How to Create a Video CV: Complete Guide & Examples

A video CV offers a dynamic way to showcase your skills, personality, and passion beyond a traditional CV. It’s especially valuable in creative and communication-focused roles, as it helps you make a memorable impression. 

However, creating an effective video CV requires planning, scripting, technical setup, and professional presentation. This guide will walk you through the essential steps of video CV creation, from writing and styling to lighting and delivery, so you can grab recruiters’ attention and boost your chances of success.

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We created the sample on the right using our builder. See other good CV examples like this one.

Would you rather create a classic CV instead? See our other guides:

• What Should You Include in a CV?
• Writing a CV With No Experience
• How to Introduce Yourself on a CV
• How to Write a CV Summary
• What Does a CV Stand For?
• How to Add a CV to LinkedIn?
• How to Attach CV References?
• How to Use ChatGPT to Write a CV?
• How to Write a CV Introduction?

What is a video CV?

A video CV is a short video that showcases your skills, experience, and personality to recruiters. It’s usually between 30 seconds to three minutes, and can be shared via a cloud drive or popular video platforms such as YouTube. Unlike a traditional CV, which is a written document, a video CV allows you to make a personal connection by showing your face, your passion, and your communication abilities. This innovative CV format helps you stand out in a crowded job market, particularly in roles that value personality and creativity.

Did you know that a randomised field trial involving over 2,000 job applications found that including a video CV increased callback rates by more than 10 percentage points? As you can see, giving it a go is worth considering.

Should you consider a video CV?

With the growing shift towards digital applications and remote recruitment, many sectors are beginning to appreciate the personal touch that video CVs provide. However, not all industries allow it. Understanding who can benefit the most from it will help you determine whether it’s worth your effort.

Here’s who should consider a video CV:

• Creative professionals, such as artists, designers, photographers, and content creators, can use a video CV to showcase their creativity, previous works, technical skills, and personal traits in a way that words alone cannot.
• Sales and marketing professionals often require excellent communication skills and the ability to engage with clients. A video CV allows them to demonstrate these abilities in action.
• Tech and IT professionals, because many employers in this sector appreciate seeing candidates who can explain complex ideas clearly. A well-made video CV can highlight both technical expertise and communication skills.
• Freelancers and consultants can use a video CV as a dynamic portfolio to help them market their services and demonstrate their approach to clients.
• Entry-level candidates often apply for jobs without extensive experience, and a video CV can be an excellent opportunity to show their enthusiasm, energy, and potential.

In general, if your job involves presentation skills, collaborating, or communicating, or if you’re applying for a role that values creativity, a video CV can provide an extra edge that will help your document stand out.

A strong CV summary will convince the recruiter you’re the perfect candidate. Save time and choose a ready-made personal statement written by career experts and adjust it to your needs in the LiveCareer CV builder.

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How to create a video CV from scratch

Creating a compelling CV in video format requires more than just shooting a reel of yourself speaking. It’s necessary to plan ahead, be intentional with your content, and ensure that your video captures professionalism and reflects your personality. You don’t have to be Christopher Nolan to make it work. 

Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to prepare a video CV that will get noticed:

1. Find inspiration

Before diving in, understand what makes a video CV effective. Watch examples from others in your field and observe what works well and what doesn’t. Pay attention to the tone, style, and structure of the videos. Take inspiration from these, but ensure your video reflects your unique personality and approach. 

Here’s what you can do:

• Watch video CVs from people in your field for inspiration.
• Look at both well-done and less successful videos to learn from them.
• Take note of pacing, tone, and visual elements that appeal to you.

2. Decide on your style

Consistency is essential. Your video should align with the industry and role you’re applying for. You could create more imaginative and fun content for creative roles, more formal and professional material for corporate positions, and more tech-focused content for any technical roles.

Remember: Your style should help you feel comfortable and confident, while also aligning with the expectations of the employer.

3. Prepare your space

A professional setting for your video CV is crucial. Choose a clean, neutral background with minimal distractions. The primary focus should be on you, so avoid anything that may distract from your message. 

4. Ensure proper lighting

Lighting can make or break your video. Ensure the light falls on your face, avoiding harsh shadows or overly bright spots. Natural light works best, but if that’s not available, consider investing in a softbox or ring light.

Here’s how to adjust the light properly:

• Position yourself facing the light to illuminate your face evenly.
• Don’t sit with a bright light source behind you, as it will create silhouettes.
• Soften the light source to prevent harsh shadows or overexposure.

5. Plan what to wear

What you wear on camera plays a significant role in how you’re perceived. Dress professionally, but ensure you’re comfortable. Avoid overly bright colours or distracting patterns. Stick to solid colours that suit your skin tone. Dress as you would for an in-person interview, reflecting the role you’re applying for and keep it simple. Don’t use any accessories that may distract or overpower your appearance.

