Resume Dos & Don'ts

We all know as actors how vital training is for building our resumes. We want to show various acting training techniques and skills, especially if we're new and just starting out. It shows that even though not many jobs are listed, we can perform confidently and professionally when we arrive to work for a project. However, are you adding something to your resume that shouldn't be?

It's a balancing act to know when something is ready to be put on your resume, but here are some things to take into consideration:

TRAINING

-How long have you been training in this technique?

If you've only been to a class for a month in a technique that requires years of practice-- it should NOT be on your resume. Give it time. Keep practicing and keep showing up. Once we have reached the final stages of a specific practice and feel comfortable describing that technique to someone else if questioned, then we should feel comfortable having it listed.

NETWORKING

-Could the professional or instructor recognize you outside of class, remember who you are, and vouch for your abilities?

In this industry, networking is essential, especially regarding casting. If we see someone we know on your resume, we may contact them and ask what that experience was like working with you. It would be incredibly awkward if someone in casting were to ask about you, and the instructor had no idea who you were.

SPECIAL SKILLS

-Is our special skill something we could do right here and now on the spot?

If a special skill is questioned, we need to prove that we can do it. If you have listed that you can speak French on your resume, could you have an entire conversation with an auditor in French without hesitation?  We need to be able to prove that we are a master and can maneuver any situation if we were to arrive on-set. If there are any doubts about your capabilities, take the skill off of your resume until you are confident in that skill.

FILM/TELEVISION WORK

-Do you add extra work, print/modeling work, music videos or background work to your resume?

If you have booked ANY other type of work, please remove these as soon as possible, or simply do not add it and let your training speak for itself. Is there anything wrong with doing this type of work? No, especially if you’re really new—take those opportunities to be on a big set and soak in how it works! The problem is this these types of jobs do not require you to genuinely act in the sense that is necessary when casting a role. To leave them on your resume from a professional perspective seems amateurish, or worse, that you’re intentionally being dishonest with casting.

-Have you ever added work that you have simply never done?

Of everything else listed in this post—this is the one that will NEVER be acceptable. If you have not done a role, not worked at specific place, or have not worked with someone—it is NOT allowed on your resume. Casting does look at your resume, especially the closer you get to a producer session or the final callback. If someone were to find out that your resume was padded or that you lied about working with someone? Well… Let’s just say the ramifications to your career in the long-run will be significant. In an industry where your reputation and networking is paramount, it is never a risk worth taking.

There is nothing wrong with being a beginner. We all are at one point. Allow yourself to feel confident in what you have put on your resume, know that you have the talent and determination to fill-up a resume, and if you put in the time—it will grow.

By Diana Frankhauser

Want to build up your skills and training? Come check out our Virtual Meisner classes at the Houde School of Acting at the link below.

https://www.houdeschoolofacting.com/online-registration