Preparing a Video for Your Academic Job Application
When browsing academic job ads a few months back, I came across an application requirement I had never seen before – at least not for a job in academia. In an ad from the ETH Zürich for a postdoctoral position at the Chair of Circular Engineering for Architecture (CEA), one of the application documents requested is a “3min video explaining your current work and proposed work (YouTube or Vimeo link only, shared on a PDF).”
The ad got me wondering: How would you go about creating such a video?
Steps for Making a Job Application Video
Step 1: Prepare a transcript
After making a checklist with the requirements for the video (video length, content, format), start working on your transcript. First, brainstorm ideas. Once you have identified all the points you want to include, organise them and write out a transcript for what you want to say. You can do bullet points or write out full sentences – whatever you feel more comfortable with. In the case of ETH Zürich, they want the applicant to cover both their “current work” and “proposed work,” so I would probably dedicate a roughly equal amount of time to each of these points.
Tip: Even a 2-3 minute video should be clearly structured and engaging. In addition to presenting your points in a logical manner, you should have an introduction (one sentence will do for such a short video) and an equally brief closing statement.
Need help with writing your transcript? Let's talk!
Step 2: Practice what you want to say
Before you film your video, practice what you want to say. You can start by reading your transcript aloud several times. Ideally, you should memorise the text so you can speak more naturally in the video. Most people find being in front of the camera awkward, but the more you practice, the more comfortable you will feel.
Step 3: Film your video
It’s time to record your video. Before you press record, check your setup and that your equipment works (see also “Video Making Checklist”). It’s probably a good idea to do more than one take, so you can choose the best version or splice different parts together.
Step 4: Edit your video
Now it’s time to edit your video. Cut any long pauses between sentences or sections. If you have a friend that has experience with editing, ask for help. They may be able to remove some background noise, add captions (if needed), or even colour grade. That said, I would keep the editing simple: unless making videos is part of the job description, your prospective employer is probably not looking for a professionally produced clip, but more interested in how you present yourself and your work.
Need advice on what video editing software to use? Some options (beginner to professional) are reviewed here.
Step 5: Submit your video with your application
The final step is to submit the video with your application. Give the file a professional name, e.g., First Name Last Name – Target Job Title Application Video (“Saoirse Kim – Scientific Assistant Application Video”). Also make sure that you are uploading the correct file and file format.
The ETH Zürich job ad asks applicants to upload their video to YouTube or Vimeo and provide the link in a PDF file. If you don’t have an account on these platforms, set one up and make sure you give it a professional name. If you already have a channel, check what other content you have there: you may want to remove some videos or prefer to set up a separate account just for the job application.
Video Making Checklist
Equipment
☑︎ Use the best equipment you can get your hands on. You don’t need to use a professional film camera, but you may be able to borrow a DSLR with video options, a DJI Osmo pocket, or similar equipment from a friend or colleague. If no camera is available, you can film yourself with your mobile phone.
☑︎ Use a tripod for the camera. If you don’t have one, you try to improvise, e.g., by setting your camera on a stool or leaning your phone against a mug. Don’t use a selfie mode for filming.
☑︎ Always clean the camera lens before you press record.
☑︎ If possible, use a microphone as it will improve the audio quality of your video significantly. Some microphones, like the BOYA BY-M1 3.5mm, are available for less than US$20.
Tip: Hide the cable from a small, clip-on microphone under your clothing.
Setup
☑︎ Light: Use a room that has good, ideally natural light. Avoid strong backlights (e.g., setting up against a window) as they will result in silhouettes. Professionals work with lights, diffusers, and reflectors, but you can also improvise by covering a desk or standing lamp with different materials (see here and here). Warning: Lamps can get hot, so be sure not to create a fire hazard!
☑︎ Sound: You want a location that is quiet – very quiet. Unless you have someone helping you with the filming of the video, there should be no other people in the room. Put a “Do not disturb” sign on the door and keep all windows closed. Be aware that you may still be able to hear cars passing by or people talking in front of the door.
☑︎ Framing: For most videos, filming waist-up or your face will do, but don’t zoom in too close as it can feel uncomfortable for viewers. Keep the framing simple – you don’t need to film from different angles.
Content
☑︎ Check that you have covered all the points requested in the job ad.
☑︎ Is your video the required length? If you are given a maximum time, don’t exceed it. Don’t make it too short either, but use the time you have been given wisely.
Presentation
☑︎ Speak at a natural pace. Breathe between each sentence. Many people are not comfortable in front of a camera and often end up speaking too fast. Again, practicing your script will help.
☑︎ Make sure you look professional – your hair, your clothes, your make-up (if used). Err on the side of slightly more formal.
☑︎ The background of the video should be professional and neutral. A plain wall can work, but you can also use the room you are in to your advantage. Just make sure it is tidy and that any distracting or potentially controversial elements have been removed.
Final Tips
- Like every document you submit as part of your application, your video should be specifically tailored to the institution you are applying to. That doesn’t just meaning following the instructions you were given, but also addressing your employer directly. For example, when talking about your “proposed work”, link your explanation to why you want to be doing this work at – in this case – ETH Zürich.
- Ask for one or two people to watch the video so that they can give you feedback.
- Don’t spend too much time on making the video – it is only one element of your job application. A couple of hours is fine, but several days is probably too much.
- Don’t leave making the video to the last minute as something is bound to go wrong.
- Last but not least, enjoy the challenge!