How to Make a Video Resume (Guide + Script Templates)
Stand out from the crowd with a video resume that showcases your personality, communication skills, and professional strengths. Learn how to create a compelling video resume step by step, with script examples you can use right away.
A strong resume gets your foot in the door — but a video resume can help you stand out before the interview even begins. That said, creating a video resume isn’t just about hitting record. To make the right impression, you need the right structure, tone, and message.
In this guide, you’ll discover:
- What a video resume is and why recruiters like them
- How to make a video resume (with script templates)
- The dos and don’ts to consider when filing your video
What is a video resume?
A video resume is a short video that you submit along with your other job application materials, such as your written resume and cover letter.
Unlike a traditional resume, it can demonstrate your skills and qualifications, such as your on-camera presence or communication skills, in action. Equally, you might use it to describe your experiences. However, a video resume isn’t always necessary. In most cases, it should complement your written resume, not replace it.
Over 60% of recruiters rate communication as the most important soft skill. A well-crafted video resume gives you the chance to showcase your personality, communication skills, and confidence in a way a written document can’t.
When to use a video resume
Video resumes aren’t always the way to go. However, there are some specific situations in which it simply makes sense:
Use a video resume when…
- The employer specifically requests one
- You’re applying for client-facing or communication-heavy roles
- You want to stand out in a competitive applicant pool
- Your role involves presentation, media, or social content
- You feel confident presenting yourself on camera
Avoid a video resume when…
- The employer does not allow or expect video applications
- The role is highly technical or does not require communication skills
- It doesn’t add meaningful value to your application
- You’re concerned about potential bias or discrimination
- You’re not comfortable or prepared to present professionally
A video resume should always complement your written resume, not replace it.
Key elements to include in your video resume
Before you start recording, it’s important to understand what makes a video resume effective. Unlike a traditional resume, this format is more dynamic but it still needs to be structured and purposeful.
Use the following elements as a guide to create a video that is both engaging and professional:
- A strong opening hook that quickly introduces who you are and captures attention
- Relevant skills that clearly align with the role you’re applying for
- Key achievements that demonstrate your impact, ideally with measurable results
- Clear communication and personality, helping recruiters understand how you present yourself
- A polished and professional finish, including clean editing and good audio quality
- A clear call to action that invites the recruiter to take the next step
These elements form the foundation of your video resume. In the next section, we’ll show you exactly how to bring them together step by step.
How to make a video resume (step-by-step guide)
Ready to get started on your video resume? Follow these steps to create yours now:
1. Plan your message & script
Before recording, outline your message using a simple structure. This will help your video feel natural, clear, and focused.
Instead of writing everything from scratch, use a simple outline to organize your message. Your video should follow a logical order, moving smoothly from introduction to conclusion.
You can prepare:
- A short script (word-for-word), or,
- Bullet points to guide you while speaking
The goal isn’t to memorize every line, but to make sure your message is clear, concise, and relevant to the role. If you’re unsure how to present your experience clearly, reviewing a few resume examples can help you identify what to highlight in your video.
2. Prepare your setup (space, light, & audio)
Next, it’s time to get set up. Avoid harsh lights, deep shadows, and colorful and/or moving lights that could be distracting from your message. Remove everything from the background.
Use a recording device that will capture high-quality footage and audio. Many DSLR cameras and even cell phone cameras are up to this task. Place the camera slightly above eye-level. If you really want to be professional, you might want to use a microphone or other higher-end equipment. However, you can create a good video resume with just a smartphone.
3. Dress professionally
Just because you’re filming at home, that doesn’t mean you can get away with wearing your pajamas. The recruiter will judge every part of your video resume, not least your outfit choice.
Dress professionally to record your video, as if you were going to an in-person interview. Alternatively, you might dress for your profession. For example, you could wear a chef’s coat if you’ll be doing a cooking demonstration in your video.
