Resume question

[Belle-arina]

Posted: 9/30/04 at 11:07am

Hi guys;

I was just going to send a headshot and resume out from work and I realized that I had forgotten resume paper, so I went to the supply closet and they had some white paper that was slightly higher quality than the usual computer paper, or colored resume paper (light green). For a normal job, I would never think of using colored paper for a resume, but I wasn't sure if it would be more acceptable for a theatre (or any other kind of performing arts resume). I was wondering if anyone had opinions on it. I wound up using the white paper, but I'd still like to know what you think. I actually thought the green looked kind of nice. Any info would be most appreciated.

Smiles!

Tracey

[nobizlikeshobiz]

Posted: 9/30/04 at 5:09pm

omg it would be sooo funny if you used the green:)Maybe They would notice it. I wouldn't do it though, because sometimes mean casting directors just throw "bad" ones away,e.g. (like if the staple is sticking out) so yah. Well, good luck with that

[gwapnisky]

Posted: 9/30/04 at 5:17pm

If you are going to be creating a resume, try to use paper that is labeled 25 or 30 lb.

You can always used colored, but make absolutely sure that it is such a pale shade that you could easily mistake it as white.

As for staples... NEVER USE THEM. Invest in an artists glue stick. Anything that can be cleaner looking is much more worth getting kept.

[dancinfan]

Posted: 9/30/04 at 7:53pm

These days, just about anything is fair game as long as it is legible both in its orginal form and faxed. If the colored paper doesn't fax clearly, then go with white or off-white. Make sure it's glued or stapled to the back of your picture and trimmed to 8x10, centered and straight. Neatness is enormously appreciated among casting folk, just as clean, clear copies of your sheet music (in the right key and in a notebook that stands up easily on the piano) are best for the accompanist.

[QueenS]

Posted: 10/1/04 at 9:39am

I have heard casting directors talk about how they hate "cute" resumes- like ones printed on colored paper. However, I used to use a very light grey, which still looked professional, but I was more easily able to tell as they were shifting pictures around on the table where my picture was going.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 10/1/04 at 9:48am

I agree with the "use a color that could be confused as white"

That way it stands out, but doesn't slap the casting director accros the face, if you know what I mean.

[Fair 2 Middlin]

Posted: 10/1/04 at 10:57am

"I have heard casting directors talk about how they hate "cute" resumes- like ones printed on colored paper. However, I used to use a very light grey, which still looked professional, but I was more easily able to tell as they were shifting pictures around on the table where my picture was going."

so what you've just said aparantly was for your benefit rather than for the benefit of the CD?

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 10/1/04 at 11:01am

A resume is not going to be thrown out because a staple is sticking out. Where do you people get this stuff??

[Fair 2 Middlin]

Posted: 10/1/04 at 11:04am

Nor are you not going to get a part because you've printed on less than 30lb paper, nor will you be considered for a role because your resume is on 30lb paper, or trimmed nicely or cutsy or stuck together with a gluestick or any of this crap.

Updated On: 10/1/04 at 11:04 AM

[etoile]

Posted: 10/1/04 at 12:53pm

More important than the look of a resumé is its content. Don't embellish, state the truth. Say, for example, you were an extra in a movie. Don't list the movie as a credit unless you clarify it was as an extra. So if you were nothing more than momentary background scenery, don't list it as a credit unless you're prepared to justify that decision. The loss of credibility is a terrible thing.

[dancinfan]

Posted: 10/1/04 at 1:33pm

I agree completely that the content of the resume is what matters most about a resume. However, if a very good actor comes in with a resume that contains typos, shows coffee stains, and isn't trimmed and stapled or glued to the picture, it makes me wonder about the actor's experience and professionalism. what it boils down to is that a resume is an actor's calling card, and it should be as smooth and professional as possible.

[Fair 2 Middlin]

Posted: 10/1/04 at 2:06pm

Exactly! Neat and professional.

[nobizlikeshobiz]

Posted: 10/1/04 at 4:57pm

nooo, What I mean is, if the staple is sticking out, and poked a casting director who had a long day, he or she might get mad...see where I'm going with this?

[QueenS]

Posted: 10/1/04 at 6:50pm

Yes, "Fair 2"- it was only for my benefit, not to stand out to the CD.

[Belle-arina]

Posted: 10/2/04 at 7:45pm

Wow--thanks so much for all your help, guys!

smiles;

Tracey

[BWIDB Charlie]

Posted: 10/2/04 at 8:03pm

Hmm... I've always been told that nowadays its better to take your headshot and print your resume on the back of it (Just by sticking the thing in your printer and voila!)

Charlie
[e-mail]

[Belle-arina]

Posted: 10/6/04 at 11:06am

wow--that's a great idea--I never thought of that.

[paulie23]

Posted: 10/6/04 at 11:57am

There is nothing worse than trying to fax a piece of photo paper through a fax machine. I think the staple is the best idea...also when they are PDF'ing the file. Single sheets go through a paper feed scanner and the pics go on a flatbead (not ocr). Some people forget to put their name and contact info on the photo side. This is important because if the resume and photo are seperated, at least they still can get in touch with you. It's also a good idea to include your web site addy on the front in case they need to access your sound files. Just some thoughts.

[BWIDB Charlie]

Posted: 10/6/04 at 3:57pm

You're right about that. However, when I fax my resume I just send a PDF file. I suppose one could just have a seperate printout of the resume to fax if you chose to print on the back of your resumes.

Charlie