How To stand Out

[MusicTheatreSM]

I recently found out that someone I worked with before got an interview with a theatre that I have been dying to work with. I have sent them resumes every time I get the chance or find out they are looking. Always updated with fresh cover letters.

Back story on this person, when we worked together we were co-ASMs. This ASM had a habit of being anywhere between 10-25 minutes late on a regular basis. There were a few times that it was closer to an hour, in cludin our first tech day (10 out of 12) and she didn't even call. The production manager had to call her. (This show had A LOT of set up, so we needed an 1.5 hours to get everything done) There was one time that I did all my work and my fellow ASMs work because she was running so late. She liked to to hair/make up in the green room. Constantly primping during the run or lounging on the green room couch instead of helping the actors. (Most of them couldn't stand her the majority of the time, she like to talk about her sexcapades in the work place)  Even would hand me things to do a quick repair because she "didn't like to sew" or what ever her excuse was. I have heard from other people from a different company that hired her that their actors didn't like her and she would not be re hired. She only has a second date with one company that I am aware of.

My question is, how can someone who has made soooo many mistakes in such a small theatre world be getting an interview at one of the top theatres in the city? And what can I do to compete with this? Is there something that I am doing wrong or need to change to get noticed? She only has about a year on me in age, but experience wise, we are about equal plus I have had several second dates with companies. Any advice to make me more competitive or noticeable? OR what do these companies look for in their sm/asm/floor managers/tech crew that I should be providing?

[thankyou5]

Unfortunately in this business many times someone who is unqualified in our eyes gets the jobs that we want or think we deserve.  It's not fair but it works that way many times.  I hate to say this, but the best person doesn't always get the job.  Too many times it's about who you know than what you know and how good you are.  I've seen people I thought were terrible get Broadway jobs.

My thoughts:

Do the best job you can every time.

Keep trying and stay positive.

Be willing to do whatever the job takes when possible, even if it is above and beyond your role.

For me, it's always about integrity.  No matter whether I get another job based on the one I'm currently doing or get the promotion I want, I always want to be proud of the way I do my job. 

 

[Maribeth]

I think that the most productive thing to do in this situation is to concentrate on yourself. There's no way of knowing why this other person is succeeding and it's nothing that you have any control over. Comparing yourselves is not productive- I would focus on what you can do to get hired, and worry less about her.

In terms of "getting noticed", sometimes it's a matter of timing. Some places won't look at resumes if they are not hiring, so sending them a resume at the wrong time of year may mean that it doesn't get looked at.

Do you know someone at the theatre that can put in a good word for you? I used to send my resume to the same theatre over and over with no response. Then, I changed one of my references to an SM who had worked at the theatre before and the next resume I sent in, I got an interview. It may be a matter of finding a personal connection to that theatre.

It may also be that they are looking for someone with a particular set of skills- reading music, experience with classical theatre/musicals/new plays/whatever. It's impossible for me to say what that particular company is looking for- each company is different and values different things in their employees. Some theatres prefer to hire people who have interned there and work their way up. See if you can find out what they look for when hiring- look at an old job posting, ask someone who's worked there before, etc.

Keep building experience. Is the "top theatre" that you are hoping to work at out of your experience level? Maybe there is an in-between step that you're skipping.

Sometimes it just takes time- but you can always be actively working to make yourself more marketable to the places you want to work at.

[AFoseid88]

I was in the same boat a bit ago. I was applying for SM internships everywhere under the sun with not many results. I had several interviews and follow ups but it was a few months after graduation that I finally got a good offer from the internship I'm heading to now. In the interview with the PM, she asked me a series of 'what do u prefer? this or that?" and as I responded, I relaxed and just had fun with it. It was by far the most fun I had in an interview.
 An SM from NY told me that she looked for a qualified person but also someone she could get along with and want to have a beer with at the end of the day. I believe that all the hard work I put in during college paid off but the "selling point" was my personality. I was made an offer less than 2 weeks after that if I remember correctly.

Job hunting is like dating. Both sides want good chemistry.
Both take practice and honesty.
Happy hunting!

-Alex

[ambrosialx]

One thing I do at interviews that helps we get an idea of where I should improve or why I may or may not get the position is at the end when they undoubtedly say "Do you have any questions for us?" I ask "Do you have any reservations about me in this position?". It's a little ballsy and takes a little courage but a) it gives you immediate feedback and b) shows that you are willing to ask questions and hopefully use the feedback to grow.