The Ultimate Guide To Using Video In Your Job Search

The job market is constantly evolving. The pace is frenetic, the competition is fierce, and job seekers are all too familiar with the frustration of shooting resumes into the void only to be met with silence. This pain is particularly acute during downturns when every job posting gets drowned in an ocean of applicants.

If you want to stand out, it’s time to say goodbye to “spray and pray” job hunting — showering companies with generic resumes and hoping for a bite. This approach, much like shouting into a roaring crowd, is as exhausting as it is ineffective. A savvy job seeker knows that, if they’re going to get noticed,  they need to cut through this noise and make a lasting impression that goes beyond words on a resume.

“I’m getting ghosted a lot more lately. I wonder what I can change?” - You before incorporating video prospecting into your job search. 

This is where video is your new best friend. Video, once the territory of vloggers and influencers, is now a potent tool in your job search arsenal. It allows you to bypass the sea of yawn-inducing CVs, injecting personality, and life into your job application. With video, you become more than just a list of qualifications on a paper; you become a face, a voice, a potential collaborator, and a team member.

In this guide, we'll explore how you can gain a competitive edge by using video in your job search. We'll explore why it's so effective, how to send your video to the right people, and what benefits the format offers. We will also cover practical tips like the ideal length for your video and how to make it captivating for a hiring manager.

So let's dive in. It's time to transform your job search from an exercise in repetition and resilience to a strategic, focused, and personal pursuit of the perfect role.

Why Use Video In Job Search?

When it comes to job searching, standing out is no longer optional — it's a survival strategy. 77% of job seekers have reported that they experienced some form of ghosting after the pandemic, and a whopping 10% have experienced this after a verbal offer was made. With numbers like these, a video offers many benefits that extend beyond the mere novelty of the medium. Here are some compelling reasons why you should seriously consider it:

• Distinctiveness: Job boards are brimming with applicants, with companies receiving hundreds, sometimes thousands, of resumes for a single position (the average is around 250, according to Zippia). A video message cuts through the noise and gives your application an immediate edge, making you more than just a name on a page.
• Personality: Videos capture your personality in a way that paper resumes and written cover letters simply cannot. They provide the unique opportunity to show your face, share your voice, and convey your enthusiasm, charisma, and verbal communication skills directly to potential employers. You become more than just a name on a list.
• Directness: A video doesn't just make you visible in a crowded market — it can also help you bypass some of the usual bottlenecks. A paper resume usually passes through several hands before reaching the hiring manager. But a video is a backstage pass directly to the decision-makers, transforming the job search process from a game of patience to a proactive pursuit.
• Demonstration of sales acumen: Salespeople regularly use video on the job. If you're aspiring for a sales position, a video is a fantastic tool to demonstrate your skills with the format. You're essentially selling yourself to the hiring manager the same way you would their product or service, using your ability to engage, persuade, and close effectively.

Ready to break free from the traditional methods, and embrace a strategy that makes you visible, engaging, and memorable? Good — because in the following sections, we'll delve into who exactly you should send your video to, and how to do it effectively.

Identifying the Right Recipient for Your Video

Now that you're up-to-speed on the power of  video applications, the next question is: who do you send your video to? 

In the job-hunting process, it's crucial to deliver your message to the right person, and here's how you can do it:

• Research on LinkedIn: When a job opens up, head to LinkedIn first. By researching the company's employees and their roles on this professional networking platform, you can often tease out who the hiring manager for your target position might be. From there, you can learn more about them and even reach out directly. 
• Reach out to the recruiting team: If you can’t identify the right person on LinkedIn, don't fret! Reach out to the company's recruitment team and express your interest in the position. A direct approach can work wonders–politely ask them who the hiring manager for the role is. It’s a simple question, but one that very few think to ask.

You want your carefully crafted video introduction to be seen and, most importantly, remembered. Delivering your introduction to the right person is the first step in that direction.

Ideal Length for a Job Search Video

The saying, "less is more," holds especially true when it comes to job search videos. Your mission is to engage your audience, make a memorable impression, and leave them wanting to learn more about you.

At the same time, the hiring manager's time is valuable. They're likely reviewing multiple applications, so your video needs to make a quick and compelling impact.

