kuilo Notes About Resumes - hotamboyan

While speaking at an industry event recently, I was asked questions about what I personally look for in resumes. I see so many of them, and I have a few general notes and pet peeves, and it wouldn’t be a post of this style without the old standby: In no particular order … 

Be careful how you fluff.

We all know of the old adage: pad your resume, but be very careful how you try to do this. Here is an example of fluff that I loathe: FOH tech for Widespread Panic. 

That was on a recent resume that came across my desk, but the funny thing is, Bandit lights the Widespread Panic tour. Maybe this person was the house guy in a venue that Widespread played at, but he was not the FOH tech for them. It is a fine line, but that crossed it.

We know our jobs.

You don’t need to tell me every little detail of things you’ve done during shows. If you tell me you were a dimmer tech on a show, then I know that you run cable and meter power, etc. If you tell me you’ve worked as a stagehand in Local XYZ, then I know you’ve “worked with many crews doing lighting, audio, video, and backline, assisting the load-in and out of numerous shows.”

I don’t care about every show you did in high school and college.

Okay, that may sound heartless... but I really don’t. I’m glad that you did them, yes, but you don’t need to list each play and/or musical. Instead of listing each individual piece, just say something like, “Worked on 10 plays throughout high school and college” or “Designed five plays and was tech on five plays throughout high school and college.”

Never tell me you were a spot-op for a show.

Ever. 

For real. Don’t. 

That is a waste of time to put on a resume.

Don't say 'You are a people person.'

I can’t think of one resume that doesn’t say this. If you do what we do for a living, you need to be a people person. Putting it on your resume won’t help you.

Have you toured?

If you have, lead with that, specifically what tours and what position. They don’t even have to be in order (I couldn’t tell you the years I was on X and Y tours). Also tell me what company. Knowing the company gives me insight into your knowledge base plus other people who may have worked with you.

Use Solid References.

We will check them, especially if we know who they are. This business is still about what you do and who you are more than a sheet of paper. If someone I trust gives you a thumbs up and a rundown of your skills, I probably don’t need a resume.

Don’t rate yourself.

Don’t put down I’m an 8 out of 10 programming an MA2 unless you really are. And here is a little hint, if you really are, see above about not needing a resume.

Other jobs and skills.

I’m not too concerned about jobs outside the industry unless it is something very unique. Military, Eagle Scout, CDL or truck driving experience, CAD skills, things like that, please let me know.

Personal Information.

Things I like to know before I talk with you:

• Do you have a passport with any restrictions (Canada is harder and harder to get into).
• Your age. You don’t have to tell people this (and it is actually illegal for an employer to ask you your age directly), but it is fairly critical information since some tours don’t want people under the age of 21 (alcohol on the bus), and some places you will be unable to rent a car or drive a truck until you are 25. 

Hopefully those things will offer a little insight as you are preparing a resume. Not everyone looks for the exact same things I do, but we are all looking for quality crew.

Until next time, “It’s the job that’s never started that takes the longest to finish.” 
-J.R.R. Tolkien

Mark