Video Resume Tips:
Dos & Don’ts for Success

Why Dos & Don’ts Matter

A video resume is a powerful tool—but only when executed well. By understanding the key best practices (the Dos) and the pitfalls to avoid (the Don’ts), you’ll ensure your video comes across as polished, professional, and memorable.

The Dos of an Effective Video Resume

• Plan & script your content.

Draft a short script (intro, 2‑3 key points, closing) so you stay concise and on‑message. Practice until it feels natural.

• Keep it short & engaging.

Aim for 60‑90 seconds; respect recruiters’ time and hit them with your strongest qualifications in the first 20 seconds.

• Dress & act professionally.

Treat the recording like an interview: business‑appropriate attire, good posture, clear speech, and genuine enthusiasm.

• Tailor your message.

Reference the role or company when possible and emphasize the skills that match the job you’re targeting.

• Ensure good production quality.

Use front‑facing light, a quiet space, and eye‑level framing. Clear audio and a clean background = instant credibility.

• Show personality.

Be authentic and personable—briefly share a passion or anecdote that humanizes your candidature.

• End with a call to action.

Close with a polite invitation: “Thanks for watching—I’d love to discuss how I can contribute to your team.”

The Don’ts That Can Undermine Your Video

• Don’t read your resume word‑for‑word.

Use the video to add value—share enthusiasm, impact stories, and cultural fit rather than reciting bullet points.

• Don’t make it too long or generic.

Skip vague clichés; focus on a few concrete achievements the employer will care about.

• Don’t use an unprofessional setting or tone.

No cluttered bedrooms, noisy cafés, or slangy jokes. Keep the backdrop clean and the tone business‑friendly.

• Don’t ignore audio/video quality.

Shaky, dark, or echo‑filled footage distracts and frustrates viewers—test your setup first.

• Don’t lie or exaggerate.

Authenticity builds trust. Stretching the truth will backfire in interviews or reference checks.

• Don’t forget to edit out mistakes.

Remove major stumbles, background interruptions, or confidential info. Tight editing shows attention to detail.

• Don’t skip a peer review.

Have a friend or mentor watch before sending. Fresh eyes catch distracting quirks you might miss.

Conclusion

Mastering these dos and don’ts will dramatically raise the quality of your video resume—helping you stand out for the right reasons. Ready to put the tips into practice? Record your video resume free with ResumeMaker.Video and apply for your next role with confidence!