Theatre Design & Technology - Spring 2005 - 58

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getting
a

b
o
j

etting a good job after you finish school is
not easy. Despite the years you have spent
learning to read and write, to think and
solve problems, you've probably never
studied how to write a résumé or interview
for a job. Wanting to help undergraduate
students take that big step out of school
and into a good job or into a good graduate school, the author conducted a survey in 2002 to find out what employers and grad schools expected from their applicants.

Building a Résumé
The proper construction of a stock flat is taught in every Introduction to
Stagecraft class. However, when students start putting their classroom
knowledge to work in the scene shop, they learn that there are several
ways to build flats, including the "right way," the "wrong way," and the
"TD's way." They learn that it's important to consider different types of lumber, different fasteners, different adhesives, different fabrics, different sizes,
different applications, different budgets-different, different, different. But
even if flats can have many differences, they are all essentially the same.
Creating a résumé presents a similar conundrum. A theatre production résumé is unique. It certainly bears little resemblance to those of
accountants, teachers, business majors, or even actors. Résumés, like
flats, are all the same-but different. The challenge is to construct a
résumé that presents your individual experiences and abilities in their
best light. It must also be organized and concise so that whoever reads it
can tell instantly if you are the person he or she is looking for to fill a job
opening or a grad school position.
Your résumé should reflect your individuality to help you stand out
in a crowded, competitive job market. There is no correct résumé format. But just as it is important to make straight cuts and measure accurately when building a flat, any flat, there are some rules that you are
well-advised to consider when writing your résumé. The following guidelines are adapted from the "10 Commandments of Résumé Writing" on
the Career Service Web site at Marshall University, www.marshall.edu/
career-services/advice/resume/page2.asp.
1. Thou shalt be honest. An experienced interviewer will be able to quickly
spot any fictitious or exaggerated information on your résumé.
2. Thou shalt compose your own résumé. You know yourself better than
anyone else. Write it yourself-then ask someone else to proof read.

Know Yourself and Know Your Options
by Mike Murphy

3. Thou shalt keep it brief. Your résumé is a concise outline of your past
experiences and education. It is not a biography. Resist the temptation
to tell your life story.
4. Thou shalt research the recipient of your résumé. Do your homework.
Investigate what qualities are being sought. Identify how you can best
present your positive attributes.
5. Thou shalt send a cover letter. A résumé does not stand on its own. A
letter of introduction explains why you have elected to submit the
résumé.
6. Thou shalt not include unnecessary personal information. Many interviewers and most government agencies want to know your training and
abilities. Race, religion, political affiliation, health, weight or family
status become a diversion that may not support your application.
7. Thou shalt not use gimmicks. Flashy paper, busy graphics, multiple fonts,
and random color changes often indicate a scattered mind rather than
a business-like approach. Quality paper stock is recommended.
8. Thou shalt not include salary requirements. If you're asked for this information, include it in your cover letter.
9. Thou shalt not include reasons for leaving previous positions. Be prepared to discuss these in the interview.
10. Thou shalt not be modest. This is the time to list honors, awards, scholarships, special skills, and certifications.
In addition to the above "shalls" and "shall nots," every résumé
must be clean-no coffee rings-and must not contain any misspellings, typos, or grammatical mistakes.
Begin writing your résumé by making a list of all your positive attributes. Don't be selective at this point, the list should be wide-ranging
and all-inclusive. Resist the tendency to limit your attributes to theatre
related items. For example, having a valid driver's license is often a requirement for employment. Active involvement in civic or social organizations may indicate your ability to function well in the "real world" and
collaborate with others.
Next, make some decisions about the personal information you will
include on your résumé. Do you want to be identified by your official birth
certificate name? A shortened version? A hyphenated surname or a maiden
name? The name you choose for your résumé should be the name you
wish to use as a professional for the next several years. Your résumé should
also provide reliable mailing addresses (don't forget the zip code). If
you're still in school, you might want to provide your school address and
your home address. Remember, potential employers appreciate prompt
TD & T

S P R I N G

2 0 0 5

http://www.marshall.edu/

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Theatre Design & Technology - Spring 2005