Pitch videos are a fantastic way to stand out from others when searching for employment. When done correctly, they can show who you are, what you excel at, and explain things in ways written applications can't.

I'll be honest, I don't like looking for jobs. I'm always nervous about the interview and wondering how I'm going to stand out from the other applicants. When I applied to Pitch59, I didn't know much about the company or the people that would interview me. Being a bit of an introvert, this made me more nervous than I care to admit.  However, I was lucky. A friend of mine knew the people that worked there and whom I would be interviewing with.  He told me about the job and a little about the company and recommended me to them. When I applied, I noticed their application process included a quick 59-second pitch video. Even though I was nervous and unsure of myself when I recorded it, I realized this was my chance to show my potential supervisors and managers who I was. It gave me a chance to stand out from others.

The Importance of Pitch Videos

Pitch videos can help job seekers in a variety of ways.

1. They allow recruiters and interviewers to get to know you before you come in for an interview.
   I remember in a previous job when I was a supervisor. I would have to interview others for any open positions I had. I was almost as nervous as those who were there to be interviewed. I didn't know what to expect. A pitch video would've been extremely beneficial.  I would've been able to see their personality and essentially gotten to know them, at least a little before they came in to interview. Having this information would have allowed me to customize the interview making it more comfortable for both of us.
2. Pitch videos allow you to personalize your application in a way traditional applications and cover letters can't. 
   You can be expressive and more engaging causing you to stand out from other applicants. 
3. They allow you to demonstrate relevant skills. 
   Depending on what you're applying for, you can show a quick demonstration of what you've done or what you're currently working on. You can then explain how that would benefit the company you're applying to.
4. Submitting a pitch video demonstrates your creativity and willingness to think outside the box.
   It shows that you are innovative and possibly tech-savvy. When I was supervising a team, it would have given me a chance to see what some of their strengths and weaknesses were. I could've begun to think about how their personality would fit into the team and how my team could benefit from it.
5. Pitch videos differentiate you from the other applicants. 
   They make you memorable. In a competitive job market, being memorable, in a good way, is essential.

What to Include in Your Pitch Video

1. Your Name. Always introduce yourself.
2. Personal background. This could include where you come from and where you went to school.
3. Your family. Talk a little about your parents, siblings, your spouse, or children.
4. Unique Hobbies or Interests. What are some things you like to do in your spare time? Have they given you skills that would be beneficial for the job you're applying for?
5. Give a basic idea of what you do. This can be a quick summary of your skills, things you're learning, and things you've done.
6. What sets you apart from other applicants? Talk about an experience that made a huge difference in your life. What key things did you learn from that experience?
7. The problem your industry is addressing.
8. How do you resolve those concerns?
9. Include a call to action.

How to Create Your Pitch Video

1. Make a plan. You can plan out your video by asking a few questions such as: 
   1. Where should I record?
   2. How do I block out background noise?
   3. Do I use my phone, computer, or something else?
   4. Do I need any other equipment? If so, what?
   5. Are you going to include other videos, images, charts, or music?
2. Write a script.
   Writing a script allows you to put your thoughts in order so you don't end up babbling in your video. It gives you structure and can help you figure out how much time your video will take. In my experience, a 215-word script will usually take about a minute, depending on how fast you talk.
3. Practice your script.
   Most of the time, you don't want to read the script word for word when recording your video. The more you practice reading and saying the script, the more natural it becomes to say. It allows you to be more natural and lets your personality show.
4. Dress for the position.
   Dressing right is important. If you're applying to be a doctor, you don't want to wear holey jeans, a wrinkled t-shirt, and worn-out shoes. Instead, you should wear something more professional, clean, and business-like. On the flip side, if you're applying to work on a farm driving tractors, a suit probably isn't necessary.
5.  Record your Video.
   Recording your video could take several tries. I have never been able to record a video and have it go perfectly the first time. It usually takes me at least 3 or 4 tries with a lot of editing. Be patient and take your time. Your video doesn't have to be perfect but you should be comfortable with others watching it. Remember, in this case, something is usually better than nothing.
6. Edit your video.
   If you're editing your video yourself, you will need good video editing software. Take your time to at least learn the basics of your chosen software. You can add images and other videos to your overall video to make it more interesting. You will also want to add some music in the background. The music should never be louder than the speaker. You could also send it to somebody else to edit, or go to a professional.
7. Submit your video.
   When submitting your video, make sure it is easy to access for those watching it. You could upload it to YouTube or Vimeo and then share the link. You could also create a free Resume PitchCard from Pitch59. A PitchCard not only gives your potential employer access to your pitch video but it also gives them a way to quickly contact you, see your portfolio, access your resume, and give them any other information you would provide.

Other Pitch Tips

1. Make sure you have good lighting.
   The best lighting is natural lighting. Use a window that doesn't have direct sunlight coming in. If you don't have access to a window, you can place lamps strategically around the room to give you the desired effect.
2. Check your sound and eliminate background noise.
   You want to make sure your video can be heard. Using a microphone that connects to your clothing will give you the best sound. It will also allow you to move around without ruining the sound quality. You'll also want to shut off any air conditioners or heaters that are running. The air they push out can cause sound interference.
3. Don't recite your resume.
   Potential employers will most likely already have your resume. They can read it if they wish. The purpose of the video is to provide information that goes beyond what's on your resume.
4. Don't read your pitch.
   As stated above, don't read your pitch if you don't have to. Most of the time, reading a script will make you sound robotic and monotone. knowing your pitch without reading it, allows you to have a more natural voice.
5. Something is better than nothing.
   For some people, recording a pitch video is no big deal. They don't mind being in front of a camera and seem perfectly at ease. For others, it is more difficult, and that's okay. Do your best. Just get something recorded. In most cases, something is better than nothing.