Top 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions about a Getting Work as a Video Screencaster (Part 1 of 2)

Through this blog and on our weekly Screencast Video Coaching Webinars, I (Michelle) receive a lot of questions from our subscribers and students who are interested in getting into the business of Screencasting. Since I’ve seen some  of same questions come up many times,  I’ve decided to compile a list of answers to those questions here in a two part blog post series. 

1. What Video Screencasting tools should I learn?

In general, learn Screencasting techniques and best practices more than a specific tool, since best practices are going to have a more widespread application than specific tools. The most useful tools are going to include a screen recorder and the ability to animate images and text.

For specific tools, look at descriptions for video creation  jobs in your area. After analyzing the job postings, try to identify a common trend in the tools required. In general, learn these three types of tools:

• Graphics tools (Snagit, Capture, Photoshop, Illustrator)
• Video recording tools (Camtasia Studio, Screenflow, Captivate, Articulate)
• Presentation tools (PowerPoint, Explaindio, Powtoon)

Even if you don’t know the exact tool the job requires, your proficiency with some of the above tools will give you credibility that you can learn the client or company’s specific toolset.

2. Do I need to get a degree ?

If you’re in a position in life where education fits easily into your schedule, go for it. For example, if you have the time, money, and are interested in a degree, take advantage of the opportunity. Once you settle down in life with kids, a job, and other commitments, it can be really hard to get that masters degree in Instructional Technology. I got mine right before I had kids and am happy that I got an immersive experience in Adult Training but most of the people in this field have gained their education from taking continuing education and online courses.

However, an Instructional Design degree or certificate isn’t necessary to get a job as a Screencaster. If you’re not in a life situation where education fits easily into your schedule and pocketbook, don’t worry about it. Few professional that create video have degrees or certificates specifically in this field anyway.

Instead, focus your efforts in developing a strong portfolio with examples that demonstrate your knowledge and skills. (By the way, even if you do pursue higher education you will still need a portfolio to get work.)

3. How do I get a job in Video Screencasting without experience?

If you don’t have any experience, volunteer your video skills to a client you hope to work for or ask for an Internship..  Alternatively, you could create a screencast for a product you use then add it to your portfolio.

The exact product doesn’t so matter much. Clients will be interested to see your narration style, your ability to articulate complex concepts, your mastery of advanced tools to create the video, your sense of organization and detail, and more.

4. I’m interested in Video and Screencasting, but might I find it boring?

No, video isn’t boring. It actually taps into quite a few creative skills, but that creativity isn’t creativity so much in filming. It’s more like creativity in problem solving, layout and design, finding ways to explain concepts, and in thinking through ways that people might use software (in the case of a tutorial).

In addition to using these creative skills, if you decide to work for a training company, you’ll be immersed in an environment full of other designers,  project managers, Website creators,  marketing teams, and more. In short the training departments that I worked in for AT&T and IBM were energetic, cool places to work.

At the very least, give it a try. If you find it boring, switch to something else.

5. Would I be good Video Screencaster? I don’t have a background in technology or film.

Most of us don’t have a specific background in either of those fields. And remember, Screencasting is a recording of your screen using specific computer software. You will rarely get out your video camera. You’ll probably be good at video creation if you have any of the following qualities:

• You’re a good problem solver.
• You’re patient (e.g., when you run into technical problems, you don’t throw your mouse across the room).
• You’re tech savvy.
• You like interviewing and talking with people.
• You like teaching and training.
• You like figuring out how things work.
• You like layout, design, and visuals.

Hope you’ve found this interesting. Part two of this series (on August 30th) will answer the following questions:

• Where is the best places to buy the tools I need cheaply?
• Can you make a living doing this work completely at home?
• Michelle, seriously, what exactly do you do all day?
• How can I get a a full time job in this field?

and, one more question submitted by you.  So, please add any other questions you have to the comments below….

PS. If you already know you want to do this sort of work for a living please take a look at our course “A Career in Screencasting” while it’s still only $197.