• Home
  • Services
    • Resume Writing & Coaching
    • Courses and E-Books
    • Corporate & Group Services
    • Free Resources
  • About
    • Who We Are
    • FAQ
    • Contact
  • Blog
Hollywood Resumes
  • Home
  • Services
    • Resume Writing & Coaching
    • Courses and E-Books
    • Corporate & Group Services
    • Free Resources
  • About
    • Who We Are
    • FAQ
    • Contact
  • Blog

Moving to LA? Here's when to start applying for your entry-level Hollywood job

4/8/2016

 
Entry-level Hollywood job
Around this time of year, we start to hear from our former interns who are about to graduate and are ready to move to LA (or New York). One question we're always getting is: "When should I start applying for jobs? Two months ahead? Two weeks?" Here's our best advice:

One month out: Start reaching out to your contacts. It's too early to start applying for assistant positions, because they tend to get filled within a week or two. With the exception of the bigger TV networks and studios that may have a longer hiring process, assistant candidates are usually expected to start as soon as possible. Instead of sending your resume out for jobs that will be long gone by the time you land at LAX, email your old internship supervisors and other contacts to let them know you'll be graduating soon and when you're planning on moving. You can also set coffees and drinks to catch up with them when you arrive. The most important thing at this early stage is to get back on people's radars.

Two weeks out: Try to make some new contacts. Ask for informational interviews with college alumni or other industry professionals who may be able to help you. If your contact is an executive, it can take some time to get a meeting on the books, so try to schedule one with the executive's assistant before you make your move. And make sure you network with assistants too, as well as anyone you used to intern with who may already be out in LA, or moving like you. You can also start looking at job postings to get a sense of the job market. Make sure your resume is in tip top shape, and use the postings to guide your bullet points.

One week out: If you're not too stressed out with packing and preparing for your move, you can go ahead and send your resume out up to a week before you arrive in LA. You may have to pass up an interview or two, but it's good to get the ball rolling. It's also okay to wait until your arrival to start the application process -- one week won't make much of a difference.

This timeline also applies to those who are moving to LA or NYC for the first time to start an entertainment career. You might not have previously established contacts, but during the month before your move, spend as much time as possible researching the industry and types of available jobs, and ask your friends and family if they know anyone who could meet you for coffee when you arrive.
​
If you want a job in the industry, you'll have to be very proactive, and although it won't be possible to lock down a position months in advance, reconnecting with old contacts and making new ones ahead of time will benefit you when you're finally ready to start getting those applications out.


Comments are closed.

    Hollywood Resumes

    ​Welcome to our career tips blog!  To receive our updates via email, sign up for our weekly newsletter.  You'll also get access to exclusive discounts, offers, and resources! 

    Sign up now!

    Categories

    All
    ASK HR
    Assistant Life
    Bios
    Career Coaching
    Cover Letters
    Industry Spotlight
    Internships
    Job Applications
    Job Interviews
    Job Search Tips
    LinkedIn
    Networking
    Personal Statement
    Professional Development
    References
    Resume Help
    Salary
    Script Coverage
    Social Media
    Thank You Notes
    Work Life

    Archives

    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016

    RSS Feed

Sign up for our FREE weekly newsletter to receive career tips, discounts, and access to our resource library!
SUBSCRIBE
Photos used under Creative Commons from Jimmy Benson, 401(K) 2013, christiaan_008, televisione, Dai Lygad, MarkMoz12, Krists Luhaers, Nguyen Vu Hung (vuhung), Hollywood_PR, State Farm, Joe The Goat Farmer, HandsLive, Glyn Lowe Photoworks., thedailyenglishshow, dno1967b, flazingo_photos, jmrodri, cliff1066™, Joe The Goat Farmer, flazingo_photos, starmanseries, anitakhart, jimmiehomeschoolmom, Glyn Lowe Photoworks., hfb, gminguzzi, thedailyenglishshow, Visual Content, mkhmarketing, Peat Bakke, Visual Content, vlauria, flazingo_photos, flazingo_photos, cafecredit, StockMonkeys.com
  • Home
  • Services
    • Resume Writing & Coaching
    • Courses and E-Books
    • Corporate & Group Services
    • Free Resources
  • About
    • Who We Are
    • FAQ
    • Contact
  • Blog