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A new way to introduce yourself to employers

Give your CV a voice.

Create a professional video introduction that lets employers meet you before the interview.

Guided recording · 60 to 90 second profiles · Free to start
+10pts callback rate*
firstimpression.app/alex-harrison
AH
Alex Harrison
Senior Product Designer Manchester
Available
0:00
Product StrategyUser ResearchFigmaPrototyping
Portfolio ↗LinkedIn ↗
See it in action

See what an employer could see.

A short, personal introduction that sits alongside your CV. This is a real example of a First Impression video profile.

Watch Alex's example First Impression video.

Recorded using First Impression. 0:00
The problem

A CV shows what you've done. Not who you are.

Traditional CVs are brilliant at showing experience and qualifications. But they can't easily show personality, communication style, or the person behind the paper. First Impression doesn't replace your CV, it brings it to life.

CV shows this

Experience

A CV lists your roles and qualifications, the facts of your career so far.

CV can't

Personality

But it can't show your energy, your warmth, or what you're actually like to work with.

CV can't

Communication

Nor can it demonstrate how clearly and confidently you speak, the things employers really notice.

First Impression works alongside your existing CV, not instead of it.

Why video

Your CV tells them you're qualified. Your video lets them meet you.

Some things can't fit on a page. The way you talk about your work. The energy you bring. The story behind a bullet point. Here's what that sounds like.

PR
Priya Raman
Marketing Manager

"I once rebranded a failing product by accident. I wrote a tongue in cheek newsletter that went viral. You can't put that on a CV, but it tells you more about how I think than any qualification."

This would appear in their video profile
JO
James Okafor
Junior Developer

"I taught myself to code on a phone during my commute. I don't have a CS degree, but I can show you exactly what that kind of determination looks like in thirty seconds."

This would appear in their video profile
SL
Sofia Lopez
Operations Lead

"My CV says I 'streamlined logistics.' What it can't show is the calm I bring when everything's on fire. The warehouse flooded last year and we didn't miss a single delivery."

This would appear in their video profile

Fictional examples for illustration. Real First Impression profiles let every person communicate something personal that would never appear naturally on a CV.

The research
10+pts

In a field experiment involving 2,021 firms, applications containing a video résumé received callback rates 10 percentage points higher than applications without one.

Bellemare, Goussé, Lacroix & Marchand, American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, 2023.

View research
The study sent applications to 2,021 private firms in Québec, randomly assigning some applications a video résumé alongside the standard written CV. Callback rates rose significantly for applicants who included a video CV, compared with otherwise identical applications that didn't. This is an increase in callback rate, not a guarantee of a job offer.
Older research · for context
89%of employers said they'd watch a video CV if submitted
17%had actually received one

From an older employer survey, shown here as context on the gap between interest and adoption, not as a current universal hiring statistic.

A higher callback rate does not guarantee an interview or a job. It means more employers chose to take the application forward. We won't tell you video CVs guarantee interviews, or that recruiters always prefer them.

The market gap

People get why video helps. They just don't know where to start.

Most job seekers understand the value of a video introduction. The problem isn't desire, it's execution. The barriers are practical, not motivational.

First Impression guides you through every step, so you go from "I could never do that" to "I just did it."

Don't know what to say

Staring at a camera with no structure leads to rambling or freezing.

Don't look natural on camera

Most people feel awkward filming themselves and don't know how to relax.

Don't know how to record professionally

Lighting, framing, audio. It feels technical and overwhelming.

Don't know how to share it

Even a great video is useless if you can't easily send it to employers.

How it works

From sign-up to sharing in five steps.

Step 1

Create account

Sign up in seconds, no CV upload needed to start.

Step 2

Choose prompts

Pick from guided questions or write your own.

Step 3

Record

Film your introduction with prompts right next to the camera.

Step 4

Create profile

Add your details, experience, and skills to your page.

Step 5

Share

Get a personal URL and optional QR code for your CV.

✓

You're on the list.

We'll email you the moment First Impression is ready. While you're here — got five minutes? Your answers would directly shape what we build next.

Take the 5-minute survey
Step 1: How would you like to be prompted?
How would you like to be prompted?

This decides what happens next, you can't change it partway through a take.

Choose the questions that best tell your story.

Pick up to four, drag to reorder, or write your own.

0 of 4 selected~ 0 sec estimated
Write your script.

This will scroll near your webcam while you record. Edit it however you like.

0 words~0 sec at a natural pace
Practice your pace.

See how it feels reading near your webcam. Adjust size and speed, then restart as many times as you like.

Where is your camera?

We'll position your prompts as close to your webcam as possible, helping you maintain eye contact while you record.

Your prompts will appear here.
YOUR SCREEN

Drag the marker to wherever your webcam actually sits, or tap a preset. Your prompt bubble will always tuck in right beside it.

Camera set to: Top
Look here

Before you start

Go fullscreen

So your browser's edge lines up with your webcam, keeping the prompt close to the lens.

F11 Windows/Linux  ·  ⌃⌘F Mac
  • Space Start / pause recording
  • ←→ Previous / next prompt
  • Look toward your webcam, we'll point to it
Turn your phone sideways

Landscape gives the prompts room to sit next to the camera instead of crowding your face.

  • 📱 Prop your phone up somewhere steady
  • 💡 Face a light source so your face isn't in shadow
  • 👆 Tap "Next prompt" on screen to move through prompts
  • ⏸ Tap the pause button anytime you need a moment
  • Look toward your camera, we'll point to it
Got a laptop nearby? We'd recommend recording on that instead for the smoothest experience.
How did that feel?

