Applying online for a job? So of course you are preparing your video cover letter for your professional profile. But what should you say, exactly? Since video cover letters shouldn’t be longer than a minute, you’ve got to pack in the best of yourself, succinctly. Bang for buck – that’s what you’re going for.
The key to success is a script. Just as you might rewrite an email or paper cover letter a few times over, so too should you prepare your video cover letter. Here are the top six points to include in your script, each one followed by sample phrases as guidelines.
Intro with your name and the position you’re applying for
Hi, I’m John, and I am applying for the … position at ….
How you found out about the position
I was encouraged to apply by my friend and colleague, Jennifer, who works in…[or] who forwarded me the job post.
I saw the job listing on…
Reason(s) you’re interested
I am interested in this position because I like…
I enjoy…and therefore am applying for the position.
This job suits my professional goals because…
Your background and skills
I have seven years’ experience with…
I earned a BA/MA/MBA at…
During the past few years, I’ve worked at/with…
What you would bring to the position
I would be excited to…
I envision taking on…
I would look forward to…
Salutation
Thank you for watching this video, and I look forward to hearing from you regarding my application.
The Script Is Just the Text
You’ve probably read statistics about how effective communication is more about body language and voice tone, rather than the actual words used. According to Psychology Today, the stats might differ, yet the idea is the same: words are merely the tool with which to communicate. The advantage of a video cover letter is that it allows you to harness the more effective means of communication by showing your live self. Therefore, after you get your script honed to satisfaction, practice it with sincere smiles, eye contact with the camera, correct posture, and engaging hand and arm motions. Try to engage the viewer, but most of all – as trite as it might sound – just be yourself. By doing so, you’ll exude the confidence all hiring staff are looking for. We wish you well in writing and playing out your video cover letter script.
Interested in easing your script usage when practicing and recording your professional profile resume videos? Check out Recruit’s teleprompter feature.