CV - List known equipment?

[Daveman]

Currently updating my CV and was wondering what people's opinions were on including a list of equipment that I have experience using, more specifically LX desks. The argument for doing so seems to be that it removes any uncertainty for an employer in booking me for a job based on my knowing a particular desk. On the other hand, I wouldn't want to be discounted from a position because I hadn't included a particular system which I could easily learn before the job started. What does everyone else think, would I be better perhaps in listing my experience with LX desks in general?

[Aaron-Hill07]

I think your personally better off just writing a good personal statement stating you have experience using a range of consoles. If they want to book you, they'll ask if a specific desk is alright for you! In the meantime, learn as many as you can! :)

[Ynot]

To be honest, 'lists' in any general sense are something to be avoided in CVs - they tend to be meaningless in many cases anyway.

If you have particular strengths in the use of any specific area, then it may be worth a mention in the general experience section, but an employer is more likely to want someone who's keen to learn and expand their knowledge - most will offer on the job training as a matter of course, especially at entry level.

 

 

[Aaron-Hill07]

Exactly. Are you looking for freelance or full-time work also? It does make a difference and it's nearly worth having two CV's for that purpose.

 

The freelance one, can have a bit more in-depth detail about your experiences on shows and the equipment you know; and the full-time one can be a bit more generalised.

 

At the end of the day.. the aim of the game for a freelance is to be able to do a bit of everything so being multi-skilled is key. Whereas, being full-time usually means the kit will stay similar from show to show in most cases so once you've learn certain control platforms etc, that's all you need until the day comes when you hire desks in or buy a new one!

 

Thanks,

[Ynot]

A note worth repeating is that a CV should be a very fluid device - meaning that it should be examined and rewritten based on every job applied for. Read the job advert and job description then update the CV to suit.

[kerry davies]

I know that you aren't in the same position as the OP in the other thread but Pauls advice might stand you in good stead.

 

"paulears, on 09 July 2011 - 03:26 PM, said:

Thinking about it, it would be great to actually get a CV that says "I don't know very much, but I learn quickly, I make excellent tea, can run a broom, and am pretty strong. I'm very reliable, communicate well with strangers, and mix well with other staff. I'd love to work with you, and am sure I'd fit in and be really useful". Damn honest, and I'd probably want to talk to them!"

 

I would talk about punctuality, sickness record and flexibility before listing what consoles I could handle. The only one an employer needs you to manage is the one they have.

[Pete McCrea]

As someone who gets freelance CV's, I'd say noting the equipment that you have experience on can be useful. Not necessarily as a list, but maybe in with some of the gigs you've been on:

 

"July 2010 - Jamie Oliver Big Feastival - Main Stage Video Engineer - using Panasonic AV-HS400, Sony DXC Camera System, Extron/Leith Matrix, Tektronix WFM/Vector, Playback Pro+"

 

That from my perspective is a quick way to see what kit you've used and job type. It wouldn't preclude me from booking you if I had a FORA on the next job. As always in our side of the industry, having someone we trust recommend you will sway the vote first and foremost.

 

I'd also certainly underline that the CV should be flexible - one for every job application, tailored to the employer, and then a freelance one if appropriate, again possibly tailored to the company that you're sending it too.

[bruce]

I'd suggest that it depends on context. If you have a detailed specialism in the intricacies of any particular console, then state that. If however, you've just used one as a tool, don't go into details - emphasise the skillset rather than the specific knowledge.

 

 

Suppose you were applying for a job as a van driver. Would you say that you had in-depth previous experience of Transits and Sprinters, especially yellow ones? Of course you wouldn't - driving one van is pretty much the same as driving another. On the other hand, if you were applying for a job as a mechanic, it would be perfectly reasonable to state that you were fully trained on Transit and Sprinter engines...

[Daveman]

Thanks for the advice everyone. It seems the general consensus seems to be that listing equipment experience is only necessary in specific situations, and like everything else on a CV, should be tailored to the job actually being applied for.

 

As someone who gets freelance CV's, I'd say noting the equipment that you have experience on can be useful. Not necessarily as a list, but maybe in with some of the gigs you've been on:

 

"July 2010 - Jamie Oliver Big Feastival - Main Stage Video Engineer - using Panasonic AV-HS400, Sony DXC Camera System, Extron/Leith Matrix, Tektronix WFM/Vector, Playback Pro+"

 

 

This is really helpful as well, thanks.

[Bobbsy]

As someone who gets freelance CV's, I'd say noting the equipment that you have experience on can be useful. Not necessarily as a list, but maybe in with some of the gigs you've been on:

 

"July 2010 - Jamie Oliver Big Feastival - Main Stage Video Engineer - using Panasonic AV-HS400, Sony DXC Camera System, Extron/Leith Matrix, Tektronix WFM/Vector, Playback Pro+"

 

 

Even there...or maybe especially there...I probably wouldn't get specific about the equipment. I'd be more impressed by:

 

"July 2010 - Jamie Oliver Big Feastival -- Main Stage Video Engineer. Responsible for designing and operating the system to provide large screens carrying a mixture of live and playback video at an event attended by 12,000 people over 3 days."

 

...or similar.

[Pete McCrea]

From my perspective, having an idea of the kit a person knows means the difference between possibly booking someone who knows a Screen Pro II and will be at home, or someone who doesn't and will flounder. In some ways audience size or event type can be a little bit irrelevant, as I'd generally be looking for someone that can get the gear working with the minimum of fuss.

 

All a bit of a mute point in someways, as if I was looking for someone to drive a high profile show, they'd be a regular, or if really short, a recommendation from a regular sub contractor. Which I guess highlights how CV's need to be tailored for each employer and what they are likely to be after.