Creating A Video Resume

by Derek Lennon

in Tips for Career Success

On a video resume, candidates can highlight their personalities, capabilities, and creativity in a visual resume. When recruiters watch a video resume they can see and hear applicants in a way that a paper resume doesn’t allow. It’s a fantastic creative outlet that will definitely make your job application stand out.

You can watch lots of video resumes online. Google “Video Resumes” and watch a few to see what video resumes are all about.

Videos are huge files, but some career sites do allow you to upload a video resume. It is always best to post your video resume on your personal website – then it can be accessed at anytime by anyone. You can also add a link to your video on your paper resume or a hyperlink in your digital resume for recruiters to click and watch it if they choose.

Inspired? Grab a video camera and create your own. It’s important to know your audience and employer. Focus your video on your niche and experience. Speak slowly, look at the camera, and be professional. Be sure to state your name and thank the viewer for watching your resume.

Video resumes offer you a chance to show off your personality. Personality can often be the deciding factor when you are searching for jobs. Here are a few tips to follow when you’re creating your video resume:

  • Be creative.
  • Don’t just recite your resume.
  • Use images and be active.
  • Capture the recruiter’s imagination.
  • Sell yourself.

Remember that video resumes are a new trend. It doesn’t replace the old paper or digital copy of the resume. You should ALWAYS send a written resume in addition to your video resume.

Video resumes are a great way to show a recruiter your enthusiasm and desire. They literally open up a world of creativity for you to express yourself. Make a video resume and link to it the next time you apply for a job. It could be the deciding factor.

Why not spend your day creating a video resume? It’s fun and it’s worth the effort! Have fun.

8 Reasons To Turn Down A Job Offer

by Derek Lennon

in Tips for Career Success

The economy is coming back and unemployment is continuing to drop, which is awesome news for job seekers. It also means that many job seekers are being faced with a new “problem” – turning down a job offer.

Everyone needs a job, so most of us never expect to be in a situation where we can turn down a job. It does happen and it can be an awkward and uncomfortable situation. Is it one you ever imagined being in?

To even be in this situation, you would have already gone through the job search, application process, and interview – that’s a lot of time invested. Typically the moment when most people realize that they need to turn down a job comes from the interview. Remember that interviews go both way – you are interviewing the employer and the employer is interviewing you.

Here are a handful of reasons why you might need to turn down a job:

  1. Received multiple job offers
  2. Company is not a good fit for you
  3. Don’t like the management (are they jerks?)
  4. Pay or benefits are not appropriate
  5. Personal obligations (a child, a big year, a ski season) may prevent you from doing your job
  6. Too much work, not enough vacation and play time
  7. It’s a dead end job
  8. Focus does not lead toward your long term goals

Making the decision to turn down a job is challenging. You may doubt your choice, but it is best to trust your instincts. If you do turn down a job, be honest, timely, appreciative, and professional. Try to do it in person and follow up with all contacts. Be sure to not waste anyone’s time and if possible recommend someone else for the job.

If you’ve got a good story about turning down a job, stop by Facebook and tell us about it.

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