Are you a dancer, voice-over talent, actress, or singer and have been told you need a video resume? A video resume is a 1-3 minute video created by a person who is seeking employment that describes their skills and qualifications to supplement a traditional video.

It can also be used to audition for a voice-over talent job, acting job, etc. If you have no idea how to film one, perhaps we can offer some suggestions.

• The first thing to remember: this is a resume. So don’t get carried away and have the whole video of just you singing. You’ll need to include some vital information that a regular resume does including the type of job you are looking for, your skills and your educational and job background. Be sure that the type of job you are seeking really needs a video resume.
  

• Many employers prefer seeing good old-fashioned written resumes. Or you may decide to have a written resume, and a video of your performance; for example your voice over audition and send your potential employer both. Some people who are voice over talents have videos of their commercials on their websites and send out regular resumes with instructions to view their “performances” on their websites. This is especially a good idea for jobs you are applying for in other parts of the country.

• Go to YouTube and take a look at other resumes that are posted there to give you some ideas. View the videos as a potential employer would. Write down what NOT to do as well as things you want to include to make your video not only stand out but be as professional as possible. You can also Google sites like television production tips for more ideas.
  

• Make sure you have the right equipment. You’ll need lighting, the right cameras and technology. You can rent what you need or hire a professional. Another idea is to enlist some graphic design or film students from local colleges to help you out. They may want to use what they’ve done as part of their college credits.
  

• If you can obtain one, you’ll want something similar to a broadcast-quality camcorder. For additional equipment ideas, check out About.com’s Guide to Desktop Video.

• Make sure you prepare to look like a professional. Dress business-likely, just as if you were going to a face-to-face interview. Or, if you are filming yourself for a film role, dress as that character. Make sure you look at the camera and not around the room or at your hands, etc. Speak slowly and annunciate.

• Make sure the video catches everything you say, and you don’t sound like you are mumbling. Practice what you are going to say ahead of time. Make sure there is no background noise and that the lighting is right as well.

• Keep your video to three minutes. Any more time than that, unless it’s utterly mesmerizing will cause the viewer to become impatient and stop watching.
  

• Say your first and last name, your professional endeavors and why you would be a good fit for this particular role, company or commercial. Mention briefly your past experience then thank the viewer for considering you.

• Ask friends to view your video before you send it out or post it to your website. If it isn’t perfect, do it again. Once it is just right, then you’ll need to promote it. You can include a link to your video resume on your online or paper resume. You can also include a link to it if you have a networking site like MyWorkster, Jobster or Linkedin.
  

After you’ve finished your video make sure you keep your professional website different than your Facebook account. You don’t want personal info or fun things about you associated with your professional video. Just like a job interview, you don’t want your potential employer to know certain things about you, for example that great guy you met last night or your political views.

Send your video resume to your networking contacts and any jobs you are applying for. Good luck!