But let’s not forget about the big part of creating a good video CV—and that’s the script.

How to write a video CV script?

A well-crafted video CV follows a simple structure that lets your personality, qualifications, and motivation shine through without overwhelming the viewer. The goal is to keep your content between 60 and 90 seconds while covering the essential points that recruiters want to hear. Here's how to break it down.

Here’s how to write a script for a video CV:

Introduction

Start by briefly stating who you are, your background, and the position you’re applying for. This sets the tone and context from the very beginning.

Include:

• Your name
• Your job title or area of expertise
• Your current status (student, professional, etc.)
• The role you’re applying for
• Company name (if applicable)

Professional summary

Give a snapshot of your key skills, interests, and career goals. Think of this as the verbal equivalent of your CV summary: a short pitch to show what you bring to the table.

Include:

• A few core skills or technologies
• The type of work you’re passionate about
• Your main focus or career direction

Experience or achievements

Here, you can highlight specific accomplishments that showcase your impact and capabilities. Use one or two concrete examples, ideally with numbers or outcomes.

Include:

• A recent internship or job experience
• A relevant project or accomplishment
• Results or impact, backed by numbers if possible

Why this role or company?

Explain what attracts you to this specific role or employer. This part of your video CV shows your enthusiasm and helps the recruiter see that you’ve done your research.

Include:

• What do you admire about the company or team
• How your values align with theirs
• What excites you about the role

Closing statement

Wrap up by thanking the viewer and making it clear you’re eager to continue the conversation. Let them know what’s next and invite them to take action.

Include:

• A short thank you
• A call to action or next step
• A reference to your CV, portfolio, or contact info

Now let’s have a look at the full video CV script.

Video CV: script example 

10 Tips for creating and editing a Video CV

Once you’ve planned and recorded your video CV, the next step is to polish it so you come across as professional, confident, and relevant. Below you will find some of my tips that will help you create a clear and engaging video that highlights your strengths and fits the job you want.

1. Make it professional

Use a formal tone with clear and confident language. Dress in a way that suits the role and industry. Maintain good posture and make eye contact with the camera. Avoid being too casual or humorous unless the job calls for it.

2. Do several takes

Practice your script a few times before recording, and don’t worry if your first take isn’t perfect. Record multiple versions so you can choose the best one. Relax and smile naturally to come across as approachable and genuine.

3. Keep it short and relevant

Aim for a video length of 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Focus on introducing yourself, sharing your key qualifications, and explaining why you’re passionate about the role. Stick to directly relevant information and avoid rambling.

4. Include extra elements 

Enhance your video by adding clips from your portfolio, demonstrating your key skills, or including simple animations. Make sure these visuals support your message without overwhelming or distracting the viewer.

5. Edit with care

Remove any mistakes, awkward pauses, or unnecessary content. Use titles or captions sparingly to highlight important points. Ensure both video and audio quality are clear, and if you add music, keep it subtle and appropriate.

6. Get feedback

Before sending your video, show it to friends, family, or colleagues and ask for honest opinions. Be open to constructive criticism and make improvements where needed. Watch your video yourself as if you were the employer to see if it creates the right impression.

7. Tailor it to the job

Customise your video for each application by emphasising the skills and experiences most relevant to that role. Explain why you’re excited about this specific job and how you can meet the company’s needs.

8. Show confidence

Smile naturally, maintain steady eye contact with the camera (not the screen), and speak clearly and at a steady pace. Your tone and body language should reflect enthusiasm and readiness.

9. Ensure crisp audio

Record in a quiet environment to avoid background noise. Test your sound beforehand and use a microphone if possible to guarantee clear, professional audio.

10. Choose a professional platform

Share your video through trusted platforms like YouTube (using a private link) or Vimeo. Avoid sites with distracting ads or branding, and make sure the employer can easily access your video without technical difficulties.

You don’t have to be a CV writing expert. In the LiveCareer CV builder you’ll find ready-made content for every industry and position, which you can then add with a single click.

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A video CV is a powerful tool when done right. By following these tips and making a concerted effort to plan and present yourself effectively, you can create a video CV that helps you stand out in a competitive job market. Good luck!

How we review the content at LiveCareer

Our editorial team has reviewed this article for compliance with LiveCareer’s editorial guidelines. It’s to ensure that our expert advice and recommendations are consistent across all our career guides and align with current CV and cover letter writing standards and trends. We’re trusted by over 10 million job seekers, supporting them on their way to finding their dream job. Each article is preceded by research and scrutiny to ensure our content responds to current market trends and demand.

Sources

• Charles Bellemare, Marion Goussé, Guy Lacroix, Steeve Marchand, "Video Resumes and Job Search Outcomes: Evidence from a Field Experiment"
• Tips For Creating A Video CV