Crafting a CV that effectively showcases your mixing skills, musical knowledge, and gig history can be particularly challenging in the competitive DJ realm. Our guide offers tailored advice on how to highlight your unique talents, ensuring your application resonates with club promoters and music event organisers.
- Applying best practices from real-world examples to ensure your profile always meets recruiters' expectations;
- What to include in your work experience section, apart from your past roles and responsibilities?
- Why are both hard and soft skills important for your application?
- How do you need to format your CV to pass the Applicant Tracker Software (ATS) assessment?
If you're writing your CV for a niche dj role, make sure to get some inspiration from professionals:
Formatting your dj CV to meet the role expectations
Staring at the blank page for hours on end, you still have no idea how you should start your professional dj CV. Should you include more colours, two columns, and which sections? What you should remember about your CV format is this - ensure it's minimalistic and doesn't go over the top with fancy fonts and many colours. Instead, focus on writing consistent content that actually answers the job requirements. But, how about the design itself :- Use the reverse chronological order to showcase your experience, starting with your most recent role;
- Include your contact details (email address, phone number, and location) - and potentially your professional photo - in the header;
- Must-have CV sections include summary or objective, experience, education, and skills: curate the ones that fit your profile;
- Your professional dj CV should be between one-to-two pages long: select the longer format if you have more experience.
A little bit more about your actual CV design, ensure you're using:
- plenty of serif or sans serif font (e.g. Montserrat, Exo 2, Volkhov) as they are Applicant Tracker System (ATS) compliant. Avoid the likes of Arial and Times New Roman because most candidates' CVs are in this typography.
When submitting your CV, are you still not sure what format it should be? Despite the myth that has been circling around, most modern ATS systems are perfectly capable of reading PDFs. This format is an excellent choice as it keeps all of your information intact.
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Use bold or italics sparingly to draw attention to key points, such as job titles, company names, or significant achievements. Overusing these formatting options can dilute their impact.
The top sections on a dj CV
- DJ Performance Experience highlights your hands-on DJ gigs.
- Technical Skills section showcases your proficiency with DJ software and equipment.
- Music Genre Specialisation identifies your specific expertise in music styles.
- Event Types Covered indicates the variety of events you've played at.
- References and Testimonials provide credibility through past clients’ feedback.
What recruiters value on your CV:
- Highlight your diverse music selection and your ability to cater to different audiences, showcasing previous gigs and the variety of genres you are comfortable spinning.
- Detail your technical proficiency with DJ equipment and software, mentioning any advanced skills with turntablism, beat matching, or music production that can set you apart.
- Emphasise your experience with event types (clubs, weddings, festivals), showing your versatility and ability to create the right atmosphere for any occasion.
- Include notable achievements or recognition such as DJ battles won, residencies held, or any high-profile events or venues where you have performed.
- Don’t forget to mention your networking skills and your ability to promote events across various social media platforms, which is crucial for both self-promotion and event success.
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Tips and tricks on writing a job-winning dj CV header
The CV header is the space which most recruiters would be referring most often to, in the beginning and end of your application. That is as the CV header includes your contact details, but also a headline and a professional photo. When writing your CV header:
- Double-check your contact details for spelling errors or if you've missed any digits. Also, ensure you've provided your personal details, and not your current work email or telephone number;
- Include your location in the form of the city and country you live in. If you want to be more detailed, you can list your full address to show proximity to your potential work place;
- Don't include your CV photo, if you're applying for roles in the UK or US, as this may bias initial recruiters' assessments;
- Write a professional headline that either integrates the job title, some relevant industry keywords, or your most noteworthy achievement.
In the next part of our guide, we'll provide you with professional CVs that showcase some of the best practices when it comes to writing your headline.
Examples of good CV headlines for dj:
- Resident DJ & Music Producer | Deep House Specialist | Advanced Mixing Certificate | 3+ Years Experience
- Club DJ & Event Manager | High-Energy Performances | Crowd Engagement Expert | 5 Years On Stage
- Radio DJ & Audio Technician | Voice-Over Pro | Broadcast Quality Control | 10 Years In Radio
- Wedding DJ & Playlist Curator | Bespoke Event Soundtracks | Customer Satisfaction Leader | 7 Years Making Memories
- Festival DJ & Sound Engineer | Live Set Virtuoso | Pro Audio Setup | Certified | 8-Year Stage Veteran
- Corporate Event DJ | Refined Playlist Selection | Seamless Sound Transition | Senior DJ with 12 Years Experience
Catching recruiters' attention with your dj CV summary or objective
Located closer to the top of your CV, both the summary and objective are no more than five sentences long and serve as an introduction to your experience. What is more, you could use either to entice recruiters to read on. Select the:
- Summary, if you happen to have plenty of relevant experience. Feature your most impressive accomplishments and up to three skills that are relevant to the job you're applying for;
- Objective, if you're just starting your career off. Provide your career goals and answer how you see the role you are applying for will match your professional growth.
