Set Decorator Resume Example & Writing Guide
Use this Set Decorator resume example and guide to improve your career and write a powerful resume that will separate you from the competition.
A set decorator is responsible for creating the look and feel of a film or television set. They work with the director, cinematographer, and other members of the creative team to select props, furniture, and other elements for their scenes.
Set decorators also have to think about practicality and budget constraints, so they have to strike a balance between what would look great on camera and what would be affordable to build and transport.
If you love working with your hands and have an eye for detail, you might enjoy being a set decorator. Here’s some tips and an example to help you write a set decorator resume that hiring managers will love.
How to Write a Set Decorator Resume
Here’s how to write a set decorator resume of your own.
Write Compelling Bullet Points
Bullet points are the most important part of your resume because they’re the only thing hiring managers will read. So it’s crucial that you use them to your advantage by including specific details about your experience and accomplishments.
For example, rather than saying you “set up decorations for events,” you could say you “set up decorations for 10 events in 3 months, including a gala for 500 guests and a conference for 200 attendees.”
The second bullet point is much stronger because it provides specific details about the scale of the events and the number of people involved.
Identify and Include Relevant Keywords
When you submit your resume for a set decorator role, it’s likely that it will be scanned by an applicant tracking system (ATS) for certain keywords. ATS programs scan resumes for specific terms related to the job, like “set dressing” and “prop management,” to determine whether an applicant has the skills and experience required for the position. If your resume doesn’t include enough of the right keywords, your application might not make it past the initial screening process.
To increase your chances of getting an interview, use this list of common set decorator keywords to help you identify which skills, abilities, and experiences are most relevant to the role:
- Set Decoration
- Art Direction
- Props
- Film Production
- Styling
- Stage Management
- Film
- Prop Building
- Lighting
- Camera
- Video Production
- Commercials
- Pre-production
- Location Management
- Photography
- Theatre
- Video Editing
- Art
- Wardrobe
- Set Dressing
- Theatrical Lighting
- Set Design
- Concept Art
- Interior Design
- Furniture
- Decoration
- Stage Properties
- Furnishings
- Theater
- Graphic Design
Showcase Your Technical Skills
As a set decorator, you need to be proficient in a variety of software programs and systems in order to effectively do your job. This might include programs like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Photoshop, as well as set design software. You should also be familiar with set construction methods and materials.
Additionally, set decorators need to be able to work with a variety of people, including set designers, production assistants, and prop masters. Being able to effectively communicate and collaborate with others is essential to the job.