Introduction:
In the hiring process employers are largely dependent on the traditional paper resume and the formal interview process to determine an applicant's qualifications for a particular job. Most people already find the interview process intimidating and stressful, factor in additional challenges in verbal and non-verbal communication often faced by individuals with ID/D, and that pressure is intensified.
But what if an employer didn't have to rely solely on a resume or the interview? What if employers could actually see an applicant in action? During the interview! Generally speaking, when provided the opportunity, people are more inclined to rely on visual information over written; we've all heard that "seeing is believing" or "I'll believe it when I see it". What those common sayings are suggesting is that it's easy to communicate one thing, but execution is what's in question. For example I could tell you Kathryn possesses relevant skills for adding value in a quick serve restaurant environment, or I could show you - watch this.
In the application process it's important to leverage every strategic advantage in the pursuit of employment in order to leave a lasting and positive impression with an employer. A video resumes is one such advantage. A video resume has the potential to provide a uniquely powerful visual of the applicant demonstrating his/her ability while completing relevant tasks. The video resume is not intended to replace a strong paper resume, job-training, social skill development, or interview preparation; instead it should complement them. So let's get started.
A couple years ago I was first introduced to this concept at a special education conference and had no previous experience doing anything like this before. If I can do it, so can you. In Part 1 of this blog series I will provide the basic tools necessary for capturing, editing and uploading your first video resume. In Part 2 I will share some practical tips that I've learned along the way that will help you further develop and execute a plan. Whether you are a self-advocate, special educator, parent or transition coordinator, you likely already have the ability and the technology necessary to create a spectacular video resume...in the palm of your hand!
So let's begin.
To make a visual resume you need three things: a camera, editing software and an account on a video hosting site. If you own an iPhone, iPad, or an Android phone/tablet, you already have all the technology you need.
Camera:
You can capture the video with your phone or tablet. Though it isn't necessary, tripods often help improve the quality of a video by enhancing the stability of the shot. There are tripod mounts for a range of phones and tablets. To find suitable options simply google "tripod mounts for __________" and include the make and model of your device.
In the hiring process employers are largely dependent on the traditional paper resume and the formal interview process to determine an applicant's qualifications for a particular job. Most people already find the interview process intimidating and stressful, factor in additional challenges in verbal and non-verbal communication often faced by individuals with ID/D, and that pressure is intensified.
But what if an employer didn't have to rely solely on a resume or the interview? What if employers could actually see an applicant in action? During the interview! Generally speaking, when provided the opportunity, people are more inclined to rely on visual information over written; we've all heard that "seeing is believing" or "I'll believe it when I see it". What those common sayings are suggesting is that it's easy to communicate one thing, but execution is what's in question. For example I could tell you Kathryn possesses relevant skills for adding value in a quick serve restaurant environment, or I could show you - watch this.
In the application process it's important to leverage every strategic advantage in the pursuit of employment in order to leave a lasting and positive impression with an employer. A video resumes is one such advantage. A video resume has the potential to provide a uniquely powerful visual of the applicant demonstrating his/her ability while completing relevant tasks. The video resume is not intended to replace a strong paper resume, job-training, social skill development, or interview preparation; instead it should complement them. So let's get started.
A couple years ago I was first introduced to this concept at a special education conference and had no previous experience doing anything like this before. If I can do it, so can you. In Part 1 of this blog series I will provide the basic tools necessary for capturing, editing and uploading your first video resume. In Part 2 I will share some practical tips that I've learned along the way that will help you further develop and execute a plan. Whether you are a self-advocate, special educator, parent or transition coordinator, you likely already have the ability and the technology necessary to create a spectacular video resume...in the palm of your hand!
So let's begin.
To make a visual resume you need three things: a camera, editing software and an account on a video hosting site. If you own an iPhone, iPad, or an Android phone/tablet, you already have all the technology you need.
Camera:
You can capture the video with your phone or tablet. Though it isn't necessary, tripods often help improve the quality of a video by enhancing the stability of the shot. There are tripod mounts for a range of phones and tablets. To find suitable options simply google "tripod mounts for __________" and include the make and model of your device.
 | When shooting video, one challenge is managing storage space on your device. |
 | You can create additional space by backing up the files on your phone or tablet either to a cloud, laptop or desktop. |
Once you've exported and saved important files, you can delete them from the original device. Certain Android devices also allow you to expand a device's storage through an SD or micro-SD card. You can also check the settings in the camera app and see if you can reduce the size of video you are shooting which will enable you to store additional footage. One tip for managing storage is to shoot videos until you reach your capacity and then move them onto a laptop or desktop by exporting and saving the files; you can then delete them on the original device and go back to videoing. I've had to do this on multiple occasions. In those instances I brought my laptop to the video shoot with me and would complete this process between shots.
For iPhone or iPad find directions for creating additional space on your device here. For Android devices click here.
You may even have access through your school to an even higher quality camera such as a DSLR. Such a camera may increase the quality of the video, but a phone or tablet will do the job just fine.
