Your TV CV: The Basics

One of the key requirements of a good Talent Manager profile is uploading your updated CVs, so it makes sense for us to divulge what we think are some key tips to creating a good one. We've also asked a few Talent Managers what they look for too.

Here we sum up with 5 top tips.

Firstly, a CV is your opportunity to market yourself in the best light. You have complete creative control, so there's no excuse for you not to leave a good and lasting impression. This means always personalising each application to the role you're applying to. If everyone else applying alongside you has sent out a blanket CV, and yours is tailored to the role - who do you think will stand out?

You shouldn't make it generic. Try and tailor it for every time you send it to somebody [for] anything you care about" Talent Exec 

1. Get the format right 

Stick to a standard format - black and white, A4 paper. Talent Execs have seen it all, and fierce competition in telly means a simple, clear design will usually work better than over-designing with pictures and colours, often distracting from the point.

2. Keep it up to date

Personal details [phone & email], experience and references should constantly be updated and while it might seen obvious to you we can't stress enough how important it is. If your email bounces (which it does, a lot!), that could be your dream job out the window.

3. Give yourself a selling point

Personal statements are often the first thing seen under your details so they need to pack a punch. Include experience as opposed to traits. Everyone can say they're a "good team player" on paper. What makes you so different? Why you would be good for the role? What will it do for your long term career goals? If you can't do it, Talent Execs suggests asking a boss or colleague to.

You will never write about yourself as well as somebody else will" Head Hunter

4. Keep it concise

Make the relevant parts matter. Your jobs from 10 years ago might seem applicable to the role but recruiters are looking for what you can do now. If you can, emphasise your recent and relevant experience. Always asking yourself, "So?"

5. Allow employers to skim read

Quick turnaround in TV means that the recruitment process will often be very speedy so this means making use of bullet points and subheadings. Bold for headings. Lengthy paragraphs just don't do the job. State exactly what your role involved - no waffling; let your work sell itself. On asking Talent Manager Kimberly (Betty) she said the hiring process is normally very quick.

I often get job requests on a Friday to start on the Monday, so people have to be available to come in for interviews very quickly - especially at entry level. The more senior the role, the more time we have" Kimberly Godbolt, Talent Manager, Betty

REMEMBER: Don't sell yourself short, but at whatever stage in your career, your skillset, and consequently what you can offer, should be apparent with a quick skim read. If a Talent Manager wants to know details they can ask you at interview stage.


Reccomended reading: Dos & Don'ts for your first TV CV