10 common video CV mistakes
The mistakes below can make even a strong candidate's video look weaker than it is. All of them can be fixed in a few minutes before filming or publishing. Use this list as a final check before uploading your video.
1. Reading a script from a screen or paper
Reading is noticeable right away: your eyes drift from the camera, your voice becomes monotone and your sentences stop sounding like natural speech. The viewer ends up listening to the script, not to you. Memorizing causes a similar problem: when you forget a word, you lose your flow.
İpucu: Instead of a full script, jot down one or two keywords for each part and place them just below the camera. Build your sentences in the moment, in your own words.
2. Starting with a long, vague introduction
Sentences like “Hello, first of all, thank you for this opportunity, I'd like to tell you a little about myself” fill the first few seconds but give no information. If the viewer doesn't know from the start who they're looking at, they have no frame to place the rest of what you say.
İpucu: In your first sentence, say your name, your occupation or field of study, and how much experience you have. Save the thank-you for the closing.
3. Listing your entire résumé
Listing schools, dates and workplaces in order is just reading your written CV out loud. That information is already in the other sections of your CV; repeating it in the video wastes your time.
İpucu: Use your video for what a written CV can't convey: why you want this job, how you work and an example.
4. Not giving a concrete example
Anyone can say “I'm hardworking, I'm a team player, I have strong communication skills.” Adjectives without proof aren't memorable and don't set you apart from other candidates.
İpucu: A situation, what you did and the result: a single example is more convincing than five adjectives. You can find out how to build your example in the talking plan article.
5. Sitting with the light behind you
Sitting in front of a window looks natural, but the phone adjusts to the bright background and your face goes dark. A video where your facial expressions can't be read also weakens what you say.
İpucu: Change your position: sit facing the window or put the lamp in front of you.
6. Echoey or noisy sound
An empty room, an open window, a TV that's on or a phone placed too far away muffles your voice. No matter how good the image is, sentences no one can understand get lost.
İpucu: Choose a quiet room with a rug or curtains, stay close to the phone and listen to your test recording with earphones. Details are in the guide to filming with your phone.
7. Applying to every job posting with the same video
Applying to both a sales job and an accounting job with the same general video makes you look ordinary in both. A video meant for everyone doesn't quite fit any job.
İpucu: You can create up to two CVs on PlayCV. Record separate videos for different fields, and when you apply, choose the CV that best fits the posting.
8. Sharing personal information unrelated to the job
Marital status, religious beliefs, political views, health or family plans don't show whether you're right for the job. You don't have to talk about them in your video; some of them are also specially protected by law as special categories of personal data.
İpucu: Check your background too: make sure there are no documents, family photos or anything showing your address in the frame. Details are in the article Video CVs and personal data.
9. Ending without saying what you're looking for
When a video ends with “So, that's all I have to say”, the viewer is left guessing what you want. If you're looking for work in more than one city or in different work arrangements, saying so clearly also makes it easier to match you with the right job posting.
İpucu: In your closing, say the position, city or work arrangement you're looking for and when you can start, then end with a short thank-you.
10. Uploading without watching the recording
A sentence cut off halfway, someone walking into the frame or a noise you only notice later are small but avoidable mistakes. Length matters too: on PlayCV, a CV can't be published with a video shorter than 30 seconds or longer than 2 minutes.
İpucu: Before uploading, watch the recording once from start to finish and listen to it with earphones. If you're unsure, have a friend watch it and ask, “What do you remember from this video?”
Finally: don't forget everything outside the video
No matter how good your video is, if the other sections of your CV are empty, you'll fall behind in searches. On PlayCV, the main ranking factor in company searches is the completion rate: the more you fill in sections like education, experience, certificates and languages, the higher you appear.
You can edit your video CV even while it's published. When you record a new video and update your CV, the last updated date below your CV is refreshed too. Your first try won't always be your best; the second recording usually goes more smoothly.
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