That’s why we recommend keeping your video crisp and focused. Aim for a length of around 25 to 40 seconds.-- a sweet spot that gives you enough time to introduce yourself, express your interest in the position, and highlight your qualifications without running the risk of losing the viewer's attention.

To hit those targets, stay upbeat, keep your language concise and your tone enthusiastic. Remember, your video isn’t meant to replace your entire resume or cover letter—it’s meant to enhance them, provide a glimpse of your personality, and pique the hiring manager’s curiosity. This is your chance to shine!

How to Record a Video for a Hiring Manager

Recording a video for a hiring manager may seem daunting, but with a bit of preparation and the right tools, you can create an impactful and memorable introduction. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:

• Plan your content: Before hitting the record button, plan what you want to say. Keep your message clear, concise, and tailored to the specific job and company you're targeting.
• Use Vidyard: Vidyard is a fantastic tool that allows you to record and send personalized videos with ease. Plus, its analytics feature lets you track viewer engagement.
• Set the scene: Use a backdrop that’s professional and clutter-free. Make sure your face is well-lit and visible. And don't forget to check your audio quality!
• Dress professionally: Pick clothing that you'd wear to an in-person interview with the company.
• Practice: Do a few trial runs before you start recording. Practice will help you feel more comfortable, make your delivery smoother, and help eliminate unnecessary “ums” and “uhs”.
• Keep it short and sweet: Remember, aim for 25-40 seconds. You want to spark interest, not overstay your welcome.
• Be yourself: Authenticity resonates. Let your personality shine through—smile, use natural language, and show enthusiasm.
• Review and send: Watch your video before sending it off. Make sure the message is clear and the video is free of technical issues. When you're happy with the result, send it to the hiring manager through Vidyard.

Recording a video is more than just hitting a button on a camera—it's an opportunity to make a personal connection with your prospective employer and stand out from the crowd.

How to Measure Results and Views

Unlike text-based applications,  using video in your job search unlocks the ability to analyze your impact. Let's look at how you can use the analytics provided by Vidyard to measure results and views:

• Viewer analytics: Vidyard provides you with detailed insights into who watched your video and for how long. This information is crucial as it can help you understand what content resonated with the viewer.
• Engagement metrics: Did the hiring manager watch the entire video, or did they drop off after a few seconds? Did they rewatch a specific part? Engagement metrics can give you a clear picture of what worked and what didn't.
• Response rates: If you notice a particular video getting more views or attracting more responses, it's a good indicator that your approach is working.
• Follow-up opportunities: Using these insights, you can identify opportunities to connect with a hiring manager. For example, if they’ve watched your video multiple times, you might send a follow-up email or connect further on LinkedIn.

Vidyard’s analytics aren't just numbers — they're a powerful real-time feedback tool that can guide your job search strategy and approach. Remember, every view, every second watched, and every rewatch is a clue to understanding your audience better and refining your message. Don't shy away from these insights; embrace them, and use them to your advantage.

Getting Help with Your Script

We've walked through the reasons to use video in your job search, identified the ideal person to send your video to, determined the perfect video length, learned how to record a compelling video, and analyzed the behind-the-scenes metrics . But, what about the script? 

What do you say in those 25 to 40 seconds to ensure you make an impact?

Creating a punchy, effective script isa balancing act between being professional and being yourself. It's about showcasing your skills without sounding boastful and expressing your enthusiasm without coming across as desperate.

We can help with that! At Uvaro, we know how challenging it can be to say everything you want to say in less than a minute. That's why we've created a Workshop specifically designed to help job seekers like you craft compelling video scripts.

At the Workshop, you'll discover everything you need to know about :

• What to include in your video script

• How to structure your script for maximum impact

• Techniques to convey your personality and enthusiasm

• Tips for avoiding common pitfalls and clichés

By the end of the Workshop, you'll have a strong, engaging script that'll give you an edge in your job search.

Remember, a job search is not just about finding a job - it's about landing the right job where you can grow, thrive, and shine. And Uvaro is here to help you do just that. Take the first step towards standing out in your job hunt and sign up for our ‘Video Prospecting In The Job Search’ Workshop today. 

See you there!