Why You Should Be Using a Video Resume (Especially in the Trades)

Career News By Troy Latuff Published on May 5

In today’s competitive job market, standing out as an applicant is more important than ever- especially in the skilled trades, where employers are looking for dependable, personable, job-ready talent. One of the best ways to grab attention? A video resume.

At Blue Collar Recruits, we’ve seen firsthand how a short, well-crafted video can move your application to the top of the stack. Here’s why you should seriously consider creating one:

1. Showcase Your Personality

Let’s face it—paper resumes can only say so much. A video gives you the chance to be yourself. You can demonstrate confidence, communication skills, and a positive attitude—all of which are just as important to employers as your experience.

2. Highlight Your Soft Skills

In the trades, reliability, teamwork, and professionalism go a long way. A video lets hiring managers see that you’re someone they’d want on their team, not just someone who checks the right boxes on paper.

3. Stand Out from the Crowd

Most applicants still rely solely on written resumes. Adding a 60–90 second video instantly sets you apart—and shows initiative. It says, “I’m serious about this job, and I want you to remember me.”

4. Demonstrate Communication Abilities

Whether you're applying for a technician, foreman, or service advisor role, being able to clearly explain your skills or walk someone through a situation matters. A video resume lets you prove you can do that before the interview even starts.

5. Make a Strong First Impression—Fast

Hiring managers are busy. A quick video lets them evaluate your fit in a matter of seconds. If you can grab their attention right away, there’s a much better chance they’ll reach out for the next step.


Tips for a Great Video Resume

  • Keep it under 90 seconds
  • Dress professionally (or wear your work uniform if applicable)
  • Speak clearly and confidently
  • Mention your experience, key strengths, and what you're looking for
  • Smile and be yourself

Whether you’re fresh out of trade school or have 15 years in the field, a video resume can help tell your story in a way that a PDF never will.

Need help getting started? We can help you record, edit, and submit your video through the Blue Collar Recruiter platform. Let’s help you get hired faster.