Applying with a Video Cover Letter
A traditional cover letter is a brief document you send to a prospective employer that describes your interest in and qualifications for a job you’d like. You should always opt to include a cover letter when you apply for a job, unless you’ve personally been asked to submit just a resume. But, you know this process takes a lot of time, and sometimes, it’s difficult to figure out how to write an effective cover letter for each position you’re applying for.
In fact, cover letters often require more thought than a resume because you need to explain why you’re interested and how your personality and background make you a good fit with the organization. This can be pretty difficult to accomplish with a traditional written cover letter. However, new innovations in recruiting may provide you with a better solution. A video cover letter!
Chicago based Guugos.com is a new venture led by Steven Brooks that offers soon-to-be grads, current professionals, and alumni the opportunity to get noticed by employers through a video cover letter.
Brooks says, “To the extent that you don’t have a large network, you need to find a way to differentiate yourself among other candidates. A video cover letter allows employers to see and hear who you really are and to determine if you’re a good cultural fit or not, which is something that is nearly impossible with the written letter.”
Streaming video is now a secure, cost-effective, and easy way to share information online. There’s a good chance that video will become the preferred cover letter format in the future. Guugos offers Midwest candidates the opportunity to visit the Chicago studio and record their very own video cover letter for $200. Guugos.com also works with graduate placement and alumni organizations to conduct video filming right on campus.
Brooks continues, “Our directors spend about twenty minutes asking you the right questions, coaching you to effectively present yourself to employers. In fact, our goal is to continue asking you questions until you get to the point when you smile. That’s the ticket – you want to talk about your accomplishments in a way that let’s your personality show through.”
Your twenty minutes of footage are edited to the most relevant and effective ninety seconds. You can then imbed a link within your resume that sends employers straight to your professionally edited cover letter. You can also post your video cover letter to your social media sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook.
To learn more about Guugos.com, you can visit their web site at www.guugos.com or call 877-8GUUGOS. Mr. Brooks can also be reached via email at steven@guugos.com.
