- How To Prepare
- The Length
- What To Say
- What To Wear
- How To Set The Scene
1. How To Prepare
Do: Write a script. If you can recite what you want to say from memory, that is great, but it is not necessary. Writing out what you want to say on paper, placing those pages just below the camera, and then reading the pages will work very well. We have found that reading your script just twice, and then getting in front of the camera, results in a very smooth, professional VINTRO (i.e., video introduction or video resume). We provide free, sample script outlines after you have opened your account. Remember, you will be in front of a camera, SMILE!
Don't: "Wing it." If you think that you can just start the camera rolling without any preparation, you are either extraordinarily talented, or wrong. Almost everybody looks and sounds better when they have written down what they want to say and practiced it a few times before getting in front of the camera.
2. The Length
Do: Keep your VINTRO short and concise. We strongly suggest that you keep your video under two minutes, and preferably under one minute. Prospective employers don't have a lot of time, and will not watch a long video. You don't need to list every accomplishment on your VINTRO - that is in your written resume. Your VINTRO is a chance for you to show that you are a professional candidate, enthusiastic about working, with good verbal communication skills. The VINTRO functions much like a cover letter - it's a brief introduction to who you are and why you should be hired.
Don't: Drone on and on.
3. What To Say
Do: Highlight one or two significant accomplishments from your education and/or work background, and why you are looking for a job. After you have opened your account, we provide a range of sample VINTROs and script outlines for you to review before you sit down to write your script. As you will see in our sample VINTROs, there is room to note that you "hit .400 on the company softball team," so long as the personal comments are short and do not offend.
Don't: Tell personal stories, jokes, or stray in any way from the purpose of the VINTRO - which is to explain why a prospective employer should give you a job. Remember that companies want articulate, professional employees, not class clowns. Even if you have a voice like Frank Sinatra, whatever you do, don't sing (unless you're looking for a singing job).
4. What To Wear
Do: Dress to impress. What would you wear if you had an in-person job interview? That's what you should wear when shooting your VINTRO.
Don't: Dress like you just got out of bed or are going to the beach. No t-shirts, sweatshirts, funky hats, sunglasses, swimsuits, or revealing clothing. If you are thinking that funky, revealing or unusual attire will make an impression in your VINTRO, you're correct, but it's not the impression you want to project. Let what you say and how you say it differentiate you, not what you wear.
5. How To Set the Scene
Do: Think about what else is in the camera frame. Pick a quiet, simple place to shoot your VINTRO - in front of a simply painted wall or a curtain is best. Be careful that your clothes are not the same color as your background (this will make your head appear to be "floating").
Don't: Shoot your VINTRO outside, sitting at a messy desk, or have the TV playing in the background. You want the sole focus to be on you, not what is around you. Also, do not add a "soundtrack."