How is job hunting like an audition?
Well, as I wrote in my article Cx5=PL, casting directors are looking for "it"--that special quality that makes someone standout fro others. Rarely is that purely the ability to read your lines (or answer their questions). It is a combination of charisma, that special quality that makes the entertainer shine brilliantly plus fit into the ensemble and not steal the scene.
You will have a fixed period of time with the casting director and they want what they want--don't beg for the job. No one ants to hear it. They want someone with self confidence and the ability to perform at the drop of a hat. They do not want to hear you being needy, frightened or begging. You have a few minutes at the beginning of each interview/audition to get their attention. Don't waste time "feeling them out". GO FOR IT!
To get to the casting call, actors and actresses send a small package of material including a cover letter, head shots, resume and video of their performances. In your case, send a resume that fits their job requirement (don't just flip the same resume to every ad you respond to), and a cover email, rather than a cover letter, that calls attention to how you fit their requirements. Skip the YouTube video resumes. I've only seen one good one so far (other than for entertainment professionals). Most are dull and boring.
When you come to the casting call, be kind and polite to everyone who you meet from building security and the receptionist to the managers who interview you. I can point to specific instances where rude treatment dished out to a receptionist resulted in an actor/job hunter being rejected.
Oh, yes. Frequently to even get invited to a casting call, you need to use your connections. Start making lists of all the people you have met personally and professionally and figure out ways to stay in contact with them. This way, when you need support to get through the door, you have people who know you who will help you.
Don't be a prima donna at your interviews. Be flexible if you can. Few of us have favorable impressions of those who demand star treatment in their dressing room. You are no different when you make unreasonable demands.
If a casting director makes a mistake, the movie or album fail and their career is shot. The same is true in the business world, too. Remember, that in the few minutes you have in front of a director, make your time worthwhile or be prepared to go home to Kansas!
Jeff Altman
The Big Game Hunter
Concepts in Staffing
thebiggamehunter@cisny.com
© 2007 all rights reserved.
Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter, is Managing Director with Concepts in Staffing, a New York search firm, He has successfully assisted many corporations identify management leaders and staff in many disciplines since 1971. He is a certified leader of the ManKind Project, a not for profit organization that assists men with life issues, and a practicing psychotherapist.
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If you would like Jeff and his firm to assist you with hiring staff, or if you would like help with a strategic job change, send an email to him at thebiggamehunter@cisny.com (If you’re looking for a new position, include your resume).
If you have a question that you would like me to answer pertaining to job hunting or hiring, email it to him at:
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