I've been Celeb booking for over 20 years and I get pigeonholed as ONLY being able to do that role. I have experience in topical comedy research and have contributed valuable creative ideas for VTs and sketches. Away from TV I have done creative consultancy work, pitching ideas for brands, which I've really enjoyed. I also run a lot of events and campaign work locally. So my question is this: how do I use my full range of skills in TV?
Transferable Skills - how can I stop being pigeonholed in one role?
by Justine Sullivan on 15th Jan 2021 Answers
To add your answer, please
As a former recruitment consultant who has helped people transition between ‘pigeon-hole’ positions I would suggest you do one of the following ;
1) Speak to one of the companies who have hired you in the past and ask them to give you a trial in another department that is of interest to you.
2) Find a smaller indie company that needs a celeb booker. Once you’ve completed your tasks help the other teams whether they’re casting, development or any other area you want to work in and make connections that may hire you in the future.
3) Be honest with wherever hires you next and explain you feel pigeonholed (Do this once you have the job - not before you have the job) and would love to work in some of the other teams. Ask if this would be something they’d consider.
4) Shift your CV towards another role - for example if you’ve been a celeb booker then you’d probably move easily to casting. If you’re highly organised then why not apply for office manager roles. After one or two new positions you can say you do a bit of everything and go wherever you like.
Whatever you do best of luck! ?
Hey Justine, there is a great podcast about pigeonholing aimed at editors which you might find helpful...
https://podcast.insidetheedit.com/episodes/pigeonholing-how-to-break-free-from-genre
thank you Aidan and Simon. Very helpful.