I have been unsuccessfully searching the web for some info about what to put on my resume if I have little to no experience, and am just starting out.

Any ideas?

Thanks for any imput.

~Nikki

If you have little professional experience, or none, you can list workshops, class work, and education on your resume. Make sure that you list them as workshops, classes, or whatever. (It's never a good idea to lie on your resume.)
H

This is every newbie's problem -- what to list on your resume when you have nothing to list. First of all, I SUGGEST THAT YOU USE REALLY BIG LETTERS AND PUT A LOT OF SPACE INBETWEEN THEM (LOL)!! As a rank beginner, it's only natural that you have little or nothing to show. You may wish to list other things than actual professional performances to give it a little more heft -- going heavier on your Training or Special Skills for example, or listing even the most miniscule theater production roles just to "fatten it up." But resist the temptation to lie.

You may wish to go the route of booking three "Taft-Hartley" jobs as a movie extra on a SAG film and thus becoming SAG eligible, which would eventually be an invaluable precourser to landing a good agent. But that's probably putting the horse before the cart in your case. Better to first gain as much experience as you can on the stage or in student or independent films before limiting yourself to strictly SAG employment at this stage of your career.

You'll discover that any potential agent or manager will immediately realize your lack of experience from the outset. They almost have a "sixth sense" about that kind of thing -- so just be truthful and charming and eventually, if you have what it takes someone will take a chance on you. Just stay on the path, get the best training your can afford, never give up, and sooner than you realize, you'll have lots of good stuff to show for your efforts.

Good luck.

www.robertkim.com

Thank you both!

My friend is currently writing a screenplay that I am currently set to "star" in, but I dont think resumes work like IMDB with "in production" lol.

I live in Miami and seem to have a hard time finding anything. I think its because it is very over whelming at first. Not sure what to do first.

Also, if I was in my high school dramas, is that very amatuer to post on a resume or commanly done on a beginner's resume?

I would leave out your high school credentials.

Perhaps college theatre.

More studio work in Orlando but you may eventually want to move north to find better opportunities.

www.robertkim.com

stevesnikki,

How removed are you from high school? If you're less than 10 years out of high school I'd say include those credits. If, however, it was 15 years ago, don't.

Also, you might consider how you refer to the high school credits. Did your high school theatre/auditorium have a name (i.e. Woodruff Theatre)? If so, use it instead of Miami Southridge High School.

This is not lying -- you did the productions, you gained that experience, you can list it. You're just simply not drawing alot of attention to the fact it was a high school production.

~Tanya

I agree with Fluff. List your high school productions without the word high school. It shows you did the work and you can use those credits to help build your resume, and then remove them after earning more current credits. My son included his high school credits, even after doing professional work, including Broadway, when he was younger. This is perfectly acceptable to show more range of experience and is approved by most agents.

Also, if you are working on a project that is in production, go ahead and put it on your resume. Also, don't be surprised if it takes over a year before it makes it to IMDb.

Here's a thread with more resume info.
http://bbs.backstage.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/8011031/m/24410001

I also agree... leave off the words "High School"

But it will still be a pretty meager resume... but fear not, we were all there when we started, now I have to pick and choose what I include because I have so much.

quote:

Originally posted by stevesnikki:
I have been unsuccessfully searching the web for some info about what to put on my resume if I have little to no experience, and am just starting out.

Any ideas?

Thanks for any imput.

~Nikki

Hi stevesnikki

Just want to add one more idea: Do Community Theatre. A great place to gain experience, and a valid credit for your resume'.

good luck!

Jim

when in doubt google it. If that doesn't work then wikipedia it, and if that doesn't work then your screwed.

It's perfectly OK to start at the beginning.

If you're young -- just out of high school, or college, it's fine to put school credits on your resume. As a director (and I am sure CD's feel the same way) I would never hold those credits against a young actor. In fact, they show you've got a passion for acting, and you've had some experience.

If you're older, and just starting out -- don't be ashamed of that either. I called in older actor once with a blank resume, that had a short note that said "I gotta start somewhere!"

Good luck to you.

Ron

One strategy you can use is to emphasize your key skills and personality. Focus your successes in the academic courses that relate to the job requirements you are applying for. Make sure you list these achievements as selling points on your resume or CV. Be confident and upbeat. If you do not get a response from your resume, then try and try and try again.
http://www.examplesof.com/resume/

i am brand new too, no credits WHAT SO EVER. I can i list my professional non-acting skills and experince?

quote:

Originally posted by supergreen:
i am brand new too, no credits WHAT SO EVER. I can i list my professional non-acting skills and experince?

If you don't have any credits, show that you're serious by having training from the best and unique Special Skills/Abilities that you can actually do.

And don't lie by putting Extra Work!

quote:

Originally posted by ELDORADO59:

quote:

Originally posted by supergreen:
i am brand new too, no credits WHAT SO EVER. I can i list my professional non-acting skills and experince?

If you don't have any credits, show that you're serious by having training from the best and unique Special Skills/Abilities that you can actually do.

And don't lie by putting Extra Work!

i see my question was not clear; i meant to say can i list my MBA? How about my CPA status and gen office skills?
I don't want to list stuff just to fill in blake space but i also don't viewed as useless or unrealiable.

I personally don’t mind listing office skill but I want to list my MBA or CPA for two reasons;
1. I want to be looked as an actor and not as office help (I don’t mind stepping up to help if needed)
2. I don’t want to look like I am bragging or even worse a know-it-all-jerk

However, I feel having no credits, no actual performance skills and lack of training (1 acting course) would make me look unreliable/professional (I won’t take chance on someone who no experience at all)