How to create a video presentation that stands out in blue economy recruitment
Video presentations are no longer a novelty in recruitment processes — they are becoming a standard tool in sectors where digital skills, communication clarity and motivation matter. In blue economy roles, where projects are often international, multidisciplinary and mission-driven, video formats allow recruiters to assess candidates beyond the traditional CV.
As highlighted by LinkedIn’s Future of Recruiting reports, video-based applications are increasingly used to evaluate communication skills, cultural fit and motivation at early stages of the hiring process.
Why video presentations are replacing traditional cover letters
Traditional cover letters are static and difficult to differentiate. According to LinkedIn Talent Solutions, recruiters spend only a few seconds scanning written applications, while short videos allow them to assess personality, clarity and engagement more effectively.
In blue economy sectors — such as marine science, offshore energy, environmental consultancy or maritime operations — employers value candidates who can explain complex ideas clearly, often to non-specialist audiences.
When video presentations are especially relevant in blue jobs
Video applications are particularly useful when roles involve:
● International or multicultural teams
● Project-based or research-driven work
● Stakeholder communication (policy, science, industry)
● Fieldwork combined with reporting or coordination
● Impact-driven work at NGOs
As noted by the World Economic Forum, future blue economy jobs increasingly require hybrid skill sets combining technical expertise with communication and collaboration skills.
Step-by-step: how to create an effective video presentation
1. Keep it short and structured
Most recruiters recommend videos between 60 and 120 seconds. A simple structure works best:
● Brief introduction
● Motivation for the role and sector
● Key skills or experience
● Closing statement
2. Clearly connect your profile to the blue economy
Generic presentations are a common mistake. According to reports on maritime and environmental employment, recruiters look for candidates who understand the specific challenges of ocean-related sectors, such as sustainability, regulation and safety.
Mention:
● Why the blue economy matters to you
● How your work contributes to ocean, coastal or maritime objectives
● Any exposure to marine, environmental or offshore contexts
3. Show awareness of sustainability and impact
Blue economy employers expect candidates to understand the environmental and social dimensions of their work. The United Nations Environment Programme stresses that future ocean-related jobs must integrate sustainability and responsible resource management.
Even in technical roles, briefly referencing impact, responsibility or long-term goals strengthens your profile.
4. Focus on clarity, not performance
Recruiters are not looking for polished marketing videos. According to Harvard Business Review, authenticity and clarity consistently outperform overproduced presentations in hiring contexts.
Use simple language, avoid jargon where possible and prioritise clear explanations over visual effects.
5. Choose an appropriate setting
For blue economy roles, context can subtly reinforce credibility:
● Neutral background or professional workspace for policy or corporate roles
● Academic or lab setting for research roles (when appropriate)
● Sea, port, boat, beach background for those sea-based job related (not always possible)
Avoid distracting environments or poor audio quality, which remains one of the main reasons recruiters reject video submissions.
Poor audio can ruin a great video. Using an external microphone — which is very affordable these days — can make a huge difference to how professional and clear you sound.
6. Highlight transferable skills with concrete examples
Many professionals enter the blue economy from adjacent sectors. According to the International Maritime Organization, transferable skills such as project coordination, data analysis and risk management are increasingly valued across maritime industries. Brief, concrete examples are more effective than broad claims.
7. End with intention and availability
A strong closing reinforces professionalism:
● Reaffirm interest in the role or organisation
● Mention openness to relocation or international work, if applicable
● Keep the ending concise and confident – a clear sentence on how you can provide an added value to the organisation
Common mistakes to avoid
● Repeating your CV word for word
● Speaking too generally about motivation
● Ignoring the sector’s environmental or regulatory context
● Overly scripted or artificial delivery
As recruitment practices evolve, video presentations are becoming a powerful differentiator, particularly in complex and mission-driven sectors like the blue economy. Used correctly, they allow candidates to demonstrate communication skills, sector awareness and genuine motivation.
Sources
- LinkedIn Talent Solutions, The Future of Recruiting
https://business.linkedin.com/talent-solutions/resources/future-of-recruiting - World Economic Forum, Jobs of Tomorrow: Mapping Opportunity in the New Economy
https://www.weforum.org/reports/jobs-of-tomorrow-mapping-opportunity-in-the-new-economy - European Commission, Blue Economy Skills and Careers
https://oceans-and-fisheries.ec.europa.eu/ocean/blue-economy/blue-careers_en - United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Sustainable Blue Economy
https://www.unep.org/topics/ocean-seas-and-coasts/regional-seas-programme/sustainable-blue-economy - Harvard Business Review, How to Use Video to Hire Better People
https://hbr.org/podcast/2024/10/how-to-make-better-hiring-and-firing-decisions - International Maritime Organization (IMO), Human Element and Training
https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/HumanElement/Pages/Default.aspx
