One specific CV challenge you might encounter as a videographer is effectively showcasing your diverse project portfolio within the limited space of a traditional curriculum vitae. Our guide offers structured advice on selecting your most impactful work and presenting it concisely to capture the interest of potential clients or employers.
- Applying the simplest CV design, so that recruiters can easily understand your expertise, skills, and professional background;
- Ensuring you stand out with your header, summary or objective statement, and a designated skills section;
- Creating your CV experience section - no matter how much expertise you have;
- Using real life professional CV examples to enhance the structure and outline of your profile.
If you still have no muse to write your professional CV, find some more industry-leading examples.
How to ensure your profile stands out with your videographer CV format
It's sort of a Catch 22. You want your videographer CV to stand out amongst a pile of candidate profiles, yet you don't want it to be too over the top that it's unreadable. Where is the perfect balance between your CV format simple, while using it to shift the focus to what matters most. That is - your expertise. When creating your videographer CV:- list your experience in the reverse chronological order - starting with your latest roles;
- include a header with your professional contact information and - optionally - your photograph;
- organise vital and relevant CV sections - e.g. your experience, skills, summary/ objective, education - closer to the top;
- use no more than two pages to illustrate your professional expertise;
- format your information using plenty of white space and standard (2.54 cm) margins, with colours to accent key information.
Once you've completed your information, export your videographer CV in PDF, as this format is more likely to stay intact when read by the Applicant Tracker System or the ATS. A few words of advice about the ATS - or the software used to assess your profile:
- Generic fonts, e.g. Arial and Times New Roman, are ATS-compliant, yet many candidates stick with these safe choices. Ensure your CV stands out by using a more modern, and simple, fonts like Lato, Exo 2, Volkhov;
- All serif and sans-serif fonts are ATS-friendly. Avoid the likes of fancy decorative or script typography, as this may render your information to be illegible;
- Both single- and double-column formatted CVs could be assessed by the ATS;
- Integrating simple infographics, icons, and charts across your CV won't hurt your chances during the ATS assessment.
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For certain fields, consider including infographics or visual elements to represent skills or achievements, but ensure they are simple, professional, and enhance rather than clutter the information.
The top sections on a videographer CV
- Professional Summary showcases your videography expertise and passion.
- Filmography highlights your past projects and diverse experience.
- Technical Skills detail the equipment and software you're proficient in.
- Education & Training demonstrate formal qualifications and specialised knowledge.
- Portfolio Link provides direct access to your work for visual assessment.
What recruiters value on your CV:
- Highlight your technical proficiency with camera equipment, editing software, and other video production tools, including any certifications or specialised training you've undertaken, as technological savviness is integral to a videographer role.
- Showcase your portfolio by providing links to your most successful projects or a digital showreel; this allows potential employers to gauge your style, expertise, and the quality of work you can produce.
- Detail any experience you have with storytelling, scripting, or directing, as videography often requires a creative vision and the ability to convey a narrative effectively through visual media.
- Mention collaborative projects to demonstrate your ability to work effectively in a team, as videography frequently involves coordinating with other creatives, clients, and production staff.
- Include any recognition or awards you have received for your work to underscore your talent and dedication to the craft, which can help differentiate you from other candidates.
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Making a good first impression with your videographer CV header
Your typical CV header consists of Your typical CV header consists of contact details and a headline. Make sure to list your professional phone number, email address, and a link to your professional portfolio (or, alternatively, your LinkedIn profile). When writing your CV headline , ensure it's:
- tailored to the job you're applying for;
- highlights your unique value as a professional;
- concise, yet matches relevant job ad keywords.
You can, for examples, list your current job title or a particular skill as part of your headline. Now, if you decide on including your photo in your CV header, ensure it's a professional one, rather than one from your graduation or night out. You may happen to have plenty more questions on how to make best the use of your CV headline. We'll help you with some real-world examples, below.
Examples of good CV headlines for videographer:
- Lead Event Videographer | Expert in Live Broadcasting | Sony Certified | 10+ Years of Experience
- Senior Wedding Videographer | Stunning Visual Storytelling | Drone Operation | 7 Years in Industry
- Junior Corporate Film Maker | Creative Content Production | Degree in Film Studies | Emerging Talent
- Documentary Cinematographer | Social Issue Spotlighting | Multi-Camera Setup Pro | 5-Year Field Veteran
- Professional Video Editor | Feature Film & Commercial Expertise | Adobe Suite Master | 8 Years Experience
- Creative Director of Photography | Music Video Specialist | Cinematic Aesthetics | B.A. in Cinematography | 12 Years
Catching recruiters' attention with your videographer CV summary or objective
Located closer to the top of your CV, both the summary and objective are no more than five sentences long and serve as an introduction to your experience. What is more, you could use either to entice recruiters to read on. Select the:
- Summary, if you happen to have plenty of relevant experience. Feature your most impressive accomplishments and up to three skills that are relevant to the job you're applying for;
- Objective, if you're just starting your career off. Provide your career goals and answer how you see the role you are applying for will match your professional growth.
