Video Resume Tips

How to Create a Video Resume

By Alison Doyle, About.com Guide

A video resume is a short video created by a candidate for employment that describes the individual's skills and qualifications and is typically used to supplement a traditional resume.

How a Video Resume Can Help

It's important to keep in mind that a video resume isn't going to get you a job. However, if can assist you in marketing yourself to prospective employers - if it's done right. Done poorly, it can, at best, hinder your chances of getting an interview. At worst, it can knock you out of contention and embarrass you. That's what happened to one student who sent a video showing himself lifting weights, serving tennis balls, and ballroom dancing. It made the rounds on the Internet and didn't impress, to say the least, any prospective employers.

Before you start working on your video resume, reviewresume video samples. Take a look at other resume videos and learn from them, considering both what works, and what doesn't.

How to Create a Video Resume

If you need help getting started on creating a resume, About.com's Guide to Desktop Video has advice onshooting video for the web and directions on how to get started on YouTube.

Tips to Help You Prepare a Professional Video Resume:

• Dress professionally in business attire, just as if you were going to an in-person interview.
• Keep your video resume short: one - three minutes.
• Look at the camera not at the desk or table below you.
• Don't speak too fast.
• Make sure there isn't any background noise and that the wall behind you isn't too busy.
• Practice what you're going to say ahead of time.
• Start by mentioning your name (first and last).
• Focus on your professional endeavors, not your personal ones.
• Discuss why you would be a good employee and what you can do for the company that hires you.
• Thank the viewer for considering you for employment.

Where to Upload Your Video

What do you do with your video once you've created it? Some career networking sites, like CareerBuilder, Jobster, and MyWorkster, have a section of your profile where you can include video. Or, you can upload your video to your own web site and link to it from there.

How to Promote Your Video Resume

Before you promote your resume online, ask friends or family to review it. They are more likely to pick up a glitch than you are. If it's not perfect, start over. Once your video resume is complete, there are several ways to promote it online.

• Include a link to your video resume in your paper/online resume.
• Include your video resume or a link to it in your professional profiles on career networking siteslike MyWorkster, Jobster or LinkedIn.
• Send the link to your networking contacts.

Video Resume Don'ts

Don't mix your personal life with your professional one. If you have information on your MySpace or Facebook page that you'd prefer employers don't see, don't link your video resume.

Don't expect your video resume to replace your traditional resume. Not all employers are interested and others are worried about discrimination issues i.e. hiring candidates because of how they look and sound rather than your qualifications. However, a well done video can bolster your candidacy for employment.

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/videoresumes/a/videoresume.htm

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Links to videos we've watched in class...

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College Graduate Resume Example

Susan Quigley
432-543-6543 Cell: 333-123-1234
susan.quigley@abcu.edu 
35 White Street
New York, NY 10001

Education

Bachelor of Arts, ABC University, New York, NY, May 2013

Double Majors: English and Latin American Studies
Minor: Spanish

Overall GPA 3.875; Honors each semester

Study Abroad: Bogota, Colombia - January 2012

Related Experience

Library Assistant, Cervantes Library, ABC University
Sept. 2009 - present

·         Assist students with research best practices

·         Designed a presentation, published to University website, outlining how to most effectively use all of ABC University's library facilities in undertaking a basic research project

·         Perform general administrative duties to support professional staff

Founder and leader, Harry Potter Book Club, New York, NY
Jan. 2009 - present

·         Discuss the origins of one theme from the Harry Potter series with roots in classical mythology or parallels to modern history each week with middle school students

·         Supply external primary sources, teach students how to make connections between these documents and the work of fiction

·         Bring the conversation to modern day events and lessons applicable to students' everyday lives

·         Hold weekly readings by middle schoolers open to younger children for half an hour before each discussion

Intern, Calles y Sueños Cultural Space, Bogotá
Spring 2011

·         Helped design and implement programs in which community-based artists traveled to schools to work with children, teaching them about expression through art

·         Assisted in teaching complimentary English lessons to community members

English Tutor, Queens, NY
Jan. 2010 – May 2010

·         Assisted student in writing and proofreading essays, focusing on emphasis through rhetorical devices

Volunteer at Community Library, Queens, NY
Jan. 2010 – May 2010

·         Catalogued thousands of donated books, CDs, and DVDs

·         Started weekly book group for elementary students to learn basic Spanish words through listening to children's books read aloud and translated

Summer Counselor, NY Arts Camp
Summer 2006 – Summer 2009

·         Coordinated cultural outings for children aged 10-13 i.e. trips to the theater, musical concerts, and museums including backstage conversations with artists when possible

