If you are weighing up a video CV vs paper CV, here is the honest answer: you are not picking one. Almost every job application still needs a written CV, because that is the document employers read, file and compare. A short video adds the things paper cannot show, such as your spoken English, the way you explain your work and how calm you look on camera. Send the video as an extra where the job advert allows it, and never instead of the CV.
What the written CV does that a video cannot
Your written CV is the record of your work: jobs, dates, licences, tickets and skills, in a form an employer can check and keep on file.
The Australian Government's advice for job seekers says a finished resume is usually about 2 pages. Tahatū Career Navigator, New Zealand's government careers service, suggests simple wording, bullet points, no images and 2 pages if you can. Canada's Job Bank says an employer takes an average of 30 seconds to skim a resume, so put your trade and licences near the top.
Software often reads a CV before a person does. Tahatū explains that your CV may go through an applicant tracking system, a program that searches and ranks CVs, so use key words from the advert and keep the layout simple. Both governments also say to tailor the CV to each job. A tool such as Build AI CV can help you build a clean written CV, which you then check line by line so every detail is true.
What a short video shows that paper cannot
Tahatū says a video CV shows employers your personality and creativity and can help you stand out. For a tradesperson applying from another country, it answers questions a page leaves open.
- Your spoken English. A CV can say "good English". A video lets the employer hear it.
- How you explain your work. Describing one job step by step shows you understand it.
- Your presence. A calm voice, eye contact and tidy clothes.
An example for a mechanic: "Hello, my name is [your name]. I am a light vehicle mechanic. I service and repair cars, from brakes to engine faults."
The Australian Government's advice adds a warning: a well-made video resume can give you an edge, but one that is not right can work against you. For help with the words, see what to say in a 60-second job intro.
Video CV vs paper CV side by side
This table compares the two and shows what an employer can learn from each one.
| Point | Paper CV | Video intro | What the employer learns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Usual length | About 2 pages (Australian and New Zealand advice) | Under 2 minutes (Australian advice); usually 1 to 3 minutes (Tahatū) | Whether you can keep to the point |
| Needed for most applications | Yes, almost always | Only where the advert allows extra material | Whether you followed the instructions |
| Read by software | Yes, often scanned for key words | No | Whether your skills match the advert's words |
| Shows facts you can check | Jobs, dates, licences, referees | A short summary in your own voice | Your experience and qualifications |
| Shows how you speak | No | Yes | Your English, your manner and how you explain a task |
If you hire staff yourself, see self-introduction videos for employers.
When a video helps and when to leave it out
Tahatū says a video CV suits any job where you want to show your presentation and communication skills, but to stick with a written CV if a video is not a good fit or you are not comfortable on camera.
A video tends to help when you apply from overseas and the employer cannot meet you, or when the work involves talking to customers. Tahatū notes that employers often use phone interviews to decide who to invite next, and may use them for applicants from out of town. A video lets them hear you even earlier.
Leave it out when the advert lists exactly what to send and a video is not on the list. Adverts set their own rules: the Australian Government's advice, for example, says to always include a cover letter unless the job ad says not to. Read each advert and follow it.
What the official advice says about recording one
The Australian Government's advice for job seekers says a video resume should introduce you and sum up your relevant education, experience and achievements. Your phone camera should work well. It suggests filming sideways (landscape) because it is easier to view, with the lens just above eye level and tilted down. It recommends a plain backdrop, a window behind the camera, clear sound, interview clothes, as many takes as you need, and under 2 minutes.
Tahatū Career Navigator suggests this order: introduce yourself and say why you made the video, explain why you are right for the job, then thank the employer and give your contact details. Film in a quiet, well-lit place, speak slowly and keep the phone steady. See how to create a video CV on Tahatū.
Some apps and profiles are designed for upright video, so if the place you send it to has its own format, follow that. For filming tips, read recording a self-intro video on your phone.
How to make your CV and video work together
- Finish the written CV first. Tailor it to the advert and check every detail is true. Tahatū suggests a PDF unless the employer asks for Word.
- Pick three to five points for the video. Your trade, your strongest experience, one licence and why you want this job.
