How to Create a Successful Video Resume

Before doing the taping at a studio, prepare and rehearse your script at home. It's best to first practice alone, then role-play with another person. A 10-minute tape will suffice. Be sure you're asked questions that will enable you to give a good overview of your background and, especially, discuss your key strengths and accomplishments. Section Two of this book, "The 160 Questions Interviewers Ask and How to Answer Them," will be of much help in this regard.

When you go to a studio for taping, have the interview take place in an office setting and be sure that the person who's interviewing you is off-camera and sounds professional. You can either be standing or sitting behind a desk. Dress as you would for an actual job interview.

When the taping is completed, critique your work. Look for unclear speech, repetitious words and phrases, and any mannerisms or gestures that convey nervousness. You must appear relaxed and confident and communicate effectively. If necessary, repeat the interview until you're completely satisfied with it.



Don't mail your video resume to a potential employer without first having obtained permission to do so. When you send your tape, also enclose a cover letter and your written resume. Then follow up with a phone call a few days later.

You'll have the best chance of success with a video resume if you're pursuing a position that requires an outstanding appearance and personality and you have both of these features. Usually, these will be positions that require extensive public contact.