Resume Tips

General Guidelines for Jobs or Internships

  • Keep your resume to one page, especially if you are a student

  • Keep your demo reel under three minutes

  • Do not include unapproved work or work in progress

  • Put your strongest work first and include clear breakdowns and credit lists

  • Label your reel and the case or file clearly

  • Show your reel to others and get feedback before submitting

  • Test your materials on multiple computers and platforms

Resume Structure

List sections in this order unless noted otherwise

1. Who Are You

Include:

  • Full name

  • City and country

  • Phone number

  • Email address

  • Website or portfolio link

If HR cannot contact you easily, nothing else matters.

2. Objective

What job are you applying for

Write a clear, specific objective that states the position you want.

Some people dislike objectives, but for students and early-career artists, they help clarify focus.

Guidelines:

  • Tailor your resume to the studio and the role

  • Only include information relevant to that industry

  • If applying for different roles, create different resumes

  • Do not apply for multiple positions at the same studio at the same time

  • If you have various skills, focus on one role and mention others briefly in the cover letter

Example:

I am currently seeking a character animator position at Sony Pictures Animation.

3. Education

You may swap this with Experience if you are a seasoned artist

Include:

  • School or program name

  • Degree or certificate

  • Start and completion dates

Education is essential for:

  • Students with limited professional experience

  • Artists who may need visas

For experienced artists, list work experience before education.

4. Experience

What you have done

Use reverse chronological order.

For each role, include:

  • Company name and location

  • Project name

  • Your role

  • Dates of employment

  • Software used

  • Platform or medium

Do not list unrelated jobs.

Use bullet points. Lists are easier to scan than paragraphs.

Example:

HellKat Game Studios, Santa Monica, CA

Kittens United (PS3)

Game Animator

  • Character Animation using human bipedal rigs in 3DS Max

  • Animation for characters and props

  • R and D Animation testing using PS3 debugging stations

  • Collaboration with FX artists, riggers, and designers

5. Skills

What you can do

Include:

  • Software packages you have used

  • Your experience level with each

  • Relevant technical skills

For game artists:

  • Platforms you have developed for

  • Operating systems you are familiar with

Be honest. Never list skills you cannot deliver on immediately.

6. Awards and Additional Information

What else matters

You may include:

  • Awards or recognitions

  • Professional organizations

  • Relevant interests or hobbies

  • Having a life outside of production is a positive thing.