PREPARE TO RECORD YOUR VIDEO INTRO
YOUR SECRET WEAPON!
- We found that the easiest way for you to stand out from competitors and land job interviews is to produce and share a two-minute Video Intro with hiring managers.
- Think of it as your professional highlight clip.
- It allows a hiring manager to quickly evaluate your enthusiasm, confidence, personality and communication skills — important criteria that your printed resume will never reveal.
- You’ll stand out from the hundreds of other applicants all competing for the same position you want.
- Don’t sweat this…it’s easy!
- We’ll record it with you — it takes just five minutes — edit the footage, and guide you every step of the way.
Below are some examples of Video Intros:
Now let’s get you ready to nail this so your Video Intro makes a great first impression
and helps you land the the job you want.
FOLLOW THESE STEPS
STEP 1 — SCHEDULE A TIME ON CALENDAR
- Schedule a convenient recording time your Recruiting Manager’s calendar. The link can be found in his/her Email signature.
- The sooner you can get this done the better.
STEP 2 — MAKE SURE ZOOM WORKS
- If you plan to us a laptop, confirm the Video and Audio to work properly before connecting with your Manager. Test it with a friend.
- If you plan to use a Cell Phone (often a lot easier than a laptop and better quality too), download the free Zoom app.
STEP 3 — STAGE YOUR ROOM
- Identify a bright spot in your house so the video quality is sharp.
- The light source should be in front of you so your face is clear.
- A solid color wall free of clutter is an ideal backdrop.
- Select at quiet room free of dogs, TVs playing, or other background noises.
STEP 4 — POSITION YOUR CAMERA
- Prop up your phone or laptop on books or a shelf so it’s eye level (not looking up at you).
- Holding a phone while recording yourself results in a wobbly and amateur looking video
- Record horizontally, not vertically, so it’s a wide-angle view.
- Maintain eye contact with the camera lens when you are talking.
- If your eyes are looking down or at the ceiling, it conveys a lack of confidence.
STEP 5 — DRESS SHARP
- Wear the same outfit you would to attend an in-person interview — at least from the waist up!
- No tee shirts, baseball hats, or recording from your car seat.
- It’s okay to overdress!
- For example, a cyber analyst might wear a hoodie to work every day, but for an interview — or your Video Intro — you’ll be taken more seriously and make a great first impression if you wear a button-down shirt.
STEP 6 — BE YOURSELF
- Imagine you’re having a casual and relaxed conversation with a buddy.
- You want to appear loose and not come as stiff.
- Do not read from a script.
- It’s extremely easy for a hiring manager to notice your eyes darting back and forth, and that looks horrible.
- Just be yourself and let your personality shine.
- That always makes the best impression.
STEP 7 — SMILE!
- Smile often!
- It’s extremely important that you look like you’re having fun, enjoying yourself, and would be a pleasure to work with you.
- It’s okay to laugh and not be so serious.
STEP 8 — ENTHUSIASTIC TONE
- Show energy and enthusiasm in your voice, hand gestures, and facial expressions.
- It’s crucial you sound excited for this job opportunity.
- Dull, monotone, and super serious candidates rarely get hired.
STEP 9 — BE CONDFIDENT
- Be aware of your posture.
- Sit tall in your chair – shoulders back, no slouching, no crossed arms.
STEP 10 — PREPARE YOUR ANSWERS
- Spend 30 minutes now thinking about what you want to say when we’re recording, and your Video Intro will be amazing.
- Again, don’t memorize or write down a script. Just think about what you would say so you’re relaxed and confident when the camera is rolling.
- We’ll record one question at a time and do multiple takes until you’re happy with your answer.
- Keep the focus on why you’re a great candidate. It’s okay to boast about your accomplishments. This is no place to be modest!
- Avoid long-winded answers and irrelevant details — be concise and get your points across quickly and confidently.
FOUR QUESTIONS WE'LL ASK:
QUESTION #1
- Talk about your military experience at a high level…responsibilities, achievements, etc.
- Avoid military acronyms or jargon — imagine you’re speaking to a civilian.
- Limit to 30 seconds
QUESTION #2
- What are your best characteristics and personality traits.
- Tailor them to ones that you feel line up with the job requirements we’re helping you find.
- Discuss what makes you a superstar employee — your unmatched work ethic, your persistence in the face of adversity, how you get along well with colleagues and supervisors, your “can-do” attitude, dedication, coachability, leadership qualities, etc.
- Share a story as an example if you’d like where you overcame a challenge and got a great result.
- Limit to 1 minute.
QUESTION #3
- What interests you in a career in this industry and why will you be great at it?
- Mention any industry-related skillsets, experience, or certifications you possess.
- Limit to 30 seconds to 1 minute.
QUESTION #4
- Tell us briefly about a hobby, interest, family life, etc.
- Start the answer with “In my free time, I like to…”
