Mycareercoach.com

CV tips for:
creative and media people

Such candidates should pay particular attention to 'alignment'.

This is the most important aspect of a CV: make sure it aligns with the role for which you are applying. For example, the company you’re applying to may be focused on a particular sector: businesses, current affairs, education, entertainment, the young, the old, travel etc… so tailor your CV accordingly.

And it’s important to tailor your CV for each application.

The focus should be on what you can do for them rather than what they can do for you!

Use the most relevant information about projects you have worked on, particularly ones aligned to them, such as adverts, articles, copywriting, events, films, launches, productions, publications or soundtracks.

Even if your experience is in other areas, it might still be relevant. Perhaps you can bring new concepts and skills and apply them successfully to your new environment.

If so, you might wish to clarify how you think these skills could be transferred, and to what effect. State which software packages and specialist equipment your are familiar with, and make the most of any special talents you have which others are less likely to possess.

Give examples of projects on which you have worked, and put together a portfolio with hard copies of artwork if possible. Mention people with whom you have worked (whom they may know and trust); this will add substance to your application.

If there are positive aspects to your personality and approach, mention them in your profile. Team player, for example, or good project manager/completer, or being familiar with working to budgets and meeting deadlines. These are all traits a prospective employer might find attractive.

Try to emphasise what value you might bring to the employer. They will be producing work for profit or the greater good of mankind! Either way you need to communicate how you can contribute specifically.

A last thought, as always: seek the opinion of someone else, in case you are barking up the wrong tree or failing to mention something special.