“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.

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"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?

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“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

• 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

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“I don't get tripped up in technology. I use technology as a tool.”

Spike Lee

Even if you do not own a camera and professional editing software, there’s plenty of resources that you consider. Here’s a couple of suggestions:

• Visit your local library, Community center, youth center or contact NGOs that help people find employment
• You can always rent or borrow equipment
• Create a video using alternatives (ppt, online open-source tools, Blender, Google slides, iMovie ...)
• Remember you do not have to use professional cameras to create a video, you can always record your video with your phone, tablet or your laptop.

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