Osa sisällöstämme on saatavilla myös englanniksi. Tämä artikkeli on julkaistu suomeksi täällä.
Video applications have quickly become popular around the world and more and more employers are hoping to get video applications from applicants even in Finland. Videos make it easier for the employer to screen out applicants. Videos can also give a clearer picture of the applicant compared to a traditional application.
For the applicant video applications are a good way to stand out from the crowd. Below you will find five outstanding examples of good video applications and tips for taking advantage of them yourself.
5 good video applications and what you can learn from them
1. A fun and insightful video application
Todd Cavanaugh applied for a position at Dropbox with the above masterpiece. Videos like these are a good way to catch the company’s attention, especially in Finland, where you don’t really see these kinds of videos online yet.
Tips for your own video
Do something different. Think of the company you are applying for or your own field in broader terms. How can you highlight your expertise in a fun and insightful way?
Pay attention to the the lighting and sound quality. Cavanaugh’s video stands out also for its quality. You don’t need to invest in state-of-the art equipment to produce good quality; nowadays even most phones are equipped with relatively good cameras. You can make your video more professional by filming in a well-lit place and by eliminating as much background noise as possible.
Ask for help. Does editing make you uncomfortable or would your video be better if someone else filmed it? Don’t be shy to ask for help; instead bravely ask for assistance for example through social media.
2. A short and concise video application
Graeme Anthony’s video is short and simple. The brilliance of the video is that it guides the viewer towards other videos, where Anthony tells more about himself.
Tips for your own video
Make your video a starting point towards other channels. Anthony directs you to watch more of his videos. In case it seems like too much work to make several videos, you can add links to for example your blog, online portfolio or LinkedIn profile, to your video. This is by the way the time to get your LinkedIn profile in shape!
Make several shorter videos. A good video application is short and concise. If you have a lot to say, divide your video into several smaller parts and focus on one main point in each of them. This way you can share a lot of insights without boring your viewer with one long video. Remember to link the shorter videos with each other!
3. A clear and professional video application
Sajita Nair’s video stands out in its simplicity thanks to Nair’s clear and calm style of speaking.
Tips for your own video
Speak clearly. Practice your speech properly. Speak in a clear voice and avoid filler words (for example “like”) and mumbling. You can also edit away breaths, sighs and unnecessary pauses. Remember to talk to the camera and to look straight at the lens.
Don’t let your clothing steal all the attention. Especially in more conservative fields you should keep your outfit professional, simple and professional. Bright colors and for example big jewels will take the attention away from you. Think about what you would wear to a job interview and dress the same way.
Keep the background clean. The same goes here as with the bright clothes; an untidy or restless background can steal the attention from the focus of the video, which is you. Make sure to move any unnecessary object away from the background.
4. A video application utilizing different elements
Cristina Castro’s video is skillfully made and visually interesting.
Tips for your own video
Show, don’t tell. Have you made something visually impressive during your work or school career? Show it on your video.
Utilize written text. You can add key words to your video with an editing program or for example write the most important things about you on a paper and show the texts on the video. This tip is especially useful if speaking to a camera makes you uncomfortable.
5. A video application mimicking a job interview
Alex There had the idea of interviewing himself.
Tips for your own video
Film an imaginary interview. Interview yourself like There did, or ask a friend to help you. This is a natural way of highlighting the most important things about you. A discussion might also be more natural to film than a monologue performed for the video.
Suomeksi: Millainen on hyvä videohakemus – 5 huikeaa esimerkkiä