Does your resume pigeonhole you?

We talk a lot about how to create a very focused and targeted resume that will get you a particular job, but it’s also important to realize when your resume is too specific. This is especially relevant if you’re trying to jump from one side of the industry to another, like the transition from production to development. Once you’ve set yourself on a track, it can be hard to make a switch, especially if you’ve worked at several jobs within that track. If you’ve been a PA on a few shows to pay the bills, but your dream job is in development, you’re going to need to prove that a) you don’t really want to do production long-term, and b) you have the knowledge and skills to succeed in a development job.

The best way to do this is to pick out aspects of your current and past jobs that demonstrate the skills that are valued in a different kind of position. For example, if you worked on a busy set, you probably know how to keep your composure on a high-volume desk. There’s always a way to spin your experience to align with what hiring managers are looking for. And if you find yourself in a position or track that you don’t enjoy, try to switch over as soon as possible -- it only gets harder the longer you wait.

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--Angela Silak & Cindy Kaplan