·         Helped students to plan, advertise, and hold their own artistic performances and exhibitions

Swim Team Assistant Coach, Brooklyn, NY
Summer 2008

·         Taught 6-8 year olds to swim the four major strokes

·         Designed drills to keep swimmers engaged and motivated for an hour every morning

Other Experience

·         Trombonist in All-state wind ensemble, section leader in jazz band

·         Arts & Culture Editor, PS 101 High School Paper High School

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Resume Types: Chronological, Functional, Combination, Targeted

By Alison Doyle, About.com Guide

Types of Resumes:

There are several basic types of resumes used to apply for job openings. Depending on your personal circumstances, choose a chronological, a functional, combination, or a targeted resume.

Chronological Resume:

A chronological resume starts by listing your work history, with the most recent position listed first. Your jobs are listed in reverse chronological order with your current, or most recent job, first. Employers typically prefer this type of resume because it's easy to see what jobs you have held and when you have worked at them.

This type of resume works well for job seekers with a strong, solid work history.
Sample Chronological Resume

Functional Resume:

A functional resume focuses on your skills and experience, rather than on your chronological work history. It is used most often by people who are changing careers or who have gaps in their employment history.
Sample Functional Resume

Combination Resume:

A combination resume lists your skills and experience first. Your employment history is listed next. With this type of resume you can highlight the skills you have that are relevant to the job you are applying for, and also provide the chronological work history that employers prefer.
Sample Combination Resume

Resume With Profile:

A resume with a profile section includes a summary of an applicant’s skills, experiences and goals as they relate to a specific job.
Resume With Profile

Targeted Resume:

A targeted resume is a resume that is customized so that it specifically highlights the experience and skills you have that are relevant to the job you are applying for. It definitely takes more work to write a targeted resume than to just click to apply with your existing resume. However, it's well worth the effort, especially when applying for jobs that are a perfect match for your qualifications and experience.
Sample Targeted Resume

Mini Resume:

A mini resume contains a brief summary of your career highlights qualifications. It can be used for networking purposes or shared upon request from a prospective employer or reference writer who may want an overview of your accomplishments, rather than a full length resume.
Mini Resume

Nontraditional Resume:

A nontraditional resume is a web-based version of your resume that may include photos, graphics, images, graphs and other visuals.
Nontraditional Resume Examples

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/resumes/p/resumetypes.htm

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How to Write a Resume

Tips and Advice on How to Write a Resume

By Alison Doyle, About.com Guide

Do you need help with how to write a resume? First of all, your resume needs to be consistent, concise, and clear and easy to read. If it's not, your resume and cover letter won't get a second glance from any hiring manager.

Here's how to write a resume that will get noticed and help you get invited for an interview.

How to Write a Resume

Choose a Resume Type
There are several basic types of resumes used to apply for job openings. Depending on your personal circumstances, choose a chronological, a functional,combination, or a targeted resume. Taking the time to target your resume is well worth the effort.

Use a Resume Template
Use a resume template as a starting point for creating your own resume. Add your information to the resume template, then tweak and edit it to personalize your resume, so it highlights your skills and abilities.

What to Include in Your Resume
Need help compiling the information for your resume? Here are the sections that you need to include in your resume, along with the appropriate format and advice on what to include in each section.

Use Resume Keywords
Most companies use recruiting management software to screen candidates for job openings. Resume keywords are the words that those hiring managers search for when going through their database of resumes. In order to get found, your resume needs to contain keywords that directly target the jobs you are interested in.

Resume Writing Guide
This resume guide will step you through the process of how to write a resume and cover letters.

How to Write a Resume E-course
Employers usually only spend 30 seconds or so reviewing each resume, so, that first impression needs to be the one that counts. Sign up for our free class on how to write a resume to ensure your resume is the one that gets the interview.

Resume Writing TipsResume writing advice, cover letters for resumes, resume posting, resume services, and resume writing tips.

Check Your Resume
This resume checklist includes the information you need to include on your resume. Use the checklist to make sure you have included all relevant information in your resume.

Proof Your Resume
Review these proofing guidelines to ensure that your resume is consistent and error free.

Review Resume Formats, Templates and Samples
Resume samples that fit a variety of employment situations. These sample resumes and templates provide job seekers with examples of resume formats that will work for almost every job seeker

Get Resume Help
Writing a resume is hard work and it's important to get help, or at least have your resume reviewed, before you send it to employers. Here's more information on where to find resume help.

