Top Tips for Making a Pre-Recorded Video for Job Applications

Get Ready For Your Close-Up

The working landscape has seen dramatic changes over the years, including the way job interviews are conducted. More often than not, particularly in the case of remote-based positions, the hiring manager or the interviewer will ask candidates to record one-way videos in support of their applications.

In these videos, candidates typically answer pre-set questions about themselves, their work experiences and skills, and why they’re applying for the job. These pre-recorded videos act as a means of screening candidates – if the manager or interviewer feels that they have potential and meet the basic requirements of the job, then the candidates can progress further in the hiring process.

Of course, recording a video is not entirely simple. For starters, most videos require candidates to answer questions on the spot without preparation (and with only a few seconds’ pause between each question). Meanwhile, others might only get a certain amount of tries to re-record before the final take is sent through to the employer.

This can fill candidates with panic or dread, which may make for an awkward recording experience that doesn’t truly reflect who they are and what they could bring to the table. Even if they are given time beforehand to prepare for the video, it can still be a nerve-wracking experience for candidates who are camera-shy or have a fear of public speaking.

Capture Your Moment

If you’re ever asked to submit a pre-recorded video when applying or a job, you will need to keep the following tips in mind in order to make the most of your recording experience:

1. Follow The Instructions

Video submissions will come with varying guidelines. Some will tell you how many takes you’re allowed to make, if there is a deadline, what site you need to register on to make the video, what format the video must take, etc. Failure to follow these instructions correctly can result in your application being rejected.

2. Prep Work is Key

Treat this video as if it were a traditional interview – as such, you will need to conduct research about what the company you’re wanting to work at does, their goals, their current standing in their respective industry, and so on.

Additionally, to both help you overcome your fears of speaking into a camera, try rehearsing in front of a mirror, or with a colleague or a friend. Practise the most difficult parts, such as the potential questions you might be given, so that you deliver your answers flawlessly during the recording process.

3. Choose The Right Space AND Background

Choose a separate room or area that’s clean, quiet, well-lit and free of distractions. Turn off your television or stereo, silence your phone, close any browser tabs that emit audio, and inform your spouse, roommate(s) and/or children that they must not interrupt you.

As for the background, try to set your computer up in front of a blank wall or in a space where there are minimal yet tasteful decorations, eg. a bookshelf, landscape paintings, motivational posters, etc.

Altogether, this will add a sense of professionalism (and provide a sense of calm) as you record yourself.

4. Use a Computer

Why? Because mobile devices such as cellphones tend to give rise to shaky movements and awkward camera angles, plus they can be noisy if they fall over. What’s more, holding a mobile device for the duration of the video can be taxing on your hands and arms; your discomfort will show on-screen, and it may not cut a good impression on the hiring manager or interviewer when they view your video.

Opt to use a desktop computer or laptop, and make sure it’s fully charged or plugged in so that it doesn’t shut off while you’re recording. Be sure to check that you have a stable Internet connection beforehand, and that your built-in camera and microphone are working properly.

However, if you do opt to use a mobile device, balance it on a tripod to avoid shaky movements and discomfort in your hands and arms.

5. Pick The Right Clothing

You may be recording from the comforts of your home, but that doesn’t warrant casual or untidy-looking clothing. To convey a confident, professional image from the get-go, dress appropriately yet comfortably. Opt for neutral or dark colours, and tone down on excessive make-up and jewellery, which can be distracting on the eyes and ears, respectively.

Again, you need to treat this like you would a traditional interview – you want to make a positive first impression on whoever is viewing your video submission, and that means dressing in clothing that’s neat, clean and tidy.

6. Use Positive Body Language

Throughout the video, be sure to smile and look directly into the camera while you’re speaking to create the illusion that you’re speaking directly to the hiring manager or interviewer when they view your submission. Sit up straight in your seat, refrain from fidgeting during pauses, and use your hands only when necessary, such as when you’re highlighting your skillset.

By the same token, you should not forget to let your personality shine. Present the best version of yourself so that whoever is watching your video can learn about the kind of person you are; that way, they can not only gauge if you meet the requirements of the role, but also determine if you will fit into their company culture.

All in all, conveying strong, positive body language shows the manager or interviewer that you’re confident, interested and, most importantly, authentic.

7. Be Mindful of Any Time Limits

Your responses should be as clear and concise as possible, particularly if you only have a certain amount of time to answer each question.

Use your time wisely to answer the questions in a calm, efficient manner, and avoid rambling or going off-topic – if you had practised beforehand, then you will have a better chance of making logical, well-thought out responses without feeling rushed, flustered or frustrated.

8. Try, Try Again

If you rushed, stumbled or stammered over your answers, use the opportunity (if given) to re-record them. Don’t rush yourself, as you’re liable to make mistakes. Just take a quick breather, refocus yourself and proceed to answer the questions to the best of your ability.

9. Edit, Save and Send

If you’re in a position where you are allowed to record a video without having to use a provided platform, then you have the creative freedom to edit your video so that it looks sleek and professional as possible.

For example, if you slip up over a few words or sentences a few times, you can cut these parts out. Another example: you can make multiple takes, and splice these up to combine them into one, clean-cut video.

If you’re satisfied with your video, save it in the format as required by the employer, eg. MP4, AVI. Send a copy of it to the hiring manager or interviewer – keep a copy for yourself, so that in the event you need to make a submission for another job application, you can modify it as needed.

That’s A Wrap!

Making videos for employers is one of the first steps in landing your dream job. So long as you have the right mindset and make the appropriate preparations, you will have the means to successfully showcase your skills, potential and personality to employers. Good luck!