For new and experienced teachers alike, the idea of talking to a camera alone in a room can be very uncomfortable. Learning some tips and tricks for recording and editing your video introduction is essential before you start applying for schools!
As more and more schools ask for a video introduction along with your application, it can be helpful to prepare a video in advance in order to put your best foot forward. The introduction video for schools can make or break an application, so here are some key tips to sell yourself on camera.
How to rock your video introduction for job applications
1. Check your video quality
Absolutely the most overlooked part of an introduction video is the video itself. Schools don’t expect you to be a professional videographer, but avoid dim lighting, grainy camera quality, and poor angles that cut off part of your head or show too much of the room behind you (especially if it’s messy). Also – clean up the area you’re going to record in!
This is a video resume and you should critique it in the same way that you would a paper resume. Ensure that the recording is professional, that it highlights some of your key skills and passions, and that it’s clean and well-thought-out. Sitting by a window, dressing up, and doing a couple of video test runs could be the difference between getting a job offer and getting rejected.
2. Speak clearly
Schools are much more invested in your accent and teaching personality than in the content of your speech. You could write a very inspiring monologue only to read it in a monotone voice and deter future employers. Diction and vocal tonality are essential components of public speaking, so think back to your university days when you’re preparing for this video.
Write some key talking points in advance, practice in front of a mirror, and speak with a clear voice on camera to show off your classroom presence for schools. It’s essential that students are able to understand you, so try not to let your nerves get the best of you by speaking a little more slowly and clearly than you would to a native English speaker.
3. Make purposeful generalizations
Even if your heart is set on teaching in Kunming, your video should be broad. Perhaps you will change your mind about location down the line or apply to a school with multiple campuses. Remember that this video is a supplement to your application and the school already knows about your work history, education, and destination preferences.
This is the time to sell your enthusiastic personality by talking about your love of travel, international culture, and creative hobbies. Show them who you are and why you would be a special addition to their school. Leave detailed preferences on salary and location to your placement consultant.
4. Stick to the point
You don’t need to include too many details and risk schools losing interest halfway through your video. 1-2 minutes is the perfect amount of time to cover the basics of who you are, where you’re currently located, and why you want to teach abroad.
Any longer and you may be taking up too much of the school’s time, any shorter and you’ll risk leaving out key details or seeming rushed. Practicing ahead of time is the best way to ensure your video will be concise, professional, and effective.
5. Have fun!
Don’t forget that the whole point of this video is to sell yourself! Put on a friendly face and talk about what makes you happy. If you are genuinely excited, let it show on camera and it will make you stand out to schools. Candidates have impressed schools in the past by showing crafts they’ve made with students, including some peppy background music, and inserting short clips of them working with students.
Ready to create your own introduction video? Visit your dashboard now to record and upload one!
Examples of good introduction videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pnt8j0yCb6s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7GYeKu9L_8&t
An example of a bad introduction video:
