Your Transferable Skills in the Entertainment Industry Might Qualify You for These Other Roles
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It would sound like the unlikely plot of a sci-fi movie if the reality weren’t so grim. The coronavirus outbreak claimed 222,288 U.S. jobs in March alone, a 292 percent increase from February, and the numbers continue to climb.
Employees in the fields of entertainment and leisure have been hit particularly hard, since shelter-in-place orders meant the closing of live music venues, movie theaters, sports arenas, theaters and movie houses. Even Hollywood has not been immune to the repercussions from the outbreak.
If you worked in the entertainment and leisure industries and lost your job, it’s actually the perfect time to try something new. While this may seem like a bad time to look for work, in fact, many businesses have a greater need for workers with your skills than ever before. Getting yourself back on the market now will put you ahead of the millions who will soon begin their own searches.
Your career in entertainment has helped you develop a skill set that will translate to other jobs in a variety of industries. In this article, we’ll show you how to articulate those skills on a resume so that you can get back to work fast.
Transferable skills and training to emphasize on your resume
No matter what your role was in the entertainment industry, you have much-needed transferable skills, which are the soft, hard and technical skills you can apply anywhere. Highlighting those skills on your resume will help you stand out in the current job market.
Here are some hard, technical and soft skills, and the education, relevant training or certifications you may have mastered during your tenure in the entertainment industry that you should consider adding to your next resume:
Hard and technical skills: Hard skills such as: sales experience, problem- solving, handling money, mathematical aptitude, business awareness. Technical skills such as: operating film equipment or systems, Point-of-Sale (POS) systems, computers, cash registers
Soft skills: Communication, customer service, teamwork, negotiation, persuasion, multitasking, time management, ability to work independently, organizational skills
Certifications and training: Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP), International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Certification (IAAPA)
Education: While many jobs in entertainment don’t require a degree, if you have one then it’s a good idea to add it to your resume, regardless of your career track. Depending on the role you are seeking, having a degree can help you stand out from the competition, especially if you are in the management or technical side of the business. If you don’t have a degree but have taken industry-related coursework, then you should list those classes under the Education header, as well.
These industries are hiring people with your skills
If you worked behind the scenes, including technicians and production workers, you might be a fit for one of the following job titles:
- Stocker (for example, at a drugstore like RiteAid)
- Warehouse associate (for example, for a large retailer like Costco)
- Driver (for example, for a freight company like ABF Freight Systems)
- Delivery person (for example, for an alcohol delivery service like Saucey)
If you worked front-of-house, including lobby attendants, ticket takers, cashiers, amusement ride operators and concession workers, you might be a fit for one of the following job titles:
- Grocery delivery person (for example, for a grocery chain like Trader Joe’s)
- Meal delivery person (for example, for a meal delivery service like UberEats)
- Bank teller (for example at a bank like Charles Schwab)
- Caregiver (for example, at a nursing home)
- Cashier (for example, at an essential retailer like Dollar Tree)
If you managed people in the entertainment and leisure industry, you might be a fit for one of the following job titles:
- Grocery store manager (for example, for a grocery store like Whole Foods)
- Warehouse manager (for example, for an essential business like PetCo)
- Facilities manager (for example, in a manufacturing plant like GOJO Industries)
How to apply for these roles and what you’ll need
If you are applying in person, you’ll need a current email address and phone number, a resume and identification, such as a driver’s license or passport
If you are applying online, you’ll need a current email address and phone number, a current resume and a brief cover letter explaining what you’ll bring to the table.
How to find these jobs in your community
How to create a resume in our resume builder that will capture an employers’ attention
COVID-19 is disrupting the workforce, but it’s not changing the way employers evaluate candidates. An up-to-date resume is still the best way to show hiring managers why you are a great fit, no matter what job you’re applying for.
The best resumes speak directly to the job requirements, so make sure you match your experience and skills to each job. Grab hiring managers’ attention by highlighting your transferable skills and professional achievements. Add data and metrics to your resume for emphasis whenever possible.
Don’t forget to add a strong cover letter, even if one is not required. It will help you stand out from the competition by showing employers you are willing to go the extra mile, even in times of crisis. A cover letter is your chance to introduce yourself to the hiring manager and explain why you are changing jobs or industries. It’s also a great complement to your resume, providing the space to expand on your experience and education and give insight to your skills and achievements. Our cover letter templates can help you craft the perfect cover letter fast.
Below, we’ve provided a sample resume to help you as you update yours for your new position.
Text resume example: An amusement ride operator applying for a grocery delivery person role
Name: Fred Reinard
Address: Cincinnati, OH 45208
Phone: (555) 555-5555
E-Mail: example@example.com
Outgoing amusement ride operator with proven customer service skills to meet demands of busy entertainment park. Accomplishes tasks with minimal direction. Performs shift requirements in adherence to rules and safety procedures. Seeking a role as a grocery delivery person.
Skills
- Customer service
- Safety procedures
- Security monitoring
- Supervision
- Strong communication
- Organization
- Problem resolution
- Policy adherence
Amusement Ride Operator
Coney Island Amusement Park
Cincinnati, OH
June 2018 to March 2020
- Assisted over 100 daily customers in entering and exiting rides, providing balance support and general directions.
- Cleaned rides and attractions to reduce spread of germs and bacteria.
- Latched safety gate after guests entered and exited to avoid unauthorized access to attraction area.
Amusement Ride Operator
Kings Island
Cincinnati, OH
July 2017 to May 2018
- Followed posted height and age restrictions and denied access to attraction for guests under minimum requirements.
- Operated rides and attractions according to written guidelines to reduce injuries.
- Engaged safety devices and monitored attraction during operation to reduce safety risks.
Admissions Attendant
Kings Island
Cincinnati, OH
July 2016 to June 2017
- Greeted over 200 daily customers with smile and provided friendly, knowledgeable service.
- Sold admission, processed payments and issued tickets.
- Refused admittance to patrons on basis of amusement park policies or for lack of ticket possession or expired tickets.
Education & Training
High School Diploma, June 2016
Clark Montessori High School – Cincinnati, OH
My Perfect Resume Builder example: An amusement ride operator applying for a grocery delivery person role
Kellie is the content strategist for My Perfect Resume. She has more than 20 years of experience in digital media and is passionate about helping job seekers navigate their careers. She has a B.A. in English and writing from Temple University.
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