The Video Resume

Today’s Hiring Tool for Savvy Job Seekers 

For employers and job placement agencies, online applications have long been the norm, and now, communication via video is more common than ever before. The video resume – a video recorded remotely and sent to a hiring manager to support a job application – can be an important part of a job seeker’s package.

Video resumes are obviously a valuable tool to help time-starved hiring managers, but video resumes can provide an important edge for job seekers as well. It helps them put a unique stamp on their application, showcase their strengths, and gives them a leg up when it comes to getting the position they’ve been working toward.

If you’ve partnered with a staffing company or job placement agency that doesn’t offer job seekers the opportunity to create a video package as part of the application process, it’s time step out from behind the curve – and in front of the camera.

The Video Resume Edge

There are many compelling reasons for job seekers to have a video resume in their arsenal. With Facetime and Skype becoming common communication media, many hiring managers expect a remote interview to be part of the hiring process at some point.

But providing a video resume upfront can also be an effective way to differentiate yourself. While paper resumes may be fading fast, even digital resumes can be lost in the shuffle. And, when the job market is competitive, standing out in a pool of applicants is a job seeker’s objective. An exceptional video resume can make that happen.

Job seekers can think of it as making their very own commercial. "We want to make you look good."

Video resumes are used for all levels of employment, but they can be particularly valuable for mid-level jobs, where applicants are looking for a little extra edge in a highly competitive market, according to Kelly Aho, Vice President of Bonney Staffing Center. “It can make an enormous difference,” Aho said. “Video resumes allow you to portray yourself in the best possible light so a hiring manager can see you are more than a piece of paper. At Bonney, we have the best clients across all industries, and we want you to put your best foot forward to help you get in front of them.”

Aho said that the videos they create with applicants at Bonney provide an effortless “meeting” between employer and candidate and are an excellent way for an applicant to hone their presentation skills. All job seekers eventually end up in a face-to-face meeting, and after doing a video resume, the applicant is confident and prepared to take the next step.

It may seem at first glance that video resumes are a way for employers to see if an applicant is a “fit”, or to get a gut reaction about them. That may be true to an extent, but staffing specialists at Bonney say that the videos play a more meaningful role. For example, applicants can use a video resume as a way to overcome skills deficits or resume gaps by highlighting strengths instead. When you have a few minutes to sell yourself, showing that you are highly motivated can impress employers and overshadow a lack of experience, for example. And, hiring managers can take in much more information by viewing a video than they can by reading over resumes and letters. That can work to the job seeker’s advantage.

Ready for Your Close Up? How to Get Started

“We want to make you look good,” said Krista Thurlow, District Manager at Bonney Staffing, about the video resume process. At Bonney, all applicants have access to their proprietary video resume system, and staffers take them through every step of the process, making sure the version on camera shows the applicant in the best possible light. Job seekers can think of it as making their very own commercial.

The interview consists of around 3-5 general questions – questions such as, “What would a recent supervisor say about you?” – that are walked through with the applicant beforehand. It takes 5-10 minutes to complete. It’s an easy, friendly, low-pressure process, built specifically around helping applicants make a great impression and get an edge when it comes to in-demand positions with some of the state’s top-tier companies.

The video’s creation and packaging is completely taken care by Bonney, and staffing specialists will send along a link to the video to hiring managers along with the applicant’s resume. Hiring managers have access to the video even if they didn’t specifically ask for one, so the applicant has every opportunity to make their mark.

It’s that simple. If you’re ready to put your best foot forward, start by filling out an application. And when you’re asked about a video resume, just say you’re ready for your close-up.

Work Gaps? No Experience? Volunteer Positions Can Be Resumé Gold

Job Search Advice for the New Year: Volunteer 

If seeking a job is your goal for 2015, then you’re probably taking a hard look at your resumé this month. After all, the decision to hire begins with your resumé or application. If you’ve been out of work for a while, or if your skills and experience aren’t measuring up, you may feel caught in a vicious cycle. Without getting hired, those gaps only grow wider, consuming any chance you have of getting the job you want. If your resumé or application is coming up short, get ready for the best advice you’ll hear in 2015: Volunteer.

It may seem difficult to give your time away when what you really need is a steady paycheck, but believe us when we say that volunteering can work magic on a resumé. It can make work gaps all but disappear and put skeptical employers under your spell.

According to the Corporation for National & Community Service, volunteers have higher odds of finding a job after being out of work than non-volunteers, and that increase can go up to 51% for those without a high school diploma. So if you’re in the job market this year, sprinkle the equivalent of a little gold dust on your application and volunteer. Here’s the run-down on getting the most out of the opportunity.

5 Ways Volunteering Helps Your Job Prospects 

1. It eliminate work gaps. Volunteering can go on your resumé as work experience, and that means fewer lapses to answer for, especially when it’s been some time between jobs.
2. It builds self-esteem. Job searching is a confidence sapper. Continuing your work routine and providing value to an organization combats job search hopelessness in a way nothing else can.
3. It develops skills. By choosing an opportunity that puts your skills to work, your volunteer experience is as good as a paid position. Even skills like teamwork and punctuality enhance a thin résumé.
4. It shows you’re a self-starter. Volunteering means you’re ambitious, you’re a go-getter, and you take helping your community to heart. In short, employers love it.
5. It provides contacts. It’s a fact that most hiring is done by hearing about a job or knowing someone who has one. Volunteering puts you back in the work force network.

5 Things To Know Before You Volunteer

1. Do what inspires you. Your volunteer work should be something you feel passionate about says the Florida Times Union. It will help you stay committed if you are connected to the organization’s mission.
2. Use your skills. Organizations have many needs, so be determined about the role you want to play, and make sure it’s something that pushes you to use your skills. If graphic design is your interest, do the monthly newsletter at the local animal shelter, and say no to that job cleaning cages, at least for now. 
3. Seek out contacts. Volunteer where there are people in your line of work, even if you’re doing something else in the organization. Also, be sure someone in the position of authority can give you a letter of commendation for your efforts. 
4. Make sure it’s a formal position. Some organizations simply aren’t equipped take on volunteers. Make sure your volunteer position is with a medium or large 501(c)3, or with a business that accepts interns, where you can take advantage of training, get on a set schedule, get your name in the weekly newsletter, and have a manager or volunteer coordinator to whom you report. 
5. Take it seriously. Your volunteer work is a reflection of the kind of employee you are, so put your professional foot forward just as you would in a paid position.

5 Ways To Begin

1. In Maine: Start your position search at VoluteerMaine.org, or look for organizations that accept volunteers at the Maine Association of Nonprofits.
2. In New Hampshire: VolunteerNH.org can help you find opportunities or learn about AmericaCorps. You can also visit NH Center for Nonprofits to find a compatible organization seeking volunteers.
3. Anywhere: Start your search at Serve.gov, or find the right opportunity for you at Voluteermatch.org, where you can search for opportunities by state.  You can also search local job boards – they usually post non-paid, intern, and volunteer positions along with paid ones.
4. Teach a class. Whether you’ve got knowledge in accounting, hula-hooping, or creating a Facebook page, community and adult education centers and some local support organizations are open to hearing pitches to head up classes and workshops of all kinds.
5. Use your skills to make a difference. Media Cause has work for those with professional and marketing skills willing to donate their time to a good cause (and in some cases, they can lead to paid positions).