How do you research and tailor your resume and cover letter to different production companies or projects?

1 Know your target

Before you apply for any production assistant job, you should do some research on the production company or project you are interested in. Find out what kind of content they produce, what their style and tone are, who their audience and clients are, and what their values and mission are. This will help you understand what they are looking for in a production assistant and how you can align your skills and experience with their goals and vision.

2 Highlight your relevant skills

Your resume should showcase your relevant skills and achievements as a production assistant, not just list your previous jobs and tasks. Think about what skills are most important for the production company or project you are applying for, such as communication, organization, problem-solving, technical, or creative skills. Then, use bullet points to highlight how you have demonstrated those skills in your previous or current roles, using specific examples and numbers when possible. For example, instead of saying "Assisted in various production tasks", you could say "Coordinated schedules, equipment, and locations for 10+ shoots, ensuring smooth and timely operations".

3 Customize your cover letter

Your cover letter should be personalized and convincing, demonstrating why you are the ideal candidate for the production assistant role. It should explain how you found out about the company or project and why you are interested in working with them. Additionally, you should illustrate how your skills and experience align with the requirements of the job and how you can contribute to the success and quality of the production. Make sure to provide examples and details to back up your claims, and avoid simply reiterating what is on your resume. Make sure your cover letter is concise, clear, and professional, and finish by asking for an interview or expressing a desire to follow up.

4 Proofread and format

Before you send your resume and cover letter, make sure to proofread them for any spelling, grammar, punctuation, or formatting errors. Use a consistent and readable font, size, and layout for both documents, and avoid using too many colors, graphics, or fancy fonts that might distract from your content. Save your resume and cover letter as PDF files, and name them with your full name and the production company or project name, such as "Jane_Doe_ABC_Productions_Resume.pdf". Attach them to your email or online application, and write a brief and polite email introduction that summarizes who you are and what you are applying for.

5 Follow up

After you submit your resume and cover letter, don't just wait for a response. Follow up with the production company or project after a week or two, unless they specify otherwise. Send a friendly and professional email or call to restate your interest and qualifications, and to ask about the status of your application. This can show that you are proactive, persistent, and enthusiastic about the production assistant job. However, don't be too pushy or annoying, and respect their decision if they reject you or don't reply.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?