By John Bramer, Digital Relations Consultant, 6XDMedia
It’s estimated the film industry employs over 2.4 million people in the US, across numerous skills and trades. This far-reaching gaze makes it one of the most versatile industries in the country, with jobs available in every state.
And things don’t look like they’re slowing down any time soon. The industry is continuing to grow, with an expected 8% increase across all roles over the next 10 years.
It’s not too hard to understand why the sector is popular. A number of diverse and exciting roles, all while brushing shoulders with the stars of Tinseltown, make for very compelling job prospects.
However, if you’re new to the world of lights, cameras, and action, it can be tough to know where to start. That’s where we’ve got you covered. Here are three things you can’t afford to not include when applying for jobs in the TV and film industry.
1. An Introductory Profile
Who are you? Why are you the best person for the job? Similar to the all-important cover letter, take the time to craft an introductory profile for yourself that makes you stand out from the crowd. Just how do you best go about that in a sector as competitive and chock full of personality as this one?
Some of the most practical advice for writing an introductory profile would be to:
- Tell them who you are. Let someone know what wrung of the professional ladder you’re on, what drives you, and why you’re ready to take the plunge with this specific role.
- Show your career goals. Laying out what you want to achieve in the industry is a great way for a hiring manager to know if you’re going to be a good fit in a wider sense. Letting them know your aims gives a good picture of your long term motives.
- Convince them you can’t be overlooked. Show them how your particular skills will ultimately help them achieve their own larger goals. Just make sure to back this up with evidence.
2. Awards and Honors in your Field
Every CV should include relevant awards and honors you have received in your field. But when it comes to TV and film, these tokens can set you apart in a sea of applicants with similar trade backgrounds. Awards and honors show that you are a stand out and deserve the chance to prove it.
Just make sure that what you’re (humbly) bragging about is worth mentioning. For example, it’s amazing if you won a national photo competition as a cinematographer – but finishing tenth in your local paper’s “funny pictures of the month” contest can probably be omitted.
3. Make your availability very clear
Since TV and film projects often overlap with each other, making sure to include your availability upfront will help prevent disappointment should the production schedule not line up with your own. What’s more, highlighting when you’re busy could make you look like a candidate that’s in demand (which is only ever a good thing).
Should a specific production not fit your availability, but you are the type of person the company is looking to hire, it’s still worth applying and making yourself known to them. They might keep you at the top of their list of potential candidates for a future project.
Do you have a better understanding of the must-haves when applying for your next position? If you want the best shot at landing the dream job, make sure to include all of these important points on your CV.
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