There's no wrong answer, this just helps us understand what to improve.

Try this

Don't worry about getting every word right. Look at the camera, take a breath, and speak as though you're talking to the person who might hire you.

Your AI recording coach

Not part of this prototype yet, here's the direction we're exploring.

You clearly explained your experience.
You could strengthen this answer by giving a specific example.
You mention UX design, but haven't said what you personally contributed.
Coming in the future, not currently functional
Tell us about you.

This appears on your profile next to your video. Edit anything, it's all yours to change later too.

Your experience.

Add up to three roles. Short, one-line descriptions work best.

Choose how you'd like to be prompted
The recording experience

Three ways to record. All designed for eye contact.

Prompts appear right next to your webcam, so you're always looking at the camera, not away at your notes.

REC
Recording freely

Guided mode

Choose your own prompts, then answer them one at a time near your webcam.

Guided prompts
Eye contact, by design

Your prompts sit next to your webcam.

So you can focus on the camera instead of reading from the bottom of the screen. Choose where your webcam is and watch the prompt move.

Natural eye contact

When you read a prompt at the edge of the screen, your eyes drift away from the lens. By placing the prompt right next to your camera, you look straight at the viewer: natural and confident.

Where is your webcam?

Your prompts will appear here.
YOUR SCREEN

Try it. Tap a position and watch the prompt move on the screen.

The finished profile

One link. The whole person.

This is what an employer sees when they click your link: a professional profile that lives alongside your CV.

AH
Alex Harrison
Senior Product Designer · Manchester, UK
Available
PROFILE LIVE
0:52
Product StrategyUser ResearchFigmaPrototyping
Portfolio ↗LinkedIn ↗
About

I'm a product designer with six years' experience turning complex problems into clean, usable interfaces. I've worked across fintech and healthcare, and I care deeply about accessibility. I'm looking for a role where I can mentor juniors and shape product direction.

firstimpression.app/alex-harrison

Add this QR code to your printed CV if you'd like employers to scan straight to your profile.

Fictional candidate shown for illustration. Real profiles are fully customisable.

Sharing

One URL. Everywhere you apply.

Your personal profile link works anywhere you'd put your CV, so employers are always one click from meeting you.

CV

Add the link or QR code to your CV header.

LinkedIn

Feature it in your LinkedIn profile or posts.

Job applications

Paste it into application forms and cover letters.

Email

Include it in your email signature.

Portfolio

Link from your portfolio site or bio.

firstimpression.app/your-name
Pricing is being tested

Try it free. Keep it live for less than your Netflix subscription.

Creating and previewing your First Impression is free. You only pay to keep your professional profile live and available to employers.

Try First Impression

£0 to start
  • Record your video
  • Preview your profile
  • Try all recording modes
  • No payment required
No card required
Most popular

Your First Impression

£4.99/month

Live and shareable with every employer.

  • Personal profile URL
  • Video hosting
  • QR code
  • Unlimited updates
  • Share anywhere: CV, LinkedIn, email
Cancel anytime

You're paying to keep your professional profile live and available to employers, not just to record a video.

The future vision

First Impression, built in.

Today, First Impression is a standalone profile you share with a link. Tomorrow, the ambition is to integrate directly into the platforms job seekers already use, so your video introduction sits naturally inside your LinkedIn profile, your job applications, and the tools recruiters rely on.

This integration does not exist yet. It's the direction we're heading.

LinkedIn Job application platforms Recruitment tools
Join the launch

Be among the first to try First Impression.

We're building something new. Sign up to get early access, share your thoughts, and help shape the product before it launches.

You're on the list. We'll email you the moment First Impression is ready. Thank you.

No spam. Just one email when we're ready. Unsubscribe anytime.

Help us build the right thing.

Got two minutes? Your answers to a few quick questions will directly shape what First Impression becomes.

Take the survey

Opens in a new tab. No sign-in or account needed.

Questions

Questions, answered.

Do I still need a traditional CV?
Yes. First Impression is designed to complement your CV, not replace it.
Do I have to use the autocue?
No. You can choose Natural, Guided or Autocue recording.
Can I record on my phone?
Yes. The product is designed for both mobile and desktop.
Can I update my video later?
Yes. Your profile is updateable, any time.
Is the QR code required?
No. You receive a personal URL. A QR code is an optional additional way to share it.
What if I'm nervous on camera?
That's exactly why First Impression guides you through the process.
What if I don't know what to say?
Choose from prompts designed to help you build your introduction.
Can I use it on LinkedIn?
The profile link can be shared on LinkedIn. Direct LinkedIn application integration is a future goal.
Who can see my video?
You control whether your profile is public or private.
Trust

Built to be used safely.

Privacy

  • You choose whether your profile is public or private.
  • You can remove your video at any time.
  • You can update your information whenever you like.
  • We don't collect more personal information than we need.

Accessibility

  • Captions on videos, and readable, high-contrast text.
  • Keyboard navigation throughout.
  • Clear buttons and simple language.
  • A written profile alongside every video, so it's never the only way to understand someone.

Works everywhere

  • iPhone, Android, laptop, desktop and tablet.
  • The recording layout adapts to your camera position and screen size.
  • Built especially for laptop webcams, front and centre at the top of the screen.