How to Create a Video CV: Step-by-Step Guide + Script Examples

The video CV is a high-stakes format, but get it right and it can be a powerful way to showcase your personality and qualities in a way a paper CV cannot. In this article, we'll show you:

Before we go any further, let's clarify exactly when you should use a video CV, and the industries and roles where it can hand you a competitive advantage:

What is a video CV?

At its core, a video CV is a short, recorded video created by a jobseeker to introduce themselves, showcase their communication skills, and pitch their qualifications directly to hiring managers. Think of it as a digital elevator pitch. It is designed to supplement (not replace) your traditional written CV by adding a personal touch that text alone cannot capture.

An ideal video CV is between 60 and 90 seconds long and typically includes:

Hiring companies often request a video CV to get a deeper, more dynamic look at a candidate before the formal interview process even begins. This format allows employers to preview your communication and presentation skills (which is especially critical for roles where public speaking or client interaction is key) while simultaneously evaluating your personality and cultural fit within the organization.

From an operational standpoint, videos also help hiring managers efficiently manage a high volume of applications, gauge your digital literacy, and easily differentiate between candidates who might otherwise look identical on paper.

When should you use one?

You should absolutely submit a video CV if the employer explicitly requests it in the job description. However, if it's optional, it is a fantastic tool to use when:

How to write your video CV script, with examples

When it comes to structuring your video CV, you'll want to write a script and keep the content of the video squarely on topic and concise throughout. The better you prepare for your video VC, the more impressive and impactful the final version will be. Let's take a look at each of the elements to include in your video CV:

1. Introduction

Open your video CV with a brief introduction, greeting the viewer and introducing yourself. In this section, it's also a good idea to briefly confirm the role you're applying for, your current job title, your experience level and your current employer. This will deliver some critical information right at the outset of your video CV, setting the scene for the rest of the video. Keep the tone friendly and approachable, while maintaining an air of professionalism appropriate for the industry you're applying to.

Here's a video CV example introduction

Hi [name of hiring organisation, or hiring manager]. I'm [insert name], and I'm applying for the Sales Manager role. My background is in sales, and I'm currently working as a SaaS sales manager with nine years' experience scaling revenue for high-growth B2B technology companies.

2. Work experience overview

After briefly introducing your current position and experience level, provide some further detail to help the employer understand your situation, and assess how it fits with the role you're applying for. Pick out a few key aspects of your current role that are particularly relevant to the position.

Here's an example of a work experience overview:

Most recently I've led the mid-market sales team at [current employer name], where I built and managed a team of 12 account execs across the UK business. Before that, I worked for three years in junior SaaS roles, developing the consultative selling approach that's defined my career since.

3. Key achievements

Next, reel off a few key career achievements that show the impact you've made and display skills relevant to the job description. In this segment, you'll need to strike a balance between confidence and arrogance, clearly showing the value you've added to previous employers without appearing boastful. This can be more tricky on camera than in writing, so it's a good idea to practice your delivery.

Here's an example of an achievements segment in a video CV:

At [current employer], I've grown annual recurring revenue from £2.1M to £6.8M in four years. Recently, I've also personally closed the company's two largest enterprise deals in the latest quarter — both of which are seven-figure contracts.

4. Fit for the role and company

Now it's time to relate your experience and achievements to the role and organisation you're applying to. Emphasise why you're a good fit for the role, and why you want to work for the company. Again, in this section, the key is balance. Aim for a combination of showing what you can offer the company, and the positive things that attracted you to the organisation.

Here's an example of how to express your fit for the role and company:

[Company name] is exactly the kind of organisation I want to be part of — a genuinely differentiated product in a market that's primed and ready for it, when the right sales leadership can take your growth to the next level. I understand the sector, I've hired and led teams through this stage before, and I'm confident I can bring that success to your organisation.

5. Call to action

End with a very brief call to action that encourages the opening of a dialogue between you and the employer. As with your greeting, aim for a natural, friendly tone, and ensure it doesn't feel overly formal, or like you're simply reading your cover letter out loud.

Here's an example of how to end your video CV:

I'd love to talk about the role in more detail. I'm available whenever you're ready to reach out, and look forward to connecting soon. Thanks for your time.

Script examples for your Video CV

Take a look at these complete video CV script examples, for inspiration when writing your own video CV script:

How do you shoot your video CV?

