Video job applications are becoming more popular as technology evolves and professionals get more creative. Compared to a written application, they allow you to show recruiters your excellent communication skills, your personality, and talk about how you align with the culture of the company you’re applying to.
Creating a video application takes some practice. You need to hone your skills around being in front of a camera, recording clearly, and knowing what to include. Here, we’ll guide you through the process so you can make your own in no time.
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Why employers ask for video job applications
With a video application, a recruiter can make a decision more quickly, whereas written applications can be lengthy to review and tricky to score. A video gives an instant impression, and a recruiter can usually make a decision whether to continue watching or not after a minute or two. 79% of recruiters find video applications to be the most efficient way for jobseekers to land jobs.
The way you present yourself in a video says a lot about you, so it’s important to consider how you come across, as well as what you say. Employers don’t just look for someone who’ll match a job role; they’re also looking for candidates who will fit into their company culture, an alignment that job seekers must also consider. Your body language can give away clues about how enthusiastic you are, the energy you bring, and how you communicate.
With the rise of AI, recruiters are having trouble distinguishing between real and plagiarized applications. Video applications eliminate the possibility of cheating. According to Robert Half, 65% of recruiters struggle to verify real skills through résumés due to the surge in the use of AI writing.
How to make a video job application: Step-by-step
If you have a video job application to complete, let us guide you through the process, step by step, from deciding what to say to recording and submission.
1. Plan your talking points
The first step is all in the planning, much like with a written job application. Recruiters who ask for video introductions or video-type applications will indicate a time limit, which is usually only a minute or two short, so you want to be confident and in control when you hit record. To make the most of the time limit, create an outline that covers everything you want to say succinctly. You might write it like a script to read, or you could use prompts to guide your flow.
Whichever way you do it, you’ll need to make sure you have a strong introduction, details about why you want to work for the company and why you’d be a good fit, and information to show why you’re right for the role. You’ll want to end with a short summary and call to action, such as thanking them for their time and inviting them to contact you for further discussion. The content you include will be similar to what you would include in a cover letter. Always make sure you address the job description and role criteria to show you took the time to tailor your video.
2. Set your stage
Before recording, it’s important to set your stage. Find a quiet spot with good natural light, without mess or clutter. You can clear a space that allows you to be the focus. A plain wall behind you is good, or a professional backdrop such as a desk or bookshelf.
Test your audio and your camera to make sure everything is working and that your voice is clear and your camera is angled correctly. Get dressed professionally for the role you’re applying for. The rule here is generally to wear what you would to an interview.
3. Practice
Take your time. Do a run-through before recording, or even record yourself doing a practice run so you can see how it looks and if there’s anything you’d like to change. Make sure you’re positioned well with good posture, the lighting is clear, and that you’re coming across how you intend. Speak confidently and clearly — not too fast. Think about your body language and whether you sound natural or staged.
4. Hit record
When it’s time to record, try not to panic. You can always start again if you make a mistake. Better yet, just pause so you can edit your video to remove your errors. Recording on your phone, tablet, or PC is fine. All of these devices are well-equipped for filming, and you can produce something professional-looking, even if you have amateur skills in video editing.
Use online tools like Canva for your final video, especially if you want to cut any parts where you make a mistake and have to start again, or where you have excessive “errs” or “umms.” Also, keep in mind that file uploads are usually limited on job application platforms, and video files tend to be large, so you’ll need a tool like Clideo's video compressor to reduce the file size.
5. Submit
Once you’ve finished your video, checked it over, and made the edits you wanted, save it as a standard video format, such as an MP4 or MOV, and upload it to the application portal, or email it to the appropriate address. You may be asked to send it along with a résumé, so make sure you read the guidelines carefully.
Final tips
If you’re not used to producing videos, a video application can seem like a daunting process. Don’t worry. Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to keep in mind when creating your video application:
- Avoid sounding scripted: It’s okay to use a script, as long as it doesn’t sound like you’re reading it. If you can, it’s better to memorize and practice what you’re going to say and use prompts instead of reading your script while filming. You want to sound natural and knowledgeable, not robotic.
- Show your personality and enthusiasm. Even if you feel shy, make sure you don’t sound too formal or stiff that it looks like you were forced to video yourself. Recruiters will try to read your personality through your video, so if you need to, practice a few times until you appear relaxed, confident, and genuinely interested in the job you’re applying for. You can use a bit of humor, but don’t go overboard, so your video doesn’t look unprofessional or inappropriate.
- Follow instructions: If you’ve been asked to do something specific, like saving your video in a certain format, or answering a set of questions, make sure you do. You’ll also be marked on how well you follow instructions, so try not to go rogue.
- Address the job criteria: Like a cover letter, make sure you tell the employer why you’re the person for the job. Address all of the skills and knowledge they ask for and provide examples.
- Check your audio: You might think you’re speaking clearly, but if your audio is weak, the person watching your video won’t hear you. If you have a microphone, that will come in handy. Just make sure you’re in a quiet spot with good acoustics.
Key takeaways
Video applications are becoming more and more popular, so it’s important that you familiarize yourself with the process. Once you’ve done one or two, they’ll become easier. Make sure you’re prepared with enough practice, and know your equipment so you know how to get the best video quality from it. Don't forget, there are plenty of editing software and apps to help you polish once you’ve filmed, so you can focus on making sure you come across as the confident candidate you should be.