The Key to Video Resumes

Video resumes are the new, hot trend in 2011. But how do you successfully create one to successfully market yourself to potential employers?

The sole purpose is NOT to simply read your resume on camera. This is your chance to give employers more insight into you - your personality, experience, achievements, goals, etc. - than initially shown on a piece of paper.

Business etiquette is necessary! Treat your video resume professional, yet personal. Just because you're not attending an in-person interview doesn't mean you don't have to look or act the part. Things to keep in mind:

• Dress properly
• Speak articulately
• Keep eye contact
• Keep it short, clear, and concise
  

Now that you've made your video resume, how do you go about sharing it with employers? There are a few ways to go about this - mailing a DVD version with your resume, sending as an email attachment, or uploading it to YouTube for example.

Keep in mind that making numerous copies can be time consuming and costly. Sending as an attachment can sometime be problematic - the employer might not have the software to open the video or the attachment it too large. Upload to a video sharing site seems like the best, least complicated option. Email a potential employer your resume with a link to your video resume. This simplifies the process for them, as well as, makes it easy for them to pass along to others.

Now let your video resume go viral! But don't let your video resume replace the traditional resume!

2011 Job Trends You Need to Know

Happy 2011 job seekers! Every new year not only means new beginnings, but new trends in fashion, dining, entertainment, and in the JOB WORLD!

In 2010, companies were heavily concerned with speeding up the application and hiring process as a result of the recession. With the recession over and the economy and unemployment slowly bouncing back, 2011 brings even more change.

• Companies, in 2011, have not only finally adjusted to smaller number of workers but are changing or have changed their workplace dynamic. Businesses are changing the direction of their overall focus in markets, products, revenue streams etc., but are still keeping the core business the same. As a result of this "shift" or "change" companies are adding new positions according to new U.S. trends. Positions focused on social media, green energy, and more are not only part this workplace change, but give those unemployed the opportunity for employment. For example, hundreds even thousands of people have taken to social media outlets to help in their job search, create their own network, and more. Colleges are teaching classes based on the use of social media for business. Only over the last year or two has a position in social media been available. Companies are finally beginning to realize how important and beneficial social media marketing is to their business.
  

• The hiring process has gotten more technological. Companies have smaller hiring staff that have to work with the intake and interviewing of a large number of applicants. Companies using video interviewing is slowly increasing to simplify the process for them and applicants. Relocating was a good way to find employment for some. However, the travel costs could have been a deterrent, so they resorted to video interviews or video resume. In 2010 23% of people who found new jobs relocated to another state.

• It was difficult for companies to acknowledge top talent with promotions. Many companies didn't or couldn't promoted, but it they did it was without a pay increase. Fortunately, 2011 has given companies money to give. Companies can now increase pay for staff, as well as offer higher titles. Employees can now feel secure and comfortable in their positions. With pay increases, employees can feel like they have a higher goal to work for. Employees are motivated!
  

For a complete list check out CareerBuilder's "Ten Employment Trends to Watch in 2011".

Get Hired Faster!

Everyone knows the traditional way of applying for a job - sending a cover letter with a resume, and wait for a response. To the thousands unemployed: How is that working for you? It's a time consuming and tedious process with little results.

The average job search takes 33 weeks until a job is secured. Want to speed up that process?

There have been numerous articles about extreme and guerrilla job search tactics. Before you resort to those, try these simple, subtle changes.

The average cover letter and resume is the same for every person. Those hiring get tired of reading the same thing over and over again. Job seekers use a cover letter and resume showcase their experience and skills set. Why not send a sales like cover letter? One example incorporating a quote, like a testimonial, from a past client or boss. It's a great way to get the hiring managers attention and stand out from the competition.

Looking on sites like Monster and Career Builder take the personality out the process. With almost everyone using those sites to submit jobs, or submit resumes to info@xyzcompany.com, why not take it a little farther? Do your research! Go to the company's site and find a specific person to send your sales, cover letter and resume to. Use this as your introduction to the company and to your potential hiring manager. If you can't find a name on the website, CALL!

Email is now the only way companies receive a candidates' documents. Again, go one step farther - email and mail. There is always a chance that you email isn't delivered. Technology can get glitchy. Two-day mailing gets you a tracking number so you know it got to the right place.

Finally, don't forget to call and follow up! So many use email to send a follow up or simply wait for the company to contact them. Calling is much more personal and it gives you the chance to make a more personal introduction to the company and even the person who would be conducting the interviews. Not many people think to call, so this is another way for you to stand out among the competition and show how serious you are about the position.

Try these few, simple changes in the application process. You might get hired within a month!