Video Resumes - Anybody doing it?

[Kevin Randolph]

I was just wondering if anybody here was shooting video resumes and what were your experiences with this product?

Thanks,
Kevin

[Victor Kellar]

The only kind of "video resume" I'm doing these days is for visual arts performers like actors, dancers, a couple of musicians, one comedian etc. They are bascially extended show reels ... samples of stuff they've done already on tape plus an interview that allows people to see their physical presence.

So, for me, its setting up an on cam situation with chapters leading to samples. I've done the interviews in a studio situation as well as "on location" like in a club, backstage, etc.

Large large performing arts community here so quite a few performers are looking for this kind of thing. They use them as resumes on discs as well as posting them on websites etc.

Prices vary. Low as 100 bucks, high as 300.

[Kevin Randolph]

Victor,
That's interesting and it seems like a natural fit for performing types. What I was refering to was the same type of thing, but for professional types. See the following link:

http://www.careertv.com/videoresumes...FQtlHgodxz3EQA

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Kevin

[Kevin Randolph]

Here's a video resume that I shot. Any thoughts? Lighting? Angles? Editing? Music?

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3x...esume_business

thanks,
Kevin

[Michael Wisniewski]

I think a great video resume should be like a movie trailer. How many times have you seen a movie trailer that makes you wanna go and see the movie right now? That's what would make a great video resume - get the viewer so excited about the subject, that they want to see more.

[Kevin Randolph]

Interesting idea... use it more like a teaser to get the candidate the in person interview.

Thanks,
Kevin

[Oliver Reik]

To be honest - I would not invite him to a interview.

I liked the shot with the books and the one with the computer. I also liked him speaking in front of the background - but I became pretty fast sick of it. He talks all of the time about what a great leader he is - so you should show him while leading others and working in a Team. I think this is especially important as he doesn't look too much like a leader and even loses the eye contact with the camera most of the time.

I also think that there should be less talk about all of his charity experiences and more information about some competitive things. When I watch the movie, I get the feeling that he is some kind of nerd - spending all of his time in a non profit organization, in his church or reading books.

Film him doing some challenging single-sports, some team sport where he is just a part of the team, some other things where he is the leader, and so on. Mix these scenes with some interviews in front of the white background. And - let him move in front of the background like a entertainer and let his body-language underline that he is hungry and willing to lead.

And last: put him into a nicer dress...

With best regards,

Oliver

[Kevin Randolph]

Oliver,
Thanks for your honest feedback. I really do appreciate it. You're right, there should have been some shots of him doing "leader" things: talking to a group of people, playing team sports, or working with an individual. I really do wish that time, location, and budget had allowed for that.

As far as the script, I think that that is on him. If these are the things that he wants to share with his potential future employer, I think that's his call and not my place to coach too much. Coach him to come across well on camera - yes (so I should have done more about the eye contact), but change his message to a potential employer - not really what I'm there for.

Thank you, Oliver, for your input. I really do value it and will change what I can in the future to make the next one better.

Thank you,
Kevin