INDUSTRY STATS
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Production Assistant positions are at a 21% growth rate, which is much faster than average. With that said, there are currently 138,700 jobs in the market right now. The total number of jobs is expected to increase by 28,600 to 167,300 in the period of 2020-30.
What’s more, the median annual wage for the Production Assistant jobs was $50,000 in May 2020. The lowest 10% earned less than $26,770, and the highest 10% more than $99,480.
Our conclusion? The Production Assistant job market is wide open for candidates.
Top production assistant sections that make the best resume
- Header
- Professional summary
- Experience (with numbers and results)
- Relevant skills
- Education
- Certifications
What to write in your production assistant experience section
Perfecting your Production Assistant resume experience section:
- Focus on results, not responsibilities;
- Use 4-6 bullet points per position;
- List only positions that are relevant to what you’re applying for;
- Include at least some form of quantitative data – it can be linked to the number of people you’ve managed or the - percentage decrease in costs that’s followed from your work - you decide;
- Choose action verbs over buzzwords.
We’ve collected some of the top resume experience sections from real Enhancv users. Check them out when drafting your own Production Assistant resume!
- Served as Production Assistant for Truth vs. Hype, a weekly documentary program on NDTV 24*7
- Worked at the Production Control Room doing the studio camera and auto cue along with other technical jobs
- Worked at the Input Department doing News Research
- Collected bytes and reported for ‘homeless in winters’
- Did field camera with Out Broadcasting Van (OB Van)
- Production Assistant and Home Video Support for 'The Rising Stars of Comedy', comedy show at NDTV Prime
- Assisted the news team in shooting/editing news footage
- Creating and proofreading subtitles for news segments
- Rendered and checked on exports meeting broadcast regulations
- Responded to client inquiries regarding ongoing jobs, media files, transcripts, quotes and bookings and liaising with the UK office to ensure delivery of transcripts and translations to clients
- Took bookings for transcripts, post production scripts, translations, closed captions & subtitles, and accurate database input as well as preparation of costings and vigilance of job deadlines
- Carried out administrative and production tasks including sales reports, meetings, training, managing and scheduling typists & translators
- Work with Buyer to raise the purchase order sheet and enter in the system. Keep critical path updated
- Negotiate the cost price
- Daily communicate with both local and overseas suppliers regarding samples and production delivery to maintain the delivery schedule
- Attend fitting session to help technician team write the fitting comments, and provide the feedback to suppliers
- Maintain shipment samples and sample library
- Inspect new stock
- Assisted production coordinator for the Center for Broadcasting and Digital Media with various client requests and NJTV productions.
- Maintained schedule of equipment rentals, returns, and repairs.
- Prepare media equipment packages for students and class production needs, including set up for early morning pickups.
- Handled ordering of tools and materials for the artists in residency.
- Edited artist’s statements and catalogs to promote artists' careers within the inter-residency network (Prague, Paris, Dakar, Oslo).
- Promoted public events through social media, focused on reaching out to the expat community.
- Hosted live on radio and a short 3- minute competition giveaway.
- Produced, Directed and Edited a 30-second commercial - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcjlWywZd84&feature=youtu.be
- Production Assistant and Casting Director on two 20-minute live television shows: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKU8FsAaZYw and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWqSIQFVNSk
- Assisted with the operations and day-to-day management of the primary sound stage.
- Reviewed edited footage for additional treatment and participated in editorial sessions.
- Transported and entertained talent.
- Weekly re-versioning sessions preparing material for on air for three Pay-TV channels (TV1000 Russian Kino, TV1000 Action and TV1000 Balkan)
- Ensuring legal clearance of promos for on-air use and according to technical standards
- Liaising closely with on air contacts in countries/territories to ensure optimal quality and on time delivery
- Assisting promo producers in researching and obtaining promotional footage
- Distribution of TV and Web spots for markets across Europe
- Scheduling channel branding, continuity elements, on-air promotion and timing the transmission schedules for two Pay-TV channels
- Creating promo placement charts. Analysing data to optimise promo usages for various promo campaigns
- Assist to the Programme Manager and Pay-TV team with ad hoc tasks such as creating a promoting wish list, writing and updating the inventory list, requests for channel branding elements
- Produced live events for NCAA Division I Football, Baseball and Basketball
- Handled script writing, creative development, graphics for video boards and post-production editing services
- Produced the FSU coach’s show with legendary Bobby Bowden which appeared on local, regional and national cable channels
- Won ADDY award for first copywriting assignment (marketing campaign for Vision 21 Telecommunications).
