Leaving a technical entertainment industry job and pivoting to another field can absolutely work, because you have project-based experience, problem-solving skills, team collaboration abilities, experience working in fast-paced environments, flexibility, relationship management — all highly transferable and appealing!

Including a brief cover letter is important. It is the place to give them information not found on your resume. It is your “sizzle reel” – a chance to share your professional narrative and why you would be the best fit for this position. You need to convince them to take you seriously – that you are committed to the job and not a temporary hire – even if you are.

Here are some key elements to consider when writing a new resume for a career pivot or transition:

1. Be clear about who you are and why you’re applying

• • Have your name and contact information clearly visible at the top of the page
  • Write a 2–3 line summary at the top of your resume.
    • • Briefly mention your background, transferable strengths, and the type of role you’re pursuing.
      • Example: Experienced production professional with experience in project coordination, technical operations, and team leadership –now pivoting into event operations and logistics.

2. Highlight transferable skills

• • Create a “Skills” section near the top.
  • Mix soft skills (like communication, problem-solving, leadership) with relevant technical skills – these can also be framed as “Skills used” or “Highlighted skills” or “Key strengths.”
  • Stress your strong work ethic including promptness, reliability, discretion, resilience, preparedness, forward-thinking – things that are a standard part of working in the entertainment industry
  • Use the exact job title and key phrases from the job ad, but don’t be afraid to sound like yourself!
  • Do an online search on resumes to get ideas on formatting, common skills, and language for different industries or trades. AI might also be helpful.

3. Use industry-neutral language

• • Swap out job titles and jargon for general terms.
    • Gaffer → lighting technician
    • Set Decorator → interior design
    • Stage Manager→ project management
  • Describe your job responsibilities and past performance in ways that anyone can understand.

4. Reframing: focus on achievements, not tasks

• • Emphasize results and problem-solving that are relevant. If you managed a team, saved money, improved a process — say how.

• • Use bullet points to show results that highlight your appeal to the new job:
    • • ✔️ Led a team of 10 to safely install lighting systems under tight deadlines
      • ❌ Worked as a gaffer on multiple sets
  • Don’t list every job you’ve ever worked on – list similar crafts in general terms
    • • From 2021-2025 worked on 15 different projects for multiple productions in the costume department.
      • From 2016 – 2020 worked production operations for high-profile special events managing relationships among stakeholders.

5. Tailor every resume to the job – or at least have two: one that is entertainment industry focused and one that is strictly skills focused for jobs outside the industry

• • Prioritize experience and skills that match the role you’re applying for.
  • Remove unrelated details that distract from your new focus.
  • Include relevant trainings, certifications, and education – this can even be things like OSHA training, CPR or Mental Health First Aid!
  • Be sure to double check spelling and grammar. Getting someone to look over your work is often helpful!
  • If you’re worried about looking over qualified, adjust your resume to match the job description and qualifications, even if it means not listing all your experience or credentials.

6. Show enthusiasm and adaptability

• • People change industries all the time. Hiring managers don’t expect you to be a perfect match — they’re often more impressed by someone who is:
    • • Eager to learn
      • Has a good work ethic
      • Clear on what they will bring to the table
      • Honest and confident in their story

7. Don’t forget to include any professional organizations you belong to

Remember, this doesn’t need to be a “forever” switch of occupations, but being clear about what the person or company potentially hiring you stands to gain may help you land the gig sooner than later.

Personality tests can be useful tools in helping to figure out your work personality. They can help identify jobs that you might be suited for and spell out some of your soft skills for use on your resume. Below are some free and low-cost options, but there are many more available.

Viacharacter.org – the VIA Character Institute has been conducting research on character strengths/ traits for over twenty years. This free survey ranks strengths in order of utilization in your daily life rather than strengths you “do” or “don’t” have.

https://www.truity.com/test/enneagram-personality-test – the Enneagram is a system of personality typing that describes patterns in how people interpret the world and manage their emotions both in the workplace and in their personal lives.

https://my-personality-test.com/true-colours – a quick test of multiple choice questions results in learning what your “color” is and it describes what that represents in more detail. It also provides a quick overview of what kind of jobs/careers would be suitable for each color.

United States
The Entertainment Community Fund Career Center helps you develop and manage a career in the arts through career counseling, skill development workshops, and specialized programming. Our holistic approach takes into consideration the resources you need to manage your arts career, develop freelance and entrepreneurial opportunities, discover meaningful industry-adjacent work or transition to a new career. Learn more at https://entertainmentcommunity.org/services-and-programs/enrich-your-career

Canada
The AFC designs online workshops, events, and digital content to support people working in the entertainment industry. These offerings focus on practical skills, boosting professional resilience, and exploring topics important for people in our sector. Information and resources are also available for those exploring work outside the industry or diversifying their careers. Together with robust programming and content in financial wellness and mental health, The AFC’s goal is to help entertainment professionals build and maintain long-term, fulfilling careers. Learn more at AFCHelps.ca

If you are looking for a job in different part of the entertainment industry: read industry publications, sign up for any available e-newsletters, attend industry tradeshows and conferences (many companies exhibit in order to find new employees and free floor passes are available from many companies and publications), check industry job boards, check the websites of industry publications (many of the ads are for companies that are hiring).

Entertainment Industry Job Boards

United States

• https://circle.tcg.org/resources/jobs
• https://staging.offstagejobs.com
• https://theateroutsource.com
• https://www.livedesignonline.com/keyword/careers
• https://www.usitt.org/jobs
• https://giggs.live
• https://www.showbizjobs.com
• https://www.stage32.com/find-jobs
• https://www.productionhub.com/crew-and-vendor-leads
• https://www.entertainmentcareers.net
• https://www.hollylist.com/listings
• http://staffmeup.com
• https://crewup.co
• https://www.media-match.com/usa/jobsboard
• https://www.productionbeast.com

Canada

• https://www.citt.org/cgi/page.cgi/job_board.html
• https://reelcanada.ca/reel-opportunities/careers-in-film/
• https://www.entertainmentcareers.net
• https://www.productionhub.com/crew-and-vendor-leads

Volunteering is a strategy that can help you develop skills, make contacts and expand your knowledge in unexpected ways.

Don’t be afraid to explore volunteer opportunities – from those in a potential new career pathway to engaging with your local community. Volunteering can also be a boost for your mental health during a transitional time. Be sure to include your volunteer service on your resume.