nolaguy
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DmitriM wrote:
If it has nothing to do with photography, it should not be on your resume.
I got in from work, glanced over the boards and replied earlier and off-the-cuff. I've been thinking a bit more about it and while I hold Dmitri in very high esteem (check out his work), I wholeheartedly disagree with his advice above.
1) Yes, these days, it's more and more acceptable (and expected) for resumes to be very focused on the prospective job or opportunity.
2) Nevertheless, employers still want to see a continuous story - gaps in employment history eventually will be questioned and so to omit too much can be counterproductive, even if a complete resume is just citing activity/employment/education that covers the timeline presented.
3) You're a recent graduate so you may be able to somewhat ignore points 1) and 2). But do consider my first reply above and give thought to what experience you may have that will nail that down in the minds of the photographers you approach.
Speaking to young people, recent graduates, students, and so on... it's useful to understand that employers have to discern more about your personality, aptitude, interests, work and personal ethics, reliability, maturity, discipline, ambition, integrity, etc etc etc than they do about your related-field experience – and often, even your formal education.
Some higher education programs mean a lot. Most, not so much. They're a starting point. They mean you were at serious enough to finish college and maybe… maybe have some education that relates to your prospective employer's needs.
Just as often, undergraduate degrees yield folks that think they know what they're doing and expect a nice paycheck. Generally, they don't and shouldn't. More often than not, new graduates are hired based on their potential, not their immediate (or even near-term) value. More employers than you might imagine spend a great deal of the first year of a recent graduate’s employment unteaching erroneous perspectives, bad habits or unwarranted ego based on a diploma.
All that said, if I were the guy you were approaching, yes, of course, I'd be interested in your photography knowledge and experience, but I'd be just as interested in hearing about the customer service issue you solved at McDonalds or how you successfully entertained an important business client of your mom's when she was stuck in traffic getting home or the job you took one summer mowing yards but were made lead on the crew because you consistently showed up on time and your mom insisted you wear a clean shirt everyday (and that you saw and understood that it made a difference - not just in your employer's eyes but in the eyes of their customers as you took badass care of their lawn, brought peace of mind that you were not going to steal the pink flamingo from their yard or traumatize their children).
Do you have good character?
Are you able to and eager to learn (and are you friggin appreciative of that opportunity)?
Are you respectful to all - both those higher and lower than yourself?
Are you appropriately subordinate (i.e. willing to respect what came before you and pay your dues)?
Do you get the concept of customer service?
Do . you . have . and . use . good . judgment?
If so, show them in whatever way you can. At this stage, what you offer... MOST of it will probably not be photography related.
You can be taught photography. As a person and a basic asset - or potential asset, you already are what you are. Show them.
Good luck,
Chuck
P.S. If you’re all that, you’re a treasure. Within a few months decide whether or not your employer is up to your standards. Many won’t be. Don’t waste too much time working for assholes. Find good people who you respect and who respect you. Bust your ass, learn all you can and serve them well. They’re as much a blessing to you as you are to them. But within humble and good judgment, never underestimate the latter.
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