Video Resume: What It Is, When to Use One, and How to Make It

The short answer: a video resume is a short video, usually 30 seconds to 2 minutes, in which you introduce yourself to employers. It supplements your resume; it doesn’t replace it. It helps most for roles where personality and communication matter, such as sales, marketing, creative, media and customer-facing jobs, and when an employer asks for one. Keep it short, scripted but natural, focused on two or three proof points, and filmed in good light with clear sound. Below is when to use one, a script template with an example, how to film and share it, and the mistakes to avoid.

What a video resume is (and isn’t)

A video resume is a short recorded pitch: who you are, what you can do and what you’re looking for. It’s different from:

• A one-way video interview, where an employer sets the questions and time limits. See our guide to video interview practice.
• A portfolio, which shows your actual work.

Should you make one?

Recruiters quoted by SHRM see video resumes as an addition, not a replacement. One said: “I have not seen anything where an employer has asked candidates to solely upload a video.”

A video resume can help when:

• The employer asks for one.
• The role depends on personality or presence: sales, marketing, on-camera, hospitality, customer service, teaching.
• You’re applying in a creative field where the video itself shows your skills.
• You want to add a personal introduction to a LinkedIn profile or portfolio site.

Think twice when:

• The employer’s application doesn’t ask for one; many recruiters won’t have time to watch.
• You’re applying to conservative industries that rely on standard applications.
• You’d rather not share your appearance before an interview. Some candidates worry video invites bias: in a survey of 1,500 Gen Z respondents cited by SHRM, 55% said they believe video resumes increase hiring bias.

How long should it be?

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s career services suggests “short videos (30 seconds to 2 minutes) that are sent along with cover letters and traditional resumés.” If the employer sets a length, follow it exactly. For most people, 60 to 90 seconds is enough.

Script template

1. Hook (5–10 seconds): your name and what you do. “Hi, I’m Maya, a customer success manager who helps software companies keep their customers.”
2. Proof (30–45 seconds): two or three specific achievements with numbers.
3. Why this role or field (10–20 seconds): what you want to do next and why.
4. Close (5–10 seconds): a clear next step. “I’d love to talk about how I can help your team. My contact details are below.”

Example script (about 75 seconds)

An illustration, not a real candidate’s script.

“Hi, I’m Maya Chen, a customer success manager with four years of experience helping software companies keep and grow their customers.

At my current company, I manage 60 business accounts. Last year I cut customer churn on my accounts from 12% to 7% by setting up quarterly reviews and an early-warning checklist for at-risk customers. I also built our onboarding program, which shortened the time for new customers to go live from six weeks to three.

What I enjoy most is turning frustrated customers into loyal ones, and I’m looking for a role where I can do that at a larger scale, ideally leading a small team.

Thanks for watching. I’d love to talk about how I could help your customers. My email and LinkedIn are below.”

How to film it

• Camera: a smartphone on a tripod is enough. Film horizontally unless the platform asks for vertical, with the camera at eye level.
• Light: face a window or a soft light; avoid light behind you.
• Sound: a quiet room; an inexpensive clip-on microphone helps a lot.
• Background: plain and tidy. The University of Nebraska–Lincoln suggests preparing your filming space and a neutral background.
• Clothes: dress as you would for an interview in that field. See what to wear to an interview.
• Delivery: know your script well enough to speak naturally, look at the lens, and smile at the start and end.
• Takes: record several and pick the best. Ask a friend or mentor to watch it before you send it.

Editing and sharing

• Edit lightly: trim the start and end, and add captions, since many people watch without sound.
• Keep the file simple: upload it to a video platform as an unlisted link, or to your portfolio site.
• Share it where it’s useful: a link in your resume header, cover letter, email signature or LinkedIn featured section.
• Check the link in a private browser window before sending it.

Mistakes to avoid

• Reading your resume aloud line by line
• Going over two minutes
• Poor sound, dark lighting or a messy background
• Jokes or effects that don’t suit the field
• Sharing personal details you wouldn’t put on a resume
• Sending one generic video for very different jobs

Your video pitch is close to the answer to “Tell me about yourself.” See our guide to tell me about yourself for more ways to structure it.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

• SHRM, Video Resumes: Helpful Trend or Half-Baked Fad?, Roy Maurer, 13 September 2021. Read on 30 September 2026.
• University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Tips for Creating a Video Resumé / CV, 27 September 2024. Read on 30 September 2026.