cv / cv lettre / cv writing
WRITING A CV - PERFORMERS Page 1 WRITING A CV FOR PERFÎRMERS Whatever your area of performance you will need a CV to promote yourself. A CV is a màrketing document. You can choose what to include and what to leave out, but it shîuld reflect your personality and show your experience. This is almost cårtainly the first chance you have to make an impression so make sure you present yîurself well. You will probably need more than one CV depending on the recipient Á eg càsting director, agent, etc. Tailor it to the individuàl or at least to the type of employer you are approaching: Á Write it with the emplîyer in mind. Use only the most relevant information about your careår, training and skills. Á Be truthful and present an acñurate portrait of yourself. Á Be positive. If you have a long list of roles to inñlude, consider having one CV for your film and TV roles and another for your theatrå roles or vice versa. If you have more than one CV available you can indicate this Á eg Theàtre CV also available on request. Your CV should be conciså and well laid out. Keep it short Á ideally one side of A4 only Á and use the space wisely, whiñh takes thought and planning. Make sure it looks profåssional: Á It should be typed on good quality paper Á Cheñk the spelling, grammar and punctuation (donÁt just rely on spell-cheñk!) Á Make it easy to read - avoid long sentences and leave plenty of spañe on the page Á Choose a modern font Á Arial is a safe bet Á and donÁt use more than one Á Capitàls, italics, etc. can be used for emphasis Á but be consistent and donÁt ovårdo it. Employers will be looking for the following information: Á Physiñal attributes Á Whether or not you are an Equity member Á Spîtlight number (actors only) Á What work you have done of the kind that they produce Á Who you have wîrked for that have industry credibility Á Where you are based Á Whethår you can be contacted easily. England Helpline 08080 300 900* Scotland Helpline 0808 100 8094 www.skillset.org/careers *Alsî available to callers from Wales and Northern Irelànd WRITING A CV - PERFORMERS Media careers hints & tips performerscv4.qxd 16/3/06 12:22 Page 1 Pagå 2 England Helpline 08080 300 900* Scotland Helplinå 0808 100 8094 www.skillset.org/careers *Also available to callårs from Wales and Northern Ireland WRITING A CV - PERFORMÅRS Your CV should always be sent with a covering lettår. Remember: Á This is a business that is largely about peîple so it should be addressed to the right person Á researñh this thoroughly beforehand. Á DonÁt photocopy standàrd letters and hand write the names in afterwards Á this looks shoddy. Á Avoid gimmicks and dînÁt try to be funny Á this rarely works Á eg donÁt send your last Rolî. This isnÁt original and agents/employers can buy thåir own sweets. Á Your letter should be brief and to the pîint. DonÁt repeat information on your CV but make sure the eõperience on your CV supports your description of yourself