CV Writing for those new to the Industry

Let’s start with a top 10 quick reference guide!

1.
2. Stick to two pages
3. Make sure u splel check and dont use slang or emojis 
D. Be consistent
5. Don’t repeat yourself
6. Make sure your hobbies are relevant
7. Don’t repeat yourself
8. I wouldn’t write really long sentences about what you’ve achieved, what you’ve worked on, what the job was. It’s better if you just keep it very simple. Perhaps try using one bullet-point to express in a couple of words what you are looking for it to explain. Not everyone has time to read really long paragraphs that could be written quickly.
9. Put your name, contact details and job title clearly at the top. Always start with the most important information like this.
10. Winston Churchill told me this once and it’s great to live by: “Don’t ever write anything that’s not true or exaggerated. You will be found out very quickly.”

So you are currently studying or just finished University or school, and looking for your first step into video production. You might have a CV and perhaps already have some industry experience or have worked on personal projects creating video content. What’s should you do next?

Have you read our last blog post about the basics of CV writing but are still not convinced yours is working for you? Continue reading for further handy tips specifically for those new to the industry.

“I worked as a Producer Director on all of my projects at University and have put that as the work I’m seeking but I’m still not getting called back, even for runner roles.”

Don’t suggest you are something you’re not. You might be looking to work your way up to that level but listing your job title as a Producer Director can be deemed as off putting unless you really ARE a Producer Director with the relevant experience and credits as a Producer Director. It shouldn’t be listed as your title if it has only been your title on no-pay or low paid roles. Be clear in your profile that you are looking to take that direction or to become an Editor or a Cameraman but if you haven’t worked very long in the industry, most would suggest to be listed as a Runner or Post-Production Runner.

“I previously worked in a shop but don’t think I should include that on a media CV.”

There are lots of transferable skills from previous jobs that are impressive to potential employers. These include ,among many, many others: customer service; team working skills; petty cash experience; regular attendance and commitment; organisational skills; IT skills; telephone skills as well as many other “soft-skills” which are very hard to learn in a classroom. Interaction with other colleagues, customers or clients will always be deemed as beneficial to entry level roles such as runners.

It also fills in any gaps in your CV that might be questioned by an employer. Always best to be deemed as working or studying instead of doing nothing for an extended period of time.

Similarly, we would always recommend that if you have been travelling for that to be clearly shown on your CV. This shows a level of independence, confidence and exposure to other cultures which is all valuable in the world of video and television.

“I can’t get my experience and education to fill two pages as there isn’t enough of it.”

There might be elements missing that you can include that would increase the content while remaining relevant.

Do you have a list of skills and software you can use? Do you have a profile? Have you listed the modules you took at University? Any part-time jobs while at school or volunteering projects? Were you involved in any sport or clubs? Have you done any shadowing or work experience? Have you listed any video projects you worked on while at college or university? Do you have the links to these? Do you write a blog?

As you progress and gain more experience, you will be able to alter, shorten and remove less important information. For example, instead of listing all of your GCSE results it might need to change to “10 GSCE’s A – Cs”. Or only listing your role and the company you worked for while at school, for example ‘Sales Advisor – Next Store’ and one or two bullet points of the relevant experience you gained.

To try and fill two pages, don’t just use bigger font or large gaps. This will be obvious to future employers.

I hope you find this useful! Next time I’ll be looking at how to handle credits lists, particularly long ones.

Charlotte Orr is Lead Consultant at The Crewing Company. Find her on LinkedIn or follow her on Twitter @CharlotteTcc