Mehrabian found that 55% of communication is nonverbal, 38% is vocal tone, and only 7% comes from the actual words. A video lets you deliver all three before your resume gets tossed in the discard pile.
Stand Out from Other Applicants
Most applicants send a paper resume; few include a video.
A 2021 LinkedIn survey revealed:
- 79% of hiring managers say video has become more important in screening candidates
- 61% of job seekers view video as the new cover letter
- 62% believe sharing their story on video improves their chances
- 76% of hiring managers find pre-recorded videos useful
- 41% of job seekers already use video to stand out
Demonstrate Creativity and Technical Skills
A video resume instantly signals creativity and initiative. Your script, visuals, and editing choices reflect your problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
This approach shines in creative industries like design and marketing — but it’s valuable in any field. Services like Glowvo can help with scripting, filming, and editing to fit the ideal 90-second format.
Benefits of a Video Resume for Hiring Managers
Faster Candidate Screening
Combining a traditional resume with a video makes it easier to identify top candidates quickly and ensure quality in the interview phase.
Early Insight into Soft Skills and Cultural Fit
A video resume offers a preview of how someone communicates, interacts, and might mesh with company culture. It’s the things that are difficult to put in a job posting. A 2019 survey by Robert Half found that 91% of hiring managers prioritize cultural fit as much as, or even more than, technical skills. That’s huge! Many recruiters are even starting to focus on “culture add”—how a candidate’s unique background can enhance the workplace.
Spot Motivated and Engaged Applicants
Creating a video resume requires extra effort, signaling motivation, resourcefulness, and genuine investment in one’s career.
Tips for Creating an Effective Video Resume
Keep It Short and Focused
Have a clear goal and stick to it. This keeps your pitch sharp and impactful. (Sign up with Glowvo to download a free “Perfect 90-Second Script” guide.)
Script and Rehearse Without Sounding Robotic
Know your script well enough to speak naturally. Practice until you can tell your story with ease.
Pay Attention to Lighting, Audio, and Background
Eliminate distractions. Choose a clean background with a subtle personal touch, ensure good lighting, and record in a quiet space.
End with a Punch
What’s the one thing you want the viewer to take away from your story? Think of this as your motto, your badge of honor.
Tips for Screening a Video Resume (For Employers)
- Focus on personality and cultural fit. You’ve already seen their paper resume — now it’s about whether or not they’d thrive in your work environment.
- Observe non-verbal cues. Look for confidence, warmth, and professionalism in tone, body language, and facial expressions.
- See how the candidate is dressed. Their attire can give you clues about how they perceive the role and your company culture.
- Check technical quality. Clear audio, good lighting, and a distraction-free background show attention to detail and respect for your time.
- Gauge authenticity. Pay attention to whether they sound rehearsed or real — sincerity often signals a better cultural fit.
- Evaluate instruction-following. If you provided specific guidelines for a video resume, see how closely they followed them. It can be an early sign of how well they follow directions in the role.
Conclusion
The benefits of a video resume go both ways — they help job seekers stand out and help employers find the right fit faster. If you’re reading this, you’re already ahead of most applicants. Now it’s time to glow forth and conquer!