The Musician'S Resume Handbook Page 14
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41SELLING YOURSELF
Confidence and Experience
Some people develop résumés that come off as either too arrogant or too shy. You should strive
to find an honest medium. The general rule for writing résumés is “don’t hold back.” In other
words, sell yourself – show potential employers how good you are. However, don’t embellish. If
what you set down on paper is the truth and is presented in a factual, professional manner, you
need not worry about appearing too arrogant.
Conversely, talented musicians and teachers too often spend a good deal of time comparing
themselves to the great musicians in their field. If you are humble and consider yourself a
relatively average teacher or performer, there is no need to let the potential employer suspect such
feelings. Just state the facts and let the reader be the judge.
“Résumé” Language
A good résumé communicates professionalism and energy to a potential employer, not only by its
form and content but also by its style. The language you use to represent yourself can make a
reader want to know more about you, so choose your words carefully. Try out several ways of
characterizing your experience and decide which best conveys an attractive, dynamic and
professional applicant. The following tips will help.
Say “no” to pronouns and “yes” to verbs
It is understood on a résumé that you are speaking about yourself; therefore it is redundant (and
wordy) to use “I” or other personal pronouns when describing your experience. Start with a verb
to convey action and accomplishment.
Example:
Church Music Minister, St. Mary’s Church, Rochester NY (1995-97)
-Directed adult choir, which increased by 50% the second year
-Founded and directed children’s choir
-Managed all aspects of choir, including budgeting, rehearsals, planning, and library
management
-Created the first combined choirs ecumenical spring concert
Make a Tense Decision
Notice in the above example that the verbs chosen all work with the understood pronoun “I.” The
use of past tense conveys a sense of accomplishment: all of these achievements have been
successfully completed and are now a part of the applicant’s experience.
Some people use present tense to describe positions that they currently hold. If you decide to use
present tense, be sure to make it clear that you are still performing the activity you describe. Do
not arbitrarily shift from past to present tense, which indicates a lack of professional foresight and
revision. Whatever tense you use, make sure it works with the understood “I.”
Example:
Private Piano Teacher, Pittsford NY (1994-Present)
-Teach elementary students, plan lessons, establish repertoire and program recitals
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