Ready to take your resume from Meh to Marvelous?

Below are 6 easy and practical tips to take your acting resume from bland to "brilliant" without sacrificing readability and still showcasing your experience using a polished industry standard format.  

Forget gimmicks like emojis or flashy graphics - you need an acting resume that's both eye-catching AND has that all-important professional look.

1. Are you outside a major market, but attend classes in Los Angeles or New York City virtually (or sometimes in person)?

If you don’t live in a major acting market but have taken classes from a reputable Los Angeles or New York school, list that after school name.  It isn’t required, but shows you are studying with top notch schools in the know and adds a nice touch of credibility.

2. Add your agent/manager logo 

A logo creates a memorable image that instantly sparks recognition.  

If your agent and/or manager has a business logo you can add that to the top of your hardcopy resume. Some logos are image only, if that is the case with your rep I suggest also adding their phone number and/or email address as text underneath it on your resume.  Reach out to your agency or management company and ask if they can email you an image to use of their logo, or just see if you can grab one from their website.

3. Acting awards - how to list them

If you have received any awards here are two different ways to list on your resume. (Leave off dates though, no need to let them know it was 10 years ago…)

1. In parenthesis next to the name of the project

OR

1. With asterisk * next to the name of the project, then at bottom of that category section list the award.  (this one is helpful if you’re trying to fill up a smaller resume)  

4. Animals 🐶 and Kids 👶

Many actors add this to their special skills section on their resume (BUT - don’t list it if it’s not true though - because Mr. Murphy and his laws will most certainly get you booked in a movie where you’re sitting on a horse the entire film if you’re terrified of horses! 🐴):

Excellent with children & animals 

5. Baby you can drive my car  

Many actors add this to their special skills section on their resume.  If you know how to drive a car with manual transmission (stick shift), extra credit for you, list that too!)

Licensed driver (stick shift)

6. Recurring on a TV show?…Flaunt it darlin’

If you are recurring on a TV show (you were in more than one episode), list how many episodes or even seasons instead of just “recurring”.  Again, it’s not a required element but can add an extra dash of panache to your credit if you have been in many episodes or seasons.

For some other ideas on how to make your actor resume stand out take a peak at these past blog posts:

Nailing Your First Impression: Crafting the Perfect Actor's Resume [With Examples]

and 

6 Resume Tips for Actors: Easy Tweaks That Pop [PART 1]

Conclusion: 

6 quick and easy to apply tips for actors resumes that can help you add a little spark today:

• If taking acting classes in LA/NYC, say that - it shows you’re training in the big leagues even if you live out of market.
• Add an image of your agent and/or manager logo to your hardcopy resume
• Two different ways to list your acting awards so they stand out
• Two special skills not to miss that many actors add to their resumes
• If recurring on a TV show check out this way to add a little extra finesse to that credit on your resume

If you jumped ahead to this section, take a peak above at the visual examples.

Anyone wanting my eyes 👀 on their resume to make sure it’s competitive and showcasing you at your best check out info on Career Consultations here - I’d love to help out!

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