Expert: Phil Nemy - 1/22/2009

Question
Phil –

How does one qualify himself enough to deliver coffee and run errands for executives in film development?

I’m running into a circular problem: You need an internship to get the proper “experience” needed to perform such duties, but you can only get an internship if you are able to work for free. For some of us who support ourselves, we were not able to work for free because we had to hold a job to afford school. And now, out of school with an expensive piece of paper, and after five years of working, I am finding out I don’t have industry “experience” to answer phones, read scripts, fetch coffee, or figure out the complexities of a copy machine.

So, on a resume, should I highlight my self-starter initiative, work ethic, creativity, etc.? Or are execs more impressed with my keyboard finger dexterity, sing song phone manner, and spill proof coffee delivery skills?  

Answer
Kevin,

Thanks for writing. You've posed a very interesting question. Usually, when one is IN college, one pursues an internship, primarily then because one is not able to accept paying work because of school commitments. Most employers hire interns because they DON'T have to pay them and because the intern is receiving college credit for the internship. Very few internships actually pay.

When sending a resume for a job, the first question to ask yourself is whether the position is free-lance on a production, or whether the position is in an office such as a development office. Productions are looking for more "set experience" and less sing song phone manner as you've described it. Development Offices are looking for more of your ability to handle phones, get coffee, make copies, etc., but do it with a smile and be able to take the screaming and yelling of childish and immature executives who like to throw their weight around with self-importance. So, the key is to write a cover letter that addresses the particular position, illustrating your skills and experience that back up why you're a qualified candidate for that particularly position. Does that make sense?

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Phil