- Practise them aloud. The Australian Government's advice says to practise your key points many times so you do not sound like you are reading.
- Record a short take. Watch it back and record again if the sound or light is poor.
- Upload it as unlisted. The Australian Government's advice suggests YouTube with the unlisted setting, so it does not show up in search results.
- Add the link. Put it near your contact details on the CV and, as Tahatū suggests, in your online job profile.
Sending both when you apply in Australia or New Zealand
Immigration New Zealand says most people there look for jobs on employment websites or through recruitment companies, and also contact employers directly. To browse adverts, you can use a site such as JobFinder for jobs in Australia and New Zealand, then read each advert's instructions before you add a video link.
Send the tailored CV as the main document, with the video link in the CV and one line of your cover letter. The Australian Government's advice says a cover letter should be 3 or 4 paragraphs on one page, so one sentence about the video is enough. Never pay anyone to get a job: Employment New Zealand says it is against the law. Our page for job seekers explains where a video fits.
Privacy: what to keep out of your CV and your video
- Address and date of birth. Scamwatch advises care about putting these in your resume.
- Personal details. The UK's National Careers Service says not to put your age, marital status or nationality on your CV. Canada's Job Bank notes that photos are not standard on Canadian resumes.
- Passports and ID. Never film them. Scamwatch says not to send identity documents unless you are certain the employer is genuine.
- What is behind you. Check for letters, house numbers and family photos before you record.
- Your other accounts. Tahatū says most employers will look you up online if you get an interview.
Unlisted is not private: anyone with the link can watch, so share it only with employers you apply to.
Common mistakes with video and paper CVs
- Sending a video with no written CV. The employer still needs your jobs, dates and licences.
- One CV for every job. Tailor it with the advert's own key words.
- A fancy layout. Tahatū advises simple formatting and no images.
- Reading the script word for word. Practise until it feels natural.
- A long video. The Australian Government's advice says attention drops after 2 minutes.
- Claims the CV cannot back up. New Zealand's Human Rights Commission says an employer can withdraw a job offer over exaggerated experience.
- Filming from below or in the dark. Lens a little above eye level, face the light.
Where the SelfIntroVideo app fits
SelfIntroVideo is an Android app, not on Google Play yet, that writes a short script from your Talent Tabloid profile, shows it on a teleprompter and lets you retake until you are happy. See how the app works.
Rules and requirements can change. Check the official government website before you act.
Frequently asked questions
Does a video CV replace a paper CV?
No. Tahatū Career Navigator in New Zealand says plainly that a video CV does not replace your written CV. Treat the video as an extra that sits next to the written CV, and keep the CV complete enough to work on its own.
How long should a video CV be?
The Australian Government's advice for job seekers says to keep a video resume under 2 minutes. Tahatū says video CVs are usually 1 to 3 minutes long. For a tradesperson, about one minute is often enough to say who you are, what you do and why you want the job.
Should I film my video CV upright or sideways?
The Australian Government's advice for job seekers says to hold the camera sideways (landscape) because it is easier to view. Some apps and online profiles are built around upright video, so if the place you are sending it to has its own format, follow that.
Is a video CV worth it if my English is not perfect?
It can be, because the video lets an employer hear that you can explain your work clearly. New Zealand's Human Rights Commission says an employer cannot refuse to hire you because of your accent if you can be clearly understood. Speak slowly, use short sentences and practise out loud before you record.
Where should I put the link to my video CV?
Put it near your contact details at the top of your CV, so it is easy to find. You can also add it to your online job profile, as Tahatū suggests, and mention it in one line of your cover letter if the advert allows extra material.
Do employers watch video CVs?
Some will and some will not, and we cannot tell you how many. Canada's Job Bank says an employer takes an average of 30 seconds to skim a resume, so make sure your written CV does its job even if the video is never opened.
Key takeaways
- Almost every application needs a written CV; a video is an extra, not a replacement.
- Keep the CV to about 2 pages, tailored to each advert, in a simple layout software can read.
- A short video shows your spoken English, how you explain your work and how you come across.
- Follow each advert's instructions, and leave the video out when it is not wanted.
- Share the video as unlisted, keep private details out of the frame and link it from your CV and profile.
