They say that a resume is your 30-second chance to make it into one of two files, the call back file or the special round file. Resume coaches advise using industry buzzwords and countless other hints and tricks to make yours stand out from the dozens of other resumes that employers receive on a daily basis. Charles Gordon, owner of Video Profile may have the answer.

What is a Video Resume?

“A video resume is basically your 60-second elevator pitch. It’s a way for the employer to get to meet the person behind the sheet of paper and get a better idea of whether or not they want to bring them in for an interview. Our goal is to get you out of that stack of resumes and into the office for an interview because the employer is comfortable because they feel like they’ve met you already.”

Does it take the place of a paper resume?

“That’s a big misconception. A video resume does not take the place of a paper resume or even a well-written cover letter. It supplements both of those things.”

Why did you come up with the concept?

“I got into this after an extended period of unemployment. I was frustrated that I was sending out job applications and not getting any feedback. I think a lot of people when filling out job applications think , ‘If they could just meet me,’ and I’ve always been into creative uses of technology and more people are into watching vides on their computers. It made sense.

How does it work?

“We spend about 30 minutes with a person asking questions to see what really makes that person stand out and how we can get that point across. Then we script out what they’re going to say and take some time practicing it with a teleprompter and getting them comfortable in front of the cameras.

We shoot the video resume in high definition and it’s framed as if you’re sitting at a desk across from someone. We try to make it as realistic as possible. Then we set up a free profile page so they can include the link at the end of their cover letter and it will take the person directly to their page and their video. “

You’re doing free taping sessions at the Placer County Job Fair, how can I get a video resume shot?

“We’re basically going to try to offer a condensed version. We will have staff on hand to help with the basic principles and help with scripting. But depending on the demand we may not have time to sit down with everyone and help them figure out what they’re going to say or help them practice. So it will really be up to them to be prepared and know what they want to say and give their best take.”

Video Profile is located at 3550 Watt Ave. Suite 140 in Sacramento. 979-7045