Video has become the next big thing in personal branding — just look at the success and popularity of apps like Vine and now Instagram video. But beyond just trying to become the next YouTube sensation, people have transformed it into a great platform for job searches. Video résumés have become a way to grab the attention of potential employers, and video calls via Skype have become the norm for long distance job interviews.
Jared Matthew Weiss had a regular spot on The Today Show, a column in Shape Magazine and has consulted over 800 clients worldwide on how to reach their potential. He founded Overture, a company that produces short, chic black-and-white videos designed to capture your story and share it with the world. The personal branding expert was kind enough to sit down and share 10 important tips that will help set your personal video apart from others.
How You Look
1. Wear Clothing That Makes You Feel Good About Yourself
Have some fun with your wardrobe and be sure it reflects your personality. Choose comfortable clothing that showcases the real "you." To make a slightly more formal statement, a suit and tie or blouse and skirt is perfect. Keep jewelry to a minimum. Feeling good about yourself is key. And it will show.
2. Mom Was Right: Sit Up Straight
The camera exaggerates everything because there is nothing to distract the viewer. If your posture is poor, viewers will think you've checked out and lost interest. Your body should convey your energy and intelligence without being stiff and robotic.
3. Watch Your Body Language — Everyone Else Will
Weiss speaks from personal experience on this one. Throughout his first live television segment he was unaware of the fact that he was impulsively rubbing his leg to calm his nerves. Find a good place for your hands so they aren't distracting to viewers.
4. Smile With Your Eyes
A warm and genuine smile does wonders for coming across as sincere and confident. But flashing those pearly whites is only part of the key to smiling. The eyes can dictate whether a smile is real or forced. In this case, crow's feet can be a good thing.
How You Sound
5. Use Your Natural Voice.
While some of us admit to practicing our news anchor voices, leave that "Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. America" voice at home. Be yourself and speak to the camera like it was your best friend. Not only is it more natural, but it's what people expect. You want your video to reflect who you are, not Brian Williams.
6. It's How You Say It
You know what you're talking about. So focus on how you deliver the goods. Pacing matters. If you rush through your spiel, you throw away your credibility. The message you deliver is: what I'm saying doesn't really matter. Your choice of words is also key. Simple and clear beats a multisyllabic mouthful any day. Enunciate and avoid slang at all costs. Shakespeare didn't write "ta be or not ta be, dude."
How To Prepare
7. Look At The Camera As You Would Your Dog
Don't be afraid of the lens — it won't bite or even lick you. Just look into it with the love you'd give a welcoming pet at the end of the day. Don't look around; darting eyes scream, "I'm nervous and desperately searching for the exit!" Blink naturally; excessive blinking signals a lack of sincerity. Don't be afraid of flubs, either. That's why we have editors.
8. Keep It Moist
Dry mouth is the enemy of talking. Get that frog out of your throat with a sip of water. Taking a water break can also be a way to step away from the camera and calm your nerves. And keep your lips moist with something other than your tongue!
9. Chill
Don't go in front of a camera full of nerves and sweaty palms. Do whatever is necessary to help you relax — stretch, do jumping jacks, listen to music, go into the bathroom to talk to yourself. Sit in front of the camera only when you're feeling calm, cool and collected. It will add to your confidence.
10. Breathing Is Good
Not only is it essential for life, but breathing is necessary to be awesome on camera. Take deep breaths before you go live, and continue to breathe easily when the camera's on. If you find yourself breathing or talking too quickly, it's time for a break.
Unless you are portraying a character or alter ego, it's important to be yourself while on camera. This is especially true if you are using the video to market yourself. Allow you and your personality to flourish and embrace the moving frames.
Mashable Job Board Listings
The Mashable Job Board connects job seekers across the U.S. with unique career opportunities in the digital space. While we publish a wide range of job listings, we have selected a few job opportunities from the past two weeks to help get you started. Happy hunting!
Creative Director at Edelman in Atlanta, Ga.
Director of Brand Communications - Training at Reebok in Canton, Mass.
Analyst, Digital Ad Sales at Viacom Media Networks in New York, N.Y.
Image: Jacques Demarthon/AFP/GettyImages
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