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Center For Animation

JOB APPLICATION TIPS

Demo Reels

  • Present your best work first and last.
  • Show your problem-solving process, not just your work.
  • Make sure your contact information can be found quickly.
  • Explain your projects in more detail through a shot breakdown video description.
  • Ensure formatting is clean, easy to look at, and does not distract from your work images.
  • Keep music conservative and not distracting.

Cover Letters

  • Keep to one page in length, ideally 2-3 short paragraphs.
  • Be genuine, kind, considerate, and confident in your writing; they are looking for personality.
  • Have someone proofread your letter. 
  • Spell check. Be certain you spelled the studio’s name correctly (i.e., "DreamWorks” or “Blue Sky”).

Resumes

  • Keep to one page. 
  • Make sure your information is easily accessible. If you skim your resume for 7-10 seconds, can you get a good idea of the presented information?
  • Use good document design. Have “access points” (places for the eye to easily enter the document) so Human Resources can immediately identify what is or isn’t important.
  • For internships, include your year in the program, if relevant.

Websites

Your website link can be included with internship or job applications or given to faculty to recommend you to someone or to those interested in your work.

  • Keep your online presence updated.
  • Make it attractive, professional, and easy for potential employers to find information.
  • Pages you might choose to include are: Demo Reel, Portfolio, Resume, and Contact Me. 
  • Choose a clean, easy-to-look at design that gives immediate access to your demo reel on your home page. Make it easy for Human Resources to find what they are looking for.
  • Have several people test your website. Pay attention to what they gravitate towards and/or completely miss.
  • Make your contact information and resume easy to find.
  • Use the same rules of composition on your website that you have learned from animation. Use lines of text to lead the eye to the most important videos, images, or links. Use brighter colors to draw the eye to certain parts of the page or moving graphics to make certain things stand out.

Be sure to visit the Stay Connected page to contact people in the industry who may be doing what you want to do. Ask them for advice and have them review your application. The more eyes you can get on your application before you send it in, the better!