- Handled PR for Chicago stop of Cafe de Colombia International Waterski Tour.
- Hired talent, scouted locations & organized photoshoots for Mastercraft Ski Boats.
- Learned to buy media, do press checks, sell hunting knives, pitch new accounts, fix copy machines, answer phones and the power of direct mail.
- Maintain professional and technical knowledge of current audio and video production techniques.
- Report to manager any problems or issues that arise related to production duties including production equipment, software and tools.
- Assist with scheduling, editing and exporting music logs.
- Assist with copy writing and editing for audio/video production.
- Experience with digital audio recording systems and techniques.
- Managed the tape room of a busy commercials facility in Wellington.
- Provided continuous support for editors, 3D Animators and VFX artists.
- Liaised with producers, advertising agencies and clients.
- Producing and Production Assistant - Call sheets & shot lists (Creating, editing and distributing), location scouting, casting
- Pre-Production, Production & Post-Production
- Negotiating talent contracts (with talent agent)
- Some costume, makeup, lighting & set design experience
- Actor (inc. 3 series of an international TV production)
PRO TIP
Make sure to relate your experience to your job description, but never lie. That’s not tolerated and will show up in the face-to-face interview later on.
Action verbs for your production assistant resume
Recommended reads.":
Production assistant resume skills section to impress recruiters
Checklist for a perfect Production Assistant resume skills section:
- Make sure to include most if not all essential skills for the job;
- Check the job description and add some keywords to pass ATS;
- List both hard and technical skills;
- When it comes to soft skills – elaborate on them in other sections of your resume (e.g. the experience section).
Top skills for your production assistant resume
PowerTrapper/Layout
Nexus Manager
NexusRIP
PackEdge
DeskPack
Automation Engine
FlexRIP
Windows Server 2008/2012
Windows 7,8,10
App-V
Communication
Planning and organisation
Prioritization
Efficiency
Responsibility
Problem-solving
Attention to detail
Customer service
Phone Etiquette
Discretion
PRO TIP
When describing your experience, don’t go too far from its terminology. Recruiters use ATS systems to filter resumes based on them having certain keywords, so make sure you use at least a few keywords mentioned in the job description.
Recommended reads:
Production assistant resume header: tips, red flags, and best practices
Checklist for your production assistant resume header
- Your name and surname in a legible and larger resume font
- The job title you’re applying for or your current job title as a subheading to your name
- Link to your portfolio or online profile, such as LinkedIn
- Address (City and State for the US; just your city for rest of the world)
- Email address
- Headshot (required or welcomed in the EU; not required and sometimes frowned upon in the US)
Stick to popular email providers such as Gmail or Outlook. And use these professional formats to create your username:
- first.last@gmail.com
- last.first@gmail.com
- firstlast@gmail.com
- f.last@gmail.com
- first.l@gmail.com
recommended reads:
PRO TIP
Some companies, states, and countries have non-discrimination policies about what kind of information can be included on your Production Assistant resume. This might include a photo (which is often included in a resume header and might be on personal web pages you link to). You can always email the company’s HR department to ask about their policies before you apply.
Writing an effective production assistant resume summary
Impressive production assistant resume summary checklist:
- Point out the achievements that make you a valuable applicant;
- Mention the total years of experience you have;
- Highlight the things you believe make you the best fit for the position;
- Keep it short: aim at having no more than 3-5 sentences.
Resume summary formula:
PRO TIP
You’re not going to get hired simply because of a good summary or objective. However, your recruiter can bump you up in front of similarly experienced candidates who didn’t demonstrate such passion and drive.
Recommended reads:
Drawing the attention to your production assistant resume education section
Crafting a job-winning education section:
- Use the reverse-chronological format when listing your degrees;
- Tailor the classes you’ve taken to the position you’re applying for if you’re an entry-level candidate;
- Mention the awards and honors you’ve received;
- Add your certifications (but only those relevant to the position).
