Resumes are going video.
TikTok career coaches. LinkedIn video features. Startups asking for "video intros."
But here's the question: Should YOU make one?
Of hiring managers
Say video helps them better understand candidates
Source: Resume Builder Survey, 2024
Video resumes are real—and growing. But they're also polarizing, risky, and very easy to do wrong.
This guide covers when to use them, how to create them, and the exact formula that actually works.
Video Resume Quick Facts
- 📹 Video supplements—doesn't replace—your traditional resume
- ⏱️ Keep it to 60 seconds or less (30 sec is often better)
- 🎯 Best for: sales, client-facing, creative, and Gen-Z-friendly companies
- ⚠️ Risk: potential for bias (age, appearance, accent discrimination)
- ✅ Always submit a traditional resume alongside your video
What Is a Video Resume?
A video resume is a short, self-recorded video where you introduce yourself, highlight your qualifications, and make a case for why you're the right candidate.
It's not:
- A replacement for your written resume
- A recording of you reading your resume out loud
- A casual vlog about your job search
It IS:
- A supplementary personal pitch
- A chance to show personality and communication skills
- A way to stand out in competitive applicant pools
Should You Make One?
| Make a Video If... | Skip the Video If... |
|---|---|
| You're in sales, marketing, or client-facing roles | You're in highly technical or research roles |
| Communication skills are central to the job | The job requires heads-down individual work |
| You're applying to startups or Gen-Z-friendly companies | You're targeting traditional corporate or government roles |
| You're comfortable on camera and can present well | You have strong anxiety about being recorded |
| The job posting requests or mentions video | Video has never been mentioned or suggested |
The Bias Concern
Video resumes open the door to unconscious bias based on appearance, age, accent, and other factors that shouldn't influence hiring.
Some companies explicitly avoid video submissions for this reason. If you're concerned about bias, stick with traditional applications—or use video only after initial screening.
A great video intro helped me remember the candidate weeks later. But your traditional resume still needs to be solid first.
The 60-Second Video Resume Formula
Here's the structure that works:
The 10-30-20 Formula
- 1
Hook: 0-10 seconds
Who you are + what you do. 'Hi, I'm Sarah—a product manager who's helped startups scale from 0 to 10K users.'
- 2
Value: 10-40 seconds
Your ONE key achievement or skill. Specific, quantified, relevant to the job. This is the meat.
- 3
Close: 40-60 seconds
Why this company + next steps. 'I'm excited about [Company] because [reason]. Let's connect—I'd love to discuss how I can help [specific value].'
Example Script (60 Seconds)
[0-10 sec] "Hi, I'm Marcus—a B2B sales professional who's closed over $4 million in deals for SaaS startups."
[10-40 sec] "At my last company, I built our outbound sales process from scratch, grew the pipeline by 200%, and consistently exceeded quota for 8 straight quarters. I specialize in complex, consultative sales with 6-figure deal sizes."
[40-60 sec] "I'm reaching out because I've followed [Company]'s growth in the [industry] space, and I'm excited about how you're [specific observation]. I'd love to bring my experience closing enterprise deals to help scale your sales org. Let's connect—I look forward to the conversation."
Don't Read a Script
Memorize your key points, not word-for-word. You want to sound natural, not robotic. Practice until it feels conversational.
Production Tips (You Don't Need a Studio)
Equipment
| What You Need | Budget Option | Better Option |
|---|---|---|
| Camera | Your smartphone (modern iPhones and Androids have great cameras) | Webcam (Logitech C920) or DSLR |
| Audio | Phone's built-in mic in quiet room | Lavalier mic ($20) or USB condenser |
| Lighting | Window with natural light | Ring light ($30) or desk lamp with diffusion |
| Background | Clean, uncluttered wall | Bookshelf or professional setting |
Technical Checklist
Before You Record
- Camera at eye level (not looking down at you)
- Good lighting on your face (no harsh shadows)
- Quiet environment (no background noise)
- Clean, professional background (no dirty laundry)
- Phone on silent (no notifications)
- Test audio quality (record a test clip)
What to Wear
- Solid colors (no busy patterns)
- What you'd wear to an interview
- Avoid pure white (camera overexposure) or pure black (harsh contrast)
- Light blue, navy, and earth tones work well on camera
Where to Host and Share Your Video Resume
| Platform | Best For | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Professional networking | Upload as post or add to Featured section | |
| YouTube (Unlisted) | Sharing with specific employers | Unlisted = only people with link can view |
| Vimeo | Clean, ad-free presentation | Password-protect for privacy |
| Loom | Quick recording and sharing | Easy to record and embed; shows video + screen |
| Portfolio website | Creatives and freelancers | Embed on your work/about page |
How to Include in Applications
In your resume: Add a line in your contact header:
📹 Video Introduction: [shortlink]
In your cover letter:
"I've also prepared a 60-second video introduction—you can view it here: [link]"
In email applications:
"For a quick introduction to my background, here's a 1-minute video: [link]"
The TikTok Resume Trend
Of Gen Z
Have found a job or internship through TikTok
Source: Zety Survey, 2024
TikTok isn't just for dancing—it's becoming a legitimate career platform. Some companies now accept TikTok links as application materials.
