Source: Julia M Cameron/Pexels
Remote communications and video conferencing are becoming a more integral part of the hiring process. This has increased significantly as companies implement social distancing measures following the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is becoming increasingly common for employers and recruiters to request video applications as part of the hiring process.
This provides an idea of your personality and whether you’d fit in with their company’s culture. Having this insight will help them to decide whether to put you forward for a job interview.
This job application method can be beneficial for you as a candidate, too. It’s not easy to portray your personality and communication skills in your resume alone. But creating a video helps you to come across more personally to potential employers from the moment you contact them.
However, the idea of creating a video during your application process can be very daunting! We’ve put together a list of top tips to help you record a standout application video:
Here are the six steps for a great video application
- Plan your video
- Check the video and audio quality
- Talk about experiences or qualities relevant to the role
- Reshoot if you need to
- ‘Proof’ your video
- Editing your video
Step 1: Planning your video
It might be tempting to start filming your application video right away.
However, we recommend putting a plan together first. Spend some time thinking about how you’d like to answer any prompts provided by the recruiter or hiring manager.
It’s also important to decide on your format. Would you prefer to record your video on your mobile phone, or your computer?
Alternatively, you could put together a slideshow with your voice talking through the slides. Whatever way you choose to present your video, make sure it fits with the job role you’re applying for. It should also feel natural to you.
It is also helpful to write a script to aid you during the filming process.
This will make sure you get your point across clearly. It will also give you a prompt in case you lose your train of thought. Just make sure you use the script as a guide rather than reading from it directly.
Step 2: Check the video and audio quality
It’s worth spending some time making sure the quality of your video is high. Check that there’s no background noise and that your microphone is picking up your voice clearly.
You should film your video in a well-lit environment against a plain backdrop. This will ensure that you remain the main focus throughout the recording.
Step 3: Talk about experiences or qualities relevant to the role
In an application video, it might feel necessary to recite your resume. However, it’s best to avoid doing this; after all, the hiring manager will already have access to your CV.
Instead, talk about your experiences or any qualities that are relevant to the job description.
For example, have you worked on a successful project during your current or previous role? You could talk about this in more detail, including how you found the experience and any results you contributed towards.
This is your chance to let potential employers see your personality as well as your passion for your work. That’s why it’s so important to make sure it comes across strongly in your video.
Step 4: Reshoot if you need to
Filming at home can come with a variety of obstacles, from next door’s dog barking to unexpected visits from the postman.
If you do experience any interruptions, don’t be afraid to reshoot your video.
It’s better to take several videos rather than settle on one that hasn’t turned out quite how you want it.
Step 5: ‘Proof’ your video
Just as you would proofread your resume or cover letter, it’s also important to check through your video before submitting it.
Make sure that all your points come across clearly and that you’re giving eye contact throughout the video.
It might also be worth asking a friend, colleague or family member to watch it too. Watching the video with fresh eyes, they might spot an area for improvement that you hadn’t considered.
Step 6: Editing your video
The final step before submitting a video is editing.
You don’t need to be an expert in video technology to do this. However, making a few tweaks can help to give your video a professional edge.
There are plenty of video editing tools available to help you.
These tools include software to brighten the lighting, reduce unavoidable background noise or even add subtitles.
For more tips on finding a job, check out our jobseekers' guide.
Are you looking for a job in the energy, process or infrastructure industries?
Airswift would love to help with your job search. By signing up to our jobs board, you can get job alerts whenever your ideal vacancies become available. We look forward to working with you!
