Eight Rules for a Great CV

CV stands for Curriculum Vitae - in Latin, the story of your life. In the USA it's known as a résumé. Whatever the name, its purpose is to summarise your education, life history and skills as clearly and concisely as possible, and to put the best possible gloss on your achievements.  

Employers will expect to see a CV, so it's worth spending some time on it to get it right.  Once you've done it, all you need do is edit it regularly and update it.  Below are some rules for putting together a good CV.


Rule 1: Find a good CV that you like, and copy it.
Don't start from scratch. Use someone else's CV - preferably one that you admire - as a template, and adapt it. Don't try to re-invent the wheel. 

Rule 2: Keep it Short. 
No-one wants to read anything longer than 2 pages. Employers will probably scan your CV rather than actually read it, so keep it short and punchy.

Rule 3: Edit your CV for Each New Job
Just like your animation and visual effects demo reel, your CV should be directly relevant to the job you are applying for.  Edit out anything that doesn't support your job application. Scout merit badges are not relevant for visual effects work.
 
Rule 4: Add a short personal statement at the front
Add a brief statement at the front, saying what you do.  Again, keep it short.

Rule 5: Add a referee 
At the bottom of your CV, add two references available upon request. These can be course tutors, or former employers - anyone who can vouch for you personally.

Rule 6: Always send in a cover letter.
CVs seldom travel alone. They are usually accompanied by a cover letter, addressed to your (hopefully) future employer, saying what the job is you are applying for and why you think you are suitable for it. Cover letters should short and to the point. Don't gush, grovel, or go on too long.

Rule 7: Always have a Link to Your Demo Reel

Your animation CV should have a link to your animation demo reel at the top. Make sure the link works. 

Rule 8: Add Your Contact Details

Make sure your CV has your full name, your phone number, your email address and your physical street address. Payroll will need all of this information to get you paid. 

Jobs Resources at BNU and Animation Apprentice

animationapprentice.org

We have many resources available at BNU and out industry partner animationapprentice.org aimed at helping our students find work in the animation industry. To get started, see the blog posts below:

• How do Graduates Find Work in the Animation Industry?
• Demo Reel Advice - at Skwigly
• Demo Reel Advice by Animal Logic
• Why Animators Need to be on LinkedIn
• Be the Rhino - remember that rejection is normal
• Six Rules to Create a Great CV
• How to Write a Cover Letter
• How to Find an Animation Internship
• Blue Zoo Recruitment Tips
• Escape Studios' Free Industry Survival Guide
• Escape Studios Free Careers Guide
• Michael Morgan: "From the Classroom to the Studio"
• Why Animators Need their Own Blog or Website
• How to be a Freelance Animator
• 12 Rules to Find Work in the Animation Industry
• Pixar Advice for Graduates
• Why Animators Should Apply For Jobs Twice
• Job Interview Strategy with Kevin Richards
• Why Animators Should Attend "Bring Your Own Animation"

For more on the experience of studying at Bucks New University, come and visit us at one of our Open Days, take a virtual tour of one of our animation studios, check out what our students think of our course, and see why we're ranked in the top 12 creative universities in the UK.