What do you say in a profile video?

A profile video is a short, stylized video that introduces yourself and your skills to potential employers or clients. Profile videos have become an increasingly popular way to stand out in the job application process. They allow you to go beyond just words on a page and give the viewer a better sense of your personality. However, creating an effective profile video can be tricky. What exactly should you say and how should you present yourself? Here are some tips on what to include in your profile video.

Start off with a brief self-introduction. State your name, your professional title or area of expertise, and potentially where you are located. This opening establishes who you are and what you do. An example opening could be: “Hi, I’m Jane Smith, a user experience designer based in San Francisco.” Keep it short and succinct. A 30-second intro is plenty.

Background

After introducing yourself, give the viewer some background on your professional experiences and qualifications. Mention your education level and degrees earned, companies you have worked for, and number of years in the industry. Focus on highlights that are most relevant. For example: “I earned my masters in human-computer interaction from Stanford University. I have over 5 years of experience designing interfaces for mobile apps and websites. I previously led UX design at a tech startup and am currently a UX manager at XYZ Company.” This context establishes your credibility in your field.

Skills

The next step is to talk about your specialized skills and expertise. Go beyond just stating your job title and really drill down into what makes you uniquely qualified. Mention any particular methodologies you are trained in or highlight specific skills like user research, information architecture, interaction design, etc. This helps the viewer understand what you bring to the table. For example: “I’m highly skilled in user research methodologies like contextual inquiries, usability testing and A/B testing. I’m also fluent in design software such as Sketch, Figma and Adobe Creative Suite.”

Achievements

Employers and clients often look for concrete examples of how you made an impact in past roles. Highlight 1-2 standout accomplishments or contributions you made at previous companies or gigs. Mention any stats, numbers or results that you drove to quantify the achievement. For example: “At my last company, I led a redesign of the e-commerce platform, which resulted in a 20% increase in mobile conversions and 15% bump in sales. The CEO commended me for significantly improving key metrics for the business.”

Work Samples

It’s one thing to talk about your skills and experience – it’s even better if you can show them in action. Include samples of your work or portfolio in your video. For example, hold up an interface or website you designed, or insert images/mockups on the screen. You could say: “This is an example of a recent mobile app interface I designed for a fintech startup. It demonstrates my ability to…” allowing the visuals to reinforce what you are highlighting about your talents.

What Sets You Apart

Towards the wrap-up, explain what makes you different than other candidates in your field. This can relate to your specific skills (“As a UX researcher, my anthropological training makes me skilled in contextual inquiry”), work style (“I’m a big-picture strategic thinker but also detail-oriented when it comes to execution”), or personality traits (“I’m incredibly passionate about accessible, human-centered design”). Find 1-2 things that set you apart and make you uniquely qualified for the role or project at hand.

Call to Action

End your video with a call to action and your contact details. Let viewers know where they can view more of your work samples or how they can get in touch to work with you. For example: “I’d love to bring my user-centered design approach to your organization. You can check out more of my work at my website www.janesmith.com or reach out to me at [email protected]. I’m excited to connect!” Finish strong with confidence to leave a lasting impression.

Tips for Filming Your Profile Video

In addition to what you say, certain stylistic choices can help make your profile video look polished and appealing. Here are some tips:

• Film in a quiet, distraction-free environment with simple background
• Use professional lighting and audio equipment if possible
• Wear professional, tidy attire in neutral tones
• Speak slowly, clearly and with enthusiasm
• Smile and make regular eye contact with the camera
• Avoid distracting mannerisms or fidgeting
• Keep videos concise at 1-3 minutes max
• Insert b-roll video or visuals to reinforce your message

Doing multiple takes and getting feedback before finalizing your video can help ensure you put your best foot forward.

Common Profile Video Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make missteps when crafting a profile video. Steer clear of these common mistakes:

• Don’t make recordings overly long or rambling
• Don’t use distracting backgrounds with clutter or noise
• Don’t speak in a flat, monotone voice without inflection
• Don’t rely solely on talking heads – incorporate visuals
• Don’t stare down at notes – maintain eye contact
• Don’t make claims without evidence or data to back up
• Don’t use industry jargon without explaining concepts
• Don’t come across as arrogant or entitled

Keeping these pitfalls in mind and emphasizing your genuine skills and personality will help you create an engaging, effective profile video.

Sample Profile Video Script

Here is an example script for a 60-90 second profile video to give you an idea of how to structure your content:

[Start with brief intro while on camera]

Hi there. I’m Jane Smith, a user experience designer based in San Francisco with 5 years in the tech industry.

[Provide background credentials]

I earned my masters in human-computer interaction from Stanford, where I honed my skills in qualitative user research. I’ve since conducted hundreds of user interviews, surveys and usability studies for companies like XYZ Startup and ABC Tech.

[Highlight specialized skills]

I’m highly proficient with design tools like Sketch and Figma, as well as analytics platforms like Amplitude to analyze product metrics. I’m able to take user insights and translate them into intuitive, engaging digital interfaces.

[Share achievement]

At XYZ, I led a platform redesign that improved user retention by 18% month-over-month. The CEO called it one of our most successful design projects to date.

[Describe work samples]

Here are a few recent app design examples that reflect my clean, mobile-first aesthetic and user-tested best practices.

[Wrap up with value proposition]

I love collaborating cross-functionally to create solutions users want and need. If you’re looking for a passionate design partner, let’s connect! You can find more work examples at my website www.janesmith.com or reach out at [email protected].

I’m excited to make an impact on your team’s success!

FAQs

How long should a profile video be?

Aim for 1-3 minutes in length. Anything shorter than one minute may not provide enough detail, while videos longer than 3 minutes may lose viewers’ interest. Focus on concise, relevant messaging in a short time frame.

What equipment do I need to make a profile video?

At minimum, you need a decent camera, well-lit environment, and clear audio. For best results, use a 1080p or 4K camera or smartphone, external microphone, and artificial lighting. Invest in some basic equipment for professional quality.

What should I wear in a profile video?

Dress professionally as you would for an in-person interview. Solid colors tend to look best on camera. Avoid distracting prints or busy patterns. Keep accessories minimal. Think simple, tidy and understated.

Where should I film my profile video?

A quiet, indoor location with a simple background is ideal. Film against a solid wall or neutral backdrop. Make sure there is no noise or interruptions. Front-light yourself evenly and check lighting before filming.

What if I’m camera shy?

Practice reading your script aloud multiple times to get comfortable hearing yourself speak. Film a few trial runs to warm up. Imagine you are speaking to a friend, not just a disembodied camera lens. Focus on your message rather than any self-consciousness.

How should I end my profile video?

Close with a call to action, invite to continue the conversation and your contact details. End on an enthusiastic, confident final statement summing up why you are the right fit for the role or opportunity at hand.

Conclusion

Profile videos provide a powerful way to expand on your resume and introduce yourself to potential employers or clients. Focus your video on highlighting your professional background, specialized skills, achievements, portfolio samples and unique value you bring. Follow best practices for delivery, visuals and style. Take the time to craft an engaging 1-3 minute profile video that puts your talents on display and leaves viewers wanting to learn more. With a compelling profile video that sums up your qualifications and personality, you can stand out from the crowd in any application process or career opportunity.