How to Use Video to Land Your Dream Job in Interior Design

Standing out among other interior design candidates is challenging, especially when starting your new career. You may feel down about your lack of design experience or nervous that you don't meet all the requirements in the job description. In this article, I will show you how to set your fears aside and use a video to showcase your personality and skills, landing your dream job.

 When looking for a job, it is hard for the hiring manager to identify the best candidates from a resume and cover letter, which is why many qualified candidates are often overlooked. Yes, you may be sending them a portfolio link, but the truth is, you need to stand out if you want to get that dream job.

A resume can't tell a recruiter or hiring manager whether someone will fit into the culture, get along with others, or be professional with clients. Today, you need to show why you are the best candidate before entering the interview. Video is the way to do it.

Why Video is Important for Job Interviews 

Many companies are actually moving to video interviews. My teenage son went through this last Fall when he applied to Target. He had to record himself answering questions related to the job. It was uncomfortable, and I can't blame him, especially since it was his first interview.

That was a retail job, and I have not yet seen that requirement in the design industry. But think about this, what if you do something unexpected? Not only does it show you are excited about the job, but it also gives you an instant connection.

LinkedIn reports that 76% of hiring managers believe seeing pre-recorded videos would be helpful. It would be helpful for many reasons.

1. It gives the interviewer a sneak peek at your personality and how you will present yourself in the office.
2. It is a unique way to stand out among the competition when searching for a job.
3. A better way to convey your personality, promote your personal brand, and generate a connection with the hiring manager
4. People hire the candidates they like and know. Video helps them connect with you.
5. Easier for people and recruiters to find you. Google will rank your video for your name before any other content.

From your experience, you probably know how much more engaging a video is on social media than a static post. Of course, that applies to job searching too.

Determining What Video to Record

First, let's talk about where you will use video to obtain that dream job.

•  Online portfolio or website
•  LinkedIn
•  Embedded in Your resume or portfolio
•  Social posts
•  Email to a hiring manager or recruiter

Each of these may be slightly different, but if you plan correctly, you can use the same video for several channels. For instance, your LinkedIn page is perfect for creating a "Meet Me" Video. That video can be used on your online portfolio or website as well. It can also be used for embedding into your PDF resume.

When creating a post for social, you may want something brief and a little more fun.

If you are applying for a specific position with a design firm, I suggest you customize the video to speak to that position and firm. This will help the recruiter see that you did your homework about the firm and position you are seeking.

Scripting Your Video

You will start by introducing yourself. I realize this may be uncomfortable for you, but try relaxing. You want this to be a warm introduction. Next, you will clearly state your name, followed by the position you are applying for or seeking.  

Now slip in your personal brand statement. If you are unsure what a personal brand statement is, check out "8 Steps to Writing a Personal Brand Statement that Sells You." You can also check out "How (& Why) Emerging Design Professionals Can Create a Personal Brand."

Next, briefly explain why you are the best candidate for the position and what skills you can bring to the organization. Highlight your accomplishments, and don't forget to add any work experience or volunteering related to this job or your passions.

You may consider covering a few simple questions that someone reading your resume may want to ask, such as:

•  Why are you interested in working at this company (or in this career)
•  How are your skills an asset in this position or industry?
•  What value do you bring to the organization?
•  What contribution do you hope to make at the company?
•  What are your short and long-term goals for your career?

 Conclude with a request. This is your call to action. You are telling the viewer what you want them to do. For instance, if this is to a recruiter, ask for a formal interview. If this is for LinkedIn, ask for a referral to someone who might be hiring for the position you seek. Always end with a request. Then, give appreciation.

Your video should be 60 to 90 seconds in length. Any longer, and people get bored. Write out what you want to cover, then time yourself to ensure you can fit it into the timeframe without being rushed. This video is just a quick peek at who you are and why they should consider you. You can go into more detail during the actual interview. Pick the best stuff you have for this video.

Setting Your Shot

You are applying for a career, not just a job. It is important to set your shot. Here are a few tips to help you.

•  Pick a background that is complimentary to you but doesn't compete.
•  Indoors or outdoors? Ideally, you want indoors, but a nice park might be better if your college apartment looks like a tornado just ran through it.
•  Minimize noise – ask roommates, partners, husbands, or children for quiet time.
•  Test your sound quality. It is critical that you sound professional.
•  Ensure nothing in the background will take away from your professionalism, i.e., no stacked beer can pyramids in the background.
•  Be creative

Tips to Professionalism

If you are starting your interior design career, let me tell you something I tell all my students. You will be judged by your appearance. I am not saying it is right, but it is a fact. No one wants to hire a designer who doesn't look or act the part. Professionalism is crucial to this video.

•  Dress professionally – you don't need a suit, but you should look professional.
•  Sit up straight – no slouching. Your body language says as much as your words.
•  Use energy and enthusiasm with your own personality twist.
•  Smile throughout the video, as this will help your voice flexion.
•  Slow down your speech and pronunciation clearly.
•  Don't be afraid to show a little humor or something about yourself that others can relate to.
•  Rehearse, and then rehearse again.

Recording & Editing Your Video

Technology has advanced, so you can shoot a video using your phone and edit using online software like Canva.

Another option is to record in Loom using your computer camera. In Loom, you are allowed 25 free videos.

You may also have software options from your college or university. You can also ask a fellow student who may be majoring in film or video production to help you with editing. It gives them video experience they can showcase in their own portfolio.

How to Overcome Your Self-doubts

I am not going to tell you it is easy to create videos or to psych yourself up, but I will tell you that you will not die from creating a video unless you are doing something out of a Jackass movie.

• Repeat your mantra – everyone should have a mantra. In Mel Robbins' book, the High 5 Habit, she talks about placing your hand on your heart and repeating three little sentences when you get up. "I am okay. I am safe. I am loved." My mantra for years has been, "I am smart. I am beautiful. I am successful." When we use a mantra daily, we begin to feel it. Tell yourself you are safe and loved can help you overcome other trauma that you didn't even know was tucked down in there. All a mantra does is focuses your brain on believing a positive thing about yourself.
• Superpower stance – I like the Wonder Woman stance for the '70s. I was a big fan of Wonder Woman as a kid, and standing tall with my shoulders back makes me feel I can accomplish anything I set my mind on doing.
• Deep breathing – I use deep breathing in Yoga and meditation and have found it helps when I am overly anxious. I start with slowly breathing in, holding my breath, and then slowly breathing out. A breathing exercise before recording videos helps calm my nerves and settle my mind.
• Understand it won't be perfect – I can tell you from my experience and my students' that perfection is a disease for many interior designers. Forget it. You will never be perfect, nor will your video. Rather than stressing about it being perfect, just get it done.
• Lastly, I promise you won't die doing this video.

Need More Help with Video

Download Behind the Design's free guidebook on "How to Get Started Creating Video Content." This 16-page comprehensive ebook details scripting, backgrounds, clothing recommendations, and makeup tips.

Finding a job isn't easy, but creating video introductions will help you find your dream job.

More Articles for Emerging Professionals:

Here are a few more articles you may find helpful as you prepare for your next job.

How to Get Attention with Tailored Interior Design Resume & Cover Letter

How to Build an Interior Design Portfolio that Sells

My Best Interviewing Tips for Interior Design Students

A Step-by-Step Guide for Interior Design Students Finding an Internship (or Job) using LinkedIn