Judging which one you need to add to your videographer CV may at times seem difficult. That’s why you need to check out how professionals, with similar to your experience, have written their summary or objective, in the examples below:
CV summaries for a videographer job:
- With over a decade of professional videography experience, I've directed award-winning short films and crafted compelling video content for a variety of commercial clients. My proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and 4K cinematography, combined with a flagship documentary that garnered international acclaim, illustrates my capability to elevate visual storytelling to an art form.
- As a seasoned photojournalist transitioning into videography, my keen eye for detail and strong narrative instincts have been honed over 8 rigorous years in the field. Leveraging my exceptional editing skills and a portfolio of impactful still imagery, I am poised to create profound video narratives that resonate with audiences.
- Coming from a background in theatre production, with 6 years of experience, I bring a unique perspective to videography. My understanding of dramatic staging and lighting, coupled with technical skills in video editing software, sets the stage for producing visually stunning and emotionally engaging video content.
- A former marketing professional with 5 years’ experience, I am adept at crafting messages that connect and inspire action. Now pursuing videography, I merge strategic communication skills with technical proficiencies in camera operation and video editing to produce videos that not only look great but also deliver on marketing goals.
- Eager to embark on a career in videography, my objective is to harness my passion for visual storytelling and dedication to learning cutting-edge video technologies. My fresh perspective and unwavering commitment to excellence will contribute to creating innovative visual content that captivates audiences.
- Aiming to transition into videography, my goal is to apply my acute creative instincts and enthusiasm for visual arts. With an eager willingness to master technical skills and a solid foundation in composition, I am poised to embrace this new path and excel in creating dynamic video narratives.
More detailed look into your work history: best advice on writing your videographer CV experience section
The CV experience is a space not just to merely list your past roles and responsibilities. It is the CV real estate within which you could detail your greatest accomplishments and skills, while matching the job requirements. Here's what to have in your experience section:
- Prove you have what the job wants with your unique skill set and past successes;
- Start each bullet with a strong, action verb, and continue with the outcome of your responsibility;
- Use any awards, nominations, and recognitions you've received as solid proof of your skill set and expertise;
- align your experience with the role responsibilities and duties.
For more help on how to write your CV experience section, check out the next section of our guide:
Best practices for your CV's work experience section
- Directed and edited over 20 short films and promotional videos, resulting in a 25% increase in client engagement for various campaigns.
- Managed all aspects of video production for weddings, including client consultation, shot planning, and final editing, contributing to a 15% rise in referrals.
- Operated various professional cameras (Sony A7 series, Canon 5D, RED Dragon) to capture high-quality footage for corporate events and marketing materials.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop cohesive storyboards and scripts, ensuring video content aligned with brand messaging and goals.
- Implemented new video editing techniques using Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects, decreasing post-production time by 30% without compromising quality.
- Provided expert drone videography services, capturing aerial shots that enhanced the visual appeal and production value of real estate and tourism videos.
- Conducted detailed location scouting and risk assessments to ensure safe and compliant shooting environments, supporting a flawless safety record.
- Maintained cutting-edge knowledge of video technology trends, leading to the adoption of 4K and HDR workflows that kept our studio ahead of competitors.
- Developed a successful YouTube channel featuring behind-the-scenes content and tutorials, which grew the subscriber base by over 10,000 in one year.
- Directed and produced over 30 promotional videos for various clients, leading to a 20% increase in customer engagement on social media platforms.
- Implemented advanced colour grading techniques that enhanced the visual aesthetics of commercial projects, significantly raising client satisfaction ratings.
- Managed a film crew of 15 on complex shoots, ensuring timely project completion within a strict budget, depositing the projects 10% under the financial estimate.
- Collaborated with marketing teams to strategize and execute video campaigns that increased product sales by 25% YoY for top-tier corporate accounts.
- Introduced drone videography into the content mix, capturing stunning aerial shots that became a hallmark of the company's real estate listing package.
- Administered the video editing workflow, reducing the turn-around time by 30% while maintaining high-quality output.
- Spearheaded a documentary project, securing government grants totalling £50,000 and a subsequent nomination for a regional film festival award.
- Pioneered the usage of virtual reality (VR) content, attracting a new segment of clients interested in innovative advertising methods.
- Managed post-production for over 40 projects, implementing efficient data management and backup solutions that decreased data loss incidents by 100%.
- Facilitated the transition from HD to 4K video production, enhancing the company's service offering and capturing high-profile weddings resulting in a 35% growth in premium service bookings.
- Orchestrated multi-camera setups for live events, ensuring a dynamic viewing experience for audiences both on-site and streaming online.
- Cultivated client relationships which led to a 50% repeat business rate and expanded the referrals network significantly.
- Designed, organized, and executed comprehensive video content strategies for influencers, resulting in an average subscriber growth of 150% across clients.
