A CV is like a messenger you send ahead to big you up
Get Into Theatre checks the pulse of your CV and writes a prescription to improve its health. The CV clinic is open for surgery. Send yours to info@getintotheatre.org
Below you can see our experts’ assessment of our latest CV. You can find other CVs in our previous clinics section in the right hand column of this page.
Basic CV tips
- Keep your CV to two pages
- Make it functional–a CV is not a place to experiment with fancy paper, trendy fonts and all the colours of the rainbow
- Always include a brief synopsis (about three sentences) at the top introducing yourself and outlining your career objectives
- Unless you’re applying for an acting job, don’t add a picture
- Don’t just list your work experience. Make sure you include some bulletpoints about what you learned/ achieved through it
- Check spelling and grammar really carefully.
Covering letter
The purpose of a covering letter is to introduce yourself and communicate something of your personality. It can also be used to highlight the most important parts of your CV. A covering letter demonstrates that you can write in sentences and spell and use grammar–so make sure you look through it carefully (in fact get someone else to double-check it) before you send it off.
It is not necessary to handwrite a covering letter these days, despite what your parents might tell you. But do take time to lay it out well–and make sure you include a contact phone number and email address.
Check out our sample covering letter
Some other useful CV and letter writing advice sites:
Latest CV
Applicant for stage management course
This student is due to finish her drama degree next year and is already applying to study stage management at drama school.
Experience
This CV shows a student who has lots of good experience in addition to studying for a degree.
You have also been chair of her university drama society, worked with the National Youth Theatre, and done work experience in theatre and radio and television drama.
Extras such as a a valid first aid certificate and CRB check (Criminal Records Bureau–a necessary check with working with children and young people) help to make you look like a very good prospect.
Education
You did the right thing to make this section take up just a small part of your CV. You have great grades, but you won’t gt into drama school based on grades alone. It’s your experience that will always make you stand out
Improvements
Many people make the mistake of letting their CV run to 3-4 pages, whereas you have succinctly has yours to just the one page.
I think this CV could be improved by adding a profile section at the top to introduce yourself and spell out your aims and aspirations.
It could also be taken up a gear by the inclusion of some brief bullet points explaining what you learned and what your responsibilities were for each of the positions listed in your professional theatre experience section (above).
Employers expect a CV to run to two pages, so take advantage of this space to sell yourself to the max!
Summary: CV shows lots of great experience, but is a bit on the brief side at just one page. Give some more details about your experience and include a brief profile section at the top
Show a commitment
Does your work experience section look a bit bare? Well get out there and do something. If you really want to get into theatre, you will be expected to show that you are dedicated.
Get skilled up
Could a qualification improve your chances?
Feedback
As the new kid on the block, we’re just finding our feet. Get Into Theatre would love to receive feedback about what we’re doing and how we could do it better.