Judging which one you need to add to your dj CV may at times seem difficult. That’s why you need to check out how professionals, with similar to your experience, have written their summary or objective, in the examples below:
CV summaries for a dj job:
- Seasoned DJ with over a decade of experience captivating audiences in London's most prestigious clubs. Renowned for a masterful blend of techno and electronic beats, expertly utilising Pioneer DJ equipment, with the highlight being a headline set at the Ministry of Sound for their annual New Year's Eve bash.
- Versatile disc jockey with 7 years' tenure turning tables at Ibiza's hottest venues, revered for a specialty in house music and crowd-reading abilities. Prides himself on a comprehensive digital library of tracks and flawless transitions, most notably performing at the acclaimed Space Ibiza closing fiesta.
- Former music producer with 5 years' experience in the recording industry looking to pivot into DJing full-time. Equipped with advanced knowledge of Ableton Live, confident in curating sets that weave hip-hop and dance music, and eagerly seeking to bring fresh energy to electronic music scenes worldwide.
- Accomplished concert pianist with a deep-rooted passion for electronic dance music, eager to merge classical training with modern DJing. Already familiar with Traktor DJ software and now pursuing the thrill of live performance, aiming to create unforgettable experiences for club-goers across Europe.
- Aspiring DJ with no formal experience but with a profound love for music and entertainment, eager to learn the intricacies of professional DJing. Committed to developing a unique sound by harnessing the power of FL Studio and building on personal mixes crafted for local events and online platforms.
- Music enthusiast with a vast knowledge of various genres seeks to embark on a DJ career, bringing a fresh perspective to the scene. Intent on mastering the use of Serato DJ Pro and eager to transform a passion for music curation into memorable nights for party-goers in the vibrant city of Manchester.
How to meet job requirements with your dj CV experience
We've now reached the essence of your actual CV - your experience section. This is the space where you can list your career roles and on-the-job successes. Many candidates tend to underestimate just how much time and effort they should put into writing this CV section. Your experience shouldn't be a random list of your responsibilities, but instead:
- Match the job description with your skills, values, and accomplishments;
- Start each bullet with a strong action verb, followed up with one key skill and your outcome of applying this skill;
- Spotlight parts of your career history that are relevant to the job you're applying for.
Before we move on, make sure to check out some professional CV experience sections.
Best practices for your CV's work experience section
- Played a diverse range of music genres to suit various events, maintaining a high energy atmosphere and reading the crowd to adjust the set list real-time.
- Collaborated with event organisers to create custom playlists and themes for weddings, corporate events, and private parties, ensuring each occasion had a personalised touch.
- Leveraged high-quality DJ equipment including controllers, mixers, and software such as Serato DJ and Traktor, to deliver flawless performances with minimal technical issues.
- Managed sound levels and audio mixing to produce a seamless auditory experience, while also implementing special effects to enhance the audience engagement.
- Built and maintained a vast music library, continually updating it with the latest tracks as well as timeless classics, catering to a broad demographic.
- Engaged with guests and patrons via microphone to create a dynamic and interactive environment, often acting as the MC to direct the event’s flow.
- Networked with other industry professionals, including club owners, promoters, and fellow DJs, to secure regular gigs and expand my presence in the music scene.
- Utilised social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to promote upcoming events, grow a following, and share my music mixes to a wider audience.
- Displayed strong organisational skills by coordinating equipment setup and breakdown, ensuring timely arrival and readiness for each performance.
- Performed live DJ sets at Ministry of Sound, consistently drawing crowds of 1000+ attendees, increasing venue revenue by 20% during events.
- Curated a unique selection of tracks that increased the club’s popularity among the underground music scene, contributing to a 30% rise in social media engagement.
- Implemented an innovative digital mixing setup, enhancing the overall sound quality and guest experience, leading to a 15% increase in repeat patronage.
- Provided bespoke entertainment for over 200 events including weddings, corporate events, and private parties, significantly exceeding client satisfaction targets.
- Spearheaded a successful marketing strategy that improved booking rates by 50% within the first year through strategic use of social media and word-of-mouth promotions.
- Developed unique playlists and performance styles tailored to diverse audience demographics, substantially enhancing the event atmosphere and client feedback.
- Headlined at Creamfields Festival, attracting record-breaking crowds and contributing to the event’s highest-ever reported satisfaction ratings.
- Collaborated with international artists to produce unique sets, increasing cross-promotion opportunities and expanding fanbase by 40%.
- Utilized cutting-edge synthesis and sampling techniques to create immersive audio experiences, enhancing festival-goers' engagement and heightening critical acclaim.
- Hosted a popular weekly radio show on BBC Radio 1 that reached over 2 million listeners, consistently ranking in the top 10 for the late-night time slot.
- Launched a series of exclusive mixes that trended on digital platforms, solidifying brand reputation and increasing listener engagement by 25%.
- Pioneered interactive segments that allowed listener participation through social media, driving the show’s reach and online community growth.
- Established a weekly residency at Pacha Ibiza, elevating the venue's status to a top destination for electronic music enthusiasts worldwide.
- Led the creative direction for nightly performances, integrating visual art for a complete sensory experience, boosting customer satisfaction rates by 35%.
