Why You Shouldn’t Lie On Your Entertainment Resume

By : Categories : career advice Comment: 2 Comments

My resume bullshit detector is always on. Whether I am looking for an intern or an employee, the red flags stand out in glaring relief. And anyone experienced in the art of resume review has the same talent. Plus, the entertainment industry may seem vast to you when you are on the outside, but it’s really a small town where everyone knows everyone, if only by reputation.

 

For instance, no one is going to believe an intern was left alone to cover the desk of the president of Universal Pictures. We know all about her. She wouldn’t allow for it and you wouldn’t last for four minutes without your arm being chewed off because you weren’t dialing the phone fast enough.

 

So when I see a resume which says that you, as an intern, “covered president’s desk when her first assistant was on vacation,” I set it aside. In the round bin next to my desk. Or, if I am really interested in you based on other impressive items on your resume which look less suspicious, I dash off an email to the assistant to one of the other executives over there asking about you. If she confirms your story, I will be shocked. But most likely, she won’t.  And you just blew your opportunity to interview with me. 

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Rookie mistake.

About JennyYM

Jenny Yerrick Martin is a veteran entertainment hiring executive with 20+ years in film, television, and music. She created yourindustryinsider.com to give students, recent grads and others a true picture of the layout of the industry, and how to break in, transition to a new area, or achieve more success on their current path.

Comment

  • bruce nahin

    September 11, 2009 at 1:35 pm

    Great advise. As a fellow who mentors young people attempting to enter the “industry” , I too have been confronted with similar stories and encourage my”charges” to be open and transparent

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