Video Resume

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What Does Video Resume Mean?

A video resume is a filmed presentation that is used to add appeal to a job application. Video resumes are promotional in nature; they enable an employer to understand or get a feel for how applicants presents themselves. They generally highlight a prospective employee’s background and qualifications for the desired job. Video resumes are usually supplemental, which means they are accompanied by a more comprehensive resume in a text-based format.

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Techopedia Explains Video Resume

Video resumes are generally used to set a prospective employee apart from other candidates. They can also be used as a follow-up after an initial phone or face-to-face interview.

Video resumes are ideal when used for job opportunities that require public speaking, interpersonal skills or creative technical skills. However, not all employment opportunities are appropriate venues for a video resume. Conservative workplaces may prefer a traditional paper resume, whereas an advertising or fashion design company may prefer a creative video resume. That said, the reverse could just as easily be true, so it is important to research the organization and try to understand the corporate culture before sending a resume of any kind.

Successful video resumes are usually short and include high-quality editing with a description of how the prospective employee meets the specified job requirements. Unfortunately, video resumes can also be used to verify perceived negative factors such as age, ethnicity and sex. Some interviewers are discouraged from accepting visual files of any kind due to the possible risks of a discrimination lawsuit. If this is the case, they may be instructed to reject candidates who include videos or photographs with their resumes.

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Margaret Rouse
Technology Expert
Margaret Rouse
Technology Expert

Margaret is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical business audience. Over the past twenty years, her IT definitions have been published by Que in an encyclopedia of technology terms and cited in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine, and Discovery Magazine. She joined Techopedia in 2011. Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages.