CazVid: Job Listings & Resume Videos

When an employer requests a video resume in addition to the traditional written form, many people panic. How do you even go about creating a video resume? Well, even before you press record on the camera, the most logical thing is to establish what you’re going to say. This is where we recommend writing a script for your video resume just as any movie would require a script.

In this article, we’ll provide you with tips on what to say in a video resume, how to make a script, and we will also provide a script example.

The importance of the script for a video resume

Without a screenplay or screenwriter, the movie industry wouldn’t be what it is. The script is the blueprint for the entire film project going forward, the foundation on which everything else is anchored in. It determines the character’s lines, actions, and even props that will be needed. Also considering how much money it can take to make a movie, a studio would never proceed without first starting with a script.

When it comes to a CV video and a James Cameron movie, the mechanics and objective are essentially the same in that the script provides clear answers to the questions of “what to say” and “what to do”.  The idea is that when you go to stand in front of the camera, you’re not a deer in the headlights.

Not only do you want to avoid awkward pauses and drawing blanks in your video resume, but you also don’t want to ramble on. Take the time to choose your words carefully so as to stay relevant and concise when you go to record the video.

“Show employers that you know what you’re talking about, that you use industry terms” CazVid

What is a script? Find out before recording your video resume

A resume video is a 30 to 90 second presentation summary of your work or professional profile. The script for this video gathers exactly everything that will be presented. To be more precise, the script should include the most relevant aspects of your candidacy and the reasons why you believe to be qualified for the job position.

The script may also include notes regarding the technical aspects of the camera, lighting, and framing, but that’s a whole other topic outside the thrust of this article. Right now, our aim is to help you in the specifics in what to say. 

Characteristics of a CV video script

When it comes to creating a CV video, we believe there are certain ‘rules’ or ‘guidelines’ that should be adhered to. Of course you’re always free to do what you like, but we strongly recommend that your video resume script possesses the following characteristics:

• Short: You’re not making a feature film, but a small video that summarizes your resume profile. Saying a lot in a short time frame might be challenging, but it’s necessary.
• Value proposition: Don’t write a CV script that contains only personal data, what you know, and what you’ve studied, but also talk about how you and your skills are relevant to the position for which you are applying. The employer wants to hear how you would directly benefit the company if hired. 
• Concise: This isn’t a podcast or philosophy lecture. Be punctual, concise, clear, transparent, and always relevant. These types of videos are explanatory and not reflective.
• Orality: Consider how the script will sound when spoken aloud. Writing a script to be spoken isn’t the same as writing a script to be read. 
• Themes: Ideally, you should begin by introducing yourself and then talk about your past work experience, training, skills, and talents. Close by explaining how what you shared could be relevant and beneficial to the job position.
• Structure: We will talk about this in more detail below.

What you should say in a video resume: structure of the script

Can you imagine the body without bones, with nothing to give it form? Well, the structure of a CV script is the same in that it’s what coherently unites all the parts. Structuring your script is structuring what you will say in it. It offers thematic unity, coherence, and most importantly, it lets you know where you’re going from start to finish. What is that structure? Check out the following image:

Let’s explain this in more detail so that you have a clear idea of ​​the themes that each part of the structure should carry.

The beginning of the script in a video CV

The interest that your film raises depends on the beginning where you will introduce yourself with a greeting, your personal info and profession. For example:

“A warm greeting to the entire CazVid team. My name is Nancy Smith, I am 30 years old and I am a senior web design technician”

In less than 10 seconds, simply greet the employer, introduce yourself, and say what your specialty is. Feel free to add your own personal touch, but it is recommended that you use the following formula: Greeting + Personal Introduction + Specialty.

The development in the script

Following the beginning introduction, you enter the development stage in the video resume script. Keeping in mind that you still want to keep things brief, go into a bit more detail. Let’s see the following example:

“In my 8 years of experience, I have worked with both local and international companies which has enabled me to deepen and specialize in all the areas of web development, especially in the front end area of development, which goes hand in hand with the needs and interests of the client.”

It’s within this portion of the script that you get to communicate your most relevant experience, knowledge, and strengths. Always prioritize what’s most relevant; everything else that doesn’t quite fit can still be included in the written resume.

Be sure within the development section of the CV video script that you use the proper industry terms or jargon. When employers hear terminology that belong within a specific field, it helps show that you really do know what you’re talking about.

Here we can break it down into this formula: Years of experience + experience + learned knowledge.

“Learned knowledge” is not limited to formal academic studies at a university, but it also can include non-formal studies that you’ve been acquiring along the way.

Closing in the script of a video curriculum

The end of the video resume should have a final concluding statement. It’s the part in the movie where the villain is defeated and the hero wins. Let’s cut to the chase with this example:

“If I had to define myself in just a few words, I would say: responsible, creative, honest, and having attention to detail. All my work responds to the interests and objectives of the organization, as well as the needs of the client. This is my value proposition and it would be an honor to work for you.”

In the closing statement, you may have noticed a shift into a more “human” tone. Employers are humans after all and respond to relatable emotions. Being professional doesn’t mean you need to be a robot, in fact, being devoid of emotion might work against you. So don’t be afraid, let employers see your humanity.

The closing portion of the script can be broken down into this formula structure: Who you are in a few words + Value proposal + I want to work with you.

Sample script for a video resume

If we combine all the previous examples in this article of a video resume script, we would have something like this:

“A warm greeting to the entire CazVid team. My name is Nancy Smith, I am 30 years old and I am a senior web design technician.

In my 8 years of experience, I have worked with both local and international companies which has enabled me to deepen and specialize in all the areas of web development, especially in the front end area of development, which goes hand in hand with the needs and interests of the client.

If I had to define myself in just a few words, I would say: responsible, creative, honest, and having attention to detail. All my work responds to the interests and objectives of the organization, as well as the needs of the client. This is my value proposition and it would be an honor to work for you.”

Of course this is just an example to help give you a frame of reference with which you can tweak or customize for your own video resume script.

Tips on what to do when you have a finished script

Already have the video resume script finished? Before getting out the camera and recording, review some of these recommendations:

• Read the script aloud. If possible, record the audio and listen to yourself.
• Make it sound natural, not like you’re reading a script. Give space to breathe and don’t ignore punctuation. 
• Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse.
• Make revisions. The first draft is rarely better than the last. Be critical and don’t be afraid to change things.
• Don’t rush. You’re not competing to see who can make a video resume the fastest. 

If you don’t think you can say it spontaneously, memorize the script and once memorized, then rehearse. There’s nothing wrong with doing this. What isn’t recommended is that you appear to be reading on camera. Pretend the camera is the eye of the employer.

In this article, we have covered how to write a script for a video resume while taking into account the main substantive issues that are required to bring it to fruition. We remind you that CazVid is the only platform specialized in searching for work and workers using the video format which represents a significant number of advantages to create a competitive and effective job profile. 

Resumes