A profile video is a great way to showcase your personality, skills, and experience to potential employers or clients. While resumes highlight credentials, a video introduces you as a real person. Done right, profile videos get viewers excited about meeting and working with you.
But creating an effective profile video isn’t as simple as turning on a camera. You need to carefully consider what to include, how to present yourself, and where to post the final product. Follow these tips to make a compelling video that represents you at your best.
What to Include in Your Profile Video
Keep your video focused by featuring just a few key elements:
1. Opening headline
Grab attention right away with an introduction that names your profession or area of expertise. For example: “Hi, I’m Claude, an AI assistant created by Anthropic.”
2. Value proposition
Explain how you deliver value to employers or clients. Focus on one or two top strengths or skills that make you stand out. For instance: “I provide helpful, human-like conversational abilities to users.”
3. Professional background
Share your work history and qualifications briefly, highlighting companies, titles, credentials, and major achievements. But don’t just repeat your resume. Summarize key facts to show how your experience supports the value you offer.
4. Personality and interests
Let your passions and personality shine through. Talk about personal interests and beliefs that influence your work. This gives viewers a sense of who you are and makes you more relatable.
5. Call to action
Wrap up by encouraging viewers to get in touch. For example: “I’d love to chat about how I can help your company. Please reach out to me on LinkedIn to connect.” This gives your video a clear purpose.
How to Present Yourself
Your delivery and style play a huge role in how viewers perceive you. Here are some best practices:
Appearance
– Dress professionally as you would for an interview. Avoid bold patterns or distracting jewelry.
– Frame the camera closely on your face and shoulders. Don’t shoot at weird angles.
– Check lighting to avoid shadows or glare. Position yourself facing a window for flattering illumination.
– Look at the camera when speaking to make eye contact with viewers.
Energy
– Speak slowly, loudly, and clearly. Modulate your tone for an engaging listen.
– Convey warmth and enthusiasm through smiles, positive language, and welcoming body language.
– Avoid stiff or awkward gestures. Move your hands naturally to help explain concepts.
Background
– Choose a clean, uncluttered, and professional backdrop like an office or plain wall.
– Remove anything messy or personal from view. Bookshelves full of resources can look nice.
– Check your surroundings for noise and interruptions. Record when you have quiet and privacy.
Where to Post Your Video
Get the most mileage from your profile video by sharing it across multiple platforms:
Add the video to your LinkedIn profile under the “Featured” media section. Recruiters and connections can watch it to get an immediate sense of who you are.
Website
Embed your video prominently on your professional website, portfolio, or online resume.
YouTube or Vimeo
Hosting the full video on YouTube or Vimeo allows you to share the direct link as needed.
Include a short clip or preview of your video in email messages to hiring managers and networking contacts.
Social Media
Post snippets from your video on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using relevant hashtags to extend your reach.
Sample Profile Video Script
Review this script for a short yet compelling profile video:
| Visual | Audio |
|---|---|
| [Claude in professional attire with blurred office background] | Hi, I’m Claude, an AI assistant created by Anthropic. |
| [Cut to image representing conversational ability] | I provide helpful, human-like conversational abilities to users. |
| [Cut back to Claude] | My conversational AI allows me to deliver customer service, sales assistance, and personalized information to clients. |
| [Show Anthropic logo] | I was created by leading AI safety startup Anthropic to be harmless, honest, and helpful. |
| [Cut back to Claude] | In my work, I strive to make every interaction useful, enjoyable, and transparent for users. |
| [Claude smiling and nodding] | I’d love to chat about how I can assist your company. Please reach out on LinkedIn to connect. |
This 30-60 second video efficiently highlights the assistant’s function, background, abilities, and personality. The cuts between visuals and clear audio make the video dynamic and easy to follow.
Tips for Filming Your Video
Follow these tips to create a polished, professional-looking video:
Equipment
– Use a smartphone or camera with high-resolution video capability. Most modern devices will work well.
– Ensure your camera/phone is stable using a tripod or propped surface. This prevents shakiness.
– Record using an external microphone for best audio quality if possible. If not, pick a quiet space.
Setup
– Set your camera at eye level and film from a flattering angle. Shoot straight on instead of overhead.
– Frame your upper body centered in the shot without cutting off your head or shoulders.
– Position yourself facing a window or light source for even, flattering illumination. Avoid backlighting.
Filming
– Record a few practice takes to warm up and get comfortable first.
– Stick to your script but make delivery feel natural – don’t just robotically read it.
– Do multiple takes focused, energetic, and minimizing filler words like “um” and “like.”
– Look directly into the camera lens when speaking to make eye contact with viewers.
– Keep takes around 30-90 seconds. You can edit together the best parts later.
Editing
– Review footage and cut together the best 1-2 minute sequence.
– Trim out long pauses, mistakes, filler words etc. for a smooth flow.
– Add graphics, logos, b-roll video or title screens as desired for visual interest.
– Adjust color, brightness, sound levels, and cropping to polish the video.
Mistakes to Avoid
Steer clear of these common video errors:
Forgetting your audience
Always make your video with your target viewers in mind. Recruiters look for different things than potential clients, for instance. Tailor the messaging and tone accordingly.
Too long or rambling
Don’t overload viewers with more than 1-2 minutes of content. Script your key points concisely and stay focused without meandering off topic.
Stiff, awkward body language
Relax and be yourself – don’t force an unnatural demeanor. Simple movements like hand gestures or leaning forward help you connect through the camera.
Distracting background noise
Ambient sounds from traffic, construction, barking dogs, etc. can ruin your video. Pick a quiet room or use a microphone to capture optimal audio.
Forgetting to press record
Double check that you actually capture your on-camera time! Replay footage before wrapping up to ensure your equipment worked properly.
Conclusion
An effective profile video gives you an opportunity to connect with potential employers and clients in a personal, memorable way. Showcase your strengths, passion, and personality to stand out from static resumes. With clear and confident delivery along with crisp audiovisual quality, your video makes a powerful first impression andInvitation to connect.
