How to create an amazing Linkedin cover video

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LinkedIn has a new cover video option! It?enables you to add an introductory video that people can view when they visit your profile. Check out mine!?

This feature will enable you to share a quick video overview of your experience and skills. Between the shift in social media trends and the pandemic eliminating in-person interviews, video has become an integral part of the hiring process around the world. From pre-recorded video cover letters to online interviews, it appears that video is only becoming more popular for the recruitment process.?

And now LinkedIn has jumped onboard this trend by introducing several new video-oriented features, including LinkedIn Cover story.?

What is a LinkedIn Cover Story Video??

Launched in 2021, the LinkedIn Cover Story Video is a video which is a maximum of 20 seconds long. Similar to the video profile image function on Facebook, the LinkedIn Cover Story video lives in the same area as your profile photo - it doesn’t replace your profile picture but they exist in the same space.?

When you have uploaded your cover video you will see an orange circle appear on the edges of your profile image. When someone clicks on your profile, your cover story video will automatically begin to play silently in your profile image bubble.

Viewers can then decide to click on the video to activate the sound.

The Pros and Cons

Like any new feature, there are pros and cons for both job seekers and recruiters.?

Pros:?

• The opportunity to share your personality?
• The ability to bring your resume to life or share your new product or service
• It’s an easier way to provide context for career changes and gaps
• A way to show off your public speaking and video content skills

Cons:?

• The potential bias in the recruitment process based on appearance or speaking skills
• Possible disadvantages for less tech savvy job seekers
• A poorly produced or scripted video may actually hurt your chances of securing an interview or job

How to make a LinkedIn Cover Story video:

?Ten steps to set you up to create an impressive LinkedIn Cover video:?

1. Determine your goal - get clear on the purpose of the video - are you specifically looking for a new job, promoting a product or service or just for browsing opportunities??
2. Outline your video script - note down the main points you want to make and the key phrases you’d like to use.
3. Write your video script - take the main points and write a full script - remember to read sentences aloud to ensure they sound natural.
4. Have a few trusted people review your script - get feedback on your script from 2 or 3 trusted people such as colleagues or friends. Make adjustments based on that feedback.
5. Practice your script - review your script a few times before shooting so you can be as comfortable and as natural as possible.?
6. Set up your video shoot space - check your lighting, sound and video. Ensure you have sufficient natural or artificial light, remove any distractions and practise where you place your phone, camera or webcam for the best angle.?
7. Get dressed - Wear something that is professional but also makes you feel comfortable and confident.
8. Shoot your video - record your video and hold for a few seconds at the beginning and end of your script to allow room for editing.?
9. Edit your video - if you do need to edit your video you can use tools such as InShot or iMovie to adjust visual and audio aspects of your video.?
10. Upload your video - save your video to your phone and upload to the LinkedIn Cover Story video section of your profile.

Ideas of what to talk about in your video?

1. Outline your career highlights
2. Share your personal brand niche and passions
3. Highlight your top three most valuable skills
4. Display your personality
5. Share your availability - remote, full-time, contract

Using a LinkedIn Cover Story video might just be the thing that gets you noticed and places you above other candidates but remember to make it impressive.

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