The job market is as competitive as ever, as more people are seeking out the few open positions available. The key to getting any job nowadays, is to make sure that an applicant's skills stand out from the rest, which is the perfect opportunity to utilize a video resume.

According to ITBusinessEdge.com, video resumes are becoming increasingly popular, along with personal websites. While it was once thought of as a novelty, documenting a resume on video is another way to market skills that may be skimmed over on a paper resume. However, some of the same rules apply to both video and paper resumes.

The first rule is to make sure to keep it short. Many hiring managers skim over a resume in less than 10 seconds, according to the news source, so make sure that the video is short and sweet, while still providing all the necessary information.

When you send your cover letter, don't mention that you are sending your resume via snail mail - just attach it. The same applies with video resumes - make sure that you put a link to the video at the end of the letter. Also, be wary of using sites like YouTube that offer distractions. Since many companies already block that site, uploading a video to your personal website will look more professional and will make sure that the manager is focusing on the tape.

It may be a good idea to go the extra step to stand out, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the national unemployment rate is 9.5%.