Resume Basics
Résumé Basics
The Purpose of a Résumé
A résumé is a brief summary of your background and qualifications
used to introduce you to employers during a job or internship search. It is
a marketing tool, and the product you are marketing is yourself. It does not
get you a job, as some people think; its purpose is to get you an interview
or audition.
Sections of a Résumé
For résumés to be effective, it is important that they be easy
to read. Organize your information into categories so that employers can identify
and scan the sections of interest to them. Your background and the type of position
you are applying for will dictate the sections for your résumé.
Contact Information
You must provide contact information that is clear and easily accessible. Create
a header with your name, address, and phone number. Include your e-mail address
only if you check it regularly and your user name is somewhat professional.
Objective
An objective describes the type of work you are seeking. Avoid overused phrases
like “challenging and rewarding career,” “growth oriented
firm,” and "working with people.”
Education
For college students, education is one section that is easy to highlight. Of
interest to employers are the institutions attended, the degree(s) you have
(or will have), area of concentration or major, and the month and year of graduation.
The education section need not be restricted to formal degree programs. Certificates,
master classes, coaches, training, workshops, thesis topics, and study abroad
can also be included.
Experience
Your experience and education sections are the heart of
your résumé. Experience does not necessarily have to be paid employment.
It can include internships, traineeships, apprenticeships, self-employment,
part-time work, freelance jobs, and volunteer work. List your most recent position
first and the rest in reverse chronological order. Describe your responsibilities
using short statements that demonstrate success, practical experience related
to your field, and the fact that you have good work habits. Each statement should
start with an action
verb.
Additional Categories
Awards and Honors
Computer Skills
Language Ability
Research Interests
Personal Interests
Travel
Presentations
Conferences, Workshops
Professional Affiliations
Tips for Performers and Visual Artists
Unlike business résumés, put your best work first. Don't worry
about chronology. Dates aren't always necessary. Experience is experience in
the world of performance. No one needs to be reminded that you haven't gigged,
performed, or shown your work in a while. But if asked about dates in an audition/interview,
be honest.
Art résumés could include:
Exhibit Design
Computer Skills
Technical Skills
Teaching Experience
Workshops/Seminars completed
Exhibitions
Juried Shows
Competitions
Awards
Commissions
Note: To access the sample résumés included
in this guide, you will need the freely available Acrobat Reader
Art History
Résumé
Studio
Art Résumé
Visual Art Studies Résumé
Music résumés could include:
Principal Teachers
Coaches
Master Classes
Performance Experience
Private Teaching Experience
Ensemble Experience
Repertoire
Roles Prepared
Operas Performed
Summer Festivals
Competitions and Awards
Music
Performance Résumé
Music Studies
Résumé
Theatre and Dance résumés could include:
Performing Experience (could be divided into separate categories such as film,
stage, television, radio, voice-overs, etc.)
Choreography
Directing Experience
Stage Management Experience
Technical Experience
Vocal Training
Master Classes
Dance Training (could be divided into separate categories such as ballet, tap,
modern, jazz, etc.)
Theatre/Dance
Performance Résumé
Additional Considerations
- Try to keep your résumé to one page in length (particularly
if you are just getting out of college).
- It should be neat, attractive, professional, and visually interesting.
- Learn the “buzzwords” for the field in which you are seeking
employment and use them appropriately in your résumé.
- It should be editorially consistent. Current activities should be described
in the present tense, while events that took place previously should be described
in the past tense.
- It should be error free. Check for correct spelling, punctuation, grammar,
and word usage. Have at least two other people review your résumé
for these kinds of errors.
- It should be printed using a high quality desk-jet printer or laser printer.
Use good-quality white or off-white bond paper.
More Examples
Chronological
Résumé
Emphasizes past experience and a good choice for people who have experience
in the field they're applying for.
Functional
Résumé
Emphasizes skill areas rather than the specifics of each position held. A good
choice for people who have developed skills from experiences other than paid
employment.
Résumé Web Sites
For assistance with writing a résumé, a résumé
critique, or to see more samples of résumés for visual and performing
artists, stop by Fine Arts Career Services in DFA 1.103.
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