Finding a job in Japan can be highly competitive, particularly if you don't have a strong enough network to help you connect with companies you are targeting for your career. Submitting your resume through the standard channels is not always effective, as standing out among hundreds of other candidate applications can be a daunting task. How can you ensure your resume grabs the attention of HR Recruiters? How do you increase your chances of securing an interview? One effective strategy is creating a concise video resume.

A video resume is a concise video that allows you to introduce yourself, highlight your skills, experience, achievements, and articulate why you are an ideal candidate for the position you are applying for. Unlike traditional resumes, it enables you to showcase your personality and communication abilities, establishing a more personal connection with potential employers. Although it's true that not many people make the effort to create such a video resume (because it requires a considerable amount of work, effort and preparation), the potential benefits are substantial and can significantly enhance your job prospects.

- Prepare Your Script: Write a short and concise script for a video lasting 1 to 2 minutes (DO NOT GO OVER 2 minutes). Your narrative should cover key points such as a brief self-introduction, professional background, core skills, significant achievements, and a compelling closing statement designed to inspire the hiring manager to invite you for an interview.

- Keep it Versatile: Create a general video that can be reused for similar roles you apply for in the future. Avoid making it too specific unless you plan to prepare a unique video for each position you’re targeting.

- Build an Emotional Connection: While your resume sells your experience and skills, the video’s purpose is to showcase your personality, communication abilities, and potential cultural fit. Highlight aspects and values that are not necessarily showing in your resume.

- Effective Storytelling: Your ability to tell a story and build an emotional connection is crucial. Use your video to convey not just your qualifications but also your passion, enthusiasm, and how you align with the company's values and mission.

- Camera: Most current smartphone models are equipped with excellent cameras.

- Tripod: A tripod allows you to adjust the camera angle and maintain a steady shot (do not shoot your video handheld).

- Microphone: Invest in a clip-on or desk microphone to ensure your video has high-quality sound.

- Lighting Kit: Proper lighting is essential. Use a lighting kit to ensure your face is well-lit and free of shadows (recommended).

- Backdrop green screen is not really needed unless you plan to add some special effects.

- Editing Software: Use reliable editing software to polish your video. Options include Canva, iMovie, Final Cut Pro, and Adobe Premiere Pro.

- Appropriate Attire: Dress as you would for a job interview. This shows professionalism and respect for the position and the team you’re applying for.

- Choose a Quiet Location: Ensure that the area you select for recording is free from background noise and interruptions.

- Good Lighting: Use natural light (close to a window is best) or soft, diffused artificial light to clearly illuminate your face. Avoid harsh shadows and overly bright backgrounds.

- Clean Background: Make sure your background is clean and non-distracting. 
Don’t underestimate the importance of your background, as it can convey various aspects of your personality. For example, a clean background with books and some tech gears, complemented by proper lighting, can reassure potential employers of your professionalism and suitability for roles such as marketing content creator, videographer, branding or PR representative etc. 
Remember that your background can also reflect directly on your personality traits:
a) A messy background can suggest disorganization.
b) A well-curated background can indicate attention to details and a professional vibe.

- Set Up Tripod: Make sure your tripod is set up properly and that your face is centered in the video frame.

- Set Your Camera to 1080p HD-60fps

- Set Your Camera Horizontally (This is not an Instagram Reel)

- With a smartphone, use the back camera instead of selfie mode for a higher video quality

- Perform a test recording: Watch & listen back your footage (with headphones to ensure the sound quality and the lack of distracting background noises).

By carefully setting up your recording environment, you can enhance your video’s impact and leave a positive impression on potential employers.

- Practice: Rehearse your script multiple times for a smooth delivery.

- Body Language: Maintain good posture, smile, and make eye contact with the camera to appear confident and engaged.

- Pacing: Speak clearly and at a moderate pace to ensure your message is easily understood.

- Eye Contact: Look directly into the camera lens, not at the screen.

- Avoid Reading: Do not read directly from a script; aim to sound natural and authentic.

- Clip Management: Record a clip per topic for easier editing. You don't need to record the entire video in one shot.

- Starting and Ending: Smile, count to three in your head, then start speaking. At the end, smile again, count to three, and stop recording. Doing so will help you with the video editing.

- Clarity and Passion: Speak clearly and with enthusiasm to make a strong impression.

- Import Clips: Load all your video clips into your chosen editing software (Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro, iMovie, or Canva).

- Trim and Cut: Remove unnecessary parts or mistakes to keep your video concise.

- Add Text Overlays: Include your name, contact information, and key points to reinforce your message.

- Background Music: Use light, royalty-free background music to make the video more engaging without being distracting.

- Adjust Transitions: Sync transitions with your selected music for a smooth flow.

- Add Subtitles: Include subtitles in English or Japanese for better accessibility.

- Review: Watch your video to identify any errors or areas for improvement.

- Feedback: Get constructive feedback from friends, family, or colleagues.

- Export: Save your video in a high-quality format.

- Thumbnail: Select an attractive thumbnail to catch the viewer's attention.

Uploading your video resume to YouTube as an unlisted video can be a secure and convenient way to share it. Here is a series of steps you can follow to upload your video resume on Youtube:

- Sign in to YouTube: Log in using your Google account.

- Upload Your Video: Click the camera icon with a plus sign (typically at the top right) and choose "Upload video."

- Set Visibility to "Unlisted": In the upload process, under "Visibility," select "Unlisted" to ensure only those with the link can view it.

- Upload your thumbnail visual which will illustrate your video

- Copy the Link: Once your video file is completely uploaded, copy the provided video link from YouTube.

- Share the Link: Include this link in your Hireplanner profile, Linkedin Profile (if appropriate), resume, cover letter, or emails to employers for easy access.

- Control Access: By storing your video resume on YouTube, you can easily manage and update your visibility settings or delete the video as needed. This method is safer than uploading a large video file to a company's website, where control over its use and retention may be uncertain. Uploading to YouTube allows you to control who can access your video and for how long, ensuring your privacy and data control.

Here is a great example of an engaging video resume (see below):

Creating a video resume is a time-consuming process, but the effort is well worth it. A well-done video resume will help you stand out from other candidates by showcasing your diligence, professionalism, and ability to communicate effectively. It demonstrates to potential employers that you take your job search seriously and are willing to go the extra mile to present yourself in the best light.

By following these steps – planning your content, setting up a good recording environment, dressing professionally, preparing technically, recording effectively, editing carefully, reviewing thoroughly, uploading securely, and sharing appropriately – you can craft a quality and efficient video resume that makes a strong impression on potential employers.

Remember, the key to a successful video resume is to keep it concise, professional, and reflective of your unique qualifications and personality. Investing the time and effort to create a polished video resume will help you tell your story more compellingly and showcase your communication skills, ultimately giving you a competitive edge in the job market. Happy recording!