Technical and Content Guidance

Technical Guidance

1. Set up

The most important thing is to have a well-lit room. It’s best if you can sit behind a desk or a table. We would also recommend that any walls that can be seen are clear of pictures, etc.

2. Equipment

There are many ways to record your CV, and it only takes minutes - using a web cam, mobile phone or digital camera. See which one you find easiest to use and which produces the best results for you.

If you decide to use a camera or phone, try to get hold of a tripod to hold it steady. If this is not possible, place it on a stack of books to give a similar effect.

3. Putting yourself in the frame

We would recommend that you set up to show your head and shoulders - this replicates what an interviewer sees in a face-to-face interview and also means that you are close to the microphone, ensuring good sound quality.

4. File size and format

Keep it suitable for e-mail - that way it will be the right size for upload. We accept almost all digital video formats. If you have any problems during upload, please e-mail us at support@videojobs.ie

5. Uploading file

The process of uploading a video to your computer can vary greatly, depending on the type of recording device you own, and the computer you're using. For specific instructions, use a search engine to look for your camera or recording device.

Generally, you are likely to be using one of the following three methods to upload a video:

Video camera

To upload a recorded video from a video camera with a tape or hard drive, you first need to connect your camera to the computer using either a USB or Firewire connection. You will need to use video editing software, such as Windows Movie Maker or iMovie, which are included with every PC or Mac respectively, to 'capture' the film. Both of these software packages include detailed instructions to help you import and edit your video. Once the video is edited and cut down to around three minutes' duration, use the 'Export' function to create a single movie file that you will be able to upload to VideoJobs. Make sure you save the file somewhere easy to find, such as the Desktop.

Mobile phone

If you don't have access to a video camera, your mobile telephone may include a video-recording function. Bear in mind, a video taken with your mobile phone will generally be of poorer quality than one taken with a video camera. You can maximize the quality by ensuring you are in a well-lit area when you record, having somebody else hold the phone, and speaking clearly. By connecting your phone to the computer using the provided USB cable, or using the Bluetooth function (not available on all phones), you will be able to transfer the complete video file to your computer. Again, make sure you save the file somewhere easy to find, such as the Desktop.

Webcam/inbuilt computer camera

Most new laptops include an inbuilt camera or you can purchase an external webcam. A video recorded with a webcam will be lower quality than one recorded with a video camera, but you will find it much easier to record and upload the file to VideoJobs.

Content Guidance

1. Be Prepared

The video will be much more professional if you are well prepared. People have different ways of doing this - prompt cards, learning what you want to say by heart, etc. Pick what feels best for you..

2. Be Relaxed

Not always easy on camera! But remember to take deep breaths, and speak slowly and clearly.

3. Be Clear and Concise

Don't go into too much detail - the employer is looking for your overall skills, experience and personality rather than your life history!

Here are some questions that you should answer in your Video CV:

A. Who are you?

Always start your recording by introducing yourself and stating what profession you are in or what work you do.

B. What are your core skills?

What are your key strengths, what could you bring to a job, what professional qualifications do you have? What would you say are your top three skills?

C. What is your key experience?

A few details of your current/most recent role and what you have learnt from that.

D. What is your availability?

Say whether you are looking for a full or part-time job, and when you would be available to start work.

What works

Here are some of the points you want to come across in your Video CV or video résumé:

• Professionalism - this is the employers` first impression of you, so dress and act accordingly.
• Positive attitude - show enthusiasm for the position you are seeking.
• A 'can do' attitude - discuss details of how you can get the job done.
• Be prepared - have an idea of what you are going to do in the presentation, and rehearse it.
• Stress relevant details - show off skills and attitudes that complement your CV.

What doesn't work

Some things you shouldn't do:

• Anything you wouldn't do in a job interview.
• Moving around - avoid lots of hand gestures, head movement, looking away from the camera.
• Making a long presentation - keep the Video CV to two minutes max.
• Give more personal information than needed - try to highlight and complement items already in your CV, but not much more.
• Read from a script or the CV itself - it makes you look unprepared and unprofessional.
• Being cute or funny - unless you are an actor or comic, leave out the gimmicks.

Other useful tips

There are a few other things you can do to help create a positive, professional appearance.

• Conservative attire - dress as if you are going to a first interview.
• Keep the background noise down. You want the employer to concentrate solely on you.
• Make the video indoors - this causes less distraction and gives you more control of the video.
• Look at the camera - you are looking at a prospective employer, not the wall or computer.