For the majority of workers out there, a video resume (AKA a video CV) seems like a scary prospect. But when you’ve been job hunting for a while, you start to yearn for ways to stand out, a simple solution for bottling your x-factor and dousing your potential employer in it.
Enter: video resumes.
But how do you make good video resume? And equally important, where do you find video resume examples to inspire and guide you?
Biteable is one of the most popular online tools for creating video resumes (as well as explainer videos) and we’ve seen some cracking video resume examples recently. We gathered them all here, along with our favorite tips for making your own.
After you’ve soaked up all that inspiration, get started with one of the ready-to-edit video resume templates we included.
Create videos that drive action
Activate your audience with impactful, on-brand videos. Create them simply and collaboratively with Biteable.
What makes a good video resume?
A video resume (or video CV for you Brits and Aussies) isn’t a verbatim list of your accomplishments and employment history turned into an awkward movie. Paper resumes still do a good job of summing up your quantifiable achievements.
A video resume should make an impression and show off your undefinable qualities. It should convey the strengths you can’t put on a paper resume, qualities such as warmth, clear communication, charisma, humor, and your off-the-cuff chatter.
Here are some of our favorite examples of excellent video resumes.
The internet’s best video resume examples
Before you jump into making your own video resume, check out some video resume examples (or video CV examples, for those of you who speak the Queen’s English), to get you inspired.
1. A novel format
Alex creates a scenario in this video where she interviews herself all the while showing off her editing, storytelling and presentation skills, painting the story of a determined, aware and creative young person ready to work. If you’re trying to get into the video or creative industry, this approach can show off your creative thinking.
2. Precise (and concise)
Sajita doesn’t mince words, she’s well rehearsed and speaks clearly with limited vague business jargon because she knows this isn’t open mic night at the Chuckle Shack. Get it right, get it tight. Get the key points you’d like to discuss down on paper and avoid awkward pauses.
3. Skills on display
People are busy. Kristiyan Despodov gets to the point immediately with this punchy video resume that doesn’t even show his face. He gives you an introduction to his skills rather than the full suite of abilities and shows them in action. You want to intrigue the viewer, so only show the best bits.
4. Design prowess
Are you an in-front-of-the-camera or a behind-the-scenes person? Josep Maria Arroyo managed to make a video resume without actually using any video. He works his magic in post-production, formatting photography of himself into a video resume that shows off his design chops, with clean layouts and a minimal color palette.
5. Multimedia all the way
If there’s a way to include snippets of yourself actually working, do it! Laura Harris uses snippets of screen recordings to show her skills in-situ while also rattling off a list of development languages she’s familiar with. It’s a great way to emphasise your skills and will break the video up with different types of content.
6. Creative showcase
Cristina Castro took an even more creative approach to the video resume — she literally got crafty. It might sound cheesy but creative problem solving and self-expression will benefit you in almost all industries. And it’ll definitely benefit your resume.
Showing some creative flair in your video resume, even if it’s just a thoughtful intro screen (like the ones we make at Biteable), can add an element of polish to your video resume.
7. Crystal clear CTA
In just one minute, Graeme Anthony tells you exactly who he is, what he’s good at, and what he’s trained to do. Then he links you off to his website to find more information which is something a lot of people forget – you have to give the viewer a path to find out more. Even though this video is only 60 seconds, it does the job, shows flair, and gives you somewhere to go.
Video resume templates
As promised, we’ve lined up some ready-to-edit video resume templates to help you in your quest for a job-search home run.
You don’t have to be a video editor to create tasty visuals. Achieve polished results with a professional template. Edit this Biteable video resume template with your own content and bada bing, bada boom — you’re the proud owner of a beautiful video resume.
Visual prompts
A good video never drags. Use visual prompts to accompany your points rather than monologuing to the camera. Complementary video footage (whether it’s stock imagery or video content you’ve shot yourself) can work together with text to convey more emotion and break up the dialogue of your video resume.
Not ready for a resume but #OpenToWork?
LinkedIn’s #OpenToWork feature helps connect job-seekers with recruiters by letting everyone know you’re…open to work. Stand out from the crowd with an #OpenToWork video that gets to the heart of who you are and what you offer in 30 seconds.
Show off your most hireable skills to a broader audience than your typical video resume, and watch as new connections make themselves.
Use a snappy, fun, and professional option like this one:
Or a more traditionally corporate-style video like this one:
Is a video resume right for me?
You might be left wondering if a video resume is the right move for you. Video resumes have been a ‘thing’ for years but some industries and employers still see them as wacky.
You need to decide if a video resume can help or hinder your chances by deep diving into the culture of the industry or company you’re trying to break into.
What are the cultural expectations? What is the average hiring manager like? Are they more traditional or do they embrace difference?
If you’re trying to get into the creative field, go for it. Don’t hesitate. Tech is also an area where a video resume would be a safe bet.
For more traditional industries (such as teaching, finance, and nursing) think about what angle your video resume could take that would give you an edge over the competition. It could be as simple as introducing yourself and saying hello or demonstrating your skills in-situ.
What are the benefits of a video resume?
Well. You’re watching the video resumes of these people but how often do you sit down to read people’s paper resume? Literally never.
Video resumes are a potent tool if done well. Companies talk big game about merit-based employment, but when you’re faced with a pile of resumes that list equal achievements, awards, and all brag about conversational French, who has the edge? The culture match does. The person who will get the job done and elevate the office culture.
We don’t often let our personalities shine on our resumes but remember: there’s a person, not a robot, on the other side of the Seek link.
As simple as it sounds, that person will connect with you more by seeing your face and hearing your voice than reading your two-page, Arial, size 12 font description of your career. There’s a lot of unspoken cues you can take from the way a person speaks, moves, dresses, and the words they use that can indicate if they’d be a good culture fit.
Create videos that drive action
Activate your audience with impactful, on-brand videos. Create them simply and collaboratively with Biteable.
Make a video resume with Biteable
Now you’ve seen what the competition is doing, go out and break a leg! But not really. Unless you’re applying for a job at Leg Breaking Inc. in which case carry on. Try out Biteable’s rejection-proof templates to get you started.
Biteable makes it easy for anyone to create a video with customizable templates and done-for-you editing features. Add your own footage (or record new footage directly in the app), or choose from over 1.8 million stock clips, images, and unique animations.
With Biteable, you’ll make your first video faster than they can say “you’re hired”.