How to Create Video Job Ads: Technical Setup

Last week’s blog was a guide to structuring great content. This week we are going to cover all of your options when it comes to your setup for filming great video job ads.

This instalment will help make your videos look and sound great, by focusing on these key elements: camera, background, lighting, and sound. Become your own location scout at work and find the best areas to film in to ensure your videos look and sound professional.

Camera

The HD camera in most smartphones produces great quality video. Here are the 'must do's' before you press record

• Firstly, grab yourself a tripod! A three legged one is best but don't underestimate books, ledges, shelves and using sticky tape or blue tac to secure your phone to a wall or window. A tripod keeps your footage still and your camera at eye level.
• If you decide to invest in a three legged tripod then you can lengthen or shorten it, giving you the option to stand or sit. Do what feels comfortable however if in doubt and the environment permits it, stand. Standing up can help to put us in our natural alignment.
• Be sure to film at a straight angle and position yourself slightly off centre.
• Always turn your phone sideways and record in landscape (unless IG and TikTok are your main platforms)
• You may wish to switch your phone to the 'Do Not Disturb' mode when filming to avoid alerts coming through and disrupting your flow!

Background

The background in your video helps to tell a story and convey your intended message or opportunity. Remember, "A picture paints a thousand words, and a video paints a thousand pictures."!

• Before you begin, consider your background. Find an environment that offers depth, like an open plan office space or reception. This allows audiences to gather more information about that workplace and/or your relationship with it.
• Film in spaces where you feel comfortable and relaxed in. If you prefer somewhere that is more private, then find a meeting room or quieter space with an interesting background. Alternatively, do your videos first thing in the morning when there are fewer people around!
• If your filming environment is lacking in depth, interest or colour then focus on building a mini media library for yourself that has saved images and 'broll' video footage that you can overlay later to demonstrate the work culture, opportunities, professional relationships, etc.
• Avoid white walls and plain backgrounds that don't add to the visual engagement of your video
• If filming at home spend time creating a film area - be your own 'set designer' and see what paintings, plants, rooms and spaces work best to frame you well.

Lighting

Lighting is sooooo super essential when filming to ensure your video is professional. Bad lighting is really distracting. Like a resume, you don't want your viewer to work hard to find the information they need. So...

• A clean spacious room/environment filled with natural light is always a great option
• When filming near windows, ensure you are facing the natural light. If the back of your head is facing the window, you'll increase the chances of overexposure in your shot and shadows may be cast across your face. I often scroll past videos like this, you?
• If you do not have the luxury of having windows or lots of natural light in your workplace or home, then ensure you are in a space that has plenty of office or artificial lighting
• As a rule of thumb, if you cannot see yourself clearly in your phone's recording frame, then find another space to video in!
• Additional lighting from directly in front of you, whether you have access to natural lighting or not, is a great option. I recommend attaching an LED light near the lens or experiment with a ring light or if you have the budget you could invest in soft box lighting.

Sound

Sound is a major element to ensuring you create a professional video and one thats easy to take in.

• The inbuilt mic on your smartphone produces good quality audio
• For optimum sound, record your video in a quiet space
• Avoid videoing in specific areas at 'peak' times. Doing your videos at the start or the end of the day may be better if there is less noise and chatter going on around you.
• If you're filming outside or in a loud area, it's best to use an external microphone that attaches to your phone to filter out background noise and to pick up your voice clearly. Lapel mics are great for this!

Here are some great examples of recruitment videos where the technical setup has been nailed!

• People2People
• Spencer Lane
• Vincere

Thanks for reading and have fun creating your own video job ads!

#videojobads #recruitmenttips #videosetup #videotools #glowwithliv

*This blog was originally written for #VideoMyJob for our three-part series ‘Making Your Best Video Job Ads’

Original blog link: https://blog.videomyjob.com/technical-setup-videojobads-howto