Top Certifications for your Production Assistant resume
14 Day Video Production Challenge: Plan, Film & Edit Videos
Learn the entire videography process: storyboarding, video lighting, sound recording, cinematography, video editing+
The Assistant Director in filmmaking - Basic level
Basic requirements for the job of an AD in a movie project across Scripting,Pre-production,Production & Post-Production
Video Production Bootcamp: Videography, Cinematography+
Make better videos with the ultimate course on videography: video production, cinematography, editing & distribution.
Video Production Masterclass: Complete Video Camera Course
Learn to Use Any Photography Camera or Video Camera to Make Great Videos With Any Budget for Personal or Business Use
Video Production Masterclass: Beginner to Pro Video Creation
Create Stunning Videos as a Youtuber, Filmmaker, Vlogger, Journalist or Cinematographer. Learn Sound, Lighting & More!
Recommended reads:
PRO TIP
If you hold a certain major and a minor, your majors should be mentioned first.
Choosing the best format for your production assistant resume
The content of your Production Assistant resume is what will get you hired, right?
But even when your content’s amazing and you’re a true over-achiever, recruiters might not think you’re a good fit if your resume looks messy or is not formatted the right way.
In general, there are three basic resume formats we advise you to stick with:
- Reverse-chronological resume format;
- Functional skills-based resume format;
- Combination (or Hybrid) resume format.
Deciding which one to use depends on your experience, the industry, and the company. In short — you need to know what your applicant profile is.
For instance, reverse-chronological resumes are great for people with over 10 years of experience and no employment gaps. Here, you need to list all your relevant experience in a reverse-chronological format, starting from the most recent and going back to less recent positions.
Functional skills-based resumes, on the other hand, are great for entry-level applicants, graduate students, or people who have different kinds of experience. It focuses on skills, education, and character traits, rather than experience.
If none of these work for you, and you dream of adopting a more creative approach that makes a difference, the combination (or hybrid) resume format is exactly what you’re looking for. It allows you to focus on both your experience and your skills, making it a ‘best of both worlds’ format. It’s also suitable for those who want to spice things up by adding different creative sections (e.g. ‘life philosophy’ or ‘what my day looks like’).
Here are some additional tips on perfecting your resume layout and style:
- Go for a traditional resume font sized 12p;
- Use standard 1-inch resume margins for increased readability;
- Make sure your resume fits on a one-page template. In case you’ve got 10 years of experience or more, your resume’s length can reach two pages;
- Avoid unwanted editing and plagiarism – save your resume as PDF before sending it to the recruiters.
Want to take it a step further? Learn how to make your resume stand out without relying too much on creativity.
Recommended reads.":
PRO TIP
Test your draft Production Assistant resume by sending it out to peers and mentors in your circles. Ask them to review it as if they are hiring you for a project and implement the feedback afterwards.
Want to include something more to your production assistant resume?
So you’ve already listed details about your education, experience, and skills. You’ve also crafted an amazing summary.
But now you feel a creative urge to showcase your personality and not just your expertise.
We’ve got you! Thanks to our modern templates, you can now include a chart of what your typical day looks like or even a word or two about your life philosophy. All this without sacrificing your Production Assistant resume’s professional feel.
Some non-traditional sections for your resume include:
Making your production assistant resume stand out
You want to make a strong first impression to all recruiters that get a hold of your resume. Sure you do! But how?
Well, the easiest way to stand out is by adding a bit of creativity to your Production Assistant resume. You could do this by going for a colorful layout or adding a creative section or two. It all depends on the industry and the position you’re applying for!
For instance, a position in design would allow for a more colorful resume, while a position in finance would probably not.
What makes a great production assistant resume: key takeaways
- Choose a resume layout that sends the right message across and fits your current career situation;
- Create a resume header that shows your desired job title, and easy to find contact numbers;
- Be specific about your experience, accomplishments and future goals in your summary;
- Feature detailed metrics and specific examples that show the impact you made in your previous roles when describing your experience;
- List soft skills backed by examples;
- Add all of your technical skills and certifications that you have and match the job description;
- Show off a dash of personality in your resume that will demonstrate your culture fit and the right mix of hard and soft skills.
