Film Resume Examples

Choose the right format for your resume

As you know from your work in film, great organization is the key to making sure shoots go well.

When it comes to resumes, the resume format is the way in which your resume is organized. Deciding on the best format before you write your resume is every bit as important as scouting scene locations or getting the right camera angle.

There are three common resume formats: chronological, functional and hybrid.

The big difference between these formats is where the main focus is placed in the resume, whether it’s on your work experience or if more weight is given to your skills and education.

Chronological formats best serve candidates who have at least five years’ experience working in the film industry. This format puts the emphasis on roles you’ve held, duties you’ve performed, and shows a career progression.

If you have the experience to use one, this should be your go-to format.

However, if you’re fresh out of school or transferring from a different industry, you should choose a different format that is a better fit for your experience level.

Functional formats are recommended if you have less than two years’ experience as a film professional. This format gives greater emphasis on your skills and education, which takes attention away from your lack of experience.

A hybrid format is a combination of the functional and chronological formats that features a more even balance between your work history and skills. If you’ve worked for more than two years in film, but less than five total, use this format.

Promote your skills

Each role in film may require its own unique skills or abilities, but there are some skills that apply across the industry.

Try to include six-to-eight important skills that you possess on your resume.

Universally-desired film skills often include:

• Editing
• Attention to detail
• Eye for composition
• Fast cuts
• Storytelling
• Flexibility
• Problem-solving
• Teamwork
• Technological expertise
• Equipment knowledge
• Budgeting
• Creative solutions
• Diplomacy
• Time management
• Stress tolerance
• Vision execution
• Communication
• Conveying knowledge
• Seeing projects through
• Can-do attitude
• Industry trend awareness
• High-quality production
• Final Cut Pro proficiency, Adobe Premiere Pro fluency
• Group coordination
• Project fundraising
• Practical suggestions

Pay close attention to the job posting or ad — the phrases and keywords used are your best indication of exactly what the position seeks in a candidate.

Show that you pay detailed attention by mirroring back some of those key skills the employer mentions when they apply to your skill set.

Use a template to make sure your resume looks amazing

The film industry is as visual as it gets. That’s why it’s really important that you use a resume template so that employers get a sense of your eye for visual aesthetics and a polished look.

A template is a preformatted document created by a professional designer to look sharp, professional, and to make creating a resume faster and easier.

All you have to do is select one that you like and fill in your personal information. After that, just save your resume in a desired format and you’re ready to start applying to jobs.

JobHero has some great resume templates to use.

Even better, JobHero features a Resume Builder that allows you to choose from a selection of templates and takes the automation even further.

The builder provides suggested phrases to describe your work history that were written specifically for the job title that you’re applying for.

JobHero’s Resume Builder is like writing with a film veteran behind you to give you practical advice every step of the way.