Michael asks:
Do you think that having “Objective: Seeking work as a Staff Set PA/Office PA or as an Additional PA/Dayplayer” on your resume is too broad of an objective? So far I have done some work as a Set PA on a couple major networks shows, but nothing as a office PA (I have previous office experience though)
Personally I do not care which of the two I work in, I’m kinda torn at the moment for final destination. I like the work of a Set PA over an Office one, but I believe the destinations in the business side of productions of an Office one are more appealing to me in the long run.
Anyways, back to the question… Do you think someone automatically discard the resume because I havent picked one or the other, or is it appearing that I do not have a clue if Im trying for either/or?
Don’t have an objective section.
I know it’s standard in a lot of resume templates, but seriously, don’t use it. As I’ve said before, a resume should have three columns: Position, Show Title, Production Company. That’s it.
If you’re really lacking for experience, you can use space at the bottom to write about other jobs you’ve worked on, or possibly education information. Sure, it’s filler, but it’s not obviously filler like “objectives.”
Now, this doesn’t mean you can’t taylor your resume to your audience, depending on the job you’re applying for. When I’m sending my resume to a production coordinator, I put the shows where I worked in the office towards the top; if it’s an AD, I move up set experience. Same for writers’ assistant jobs.
This works best if the shows are not really recognizable (such as indie movies or pilots). You can’t put The West Wing above Modern Family. But I don’t put dates anywhere, specifically so I can arrange the shows for best impact.
At the interview itself, make it clear that you want this job, even if you’re not 100% certain where you want to go. If you’re talking to an AD, yes, you want to be an AD some day; same for the coordinator. Once you get the job, you can start talking about what your real objectives are.
4 Responses
Also if I am lacking in actual proudctions that I have worked on, should I make a skills section and make a list of the rolls of a PA just to show I know them? With only a work history, eduction history (nothing revelant in mine) and possibly a reference section, Im going to be at a staggering 1/3 page. What would be good to use to fill it up some more?
What about including a reference section? I had a couple DGA AD’s that will vouch for me.
Totally in agreement with TAPA. If you’re being completely honest, your resume should read:
Objective: To pay next month’s rent and maybe eat three days a week.
Then again, honesty is overrated sometimes.