ATILIM UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES
DEPARTMENT OF MODERN LANGUAGES
2024-2025 FALL
ENG301
Video CV
Aim: The aim of this task is to help you improve your skills to introduce yourself in a job application
through a Video CV by highlighting your skills and academic and professional background.
Explanation: Providing a video CV is becoming more and more widespread as a job application
requirement in most companies as it is a great way to introduce yourself to potential employers and
show how you align with their business and values. It is a tool for doubling your chance to be called
for an interview and even to be employed. It is impossible to estimate your language level and assess
your personality via a CV. That is why recording a video CV appears to be a sensible decision.
Procedure: You are going to record your own video CV in order to apply for a position you want to
apply for. In your video CV, you will provide your personal, educational, and occupational
background. Please use the tips given below and make sure your video is no longer than 1 minute.
Before you start preparing for this activity, watch the sample video CV by clicking the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nv6mDeFPT2M
Submission of the Video CV: The video CV must be completed and submitted by December 13,
2024, at 11.59 p.m. (Week 12). The details of how you will submit your video will later be
announced on Moodle.
TIPS ON THE CONTENT AND QUALITY
FOR A QUALITY VIDEO CV
Writing a script in advance may be the best step to start with. Your speech is your business
card, so it is crucial that you take your time and prepare it thoroughly. Instead of writing the full
speech in a hurry, it is a good idea to plan it out well. This will help you talk smoothly, concisely,
and comprehensively. However, avoid looking at the paper while recording yourself. Practice a
couple of times and internalize what you are going to say, so you can speak naturally.
Here are some of the things you should mention in the video:
Your full name and where you are from,
The position you want to apply for,
Your personality traits,
Your educational background,
Your relevant experiences,
Your skills,
Why you must be chosen for that position.
Dress as you would for a job interview. Try to wear formal but comfortable clothes so that you
look and feel confident. Do not forget about the main accessory – smile.
Make sure the image quality of your video is good. Firstly, set up a well-lit environment. The
lighting should not be placed directly behind you as it may affect the light negatively.
Record in a quiet place. The microphone will pick up any background noises such as traffic,
surrounding people, etc. If possible, you can borrow or even invest in a high-quality portable
microphone. Remember, your voice is the deciding factor here! And do not forget to mute all
notifications.
Frame the video well & clear your wall. Clear away any background clutters and make sure the
video focuses on you without any distractions in the back. You should be recorded from the waist
up with your face and hand gestures visible to the audience.
Record several trial versions. It is unlikely that you record a perfect video at the first attempt.
Once you record a trial video, you can analyze your speech, your facial expressions and your
body language and improve them in the next record.
Review your video. Watch what you have recorded and ask yourself several questions. Can a
viewer see you clearly on the video? Can he/she hear you well? Is the video of good quality? Do
you cover all necessary points in your presentation? Do you sound confident? And the main
question – would you hire yourself if you were an employer? Showing your video to a friend or a
family member is a sensible decision. Another person might notice something you have not and
can advise on improvement.
TIPS ON HOW TO CONVINCE THE RECRUITER
Personalize. Do not simply say why you want to get that job. Go into details – explain why it is
important for you to work in that particular company. By doing this, you will make your potential
employer feel special, so that he/she wants to hire you on some psychological level.
Show your confidence. Giving facts is not enough to interest your viewer. Your mood and your
inner power are also felt via the video. If you do not feel well-prepared, forget words, or do not
know what to say, your potential employer will notice it. In order to avoid looking shy and timid,
practice your speech in advance. Believe in yourself! Do not forget about eye contact. Imagine
that your camera is your real employer, and you have a face-to-face conversation.
Sound natural. Preparing a Video CV speech is not as difficult as you might think. Just have a
plan of your speech in front of your eyes. Knowing the main points, you need to cover is enough
for a confident job applicant.
Show your level. Make sure you speak fluently but not too fast. Keep in mind that your English
should be understandable. Of course, you should demonstrate high English skills, but do not
overdo. In order to make your speech clearer for your viewer, you can add subtitles to your video.
You may create bullet points to express the main ideas you are talking about.
Sources: https://oetjobs.com/create-self-intro-video/ & https://www.workandliveinchina.com/self-introduction-video-guide/
