How to Leave a Lasting Impression with Resumes and Headshots

Written by Christina Nicholson

July 18, 2017

Picture this: You are leaving an audition, and the casting director asks for your headshot and resume, this may be the breaking point of whether you land the part or not. Or perhaps, this is even the deciding factor between actor 1 or 2. Will they be impressed? What will set you apart? Do you have the skills, knowledge and abilities that will secure the role? Hopefully your personality and audition match your headshot and resume!



A resume is not only a white 8×10 paper with your acting classes, skills, knowledge and unique abilities. Your resume is what sets you apart from the others who are auditioning for the same role. Your resume is your own unique experiences and accomplishments in writing, so make it shine!



The structure of the resume is very important. Your talent resume will be in a different format than your professional (business) resume. However, keep it clean, professional, and use basic fonts. Some common headings used are: name and basic contact information, experience section, training and education and special skills. Include your name, contact, union affiliations or agency if applicable on the top of the resume. Followed by your height, weight, hair color, eye color, and age range.



The next heading is the experience section, include credits in roles performed, whether it is film, television, or theatre. Experience should always be organized by most current year. When listing theatre work, always list the name of the show, your role, the company, and location. The same format for film and television: name of show or film, role, network or production company, and then director.



Up next is your training and education, if you majored in musical theatre, dance, drama, or any relating college major be sure use that to your advantage on your resume. Many actors continue to take regular acting classes to polish their skills, as well as voice lessons to stay sharp. Continuously building your resume as an actor is always beneficial in order to stay on top and up to date in the industry. It’s wise to continue taking acting, dance and voice classes regularly to keep your skills up to date.



The skills section is next. Think if this section as what makes you unique. If you have any particular accent or dialect you’ve mastered or maybe you are bilingual, list it all! Perhaps, you are professionally trained in dance and have taken vocal lessons, list that on your resume too. Also consider listing sports which you have played or are highly skilled at performing.



The resume is only half of your lasting impression; your headshot is the other half. Always use a professional photographer, because they have already mastered the lighting, which is very important! Make sure your headshot is current, and looks like you. A professional headshot should be updated every six months. Make sure your personality shows, whether it be your bright eyes or subtle grin. The focal point is your face, so chest up is always key. Clothing colors should be solid, and not distracting, and avoid using distracting props. Jewelry and make-up must be minimal. Hair should be natural and an everyday wear, do not do a fancy, special occasion updo.



With these tips and guidelines, you are bound to leave a lasting impression with your resume and headshot. Remember, you are uniquely you, so make your resume and headshot shine just as your audition.

Need some advice? We’ve got you covered.

Christina Nicholson works for the Walt Disney World Company. She earned her B.A. in human communication and minor in mass communication from the University of Central Florida. She has worked as an editorial intern for a fashion magazine, and as a copywriter intern for an advertising agency. Christina enjoys acting, commercial modeling, yoga, outdoor adventures and writing.
Thumbnail photo from nytimes.com