Do
- Dress as you would for an in-person interview
- Choose solid colors over busy patterns
- Make sure your outfit is clean and fits well
- Ensure your hair and makeup (if applicable) is on point
Don't
- Wear casual clothing, pjs, or loungewear
- Choose strong patterns that draw too much attention
- Wear noisy jewellery that could be picked up by the mic
- Forget to check your appearance in the frame before you start
4. Record clean takes
Chances are, you won’t nail your video in take one. It’s always a good idea to record a few takes of your video to ensure that you look and sound relaxed, professional, and confident.
If you make a mistake while filming, you can always just pause and then start over without stopping and restarting the video, and then edit out the mistake later. Getting up to start and stop the camera multiple times can be distracting and cause you to look flustered on-screen.
Recognize that it may take you a while to get into the swing of recording. For that reason, you want to leave enough time to get it just right. You don’t want to look like you’re in a rush. Practice ending your video confidently so your message feels complete and professional.
How long should your video be?
A video resume should ideally be between 30 and 90 seconds, and no longer than two minutes. Keeping it short helps maintain the recruiter’s attention and ensures your message is clear and impactful. Any additional details can be included in your written application, such as your cover letter.
5. Edit and polish
If you’ll be including existing video clips or photos, gather all of your elements and check their quality. Edit your video together. Use the best takes of each portion and splice it together.
You could use the audio of you talking throughout the video, but cut away from your face to show photos or other clips occasionally. You can use a free video editing program, but be sure that it doesn’t leave a watermark anywhere on your video.
- Use the best takes for each section
- Cut the start and end to make it neat
- Trim any pauses or filler words, like “um”
- Add closed captions as subtitles
- Add an end card with your contact details
6. Get some feedback first
When you’ve recorded and edited your video, the next step is to get some feedback. You can send the clip to a friend or family member to check over. Chances are, they may pick up on something you missed, whether it’s an inaudible word or something in the background.
Video resume script templates and samples
If you’re not sure how to position your experience, reviewing strong resume examples can help you structure your message before recording your video:
Students applying for internships:
Intro: Hi, my name is Alex Smith. I'm a final-year Marketing student at the University of California. I'm applying for the Marketing Intern role at Bright Agency, and I'd love to tell you a little about what I'd bring to your team.
Skills and achievements: Over the past three years, I've built a strong foundation in digital marketing, content creation, and data analysis. Last year, I led a student-run campaign for a local charity that grew their Instagram following by 40% in eight weeks. I also completed a six-month placement at a regional PR firm, where I supported three client accounts.
Company fit: I'm drawn to Bright Agency because of your reputation for giving junior team members real responsibility from day one. That's exactly the environment where I know I'll grow.
Outro: I'd love the chance to discuss how I can contribute to your team. Please take a look at my full resume and portfolio. I’d be delighted to hear from you.
Entry-level candidates:
Intro: Hi, I’m Jamie Reeves, and I'm applying for the Customer Success Associate position at Redcar Solutions. I recently graduated top of my class with a degree in Business Management, and I'm excited to bring my skills to a company that puts its clients first.
Skills and achievements: While studying, I held a part-time role at a busy retail store, where I handled customer queries, resolved complaints, and trained three new team members. I also completed a project analyzing customer retention strategies for a local business, which earned the highest mark in my class.
Company fit: I am impressed by Redcar Solutions commitment to building long-term client relationships, as referenced in your case studies. This aligns with how I naturally work. I'm someone who takes the time to understand people's needs and follows through with clients.
Outro: I would love the opportunity to speak with you further about this role. I’m sending across my full resume, and look forward to hearing from you.
Career changers:
Intro: Hello, I am Morgan Ellis, applying for the Project Coordinator position at Sunshine Digital. After eight successful years in hospitality management, I'm making a deliberate move into the tech sector, and I'm excited to bring a skillset directly to this role.
Skills and achievements: In my most recent role, I oversaw a full property refurbishment while keeping the hotel at 80% occupancy throughout on time and under budget. I also implemented a new staff rostering system that reduced scheduling conflicts by 30% in the first quarter.
