Job Seeker Blog - Spark Hire

Spark a Conversation: Video Resumes Replace Paper Resumes?

Here at Spark Hire, we want to help candidates find their dream jobs using the power of online video. We get a lot of questions from readers about how to use online video in their search for a great job. These posts will address those questions about how to find success in your job search.

Question: Should my video resume replace my traditional resume? -Sarah from Lake Tahoe

Thanks for your great question Sarah! A lot of job seekers ask themselves the same question and aren’t quite sure what to do. While video resumes offer much more insight into your communication skills and personality as a worker, we cannot forget the importance of a traditional resume. Many hiring managers and employers might still be unfamiliar with video resumes and will still expect to see a traditional resume with your application documents. If it’s not there, you may not even be considered for the job. The best way to utilize video resume is in combination with a traditional, paper one.

For starters, a traditional resume allows for easy access when it comes to checking your work experience and qualifications. Sure, you can talk about those things in your video resume, but in order to have a successful and interesting video resume you want to talk about something other than what is on your resume. That is why video resumes work best as a supplement to your traditional resume where you can offer more than just past work experience and skills. Talk about why you have a strong passion for what you do, what pushed you towards working in this industry or why you are interested in this company. Show employers your personality- something that is very difficult to do with a traditional resume. Even though these are all great things that can move an employer to want to speak with you further, employers will still want to see your work experience in an easy-to-read, organized layout.

Instead of replacing the traditional resume with your video resume, use the video to elaborate on those skills and qualifications you mention in your resume. Talk about a specific experience or project at work where you put those skills to use and were successful. Show some work samples that may entice this employer to speak with you further. The best way to utilize the video resume is to add the link to the end of your email to employers. Attach it to your social media handles and personal website. Make it easy to find and easily accessible. In short, use the video resume as a platform to offer more of yourself than your traditional resume can, but do not ditch the traditional resume completely.

Do you have a question you need answered? Spark a conversation with the Spark Hire team by submitting your question to [email protected] or in the comments below.

Spark Hire Team

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