OT: Suggestions for employment interview CD

p@mast3rs wrote on 11/11/2004, 8:46 PM
Ok, let me explain. A couple weeks ago, I had this beautiful vision come to me before I fell asleep. I have chewed on the idea since and trying to decide just how viable my idea is and if there is a chance that it might work.

What I would like to do is produce of a general video of me being interviewed. My intention is to blanket mail these interview videos to various schools that I am interested in teaching at. My first initial idea is that they may get discarded or not taken seriously but I figured if I included a letter with each video disc explaining its contents that someone will view it and see it as a brilliant way to make a first impression rather than some drab resume on inkjet paper. I figure if I submit 50-100, someone will at least look at it and say "Wow, Ive never seen that before."

My idea how to pull it off. First, I would write down a list of questions that are typically asked during these interviews (i.e. "why do you want to teach here", "tell us about yourself", "explain your teaching style", etc...) I figure by planning out the questions, I can video myself and get the answer perfect (no stuttering or hesitation).

I also thought about including video of me interacting with my family to make it more personal and perhaps video of me volunteering at the various places that I volunteer. Also thought about including personal/professional references through video as well.

In shooting the interview questions, I will either shoot against a green screen or mask out a nice conservative background. I figure it will set a professional tone.

As far as delivery, I am trying to decide on whether mpeg-1 or quicktime should be used.

So what I would like is some input on my idea. Pros, cons, suggestions, etc... Also, anyone else who is/was in the educational profession that can think of questions that I should answer, I would greatly appreciate it.

Much thanks.

P.S. One last thought. Does anyone think there is a market for a video resume service like I have described above?

Comments

Spot|DSE wrote on 11/11/2004, 9:00 PM
Video resume's are becoming more and more popular. There are several small companies in the San Francisco area that do this.
If you did it like a Discovery Channel presentation, where a chapter head card with some sweet audio and title card introduces what you're going to say next, keeping it a moving and dynamic presentation, it might just get you the job interview you're looking for. Short and sweet will likely get more attention than lengthy.
I'd do MPEG 1 if that's the way you're gonna go, but at the same time, I'd also just as much recommend a DVD rather than a CD. Cost of goods is about equal, and DVD is jnearly as ubiquitous at this point as MPEG1.
Good luck
p@mast3rs wrote on 11/11/2004, 9:20 PM
Thanks Spot. I thought about doing DVD but I am not sure if most/all school principals have DVD drives in their offices and dont see them going out of their way to find a DVD player for playback.

Not sure what the Discovery Channel idea is but would love to see an example somewhere if available. I am figyuring maybe 7-10 minutes max for length.

I kinda surprised myself with these two ideas. Finally it looks like something is clicking in my brain in how I can use video.
Grazie wrote on 11/11/2004, 10:02 PM
Patrick! Excellent .. I really like your left brain view to what you can do! Well done . . then maybe you could have a biz doing the same for others too? Yes?

Show Casing or VidCVs or whatever, come in many different forms. My work is really about Show Casing organisations that want my type of "treatment".

Best regards,

Grazie
DVDeviations wrote on 11/11/2004, 11:26 PM
I guess I am going to be the "devil's advocate" on this one.... just wanted to let you know that some organizations specifically will NOT view videos for legal reasons. Once they view the video, then they have an idea of the person's race, age, possible physical handicaps, etc. When you look at a resume, you are judging the person on their accomplishments, not their appearance, etc. The Human Resources person I am referring to was representing a major, major Las Vegas casino.

You might want to check into each school district's policies on video "resumes" before you spend a lot of time on this.

Spot suggested that there is a market for this, so I believe him, but it may not be schools....
ScottW wrote on 11/12/2004, 6:53 AM
www.videoscoutonline.com
Spot|DSE wrote on 11/12/2004, 1:11 PM
http://www.broadcastaresume.com/job_seekers/video_resume.html was the one I was thinking of, but there is also a headhunter company in San Fran that does this. I couldn't find them quickly on Google, I know of them from them attending training we did at the Moscone last year. For all I know, maybe they're gone now. But it's a good medium, and one used by a lot of places. A search on Google for Video Resume' brought up a LOT of providers and companies using this concept.
PierreB wrote on 11/12/2004, 3:22 PM
Yo, Patrick.

Replying from a background in marketing and marketing research...

a) I think it's a great idea

b) I would lose the personal stuff... you're trying to sell your teaching skills not your personal life

c) I would have a written CV available as an option

d) I would NOT mass mail, ever; I would telephone each and every contact before I send them something, with a standardized script, asking whether a) I can send them something b) would they rather DVD or written, mailed or emailed

e) you have to then followup with everyone, 1 or 2 days after the mailout ("Hi, it's Patrick Masters, I'm just following up on..."

Net, net: you're planning a direct marketing campaign... it's not just about the "piece", it's about results!

Best of luck,

Pierre
winrockpost wrote on 11/12/2004, 3:47 PM
With what I view as a shortage of dedicated teachers out there, I hope you land a position by whatever means and keep the passion you now have for the profession and teach on brother!!!
p@mast3rs wrote on 11/12/2004, 3:59 PM
Thanks guys. All great ideas. I am hoping that with the shortage of teachers and using a video resume, that it will make me stand out and show these schools that I am willing ot be unique and different in making sure that I am noticed.

IMO, if I was a principal and someone did this, I would be amazed that someone took the extra time and effort to do something different to stand out from the crowd.
apit34356 wrote on 11/13/2004, 8:45 AM
Pmasters, Also as well as your cd or dvd, try putting your video on a website, following Spot's ideal about short and sweet chapters. I know a couple of individuals that sent out a 5 min intro CD about thier consulting services to schools, with a cover letter pointing to a website with a lot of clips about thier background and demonstrating thier skills. The Website lets them update information or make corrections quickly, which can not be done on mailed items. Keep in mind, that most school offices and equipment are not the ideal viewing or listening and usually has a lot irruptions, so structure your video for less than ideal viewing conditions.

vicmilt wrote on 11/14/2004, 3:59 PM
PM -
more than any other aspect of the production, make sure the Audio is perfect. Muddy sound screams amateur time - use a lav or a boomed mike.

I'd also say, "have fun with your video". In the end, you'll have a much better chance of landing a job that you're gonna like.

Agree with no personal stuff -
three to five minutes - no longer - if you haven't said it by then - it's time for a rewriite or recut
Don't explain stuff - let the video do tell the tale:
Lines - - "Kids can be tough to get through to - they need time and energy".
"I've always loved film"
"Sometimes getting a child to respond is more important than getting a correct answer".
Video: PMasters playing basketball or dodgeball or checkers, or whatever with appropriate kids.
PMasters walking on the beach, or in the woods, or on a city street.
A laughing child CU (correct age range)
PM helping a kid writing something (with pencil)
Kids having fun at fair, Chuckie Cheese, etc.

Put those shots together and you've got to get something you will like.
Good luck - I am so proud of the turn-around you have given yourself.
Keep up the good work.
v.
ken c wrote on 11/14/2004, 5:21 PM
PeterB/Pierre's tip is the most important of everything in this thread..

it's a direct mail pitch, don't waste time sending unsoliciteds (unless you use FedEx, that pretty much ensures they'll get it, eg a director/VP)..

best to do a warmup call, script, then follow up .. excellent tips


ken
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