Make an Application Video

Due to the pandemic many companies have transitioned to virtual applications, and as a consequence, a new virtual process has emerged. Job seekers and employees need to adapt to this new method and operate within the given parameters. Below are some steps that can be taken prior, and during the video, so people can put their best foot forward when applying for a job!

Steps

  1. Research the job before hand! It is imperative that as an applicant, you look into the company, job and what your duties will be. This way, you can tailor your answers to the job description and talk about experiences/ actions that are related to the field or the position.
  2. Write notes about the position and how your experience is relatable to the job description. It is common that you forget or don't know how to answer a question. So when you have information written down prior to creating our video,  its easier to reference our notes and quickly come up with an answer.
    • Its also important to have these above the camera rather than below line of sight. It makes for a smoother transition to look above the camera than to constantly look down during the recording.
  3. Correct your lighting! Make sure you have lighting from multiple sources and that it is not too harsh. In film, the two most important types are key and fill lighting.
    • These reduce shadows and are designed to illuminate the subject and remove harsh shadows that obscure the facial features.
    • Often times these are places adjacent to the camera, at a 45 degree angle to the subject.
    • You can use lamps, phone cameras, flashlights ect.
  4. Dress for success. This is always a cheesy suggestion but it first impressions are important. If HR or a possible boss sees that you are wearing a shirt that does not fit the job or office atmosphere, it reflects poorly and can influence their decision. This is why it is more important to be over dressed than under dressed.
    • If you are uncertain about what to wear, ask yourself what you would wear when doing the job, and then dress slightly better. ie if you wear polos in the office, consider a button down and tie combination.
  5. Get your shot set up prior to the final shoot. Make sure that the camera is not too close or too far away. My recommendation is to follow the one third rule. ie you fit in one third of the frame.
    • If you are too close to the camera the shot will feel cluttered, making the viewer anxious.
    • Too far and you may give off a sense of disconnect.
    • If you are seated when giving the interview, make sure to get your head and upper body in the frame.
  6. Practice makes perfect so take the time to prepare answers to common questions. Many companies ask about future goals, the driving force behind your application, and what interests you about the position. Practicing these answers can give you needed confidence prior to the recording.
  7. Prepare your environment. If you are recording these application videos in your room, clean up. Make your background as clean and orderly as possible. It may seem like a small detail but the person watching the video can pick up small details about a person based on their environment. Hobbies, lifestyle, interest can be implied by what is seen in the background of your shot. If you know your audience you can use this to your advantage with a well placed mug, book or object that is familiar to the job or interviewer.
  8. Be confident in your answers and speak clearly. If you fumble over your words you can always rerecord, so it is better to speak well and confidently than to mumble or second guess yourself.
    • If you are timed or only have a limited number of submissions for your video application, it is highly recommend to speak slower than normal. This will come off as confidence and will give you time to pronounce your answers better.
  9. Send a follow up after the video recording if you know where your application is being sent. It shows that you are diligent and is a professional courtesy that shows respect.
  10. Make sure to eat, drink water and use the bathroom prior to this video. When you are recording your should be focused on the video rather than on externalities. Many times thoughts wander so its important to remove as much outside influence as possible.
  11. Find a quiet spot and record in a place with the fewest distractions. The kitchen or a public space may not be the best option, so consider the noise level, your background, distractions, and traffic around your shooting space.
  12. Look into your setup and the software you are using so you don't have to scramble at the last minute. Give yourself time to make adjustments and changes so you have the best lighting, camera angle,  setup, background, etc. This may take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour, but the payoff is worth it.
  13. Give a good first impression. You only have one chance to make a first impression so make it count. Every person has a bias so it is important that we give the best first impression possible. If we follow the above suggestions and execute well, the final result is out of our hands.
  14. Be patient and understand that applying for jobs is a process. There are few times that you nail the first interview so experience is a necessary step when applying for jobs. It takes time to land your first job so breath and be calm.
  15. Good luck with you applications interviewees!

Warnings

  • The process for making videos differs from company to company since software, time to prepare and the process differs. Always take time to prepare and research the process prior to making and sending application videos.

References

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