- Utilized the latest mirrorless camera technology to create high-quality 4K vlogs, behind-the-scenes videos, and lifestyle content.
- Edited and mastered videos with a swift turnaround, averaging 24-hour delivery from the shoot, boosting content relevancy and viewer retention.
- Developed scripting and storyboarding processes that were adopted company-wide, resulting in a 40% improvement in pre-production efficiency.
- Negotiated and secured filming locations that reduced costs by 20% without compromising on visual fidelity or client expectations.
- Crafted a series of employee training videos for a large retail chain that was credited with reducing onboarding time by 50%.
- Integrated motion graphics into corporate explainer videos, increasing viewer engagement by an average of 40% and receiving industry accolades for innovation in corporate communications.
- Streamlined the remote video production process during the global pandemic, ensuring deliverables were met without disdain from health regulations.
- Conducted in-depth analytics on video performance, adjusting content strategies that ultimately led to a 60% improvement in viewer retention metrics.
- Navigated fast-paced news environments to deliver timely and compelling video content that increased the broadcast station's viewership by 30%.
- Efficiently managed the archival footage database, improving retrieval times by 25% and aiding in faster news story packaging.
- Regularly operated as an ENG cameraman in challenging conditions, providing reliable content that contributed to the network's reputation for comprehensive coverage.
Lacking professional expertise: how to write your CV to highlight your best talents
Don't count on your lucky stars when you're applying for a role, where you happen to have less (or almost none) professional experience. Recruiters sometimes do hire inexperienced candidates if they're able to present their unique value from the get-go. So, instead of opting for the traditional, CV experience section:
- List any applicable expertise you happen to have - no matter if it's a part-time job, internship, or volunteer work. This would hint to recruiters that your profile is relevant;
- Focus your CV on your transferrable skills or talents you've obtained thanks to your whole life and work experience. In effect, you'll be spotlighting your value as a candidate;
- Separate more space for your applicable academic background and certificates to show you have the technical know-how;
- Ensure that within your objective, you've defined why you'll like the job and how you'll be the perfect match for it. Always ensure you've tailored your CV to individual applications.
Looking for more good examples for your first job? We'll show you how other candidates, with less professional experience, have created their job-winning CVs.
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Describe how each job helped you grow or learn something new, showing a continuous development path in your career.
Key videographer CV skills: what are hard skills and soft skills
Let's kick off with the basics. You know that you have to include key job requirements or skills across your CV. For starters, take individual skills from the job description and copy-paste them into your CV, when relevant. Doing so, you'll ensure you have the correct skill spelling and also pass the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessment. There are two types of skills you'll need to include on your CV:
- Hard skills - technical abilities that are best defined by your certificates, education, and experience. You could also use the dedicated skills section to list between ten and twelve technologies you're apt at using that match the job requirements.
- Soft skills - your personal traits and interpersonal communication skills that are a bit harder to quantify. Use various CV sections, e.g. summary, strengths, experience, to shine a spotlight on your workspace achievements, thanks to using particular soft skills.
Remember that your job-winning CV should balance both your hard and soft skills to prove your technical background, while spotlighting your personality.
Top skills for your videographer CV:
Video Editing
Cinematography
Camera Operation
Colour Correction
Visual Effects
Lighting Techniques
Sound Design
Storyboarding
Drone Piloting
Live Broadcasting
Creativity
Attention to Detail
Time Management
Communication
Teamwork
Problem-Solving
Adaptability
Organisation
Client Focused
Passion for Storytelling
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Use mini case studies or success stories in your CV to demonstrate how your skills have positively impacted previous roles or projects.
Education and more professional qualifications to include in your videographer CV
If you want to showcase to recruiters that you're further qualified for the role, ensure you've included your relevant university diplomas. Within your education section:
- Describe your degree with your university name(-s) and start-graduation dates;
- List any awards you've received, if you deem they would be impressive or are relevant to the industry;
- Include your projects and publications, if you need to further showcase how you've used your technical know-how;
- Avoid listing your A-level marks, as your potential employers care to learn more about your university background.
Apart from your higher education, ensure that you've curated your relevant certificates or courses by listing the:
- name of the certificate or course;
- name of the institution within which you received your training;
- the date(-s) when you obtained your accreditation.
In the next section, discover some of the most relevant certificates for your videographer CV:
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Order your skills based on the relevance to the role you're applying for, ensuring the most pertinent skills catch the employer's attention first.
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Key takeaways
Write your professional videographer CV by studying and understanding what the role expectations are. You should next:
- Focus on tailoring your content to answer specific requirements by integrating advert keywords through various CV sections;
- Balance your technical know-how with your personal skills to showcase what the unique value would be of working with you;
- Ensure your CV grammar and spelling (especially of your key information and contact details) is correct;
- Write a CV summary, if your experience is relevant, and an objective, if your career ambitions are more impressive;
- Use active language by including strong, action verbs across your experience, summary/objective, achievements sections.
