This debate has not kicked off in Singapore yet. But it will eventually and I thought you should be prepared. For those of you who have no idea what a video resume is, check it out at ‘youtube’. It’s almost similar to your paper resume, except you are presenting yourself through a video, instead through words on the traditional paper resume.

When applying for jobs, most of us choose the conventional way of emailing or posting our paper resumes. A lot of time is taken preparing our resumes, stating our educational qualifications and work experiences. We try not to sound too pompous while listing down our personal accomplishments and qualities that speak of our character. We spend hours editing our resumes as even minor spelling mistakes can be a turn-off. When it seems too long, we try deleting some sections. At the end of the day, it’s still a wondering thought, if our resume will actually be noticed. Will we get that job? There are so many applications and we don’t know if we will stand out from thousand other applicants.

So will this Video Resume concept be our saviour?

Is this the only way we can ‘stand out’?

Sending a video resume for any application is not a new idea. I remember watching a movie called Legally Blonde about six years ago. The lead actress, a blonde sorority queen is dumped by her boyfriend. To get him back, she applies to the same Law school where he gets an admission. She records her interview in a very creative way on a VHS tape and sends in her application. And like most Hollywood stories, the result paid off.

The idea was really cool and though it didn’t take off immediately, it is now.

A lot of fresh graduates are turning to video resumes to apply for their desired jobs. It is not only a different approach but some of these job-seeking applicants actually prefer coordinating a video resume to organizing their paper resume.

Says Fareena Nizar, who hopes to be a Speech and Drama Teacher soon: “I am doing a Speech and Drama course now which might secure me a job with the same company. I will be sending out my applications soon. But instead of a paper resume, I will be presenting myself in a video resume. I feel the hiring panel will be able to judge me better, since this job requires certain characteristics which can’t be displayed on paper.”

Chong Ailing , a Finance Officer in a private firm feels otherwise. “A paper resume is the fair method. In anyways, things like age, photograph and marital status are all discriminatory factors for a recruiter to base his judgements and a video resume is even more discriminating. Furthermore, my job doesn’t require me, in any angle to have anything to do with presentation, therefore I feel I need not have presented myself in a video format either.”

Both arguments are justifiable. You may not be able to express how bubbly or confident you are on paper but you can do that in a video resume. But you aren’t being completely genuine when recording either. A Video resume consists the process of editing and acting and this may not seem entirely accurate to the employer.

This argument can be boiled down to one point. Whether or not a video resume is a requirement from the company you are applying to. If they have not asked for a video resume, then why bother making things more complicated. If the job does not require a specific skill of behaving naturally in front of a camera, such as presenting, acting, public speaking, then there is no need to create a video resume.

But what do you do if you think the Video Resume is your style; here are a few common steps and points to remember whilst recording your very first Video Resume.

*You will need a video camera or webcam. *Dress nicely, in a suit preferably, as if you are really going for an interview. *Make sure you have all the information organized or memorized in order. *Start the video by introducing yourself through your name and highest qualification. *Talk briefly about your career objectives and how you think you can contribute to the company. *Then move on to talking about your skills and end of very politely with your hopes. *The idea is not to decant everything about yourself in the video resume. *Keep all information minimal yet enough for the recruiter to make a judgement.

If you are getting professional help to record your Video Resume, then use the opportunity to add footage of yourself which will prove beneficial to your whole application, such as showing your public-speaking skills or proof or attachments demonstrating your ability in teamwork.

Singapore is an IT obsessed island. Video Resumes will be technology based, with the use of the web-hosting sites. This will be another opportunity to prove ourselves as better compared to other Asian countries when it comes to technology and advancement. The video resume concept will definitely be adapted. But I reckon it won’t be long before we fall back on our paper resumes again.

Rajinder Dhaliwal, a Malaysian Lawyer adds her thoughts, “It will be a trend for awhile. However, it will fade. A lot is learned from demeanour and response during interviews. Further, a written resume gives the applicant an opportunity to be prepared to expand during his interview. Video Resumes give the ‘sudden death’ impression.

Hopefully this argument has been rationalised enough for you to make a better decision.