You don’t need professional equipment to shoot your video CV. You can either use your smartphone, a webcam or a standard camera, but there are lots of things you can do to make your video CV more professional. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a video that makes a positive first impression:

Step 1: Review your CV and cover letter

Before you launch into your video, it's important to review your CV and cover letter, so you can align your video CV script with them and add extra insight and clarity beyond what's covered in these documents. Most video CVs accompany a traditional CV, and sometimes a traditional cover letter as well.

As such, you'll want to produce high-quality versions of these as a starting point, using a professional CV template, and then boost your application to the next level with your video CV.

Step 2: Plan your message and write a script

Next, plan and write your script. Remember, the aim of a video CV isn’t to regurgitate the contents of your CV. Research from Jobseeker shows recruiters typically only spend around 30 seconds reviewing each traditional CV, so they won't be able to sit through a lengthy video CV. Keep the video to a maximum of two minutes, aiming to keep it between 60 and 90 seconds if possible.

Focus on your unique selling point. What makes you stand out as a candidate? Have a look at the job description and try to incorporate some of the key requirements into your video. As a shortcut to writing a strong video CV script, your cover letter can be a good place to start. Search for your job title in Jobseeker's cover letter examples, if you want a head start in drafting your video CV script.

Step 3: Prepare your filming setup (space, light, audio)

Your filming set up can make or break your video CV, so take some time to get it right before you shoot.

• Make sure you place your camera in a good position—level with your eyes so you can look directly into the lens, and close enough that it feels like a conversation.
• Lighting could make or break a video. Always try to record your video during the day, to make sure you have enough light and ensure that you don’t have backlighting from a window as this will obscure your face.
• Finally, test your audio quality before you shoot your final video. You can probably get away with a less than high-quality video, but if employers can’t hear you, they won’t bother to listen to what you have to say. If you have a separate microphone, use it. Otherwise, use a quiet room where you are not bothered by ambient noise and there are no discernable echoes.

Step 4: Dress for the position/industry

If you’re sending a video CV, it’ll be the first impression an employer gets of you. As with a job interview, you’ll need to choose appropriate attire. While it probably isn’t appropriate to film in a T-shirt and a pair of jeans, it’s also not a good idea to dress in a three-piece suit for most jobs. Make a judgement on the best attire for the video CV, and check your appearance in the mirror before you shoot.

Step 5: Record multiple takes

It might take several attempts to nail the perfect delivery of your video CV, so record multiple versions that you can pick and choose from later. Relax, and don't worry if you mess up. Unlike a job interview, you have more than one shot to get this right.

Step 6: Edit and finalise your video

Finalising your video CV using basic video editing software can elevate your application to new heights. You don't need to know fancy video production techniques to make your video CV look more professional. Using editing software can simply allow you to check and adjust audio levels, edit together different takes for the best overall version and add some basic graphics to give it a more appealing look and feel.

Step 7: Ask for feedback

If you’ve never stood in front of a camera before, it may be difficult to speak off-the-cuff. Maybe you appear shy, not enthusiastic enough or too enthusiastic? Ask a trusted friend, colleague or family member for a second opinion. A video CV is very much a personal thing. Play around with it until you find something that works for you, and that gets positive feedback from friends or family.

Pros and cons of creating a video CV

There are several advantages of creating a video CV, and it can really help your application get noticed by recruiters. However, you should also be mindful of some potential disadvantages that could harm your chances of success. Here's an overview of the pros and cons of a video CV:

Key takeaways for creating an impactful video CV

A video CV gives you a chance to impress recruiters and hiring manager in a way that a traditional job application can't offer. Remember these key points for a winning video CV that gets your application noticed:

• Adopt a friendly, approachable tone with your video CV, and work on delivery that feels natural, not like you're reading from a script.
• Write a script that shows your experience, highlights your achievements and demonstrates how and why you're a good fit for the role and organisation, without appearing arrogant or boastful.
• Edit your video CV to increase the quality of the final clip, and aim for an optimal length of 60 to 90 seconds.

Always send your video CV alongside a well-written, professional-looking CV and cover letter. Jobseeker can help you produce both, and provide a wealth of tools and resources so you can understand exactly what goes into every successful job application. Choose from CV and cover letter templates that make the process of producing your next successful job application more straightforward than ever. Sign up today to get started.