A Random Collection of Resume Tips
After helping over a hundred people with my resume service, I’ve noticed certain mistakes seem to crop up repeatedly. So, here’s some tips in no particular order: Don’t include “social media proficiency” or something like that under your “skills.” Old people read that as “spends all day on Facebook.” Or possibly Myspace. Because, you know, […]
Should Wannabe Actors Be PAs?
Over on Facebook{{1}}, Christina asked: Do you have a post on wannabe actors being PAs? No. Because it’s a terrible idea. If you’re serious about acting, you’ll spend your days either attending classes or auditioning. You need a flexible schedule that allows time off when you get a part. This is the exact opposite of […]
Should Wannabe Writers Be PAs?
Corey writes: Due to the nature of production and the long shifts, would you still recommend PA to someone trying to write films? Many writers have told me that it is often best to pick a job that allows you to pay bills and still have time to write. Since you are obviously doing both, […]
How to Carry Coffee
Huh. Learn something new every day. Reader Brian writes in– Wouldn’t it be great if you could carry more coffee and carry them with ease? My trick: I call it the Lot of Latte. What I do is I take the lid of a printer paper box and stick two coffee holders inside. Then I […]
Vacation Plans
Caroline writes: I just got a job as an office PA at a TV show production office. Unfortunately, I had a trip planned for a month into the job that I long before I was hired. Would it be unwise to request a half day on a Friday and offer to work extra other days […]
Faking It and Following Up
Seán commented on Wednesday’s post: Be careful with the template resume though; I dismiss resumes I get which are not for the job on offer and are just boilerplate stuff. A very good point. As best you can, you should include information given in the job posting, just to show you actually know what job […]
Post-Interview Thank You Note
Bianca asks: I just had an interview with a coordinator. What are your thoughts on sending a post-interview note? Is that appropriate and what would I want it to say? Yes, it’s perfectly okay to send a quick email after the interview. In my experience, it probably won’t do much good one way or the […]
It’s About Time (Or: Yes, I’m Back)
Several people have commented or tweeted that I haven’t written anything in a while. The reason is, basically, this blog was started nearly five years ago, with over 650 posts. That’s quite a bit of material about a job a monkey could do. Eventually, you just run out of things to write. But don’t worry, […]
Walk Right In
Alex writes: My friend and I are approximately 3 weeks away from departure to New Orleans and we are trying to figure out the best way to find our first PA jobs. We have heard from some people we know that are already there that it is better to simply walk into production offices and […]
Knowing People in High Places
Jack writes writes in: I’m planning a move to LA in February next year to become a TV writer. I have a friend in development at a major network and another contact that executively produces a cable series. I’ve already met with them, they know I’m moving, and have offered to help and read anything […]
Production Meetings
Kara writes in: I have been talking to an AD for a TV show about getting a job as a Set PA for their upcoming season. He has contacted me about setting up an interview, but this happened a couple of weeks ago and I haven’t heard from him since. Thanks to social media, I […]
Screen Credit
Sally writes: I’m working an unpaid position as a “Set Intern” on an Indie Film with some recognizable names. Since we’re not receiving school credit or financial compensation, I was banking on receiving screen credit. Now it seems that may not happen. Is that normal? Is it normal to work 15-hour days for 3 weeks […]