- Negotiated successful partnerships with record labels for exclusive track debuts, positioning Pacha as a leader in premier music showcases.
- Engaged with audiences through dynamic performances at Fabric, contributing to a 20% year-over-year growth in ticket sales.
- Crafted bespoke soundscapes for themed nights, enhancing the Fabric brand identity as a cutting-edge music venue.
- Mentored upcoming DJs, sharing technical expertise and performance insights which improved the club's talent acquisition and retention.
- Regularly performed to full-capacity audiences at Berghain, establishing a reputation for high-energy sets that became a benchmark for the club's musical direction.
- Integrated state-of-the-art sound technology to enrich audio experiences, leading to a 25% increase in positive venue reviews.
- Introduced loyalty incentives for patrons who attended themed music nights, resulting in increased repeat visits by 30%.
- Secured a prestigious residency at Space Ibiza, demonstrating advanced mixing skills that contributed to the venue's global fame and full bookings each season.
- Produced and released a chart-topping dance album that earned accolades and played a pivotal role in shaping the contemporary electronic dance music scene.
- Launched an educational program for DJs, leveraging expertise to cultivate new talent and enhancing the club’s reputation for nurturing successful artists.
Lacking professional expertise: how to write your CV to highlight your best talents
Don't count on your lucky stars when you're applying for a role, where you happen to have less (or almost none) professional experience. Recruiters sometimes do hire inexperienced candidates if they're able to present their unique value from the get-go. So, instead of opting for the traditional, CV experience section:
- List any applicable expertise you happen to have - no matter if it's a part-time job, internship, or volunteer work. This would hint to recruiters that your profile is relevant;
- Focus your CV on your transferrable skills or talents you've obtained thanks to your whole life and work experience. In effect, you'll be spotlighting your value as a candidate;
- Separate more space for your applicable academic background and certificates to show you have the technical know-how;
- Ensure that within your objective, you've defined why you'll like the job and how you'll be the perfect match for it. Always ensure you've tailored your CV to individual applications.
Looking for more good examples for your first job? We'll show you how other candidates, with less professional experience, have created their job-winning CVs.
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Include examples of how you adapted to new tools, environments, or work cultures, showing your flexibility.
Describing your unique skill set using both hard skills and soft skills
Your dj CV provides you with the perfect opportunity to spotlight your talents, and at the same time - to pass any form of assessment. Focusing on your skill set across different CV sections is the way to go, as this would provide you with an opportunity to quantify your achievements and successes. There's one common, very simple mistake, which candidates tend to make at this stage. Short on time, they tend to hurry and mess up the spelling of some of the key technologies, skills, and keywords. Copy and paste the particular skill directly from the job requirement to your CV to pass the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessment. Now, your CV skills are divided into:
- Technical or hard skills, describing your comfort level with technologies (software and hardware). List your aptitude by curating your certifications, on the work success in the experience section, and technical projects. Use the dedicated skills section to provide recruiters with up to twelve technologies, that match the job requirements, and you're capable of using.
- People or soft skills provide you with an excellent background to communicate, work within a team, solve problems. Don't just copy-paste that you're a "leader" or excel at "analysis". Instead, provide tangible metrics that define your success inusing the particular skill within the strengths, achievements, summary/ objective sections.
Top skills for your dj CV:
Music Mixing
Beat Matching
Sound Board Operation
Music Library Management
Turntablism
Scratching
Audio Equipment Maintenance
Live Performance Management
Music Production
Sound Editing
Creativity
Adaptability
Networking
Audience Engagement
Communication
Stress Management
Passion for Music
Time Management
Attention to Detail
Teamwork
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Use mini case studies or success stories in your CV to demonstrate how your skills have positively impacted previous roles or projects.
Listing your university education and certificates on your dj CV
The best proof of your technical capabilities would be your education and certifications sections. Your education should list all of your relevant university degrees, followed up by their start and completion dates. Make sure to also include the name of the university/-ies you graduated from. If you happen to have less professional experience (or you deem it would be impressive and relevant to your application), spotlight in the education section:
- that you were awarded a "First" degree;
- industry-specific coursework and projects;
- extracurricular clubs, societies, and activities.
When selecting your certificates, first ask yourself how applicable they'd be to the role. Ater your initial assessment, write the certificate and institution name. Don't miss out on including the completion date. In the below panel, we've curated relevant examples of industry-leading certificates.
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Focus on describing skills in the context of the outcomes they’ve helped you achieve, linking them directly to tangible results or successes in your career.
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Key takeaways
Your successful job application depends on how you well you have aligned your dj CV to the job description and portrayed your best skills and traits. Make sure to:
- Select your CV format, so that it ensures your experience is easy to read and understand;
- Include your professional contact details and a link to your portfolio, so that recruiters can easily get in touch with you and preview your work;
- Write a CV summary if you happen to have more relevant professional experience. Meanwhile, use the objective to showcase your career dreams and ambitions;
- In your CV experience section bullets, back up your individual skills and responsibilities with tangible achievements;
- Have a healthy balance between hard and soft skills to answer the job requirements and hint at your unique professional value.
