How To Land Your First Job Out Of Film School

Define what job you want. Do you want to work in development, production, post-production? You must know what you want in order to get it.

Create a clear, concise resume. Make sure grammar and spelling are perfect. Highlight skills that apply to your chosen specialty.

Review and screen your projects. Choose high quality clips that represent your body of work. Begin with your strongest material, choose moments that showcase your specialty, and keep it under 5 minutes. Apply the skills you learned in film school and edit the piece into a nifty little reel.

Search the places you’d like to work, or what productions are currently in preproduction. See what’s out there, check the local trade magazines, ads online and in print, follow up with every lead you hear of.

Shower, shave, and dress appropriately.

Network, network, network. Attend events, panels, film festivals, anywhere you can meet people. Make sure to get their contact information and leave yours. Drop off your resume in person with the receptionist at the places you’d like to work. Let them know you just graduated and ask if they have any job tips for you.

Follow up with your contacts. Make cold calls to introduce yourself and your work, and use your best references. Meet the deadlines for applications, never be late for an appointment. Offer to work for free for a few days or weeks if you think it will help you get a foot in the door.