Take a look at this article to find out what you as a musician should be doing in order to secure more work. Here are the top 5 things, which got 3 guys work, which didn’t feature on 35 other CVs of musicians, all of whom were probably great for the jobs. So, whether it is party bands or swing band work you are looking at securing, check this out….
1. Your Picture – First impressions are everything and only 30% of the applicants put a picture on their CV. Out of the 30% who did, most seem to have been taken by a Tourette’s sufferer having a stroke! Nobody wants to work with the next Columbine killer so get yourself a semi-decent shot in some decent clothes.
2. Do your research – The amount of CVs and applications that come in where the musician has no idea what they are actually applying for is unbelievable! If you want to make a good impression, find out as much as you can and then show how you can be of value to the company, party band or swing band.
3. Show your personality – As a musician you are a creative individual so show off some creativity and personality. Remember the old ‘I am not a number?’ Well in which case, show it when writing a covering letter or in your pictures or videos. Creativity will overcome budget any-day so think of a cool way you can stand out a bit without being too much like a desperate Big Brother contestant.
4. Ask for the job– This sounds ridiculous but when someone says ‘I really want this opportunity’. It shows passion and will often make somebody want to give you a chance or opportunity! So, finish your covering letter with a way of saying ‘Take a chance on me and I won’t let you down.’
5. Keep it to the point – Personally, most party bands or swing bands won’t and don’t care how many GCSEs you have, where you went to school and how long you worked at Topshop, might be relevant in some cases (which is why research is important), however, the band you’re applying for will want to know: What do you look like? what do you sound like? and what are you going to bring to the party that the other people won’t? When you have got that message across stop, as it can only decrease your chances by waffling on way too much!
There are obviously a lot of other things that can help, but just remember that all you are trying to do with a CV is get your foot in the door to be seen and heard in an interview/audition. At that point you can build your case for why you should get the job or audition with the party band or swing band.
One last bit of advice. Nowadays with social media like it is, it’s very easy to find out information about you. The first thing many people do after scanning over a CV is to go find the candidate on Facebook and Twitter. If your Facebook status says something about you being ‘mashed off your face’ it’s not a good start. So keep your Facebook secure and your Twitter clean and preferably proactive. This was a status we found from a recent candidate. ‘Can’t be bothered to get out of bed and look for work so gonna stay in….’ – They didn’t get the gig funnily enough!
5 Tips for Musicians to Build a CV
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