For iPhone or iPad find directions for creating additional space on your device here. For Android devices click here.
You may even have access through your school to an even higher quality camera such as a DSLR. Such a camera may increase the quality of the video, but a phone or tablet will do the job just fine.
 | If you work in an education setting and your school has a media arts class, you may be able to collaborate on this project. It's a win-win because both departments will ultimately benefit! |
Editing Software:
There are many choices for editing videos ranging from free to expensive. I've included some recommendations based on software/apps I have used.
For iOS:
iMovie is great for editing videos on an iPhone, iPad or a MacBook. I found it to be intuitive and user-friendly; it is a great option for a beginner. Here's the very first video resume I created. The entire thing was shot and edited on a first generation iPad mini using iMovie. In a matter of three hours I had captured the video, edited the footage, created transitions between shots, added music, and uploaded the video to a host site, all on the same device.
There are many choices for editing videos ranging from free to expensive. I've included some recommendations based on software/apps I have used.
For iOS:
iMovie is great for editing videos on an iPhone, iPad or a MacBook. I found it to be intuitive and user-friendly; it is a great option for a beginner. Here's the very first video resume I created. The entire thing was shot and edited on a first generation iPad mini using iMovie. In a matter of three hours I had captured the video, edited the footage, created transitions between shots, added music, and uploaded the video to a host site, all on the same device.
 | When using music people often default to uploading copyrighted songs they already own. Be careful, if the music isn't public domain or royalty free that's illegal! |
 | Be sure that the music you are using is public domain, royalty free (some of which still require credit in the video) and/or that you have the necessary licensing and permission to use copyrighted material. For more information on Fair Use policy, click here. For a great resource dedicated to providing high quality, royalty-free background music visit www.bensound.com. |
Android:
I found We Video and Kinemaster as two relatively user-friendly, entry level options for Android. Though free options for each of those apps exist, you'll often have to pay a few bucks to upgrade to the paid version to get rid of the watermark on the videos.
Laptop/Desktop:
I've now transitioned to using Adobe Premiere Pro, Creative Cloud and while it's a fantastic product it's less user-friendly and comes with a monthly subscription cost. Unless you are significantly enhancing and expanding your use of video, you won't need it.
If you are looking for a higher end option that doesn't require a monthly subscription cost, I recommend Sony Studio 13 and Adobe Premiere Elements.
Video Hosting Site:
I recommend Vimeo or YouTube to upload your videos. Both options provide a free, entry-level membership and additional paid subscription options if you want to increase storage capacity. So long as your videos aren't too long (we'll talk about tips for length in the Part 2), these free accounts will work just fine. In Part 2 I'll also share how to manage the privacy of these videos in the user settings, how to customize the video links and suggested ideas for placing the link on a paper resume.
Conclusion:
That was a lot wasn't it? That's ok, you don't have to remember it all right now and you can print this out or return to the blog as needed. Ultimately, it's very simple, if you have a phone or tablet, you have the tools you need to begin!
Coming soon! In Part 2 I'll share some practical tips I've learned along the way about HOW TO create a video resume using the tools you have. I'll provide some practical tips I've learned along the way to help you develop and execute a plan for capturing, editing and uploading a video resume.
For additional examples of the video resumes I've created with the tools listed above check out the links below:
https://vimeo.com/129822086
https://vimeo.com/129692363
I found We Video and Kinemaster as two relatively user-friendly, entry level options for Android. Though free options for each of those apps exist, you'll often have to pay a few bucks to upgrade to the paid version to get rid of the watermark on the videos.
Laptop/Desktop:
I've now transitioned to using Adobe Premiere Pro, Creative Cloud and while it's a fantastic product it's less user-friendly and comes with a monthly subscription cost. Unless you are significantly enhancing and expanding your use of video, you won't need it.
If you are looking for a higher end option that doesn't require a monthly subscription cost, I recommend Sony Studio 13 and Adobe Premiere Elements.
Video Hosting Site:
I recommend Vimeo or YouTube to upload your videos. Both options provide a free, entry-level membership and additional paid subscription options if you want to increase storage capacity. So long as your videos aren't too long (we'll talk about tips for length in the Part 2), these free accounts will work just fine. In Part 2 I'll also share how to manage the privacy of these videos in the user settings, how to customize the video links and suggested ideas for placing the link on a paper resume.
Conclusion:
That was a lot wasn't it? That's ok, you don't have to remember it all right now and you can print this out or return to the blog as needed. Ultimately, it's very simple, if you have a phone or tablet, you have the tools you need to begin!
Coming soon! In Part 2 I'll share some practical tips I've learned along the way about HOW TO create a video resume using the tools you have. I'll provide some practical tips I've learned along the way to help you develop and execute a plan for capturing, editing and uploading a video resume.
For additional examples of the video resumes I've created with the tools listed above check out the links below:
https://vimeo.com/129822086
https://vimeo.com/129692363
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