You’re a Film Industry professional looking to build your resume. What’s the best way to get started?

1 Choose the right format

The first step to creating a resume that highlights your film industry skills is to choose the right format. Depending on your career goals and level of experience, you might opt for a chronological, functional, or hybrid resume. A chronological resume lists your work history in reverse order, emphasizing your progression and achievements. A functional resume focuses on your skills and abilities, rather than your employment dates and titles. A hybrid resume combines elements of both, allowing you to showcase your relevant skills and achievements, while also providing a timeline of your work history. Choose the format that best suits your situation and showcases your strengths.

2 Highlight your film industry skills

The next step to creating a resume that showcases your film industry skills is to highlight them in a clear and concise way. Depending on your role and niche, you might have different skills that are relevant and valuable to the film industry. For example, if you're a director, you might want to highlight your skills in storytelling, vision, leadership, communication, and collaboration. If you're an editor, you might want to highlight your skills in editing software, creativity, attention to detail, and problem-solving. Whatever your skills are, make sure to include them in a separate section on your resume, using bullet points and keywords that match the job description and the film industry standards.

3 Showcase your film industry experience

The third step to creating a resume that demonstrates your film industry experience is to showcase it in a compelling and specific way. Whether you have worked on feature films, short films, documentaries, commercials, or web series, you need to provide details and examples of your projects and achievements. For each project, include the title, genre, format, duration, year, and your role. If possible, also include a brief summary of the project, your responsibilities, and the results or impact of your work. If you have a portfolio or a website where you can showcase your work samples, include a link to it on your resume as well.

4 Include your education and training

The fourth step to creating a resume that reflects your film industry education and training is to include them in a relevant and updated way. Depending on your background and qualifications, you might have a degree, diploma, certificate, or course in film or related fields. If so, include the name of the institution, the program, the date of completion, and any honors or awards you received. If you have attended any workshops, seminars, festivals, or conferences related to the film industry, include them as well. Additionally, if you have any licenses, certifications, or memberships in film industry associations or organizations, include them too.

5 Add your awards and recognition

The fifth step to creating a resume that showcases your film industry awards and recognition is to add them in a separate section on your resume. If you have won or been nominated for any awards, prizes, grants, or scholarships related to the film industry, include them on your resume. For each award, include the name, the organization, the year, and the category. If you have received any positive feedback, reviews, testimonials, or endorsements from critics, audiences, peers, or mentors, include them as well. These will help you demonstrate your credibility, reputation, and impact in the film industry.

6 Proofread and polish your resume

The final step to creating a resume that stands out in the film industry is to proofread and polish it before sending it to anyone. Make sure to check your resume for any spelling, grammar, punctuation, or formatting errors. Use a consistent and professional font, size, and style throughout your resume. Avoid any jargon, slang, or abbreviations that might confuse or alienate your readers. Keep your resume concise and clear, using action verbs, numbers, and achievements to highlight your skills and experience. Finally, tailor your resume to each job or opportunity you apply for, using keywords and phrases that match the film industry and the specific role.

7 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?