(This is in response to going through my SM Intern applicants for a LORT theater)
For all of you getting ready to graduate from college, a few words of wisdom on applying for jobs.
First of all, in this tough job market, please help me help you get a job. I want to have the problem of having too many good candidates. I want to get past your resume and talk to you in person. There is more to your resume than just your 20 shows that you have managed to work on in college.
Double check, double check, double check. If you are applying to Theater A, it doesn't look good when half way through your cover letter you say something like "I really think I would be a great asset to Theater B". We all know that everybody is applying for many jobs at once, but as a stage management candidate, it says to me you are not paying attention to details. Also, take a moment to print out your resume to proof. You might be surprised at the number of errors you catch having it physically in front of you. Just because you e-mail it, doesn't mean the person on the other end isn't going to print it.
Please read and re-read the job notice carefully. If the dates listed are September to May, please don't apply for a summer internship. If it asks for references vs letter of recommendation, please send the appropriate piece of information. Please apply to the correct person.
Please make sure if you use a template, you have replaced all the appropriate information with your information. In this day and age of the internet, there are many great resume examples out there and templates to choose from if you don't know where to start. "Lorem ipsum dolor" is a dead giveaway. So is [Street Address]. Make me think you have spent hours creating this fabulous resume, that I will want to pick up the phone and talk to you.
Remember you are applying for a JOB. As much as theater is a passion, it is also work. Those of us receiving your resumes are professionals. We want to work with those who want to be professionals. Please keep the information of a professional nature. It is okay that it has been "a dream of yours to work at a professional theatre" or you "love being part of the creative process", but leave it at that. Anything more esoteric makes you look silly and not to be taken seriously.
It can be hard to remain at the top of the pile, but it is super easy to end up in the trash can. Help me keep you out of the trash can!
I wish everybody luck in their job searches!