TikTok Resume Tips
Benefits
- Authentic, personality-forward content
- Massive reach potential (algorithm-driven)
- Shows you understand modern platforms
- Works for marketing, creative, social media roles
Risks
- Casual tone may not fit traditional industries
- Your other content is visible (audit your profile)
- Not taken seriously by conservative companies
- Potential for going viral—good or bad
Hashtags That Work
- #CareerTok
- #JobSearch
- #HiringMe
- #VideoResume
- #OpenToWork
- #[Industry]Tok (e.g., #MarketingTok, #TechTok)
The TikTok Strategy
Don't just post your video resume cold. Build credibility first:
- Share industry tips and insights (prove expertise)
- Show your personality and communication style
- THEN post your "I'm looking for my next role" video
- Ask your network to duet/stitch for reach
Common Video Resume Mistakes
Mistake 1: Reading Your Resume Out Loud
If you're just reading "I have 5 years of experience in marketing..."—save everyone's time.
The video should add something NEW. Personality. Energy. Context you can't convey in writing.
Mistake 2: Going Over 60 Seconds
Nobody will watch a 3-minute video from a stranger. Ruthlessly edit. Every second must earn its place.
Mistake 3: Bad Audio
Recruiters will forgive mediocre video quality. They won't forgive muffled audio, echo, or background noise. Audio quality matters more than video.
Mistake 4: Unprofessional Setting
Unmade bed in the background? Kids running through the shot? Car selfie? These signal you didn't prepare. Find a clean, quiet, professional space.
Mistake 5: Being Generic
"I'm a hard worker and team player" tells me nothing. Be specific: "I closed $4M in deals" or "I grew engagement by 300%."
Video Resume vs. Video Cover Letter
They're different:
| Video Resume | Video Cover Letter |
|---|---|
| General intro to who you are | Tailored to specific company/job |
| Can be reused across applications | Custom-made for each application |
| Professional pitch | Expresses enthusiasm for THIS role |
| 30-60 seconds | 60-90 seconds (can be slightly longer) |
Which to use? If you're applying to many jobs, create a general video resume. For dream companies, create tailored video cover letters.
Quick Video Resume Checklist
Before You Submit
- 60 seconds or less
- Clear audio (test with headphones)
- Professional appearance and background
- Strong opening hook (first 5 seconds matter)
- At least one quantified achievement
- Clear call to action at the end
- Uploaded to accessible platform
- Link included in application materials
- Traditional resume also submitted
The Bottom Line
Video resumes are a powerful supplement—not a replacement—for traditional applications.
Use them when:
- Communication/personality is key to the role
- You're targeting modern, Gen-Z-friendly companies
- You can produce professional-quality content
Skip them when:
- You're targeting conservative industries
- You're not comfortable on camera
- The job doesn't involve client/public facing work
And always, ALWAYS submit your traditional resume alongside any video.
Start with a strong traditional resume
Before adding video, make sure your core resume is polished. Our AI-powered builder gets you there in minutes.
Create My ResumeRelated Resources
- LinkedIn Profile Optimization — Complement your video with a strong profile
- Resume Summary Examples — Inspiration for your hook
- Soft Skills for Resume — Communicate what you bring
- Infographic Resumes — Another visual format option
- Resume Examples — See professional layouts
- Resume Templates — Your foundational resume
- AI Resume Builder — Build your resume with AI
- Resume Builder — Create your resume
- Cover Letter Generator — Written companion to your video
- LinkedIn Bio Generator — Optimize your LinkedIn
Frequently Asked Questions
Do employers accept video resumes in 2026?
Increasingly, yes. 79% of hiring managers see value in video for screening. However, they supplement—not replace—traditional resumes. Most are still optional, not required.
How long should a video resume be?
60 seconds maximum. The ideal length is 30-60 seconds. Anything longer loses attention. Think TikTok, not documentary.
What should I say in a video resume?
Follow the 10-30-20 formula: 10 seconds introduction (who you are), 30 seconds value (your key achievement), 20 seconds call to action (why you're a fit + next steps).
Should I post my video resume on TikTok?
It can work—46% of Gen Z have found jobs through TikTok. But be strategic: professional content, relevant hashtags, and link to your full application. Casual TikToks won't replace a proper application.
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