Your resume is your story. It’s how you introduce yourself to the person deciding whether you deserve an opportunity. In the film and TV industry, where storytelling is at the heart of everything, your resume needs to reflect this skill. But far too many people make the same mistake when creating their resumes, leaving hiring managers confused or uninterested. Here’s how to avoid that trap and craft a resume that actually opens doors.

Why Your Resume Should Tell a Clear Story

Think of yourself as a storyteller, even when applying for a job. Your resume should offer a clear, cohesive narrative that explains who you are, what you’ve done, and what you want to do next.

If it’s scattered with unrelated skills and roles, it doesn’t just confuse the person reviewing it—it makes you look unsure of what you want. That’s bad news, especially in an industry where focus and enthusiasm for the specific job at hand are essential.

Your resume tells the hiring manager one of two things: either you care deeply about the role and are qualified, or you’re just throwing something together and hoping it sticks. The latter won’t get you a callback.

The Most Common Mistakes in Film Industry Resumes

One of the biggest issues with resumes in this field is that they lack focus. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make:

• Listing too many unrelated job titles. For example, saying you’re a “director, writer, editor, makeup artist, and grip” all at once. Even if you’ve worn many hats, it doesn’t paint a professional picture.
• Throwing in every skill you can think of. While skills like camera operation, screenwriting, editing, and costuming are great individually, listing them all makes you look unfocused.
• Generic objectives. Phrases like “seeking a role in film production” don’t provide any specifics or show genuine interest in a particular position.
• Scattered job experiences. Employers don’t want a mixed bag of roles that don’t match the job you’re applying for. If you’re applying to be a writing PA, your past grip work probably doesn’t matter.

Your resume should focus on where you want to go, not everything you’ve ever done.

Why Being Vague Doesn’t Work

When you’re vague, you’re telling the story “I just want a job,” instead of “I want this job.” Employers want someone who genuinely cares about the work they’re hiring for. They’re looking for dedication, passion, and relevance. If your resume feels like a copy-and-paste submission sent to dozens of unrelated roles, it won’t make the cut.

Imagine you’re hiring a chef, and someone submits a resume where they list cooking, dancing, plumbing, and graphic design as their skills. Would that convince you they’re committed to being a chef? Probably not. The same applies to film and TV jobs.

What Hiring Managers Want to See

Employers want to see that you’re serious about breaking into their department, whether it’s writing, production design, or camera work. Even if you don’t have extensive experience, showing a genuine focus on the role makes a difference.

A great resume shows not only relevant skills but also a clear alignment between your experience and the job’s needs. If a writing PA role is your goal, highlight skills like note-taking, script formatting, or familiarity with Final Draft. Leave out unrelated experience unless it adds value to the role.

The Importance of Specificity

A specific resume stands out because it’s easy to understand. A casting director isn’t going to care about your editing skills, and a producer doesn’t need to know you’ve directed short films if you’re applying for a PA role.

The more tailored your resume is to the position, the more likely you are to get hired. Think quality over quantity—focus on skills and experiences that directly align with the job at hand.

Steps to Fix Your Resume Today

Tailor It to Each Job

Start by reviewing the job description carefully. Take note of the skills they prioritise. Use those keywords when writing your resume. Remove anything irrelevant—always assume less is more.

Focus Your Skills

List only the skills that are relevant to the position. For example, if you’re applying to be a production assistant, technical camera knowledge might not matter. Keep it simple.

Rewrite Your Objective

Your objective, if you use one, needs to be specific to the role. A vague phrase like “Seeking a role in film production” does nothing to set you apart. Instead, aim for something like, “To contribute as a writing PA where I can use my experience in script formatting and note-taking.”

Simplify Your Header

If you label yourself with multiple titles in your header—like “Cinematographer/Editor/Writer”—you’ll just confuse the hiring manager. Stick to one role that aligns with the job you’re applying for.

Organise Your Experience

Only highlight jobs or roles that directly relate to the job. If your background is scattered, focus on transferable skills. For example, grip work might show that you’re dependable and resourceful, but make that connection clear.

Crafting a Resume That Tells the Right Story

A resume should feel like a natural progression toward the job you’re applying for. Ask yourself, “What story does my resume tell?” If it’s confusing or paints the picture of someone who doesn’t know what they want, rewrite it.

Specificity is everything. Employers don’t want generalists for specialised roles. They need candidates who understand what the job involves and want to grow in that area. Even a beginner’s resume can feel focused if it highlights the right skills.

Why You Need Different Resumes for Different Jobs

If you’re applying to multiple roles across departments, a one-size-fits-all resume won’t cut it. Each department values different skills and experiences. To stand out, create a separate resume for each type of job.

Yes, it takes more time, but it shows dedication. A writing PA resume should highlight your comfort with scripts, while a production design PA resume should showcase creative or organisational skills. Tailored resumes prove you’re serious about landing that job.

How Passion Impacts Hiring Decisions

Hiring managers can tell when someone really cares about the job they’re applying to. It’s reflected in the effort you’ve put into your resume, your application, and even your interview. Show you’re passionate by focusing on the specifics of the role and making it clear why you’re the perfect fit.

Generic resumes don’t just look lazy—they send a clear signal that you’re not invested. Passion stands out when you show genuine interest in the job and an understanding of its demands.

Final Thoughts

Your resume doesn’t just list your experience—it tells your story. If you’re applying for a job in the film or TV industry, make sure that story reflects your ambitions, skills, and passion for the role. Be specific. Make it clear. And remember, every role is an opportunity to take a step toward your bigger goals.

If you’re serious about breaking into this industry, start by getting your resume right. Once you master this, you’ll notice a significant difference in how often you get callbacks. So, what story is your resume telling?