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/resumewriting/qt/writeresume.htm

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CV Guidelines

Guidelines for Writing and Formatting CVs

By Alison Doyle, About.com Guide

A curriculum vitae, or CV, is an alternative to writing a resume. A resume is typically a page or two in length, while a CV is more detailed and longer. Here's more in the difference between a resume and a CV.

CVs are traditionally used by those in academia and research. CVs vary depending on one's field and experience, but there are a number of general guidelines one can follow when creating a CV.

Here are tips for choosing a font style and size, CV length, format, and what to include in your curriculum vitae.

CV Style and Format

CV Length: While resumes are generally one page long, CVs are longer. Most CVs are at least two pages long, and often much longer.

Font and Size: Do not use ornate fonts that are difficult to read; Times New Roman, Arial, Calibri, or a similar font is best. Your font size should be between 10 and 12 points, although your name and the section headings can be a little larger and/or bolded.

Format: However you decide to organize the sections of your CV, be sure to keep each section uniform. For example, if you put the name of one organization in italics, every organization name must be in italics.

If you include a sentence or two about your accomplishments in a particular position, fellowship, etc., make a bullet list of each accomplishment. This will keep your CV organized and easy to read.

Accuracy: Be sure to edit your CV before sending it. Check spelling, grammar, tenses, names of companies and people, etc. Have a friend or career services counselor check over your CV as well.

What to Include on Your CV

Contact information: At the top of your CV, include your name and contact information (address, phone number, email address, etc.). Outside of the US, many CVs include even more personal information, such as gender, date of birth, marital status, and even names of children. Unless you are applying to a job outside of the United States, you do not need to include this extra information.

Education: This may include college and graduate study. Include the school attended, dates of study, and degree received.

Honors and Awards: This may include dean's list standings, departmental awards, scholarships, fellowships, and membership in any honors associations.

Thesis/Dissertation: Include your thesis or dissertation title. You may also include a brief sentence or two on your paper, and/or the name of your advisor.

Research Experience: List any research experience you have, including where you worked, when, and with whom. Include any publications resulting from your research.

Work Experience: List relevant work experience; this may include non-academic work that you feel is worth including. List the employer, position, and dates of employment. Include a brief list of your duties and/or accomplishments.

Teaching Experience: List any teaching positions you have held. Include the school, course name, and semester. You may also include any other relevant tutoring or group leadership experience.

Skills: List any relevant skills you have not yet mentioned. This may include language skills, computer skills, administrative skills, etc.

Publications and Presentations: List any publications you have written, co-written, or contributed to. Include all necessary bibliographic information. You should also include any pieces you are currently working on. Include papers you presented at conferences and/or associations: list the name of the paper, the conference name and location, and the date.

Professional Memberships: List any professional associations to which you belong. If you are a board member of the association, list your title.

Extracurricular Activities: Include any volunteer or service work you have done, as well as any clubs or organizations to which you have belonged. You can also include any study abroad experiences here if you have not already mentioned them.

References: In this section, you should include the name, title, and contact information for those people who have agreed to be a reference for you. If you do not wish to include their information, you can simply write, "references available upon request." Finally, be aware that not all CVs look the same. You may choose to include only some of these sections because others do not apply to your background. Include what seems appropriate for your area of specialty.

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/curriculumvitae/a/cv-guidelines.htm

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Writing Curriculum Vitae

How to Write a Curriculum Vitae

By Alison Doyle, About.com Guide

When to Use a Curriculum Vitae

When should job seekers use a curriculum vitae, commonly referred to as CV, rather than a resume? In the United States, a curriculum vitae is used primarily when applying for academic, education, scientific or research positions. It is also applicable when applying for fellowships or grants.

When asking for a job in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, or Asia, expect to submit a CV rather than a resume. Keep in mind that overseas employers often expect to read the type of personal information on a curriculum vitae that would never be included on an American resume, such as date of birth, nationality and place of birth. United States law on what information job applicants can be asked to provide does not apply outside the country.

The Differences between a Resume and a CV

There are several differences between a curriculum vitae and a resume. A curriculum vitae is a longer (up to two or more pages), more detailed synopsis of your background and skills. A CV includes a summary of your educational and academic backgrounds as well as teaching and research experience, publications, presentations, awards, honors, affiliations and other details. As with a resume, you may need different versions of a CV for different types of positions.

Like a resume, a curriculum vitae should include your name, contact information, education, skills and experience. In addition to the basics, a CV includes research and teaching experience, publications, grants and fellowships, professional associations and licenses, awards and other information relevant to the position you are applying for. Start by making a list of all your background information, then organize it into categories. Make sure you include dates on all the publications you include.

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