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Do's
Do's

Review and dissemination

Do's
Do's

Review and dissemination

"We give advice by the bucket, but take it by the grain."

Tom Stoppard

Do:

  1. Get inspiration from online examples
  2. Create a video when it's one of the application requirements
  3. Look professional in front of the camera, wear appropriate clothing
  4. Research the company/position you're applying for
  5. Write a script, prepare notes
  6. Get feedback from your peers, family, friends, co-workers (the more feedback the better)
  7. Show your personality
  8. Showcase relevant skills, expertise
  9. Have fun!

Editing
Editing

Execution

Editing
Editing

Execution

“The notion of directing a film is the invention of critics - the whole eloquence of cinema is achieved in the editing room.”

Orson Welles

It is easy to underestimate the amount of work that goes into editing your video. It’s predominantly a technical process, but the creative aspects are crucial to the success of your story. We suggest using WeVideo, which is an online, cloud-based video editing platform that works in web browsers and on mobile devices (Android and iOS) but there are many alternatives. For example:

  • Microsoft Video Editor (FREE in Windows 10)
  • Blender (FREE)
  • iMovie (FREE for iOS)
  • Lightworks (FREE)
It is very important that you make sure you’re not breaching any copyright related regulations. It is safest to use only material that you create yourself, but if you choose to use other images, music or videos, it is always a good idea to check the licensing information and obtain permission where necessary.

Filming
Filming

Execution

Filming
Filming

Execution

“Before you say ‘cut,’ wait five more seconds.”

Wim Wenders

Filming Checklist: audio

  • Film in a quiet place in order to avoid background noise and interruptions.
  • Make sure that you’re not talking too fast and that you’re making pauses after each sentence/section.
  • If you can, use an external microphone
Filming Checklist: video
  • Film in a bright room.
  • Avoid filming outdoors.
  • Put the camera between the source of light and the subject.
  • Place your subject in the center of the frame, looking directly into the camera, with the eyes on approximately ⅔ of the height of the image.
  • Leave a little bit of headroom above the top of the head but not too much.
  • Avoid cluttered backgrounds.
  • Place your camera at the eye level of the subject.
  • Use a tripod, or mount the camera to something stable.
  • Do NOT use the zoom of your mobile phone
  • Adjust resolution settings of your camera and record in Full HD (1080p)
  • Sit 0,6-1m away from the camera

Won any awards for your creative projects? Remember to mention them!
Won any awards for your creative projects? Remember to mention them!

Creativity

Won any awards for your creative projects? Remember to mention them!
Won any awards for your creative projects? Remember to mention them!

Creativity

“I don't deserve this award, but I have arthritis and I don't deserve that either.”

Jack Benny

Remember to mention any awards you’ve won for your work! It might help you stand out as well as highlight your interests and expertise. When talking about awards you’ve won remember to 👇

  • Include the date
  • Mention issuing organisation
  • Identify what you received awards for
  • Prioritise, only mention awards that might be relevant to the position
  • Keep it short and sweet
  • Mention how this recognition is relevant to the position you’re applying for

Evaluation
Evaluation

Review and dissemination

Evaluation
Evaluation

Review and dissemination

"Evaluation is creation: hear it, you creators! Evaluating is itself the most valuable treasure of all that we value. It is only through evaluation that value exists: and without evaluation the nut of existence would be hollow. Hear it, you creators!"

Friedrich Nietzsche

After you finish your video and before you start planning how you can share it, it might be worth taking some time to evaluate your video. While a video CV can help your chances of getting a job it can also hurt 🤕 them. Here’s a short checklist of things to consider before sending out your video CV.

  • Did you introduce yourself at the beginning?
  • Did you highlight your strengths and/or achievements?
  • Did you emphasize why you would be the perfect candidate?
  • Is the sound quality ok?
  • Is video quality good enough?
  • Have you showed your video to at least 5 people (friends, colleagues, family, industry people…?) and got their feedback?
  • Do you think some people might find it inconsiderate or offensive?
  • Do you think that core competencies are highlighted?
  • Do people recognise you in the video? Is the video authentic and personal?
Script writing and story boarding
Script writing and story boarding

Preparation

Script writing and story boarding
Script writing and story boarding

Preparation

“To make a great film you need three things - the script, the script and the script.”

Alfred Hitchcock

So by now, you know already what you want to say, but here’s another question: how do you want to realise it in a video, with images and sound? This is the moment to imagine your story! Try to see and hear with your mind’s eyes and ears what you want the viewers to see and hear. Before getting cameras and phones out and recording your video CV, you better prepare. It’s good practice to write a script even if it’s just a simple outline. It will help you focus on what’s important and you won’t forget to mention anything. A script or storyboard should be clear to yourself, but also to the viewer. In fact, the viewer should be able to construct the video you have in mind on the basis of your script or storyboard.

Self-motivation
Self-motivation

Self-management

Self-motivation
Self-motivation

Self-management

“You can have all the tools in the world but if you don't genuinely believe in yourself, it's useless.”

Ken Jeong

The ability to stay motivated, even if something goes wrong, is an important and sought-after skill. Here’s a couple of examples that might help you demonstrate this ability:

  • How do you stay motivated? What inspires you to keep going?
  • Do you set yourself SMART goals?
  • Do you practice positive self-talk?
  • Do you try to surround yourself with positive people?
  • How do you reward yourself?

Time management
Time management

Self-management

Time management
Time management

Self-management

"Plan your work for today and every day, then work your plan."

Margaret Thatcher

Time management is an important and sought-after skill, and if that’s something you’re good at, you should definitely mention it. How can you demonstrate that you’re well organised? In your video CV, you might answer questions such as:

  • Do you make to-do lists? Show examples
  • Do you have a time check? Do you set yourself time limits?
  • Do you use software tools for time management, for example Pomodoro timer apps?
  • Do you feel comfortable delegating tasks?
  • How do you organise your time? Do you focus on one task at a time or do you prefer multitasking?
  • How do you plan your day? Do you have a routine? What does it look like?