Every once in a while, a new fad finds its way into the job market that not only promises to set you apart from your competition, but downright guarantees you a new job full of awesome. The fad of the new millennium is easily the video resume. Probably taking its roots from the reels professionals in the film and video industry would use to showcase their skills and experience, the video resume puts your mug on your employer's video screen, and lets you sell yourself face to virtual face. In theory, this seems like a great way to set yourself apart, especially in such a competitive job market, but there are also many ways in which video resumes can go dramatically (and catastrophically) wrong. Corrupted video files, scratched discs, and incompatible software have probably cost more than one or two candidates an opportunity to land a job. More than that, presenting a DVD is often simply inappropriate and can make you seem like a desperate over-achiever. It is vital to not only know how to build a good video resume, but also when its use will most effectively bolster your employment potential.

The argument for video resumes is that they let employers see you in a very individual way before asking you to come in for an interview, by which point, it's almost as if they've already met you. This way, when you do interview, you're more familiar to the interviewers than any of your competition. But there are a couple of key variables. Your potential employer has to actually put your DVD into his computer (which he could view as extra work for himself), and your DVD has to actually work. So before your video has even begun, there are two ways in which it could go wrong: The person doing the hiring may not have access to a DVD player or a computer, and your DVD file may not work. Add to that the fact that your personality may not come across well in a video at all.

That said, using a video resume may actually be a good idea for positions that not only rely on your skills and experience, but your presence as well. For example, if you're applying for a sales job or a teaching position, it might not be a bad idea to include a short video that displays your presence in a good light. This works especially well for sales jobs because you are, in essence, selling yourself—you are selling your presence. And if you can accomplish that, it's a good bet you can sell the company's product of choice.

There are some things to keep in mind, however. If you get called to the interview, bring a copy of the DVD with you, as well as a laptop computer. Have the DVD in the computer (which should be in sleep mode only; do not turn it off) and ready to go. If you make them wait while you boot up your computer to show them your DVD, you can pretty much kiss your job opportunity good-bye. But showing them the DVD in person may also be redundant. You'll have to feel the situation out and decide during the interview if it is an appropriate step. So it would be helpful to have something on the DVD that you can show them in no other way. For example, role play a few possible sales scenarios with a willing assistant. It's not enough simply to make yourself stand out for the sake of standing out. Your video resume should only be used if there is no other way to get across the information you think will help you land a job.

Now, some jobs applications require a DVD presentation. These are typically jobs in the video or film fields, and can extend to advertising, website design, and so on. In this case, they are usually called “reels”—and the video is essentially a portfolio of your best samples of work. It's important to build your reel like a print artist would build a portfolio. It should be a fluid piece of work, changing periodically to better represent where you are as an artist today. Therefore, be sure to include your most up to date projects. Do not say things like, “this piece only took me two hours,” or “I was really rushed here, but it turned out.” Let your work speak for itself—don't editorialize, because your potential employers honestly won't care. They only care about the kind of product you can create for them. And while you will probably have already given them a reel in order to get an interview, if you do indeed get interviewed, be sure to follow the steps above, and bring a laptop with the DVD loaded and ready to go.

In both cases, it is best to know that if you screw it up, you're going to look like a fairly large fool. So know what you're doing and test incessantly beforehand. Also, make sure you aren't exporting your video files as anything exclusively Mac or PC-based (since you have no idea what kind of machines your potential employers might be working on). If you're burning a regular, watchable DVD (as opposed to a data file), avoid fancy title screens. Keep it simple, and you limit the potential for crashing and burning.

The video resume is a big risk, with potentially big payoff. In order to maximize your chances of success you need to be well informed, careful, and patient. Be particular about when you use your video resume. Treat it as a tool on your belt and use only when it's the right one for the job. Employers are usually savvy enough not to be impressed by gimmicks. But, if you do it right, you will add another weapon to your arsenal, make yourself more memorable, and potentially increase your chances of finding a good job.

Now that you have read about Video Resumes and Building a Reel, may we suggest that you take the next step and check out Reel World. It is important to us that we are able to help people as they recover and prosper after job loss, so please contact us with suggestions, corrections, and even your personal experiences. If you found this article or video to be helpful, we'd love for you to share it with a friend. Also, be sure to check out all of the amazing resources for your career transition in the  ILostMyJob.com Book Store!

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