Video resumes have been popping up in job postings, on social media channels, and in recruitment discussions. You might be curious about how they fit into your job search. After all, a short video could show your unique personality in a way that a paper resume never could. Yet plenty of job seekers hesitate, because they sense potential concerns. You’ll find yourself weighing production value, time commitment, and the possibility of unconscious bias. The question is: do the pros and cons of video resumes match your needs, skills, and career goals?
This guide takes a closer look at this trend in hiring. You’ll learn how a video resume might capture a hiring manager’s attention—or push them away if you’re not careful. You’ll also discover practical tips to help you avoid awkward camera angles, shaky camera work, and distracting items strewn in your background. It’s all about deciding if making video resumes actually boosts your chances of landing that dream job or if a traditional resume and cover letter still work best for you.
A video resume (often called a “video CV”) is a short video you create to introduce yourself, outline your qualifications, and showcase your soft skills. This style departs from the typical text based resume and cover letter format. Instead of black-and-white text, you appear on camera, speak directly to a prospective employer, and illustrate your background in a more personal way.
Job applicants who opt for a video resume usually aim to stand out from other candidates. In some creative industry roles—public relations, marketing, or video editing jobs—the process of creating a video resume may even demonstrate your technical expertise. You can display projects, highlight your speaking abilities, and convey your career story more passionately than a paper resume might allow. Plus, there’s a chance to show your presence, from eye contact to body movement.
Yet, a video resume isn’t for everyone. Some people prefer the familiar approach of sending a text-based resume and a polished cover letter. And in some industries, a paper resume still serves as the standard. It depends on the company’s culture, the demands of the role, and your personal comfort in front of the camera.
You can speak directly to a hiring manager when you create a video resume. This means your tone of voice, hand gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact all contribute to the story of who you are as a professional. If you feel confident explaining your background and you love conveying energy in your job application, a video resume can be a powerful format.
This approach helps if you’re targeting positions where strong communication skills matter, such as sales, customer service, or public-facing roles. A brief video can capture your passion more effectively than a written paragraph in some instances. You might even outshine other candidates who rely solely on a static resume.
Making video resumes can boost your personal brand. Instead of being just another digital file, you appear as an actual person. You can dress professionally as though you’re at an initial interview. You can even feature relevant clips of past achievements or creative projects in the background if the context allows. This differentiates you in a busy recruitment process.
In the creative industry, a video resume can be a platform for your flair. The effort it takes to produce something that looks professional can underscore your commitment to detail. Hiring managers often appreciate that extra step, especially when the role involves working on visuals or handling public relations tasks.
When most companies sift through dozens or even hundreds of paper resumes daily, a well-executed video might be a breath of fresh air. It can feel more memorable and show that you’re willing to take initiative. If you present your career story in a compelling format—highlighting major projects, explaining your primary skill sets, and showcasing your warm personality—your application may stand out in the initial screening.
While other candidates might struggle to convey their enthusiasm through plain text, you can appear on screen with a clear voice, genuine smile, and calm demeanor. That sense of presence can create a lasting impression in the mind of a recruiter or hiring manager, especially if they appreciate fresh approaches to the hiring process.
Poor production can derail your entire attempt. For example, shaky camera work, bad lighting, and room distracting noises will overshadow anything you have to say. If you shoot your video next to random or distracting items, like stacks of laundry or other family members passing in the background, that becomes the focus instead of your skills.
This matters because many hiring managers value the ability to see job seekers in action—nearly 80% say pre-recorded videos are helpful in evaluating candidates. However, a poorly made video can quickly turn a positive impression into a negative one, undermining your qualifications and professionalism. You don’t need a professional studio, but attention to production basics like clear audio and lighting is critical.
Recording and editing a video resume can be time consuming, especially if you aren’t familiar with video editing. You might spend hours learning how to remove awkward pauses or fix sound issues, and if your schedule is tight, producing a polished piece can feel like an entire project on its own.
You’ll also need to confirm that your file size or format meets job application requirements. Some employers only allow certain upload sizes or file types. Others might have no system in place to view video resumes, which means your time and effort could be wasted if it doesn’t open or play correctly.
Even the best video can’t guarantee a fair reception. Some hiring managers may bring biases they don’t apply to a traditional resume. Unconscious bias can come in many forms, from judgments about your background or age to assumptions about your accent. This might be a bigger issue in certain industries or companies.
In addition, the presence of pets wandering behind you or children making noise might be perceived negatively. It’s not necessarily fair, but those factors can sway a viewer’s perception. If you suspect that you won’t have complete control over your filming environment, a text-based resume might feel safer.
If you decide to move forward, these steps can help you avoid common pitfalls:
For more detailed tips and expert advice, check out How to Make Your Video Resume Stand Out to ensure your application leaves a lasting impression.
You may wonder how to share a video resume once it’s ready. Some people upload it to a professional platform like LinkedIn, while others include a private link in their cover letter. You can also host it on a secure video sharing site and paste the link in your application, if the company’s system allows external URLs.
Make sure you still include a text based resume, since many employers still rely on that format. You can reference your video as an additional resource. If you go this route, be sure your text-based material is as strong as your video. You’ll want consistent messaging across both formats.
In some industries, hiring managers may be excited to view video resumes, especially if they deal with visual content, social media, or marketing campaigns. But if you’re applying to more traditional fields—maybe certain finance or administrative roles—you might sense hesitation on their part. A safe strategy could be to prepare a video resume as a supplemental piece, then only share it when it’s specifically requested or if you’re applying to a forward-thinking company that values creative presentations.
The pros and cons of video resumes can guide your strategy as you move forward. A video resume can reinforce the strengths you’ve already demonstrated on paper by letting potential employers see the way you speak, carry yourself, and convey ideas. If you have a role in mind that thrives on personality, communication, and visual impact, this could set you apart.
On the flip side, be prepared to navigate production hurdles, possible tech limitations, and biases beyond your control. Weigh the pros and cons of video resumes against your personal comfort level, desired position, and company expectations, then determine if this approach will truly boost your job application.
Effortlessly record videos and reduce your anxiety so you can level up the quality of your content creation
