Video Resume – Helpful Tips Series

Part Three: Setting the Stage

 Should you Do-It-Yourself or Use a Professional?

You’ve probably heard the saying – he was so excited to get invited to the party he forgot how to dress.  Well, the same can happen when preparing your video resume.  It is amazing how many videos we have critiqued where the person who created the video simply neglected to notice how they set their stage.

Background can speak volumes to the viewer

Always remember the way something is presented can make all the difference.  Think about top luxury stores who can sell the same coat as the low discounters.  The price one might pay while shopping at a high end store will be far different than at a low end discounter, where the display may be haphazard and cheesy.  The same can be true with your video resume.  You could have all the qualifications, presence, message and delivery, yet if you neglect the tiny details (like a professional background) whala! – you’re hosed.  Your viewer can gather the wrong first impression of you by an untidy background, or noisy environment – an impression that may shout that you don’t pay attention to details.

Background Choices

Although you don’t have to have an ‘executive’ level background it is a good idea to make sure that your background matches your profession.  If you want to project a professional image make sure you shoot your video in an office setting – clean, not cluttered, with perhaps a computer in the background, a clean desk and organized book shelf.  If in doubt, get a nice smooth draping cloth.  Make sure if you use a fabric that it is not busy or wrinkled.  Something solid is best.  Avoid shooting your video in the outdoors, unless you’re in a field that suits that environment, since there can be background noise to deal with and lighting difficulties.

Background Music

Our tip is ‘do not use any background music’.  This is based on the fact that your viewer may be completely turned off by your choice of music and that will impact their first impression of you.  Plus, you do not want to begin to deal with music fading and the possible confusion of music over your voice and the message you want to impart.  Best practice is to forget the music and just go with your own voice and personality to convey your message.

Do-it-Yourself or use a Professional

This is a choice you will need to make based on your background and capabilities.  We are available to assist you each step of the way.  And if you choose to tackle your video resume on your own you may want to check out our Great Video! eBook, which specifically focuses on the important components of creating a video resume.  In the meantime, if you give it a try and find you need extra help, you may benefit from our First Impression Impact video critiquing service.

Best of luck to you!

Reprint Authorization: This article may be reprinted in it’s entirety provided no content is changed and links and author information are included.