We created this guide on how to film a day in the life video for an employer brand because this type of video is a super effective way to show what it’s really like to work at a company. These authentic, employee-generated videos will provide a behind-the-scenes look at what the employee experience is like and they’re also a modern & fresh way to humanize your employer brand. Plus, they’re perfect for YouTube (the #1 search engine for Gen-Z job seekers!) and any social media channel. 

In the age of social media and vlogging, “Day in the Life” videos have become a popular way to provide viewers with an intimate and authentic glimpse into a person’s daily routine and experiences. 

And in today’s competitive job market, job seekers want to get a genuine feel for a company’s culture, values, and work environment before making a career decision. 

So, a powerful way to showcase these aspects and build an authentic employer brand is creating “Day in the Life” videos for various roles or departments within your organization. 

This type of video offers a unique and candid glimpse into a typical day at your company, helping potential candidates connect with your brand on a deeper, more personal level.

To help your organization create your own videos, in this guide we’ve included:

• A video featuring Film Director Leef Parks that illustrates how to create a “Day in The Life” video by walking you through the process of creating one of his own
• Our 10-step process for creating an impactful “Day in the Life” video specifically for an employer brand
• 3 Day in The Life videos that are excellent examples of engaging employer brand content — watch them to get inspired!

Let’s get started!

10 Steps to Creating a “Day in the Life” Video specifically for an Employer Brand

Step 1: Define Your Objectives

Before diving into the filming process, it’s essential to establish clear objectives for your video: 

• What message do you want to convey?
• Are you highlighting a specific department or role?
• Do you want to showcase your company’s innovative culture, diversity, or commitment to work-life balance? 
• Is your aim to provide a sneak peek into what it’s like working at your organization?

Defining your goals will provide a roadmap for your video’s content and style.

Step 2: Select the Right Subjects for Day in the Life Videos 

Choose employees who are enthusiastic, engaging, and representative of your company culture. 

Ideally, they should be comfortable in front of the camera and able to articulate their experiences clearly & authentically. 

A diverse group of subjects from various departments can provide a well-rounded view of your organization.

Step 3: Gather Your Equipment

You don’t need the most expensive equipment to create a compelling “Day in the Life” video. A smartphone with a decent camera can work wonders. However, if you have access to extra gear like a stabilizer, microphone, and additional lenses, use them to enhance the production quality. 

If you’re using a smartphone or basic camera, consider investing in an external microphone to capture high-quality sound. Pay attention to ambient noise, wind, and other potential audio distractions. In post-production, you can enhance and edit the audio to ensure a seamless viewing experience.

And remember, good lighting is essential, so take advantage of natural light whenever possible.

Step 4: Plan the Storyline

Craft a compelling narrative that captures the essence of a day at your company. 

Consider starting with an introduction that sets the stage and outlines the objectives of the video. As Leef mentions, you want to give the audience “a map of what’s going on”. 

Then, have your subject go through their daily routines and showcase various tasks, interactions, and challenges they face. 

And of course, be sure to highlight moments that reflect your company’s values and unique selling points.

Step 5: Plan For Shot Variation & B-Roll

Once you’ve outlined your narrative, plan the shots you’ll need to bring your story to life. Think about the locations, activities, and interactions that best represent your day. 

Make a shot list to ensure you don’t miss any essential moments. Scout locations and set up shots that will provide visual interest and enhance the storytelling.

Keep in mind that variety is key – include a mix of wide shots, close-ups, and unique angles to keep your video visually engaging. 

And for b-roll, remember more is always better!

Step 6: Focus on Authenticity, BE YOU!

One of the main attractions of “Day in the Life” videos is their authenticity. Encourage your subjects to be themselves and interact naturally with colleagues. 

Genuine interactions and reactions will resonate with viewers and create a more relatable experience. 

Avoid overthinking or scripting every moment – spontaneous interactions and reactions often make the video more relatable and enjoyable for your viewers.

And know that yes, filming yourself on camera will be awkward at first. Passerbyers will walk into your shots & you may get some weird looks for talking to a camera in public. But that’s okay! 

The more you do it, the better you’ll get at it and the more comfortable you will feel. So just get started with your first shot. 

It can also be helpful to recruit a friend, family member, or colleague to be featured in your video (after all, they are in your life!) or help you film. 

Step 7:  Capture B-Roll

B-roll footage is the glue that holds your video together. These are the supplementary shots that help transition between scenes and provide context to your narrative. 

While you may be tempted to only focus on the main events, including b-roll of your surroundings, details, and candid moments adds depth and visual interest to your video.

Check out our other post and video with Leef about B-roll HERE. 

Step 8: Highlight Company Culture

Your video should highlight your company’s unique culture and values. 

Showcase team collaboration, employee recognition, and any special perks or events that set your organization apart. 

This is an opportunity to give candidates a taste of what it’s like to be a part of your team.

Step 9: Edit and Enhance

Once the footage has been captured, it’s time to edit. 

Trim any unnecessary clips and arrange the scenes in a cohesive and engaging sequence. 

Add captions, graphics, and music that align with your brand identity and enhance the viewer’s experience. 

Music can set the tone and enhance the emotional impact of your video, so choose a soundtrack that complements your story. 

It may be worth bringing in a professional Video Editor at this point to craft an engaging storyline and produce a polished, on-brand video. Working with EditMate can streamline this whole process.

Step 10: Share, Promote & Interact!

Once your “Day in the Life” video is polished and ready, it’s time to share it across your online platforms. 

Upload it to your company’s careers page, social media channels, and video-sharing platforms. 

Consider creating shorter teaser versions for social media to generate interest and drive traffic to the full video.

One published and posted, encourage interaction and engagement by responding to comments and questions about the video. Use this opportunity to showcase your company’s responsiveness and commitment to transparency.

3 Examples of Day In The Life Videos for an Employer Brand

Watch these to get inspired to create your own!

This detailed and meticulously shot video recaps a day in the life of working as a software engineer at Microsoft

This self-shot Instagram Reel style video gives a behind-the-scenes look at working at HelloFresh, from the perspective of an Employer Brand and Content Creation Strategist. 

This Day in the Life of a Social Media Manager video not only gives you an inside look at the job, but also shows off how the subject creates social content while also sharing the tools & gear he uses.

In conclusion, a well-executed “Day in the Life” video can be a powerful tool for showcasing your employer brand and attracting top talent. 

By following these 10 steps and focusing on authenticity, storytelling, and company culture, you can create a compelling video that resonates with potential candidates and sets your organization apart in the competitive job market.