The resume, which has become one of the most important accessories for job search, has seen a lot of changes over time. Before typewriters and printer...
The resume, which has become one of the most important accessories for job search, has seen a lot of changes over time. Before typewriters and printers became popular, job applicants would carry a handwritten copy of their resume with them. Typewritten copies of resumes were in style until now. Now there has been a major change in fashion in resumes once again. Video resumes are all the rage today.
A video resume promises to be interesting, unlike the boring piece of document that the old printed resume was. The job applicant shoots himself on video answering to certain selected questions. And every time there’s a career opportunity in sight, the video is made available to the employer.
Thanks to the increased access to video cameras, now creating a video resume is really easy. If you cannot afford a high priced digital video camera, nor do you want to engage a professional agency for the purpose, use your cell phone instead.
Preparation is the key to an effective video resume. Just as we would want our printed resume to be impeccable, giving the best to the shooting will be necessary. Dress immaculately, just as you would on the D-day. Practice the regular questions about your qualifications, experience, career etc. The introduction and the conclusion to the resume must be well rehearsed. Precise introductions, explaining well your purpose of calling are acceptable. The closing must force the employer to action. Career discussions can significantly help in this preparation.
For jobseekers who are applying from out of town, video resumes can be a ticket to winning job search. The prospective employer gets to know better of you, than a paper resume would have revealed. So when you receive a call from the employer, you know that you have already made a mark on the employer.
When shooting a video resume, keep in mind that you have a very small attention span of the employer. So try to emphasize and prioritize your most important skills in the shortest possible time. Also include visuals such as you leading a seminar, getting an award etc.
However, video resumes haven’t altogether substituted the paper resumes. They still need to be attached for more objective information on the applicant.
Also ensure that there are adequate arrangements for playing the CD or DVD carrying your video resume. In case the CD doesn’t play, don’t panic. Give your best shot in person and I bet that you will come out with flying colours.
Change Pusher # 3- Where’s the Job Satisfaction
Not satisfied with your present job? Feel that the job does not utilise the skills you have acquired? Does the job not offer you a chance to nurture your creativity? Most of us would like to answer these questions in an affirmative; but few of us actually can. So what’s missing? It’s job satisfaction.
Change pusher # 2- My boss, my enemy
Prime on any employee's list of work issues is a bad boss. Talk to him about his boss and you have raised a painful issue. Now, hear all he has to say about how dominating he is at work and how he is making his life hell. Most working people would rate unsupportive employer as a big woe.
Change pusher # 1- Oh I am underpaid
HR consulting firm Hewitt Associates forsees an average pay hike of Indian employees to increase by 14.5% for the fourth year round in its salary survey. This has boosted expectations of all jobseekers who are looking for new jobs. And the employer who is able to meet the expectations is the one who reins the talent of employees.
