Resume - Work/Experience
Question to anyone, when it comes to making a resume, and even making an account/page on sites like LinkedIn for example, would you list your normal day job as well (assuming you're like me and work a 9-5 that is nothing to do with SFX), to at least show you are currently employed and not completely new to the workforce? I know in this course (The Business of Making Monsters) Shannon Shea discusses creating your resume to focus on the job you want (only adding Makeup if you want a makeup position, or only adding Props if you're looking for a prop position). As much as I would like to do this full time, I'm not in the position to do so, so I'd still like to add my current position of employment, but is it necessary? Does anyone in the industry ever look into that or ask about it? Maybe it's a personal thing but just asking out of curiosity. Thanks!
2
Comments
Your 9-5 job may not be creative, but I'm sure it includes some of the factors mentioned above, and likely others that apply to working in a professional atmosphere.
Just to answer the question outright, mine would be NO, and this is why, IMO. I have done that with written resumes before (put my acting and small business experience along with my regular work) and for the most part, it didn't mean much I think, yet it did also depend on what I was applying for. To elaborate, I worked in a lot of restaurants, and the only time my acting career was asked about was when I was serving, and if that was gonna mess with my availability. Now my crew work, geared towards more the blue-collar jobs like construction, was noticed a bit, but as a foreman told me, if I knew how to drive a forklift w/certification, that would stand out, not that so much that most concert builds & breakdowns operate almost the same as a construction site. But let's say you are using an online method to show your resume on, like a job search.
Specifically referring to sites like LinkedIn, which are industry flexible, you want to establish as clearly and concisely as possible WHAT your purpose and goals are for using it. It is vital that you have this "conversation" with yourself because it will help keep you on track and focused. For example, are you looking for any type of job, or specifically movie/stage jobs? This will help to not confuse any contacts that come your way and looking to hire for those industries! Nor will it confuse the search link & the alga rhythm that guides us when we are searching for connections, resources, whatever! Thus, again IMO, you should decide to focus on either the SFX or 9-5 separately or make both, just not together!
Another example, speaking for myself, I'm in a similar situation that I'm going to revisit & edit several of my social media profiles on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn too! I'm longer interested in posting "who I am" or "what my interests are" or anything NOT related to my acting career anymore. But they still serve their purposes in the area of networking, so there is no need to get rid of them, just need to make some adjustments. I only want to meet people who do what I do, want to do what I do, and/or invest in what I do. Now, there could be a couple of exceptions in your case. Let say, on the LinkedIn part of the profile where you describe yourself and it's your 9-5 profile, you COULD mention that you have experience handling, measuring, & applying a variety of different materials & substances via work in makeup & SFX. And vice-versa, mention your paperwork and organizational experience on the makeup one. Those added details could help, and be enough to add value to them without overloading all that info into one, does that make sense?
And that's it! I hope this is helpful, and I appreciate the opportunity to chime into the conversation! As a matter of fact, if you would like, check out mine (you might/might not see that I need to follow my own advice, LOL), & add me to your contacts! I always loved practical SFX, really respect the makeup community on stage and on camera, thus I always make an effort to connect w/ the like! One day I WILL make my Werewolf-FMG movie (one of many weird ideas I got cookin'), so I might be looking your way, who knows, LOL! Here is my link, good journey to you, peace!
Gary Tucker | LinkedIn
I will definitely look for you and add you! I am actually finishing up my own Werewolf project as well and hoping to release the final film within the next couple weeks!
Thank you again!