Adding a video to your resume is a simple way to keep people engaged. A typical resume is read for 10-20 seconds before it is tossed in the trash or deleted. You must take that limited time to stand out from the other resumes in the pile.

Lets start with making a video resume.

There are some rules we need to cover. First, be professional. Act as if you are actually in a job interview. That does not exclude you from being creative or interesting. Many video resumes are a single shot of the applicant sitting in a chair and talking to the camera about how they are a good employee. While this can be effective, don't limit yourself by one camera angle, one shot, or even one location.

Your video resume should be brief; not more then 2 minutes. The reviewer is likely a busy person (remember, they normally only spend 10 - 20 seconds per resume). Just like a "paper" resume, you need to grab their attention fast by engaging them and letting them know exactly why you are best for the position.

Remember to dress appropriately. I do not recommend the "coat and tie" approach because it normally comes across as stiff on camera. Dress casual and consider dressing as you would dress in the job you are applying for. Applying to be a chef, dress the role. Applying to be a nurse, dress the role.

The video should include an introduction about yourself, your work experience and why you are looking for a new job or a career change. While your "paper" resume should focus on your accomplishments and your work experience, you video resume should allow the reviewer to know you as a person. Yes, they want to hire a qualified person for their position but they also want to hire someone who will fit in at their company.

Some very effective video resumes actually only have the applicant on camera a limit amount and focus on different settings. For example you could take the reviewer or a tour of the last places you have worked while talking about what you did and your accomplishments. You can even interview former co-workers or your former boss.

Adding a video to your resume can be a great tool to capture the reviewers attention and keep them engaged while they have the opportunity to learn more about you. Keep the video professional, under 2 minutes, and focus on the personal you while allowing your paper resume to show your professional accomplishments.

Duffy is founder of [http://www.ConsiderMyResume.com], a new format for web resume posting. Visit [http://www.considermyresume.com/Resumes/yepitslenz.html] to see an example of a video resume or post your own video resume. Along with a video, you can post your "paper" resume, add a photo and links to your work or to other web sites. Get your resume "seen" today! Still looking for a job? Let the jobs search for you!