Building a strong resume as a performer will bring you more casting opportunities than you can imagine. Letting your future employer know about you and your skills will bring more gigs your way. Resume building can be frustrating, especially if you are not using a paid resume building website. As a freelance performer, your resume is your best friend, along with the right headshots. 

If you are not sure about what type of headshots to utilize check out a good headshot blog to get ahead of the game. Depending on your talent, you will need to format your resume accordingly.  

If you are a print model, actor or any of the above, your future employer will want to know more about your work history, skills, expertise, statistics and much more. Let’s get into what details to put in your resume!

What does a resume require?

Your resume is a showcase of your talent. Your headshot, on the other hand, is the handshake between you and the company you are applying for. When you are creating a resume make sure to keep in mind these tips:

• Name and Contact Info:  At the top of your resume in bold, it should always include your full name and contact information. Depending on the job you may want to include your agency affiliation if you have one.  If not, just your email and phone number will suffice. This is crucial as this is the way that your future employer will be able to get back in touch with you.  

• Statistics:  In the top section near your contact information you will want to include a snapshot of your statistics : Height, Weight, Hair Color & Eye Color. This gives employers an overview of what you look like and will help in their casting process.

• Mission Statement: If you are a singer, model or promotional talent you should create a short, to the point mission statement or objective as to what you do and who you are. If you are a model, for example, make sure that is stated and obvious within the first 6 words that you present. Example:

“Modeling is my ultimate passion, as I have had many years of experience in this industry and continue to put my best foot forward to represent top brands and make a positive impact on others.”

If you keep it sweet and straight to the point you will have more of an opportunity to grab the attention of your future employers.  Acting resumes do not require a mission statement. 

• Industry Experience: While listing your work experience it should be in chronological order. Starting with dates and including the job title, project/event and companies you’ve worked for. When companies start to cast talent it is important for them to know how much experience you have had in that specific field and how long ago you completed that performance. While you are building your resume, make sure to create a section titled “Industry Experience.” This is vital to your future employers.  If you are just starting out look for gigs and apply for free through online web platforms that are built to be your bridge to building your resume. You may not have much experience, but that is where Castango comes in.  They create a connection between you and the company plus an online resume to view and to top it off you have secure payment. When you have a burning desire to do what you love, taking that extra step could be all that you need in order to succeed at what you do. Companies love to see experienced talent. Listing your experience and continuing to build off of that will only get you further in the freelance talent industry. 

• Training, Awards and Skills: Most companies who are planning an event or gig know exactly what type of talent they are looking for in order to reach their goals. Do you have special skills that will make you stand out like a specialty act, character impersonation, or athletic skill like basketball or cheerleading ? These special skills will set you apart from the rest.  But, be sure not to list anything you can not do. You may be put to the test at an audition or on the job. You also want to list all relevant training or education you may have in your field.  If you attended an acting workshop or got a degree in musical theater, list that. If you study with a renowned vocal coach list that. You will also want to list any awards or achievements beyond your work experience that are worth knowing.  For instance, if you won a beauty pageant, an acting award in a film festival, fitness championship, most valuable player, etc.. These are all things you should let your future employers know. That is what companies are looking for, to bring attention and awareness to their brand. You as talent could become a huge part of the companies success. In a resume, include all of the skills that you have. There are companies out there ready to cast you. The more skills as well as the experience you have the better. 

“I want to make sure that that future that we’re creating is one that is the best it can be for people around the world, and also one that includes the full range of our talent and our skills.”-Mae Jemison

Possessing many talents is a blessing, on the contrary, while on a mission to build a resume as a performer you must keep in mind what type of job you are applying for. You may need more than one resume especially if you have many different talents and skills. If you are an actor, your resume should have all of the films, TV & commercials you have been in.  The format for each type of talent will be different, so do your research before you submit your resume for any job to ensure that it is the right type. As you begin to start applying for different gigs, each project will have a specific description as to what they are looking for. If they are casting for a promotional model gig, submitting your acting resume is not a good idea. 

Just like that, how to build a resume as a performer as easy as 1, 2, 3. Provide proper headshots, be mindful to keep your mission statement short and sweet, list your experience and continue to build your resume with the motivation you have within. Your future employer will be impressed with how much you invest in yourself to be the best performer you can be. Last but not least, don’t forget to build of other talent companies that are giving you the opportunity as well as knowledge to succeed in the gig economy. You can start booking gigs NOW nationwide with Castango. Build your online resume as a performer, book more gigs and stay ahead of the game.