Company fit: When I researched Sunshine Digital, your emphasis on clear communication, cross-functional collaboration, and hitting milestones stood out. That is exactly the environment I have been preparing to move into, and where my background gives me a genuine edge over candidates who are newer to that kind of pressure.
Outro: I would love the opportunity to talk through how my experience maps to what you are looking for. My full resume is attached, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Mid-level/experienced candidates:
Intro: Hello. I’m Sarah Bell, and I'm applying for the Senior Account Manager position at Dot Communications. With six years of experience in account management across both agency and in-house environments, I'm ready to take the next step, and would love to join your team.
Skills and achievements: In my current role, I manage a portfolio of twelve clients across, with a combined annual spend of $2.4 million. I was recognized as Account Manager of the Year last year, and am known for building relationships.
Company fit: What draws me to Dot Communications is your reputation for ambitious, integrated campaigns and the genuine progression you offer your senior team. I've followed your work closely, and the recent campaign you ran for Level-up Retail is exactly the kind of work I thrive at.
Outro: I’ve sent over my portfolio and resume. I'm available for a full conversation at your convenience. Thank you for your time.
You can also look at our collection of resources to understand how to communicate your value clearly and concisely.
Final checklist before sending your video resume
Before submitting your video resume, take a moment to review the key elements below. This will help you avoid common mistakes and ensure your video is clear, professional, and ready to impress.
Use this final checklist to make sure your video resume is polished, professional, and ready to send:
Your video is clear, concise, and under two minutes | |
Your message follows a logical structure (intro, skills, achievements, closing) | |
You speak clearly, confidently, and at a steady pace | |
Your video adds value beyond your written resume | |
You are well-lit, with a clean and uncluttered background | |
Your audio is clear, with no distracting background noise | |
The video is exported in a compatible format (MP4 or MOV) |
Record your video resume now
Video resumes may sound intimidating, but simply think of them as part of the standard application package. When a job advert asks for it, or they will add value to an application, you can use a video to show off your communication skills and elaborate on your experience.
However, be aware of potential discrimination concerns first. You should consider whether a video resume is appropriate for the company and position that you are applying for.
Either way, you’ll need a winning written resume. Use Jobseeker’s professional resume creation tool. Enter your information, select a template, layout, and style, and download your resume. To strengthen your application, try out our professional cover letter templates that match your resume.
Frequently asked questions about video resumes
How do I script a video resume?
To script a video resume, follow this simple formula: intro, skills and achievements, company fit, and outro. Include a clear call to action as part of your outro.
How long should a video resume be?
Video resumes should typically be between 30 seconds and two minutes. However, make sure you read the job advert thoroughly and stick to the length the employer specifies.
How should I dress for a video resume?
When dressing for a video resume, wear clothes you would wear for an interview. That means formal attire, such as a shirt, blouse, or plain top. Avoid any distracting patterns or casual clothes. If you like, you can dress in the uniform of your chosen profession.
What are some common video resume mistakes?
The most common video resume mistakes include trying to record it without a script, using the first take, dressing too casually, and not editing your video. Take the time to plan and film a pro-level video resume as this will give you the best shot at success.
Does ATS read video resumes?
The short answer is no. Applicant tracking systems (ATS) software is mainly used for cover letters and resumes. They scan these documents for keywords and phrases to determine how well each candidate meets the criteria of the vacancy.
How can I create a video resume if I am camera-shy?
If you’re camera-shy, the idea of filming a video resume may be overwhelming. You won’t overcome your shyness overnight. However, there are some tips you can use to help:
- Prepare well. The better you know your script, the more confident you will feel.
- Take a deep breath. A deep breath will help to center you and calm your nerves.
- Picture a friend. Imagine you’re speaking to someone you know and trust.
- Do plenty of takes. You don’t have to be perfect the first time.
You can look at our cover letter examples to get inspiration for talking points.
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