Blog as Resume, How About Video Resume?

As resumes move from paper to online profile to blogs, the video resume could soon become a new norm. 

“The blog is your resume,” Jeremiah Owyang told me this week over lunch, refering to his recent blog post. A few weeks ago, I wrote about Rohit Bhargava’s story on the Social Media resume.  NY Times’ Abby Ellin on 4/21/07 talks about video resumes, which could make “the blog is your resume” even richer, more meaningful and impactful. 

TV news reporters, anchors and producers have always kept a “reel” of their best work. Their reel was their resume or ticket to getting a new or better job. Other media industry pros do the same. Now since “we are the media,” it seems that short video resumes might be right for anyone with a blog and a career under construction. 

Why not create a good self-made video interview where you answer/address thoughtful questions any potential employer may ask?  

Something related to note, HR Magazine March 2007 cited a study on web conferencing by global consulting company Frost & Sullivan shows this market jumping nearly 300 percent between 2005 and 2011, to $2.9 billion. 

Seeing yourself on video allows you to see how other people really see you. You can see any mannerisms you’re not aware of. Saying the right words with good delivery is important – especially for audio-only interviews (i.e. phone), but seeing your body language immediately triggers trust, confidence and personality. 

First, bone up on “media training” techniques…which really means, think about your audience, what is important to them, how they like to be talked to, and how can you make your story interesting and meaningful to them? Sounds like common sense, but when it comes to you telling your story it might help working with a trusted friend or someone who is media savvy — professional or otherwise.  Or simply find examples you like and emulate, but tell your authentic story while being mindful of your audience. 

Here are some quotes from Abby Ellin’s NY Times’ story:  

• “We live in an on-demand world where people want the most detailed information to make a decision, as well as the ability to make that decision quickly,” said Nicholas Murphy, 27, the co-founder of WorkBlast.com, which aims to help users create online video résumés. It also allows employers to videotape themselves so they can advertise to prospective employees. (Now that’s “two-way”) 
• “Executives fall into a trap of speaking business-speak,” said Karen Friedman, a media trainer. “While they might speak the language of their subject, it’s like listening to someone who’s stuck in a tunnel. They’re in a fog. The point they really need to get across gets muddled, lost and unfocused. What is it you want the listener to remember about your message when you’re done communicating?
• Debra Benton , media trainer: People will soon forget what you have accomplished and long remember how you made them feel. That’s true on a date, in a job interview, even in Congress. You can get more of an emotional response if you can tap at the heartstrings.”  Do everything purposefully, and slow down. “Not to the point where you look like you’re dragging with energy, but most of us go too fast; we hurry; we look anxious. The more time you give yourself, the more status people give you. If you slow down, you look calm and make others calm around you. For instance, when shaking hands, pump two and a half times instead of one. You only have seconds to set yourself apart.”

More video interview tips from Karen Friedman: Ace Your Next Media Interview, Every Number Tells A Story, When Bad News Happens to Good People, Just Say It!

Debra Benton offers tips on how to be a good self-coach.  In her article Traits That Make Good Lovers Make Good Leaders, she suggests: “Ask questions. Know what people need and want. Use humor. No one will fault you for lightening the mood. Touch. Figuratively and literally pat people on the back. Initiate. Don’t wait to be asked or prodded. Slow down, shut up, and listen. When you play hard to get they want you more.”