Animators: Embed Your Demo Reel Atop Your CV

Why is it important to embed your demo reel at the top of your CV or resume? Because when a studio is sifting through the applications for a new animation role, it will likely start with a stack of CVs. 

And, since the single most important factor in impressing a new studio with your talent is your demo reel, a link to this needs to be front and centre at the top of your CV.  If it isn't, the danger is that they move on to the next candidate. 

Make your work easy to find, and easy to link.  No special passwords, no dead links. Do this one thing and you'll be ahead of 50% of the competition. 

How to Write a Cover Letter

How do you write a good cover letter? And what does one look like anyway?  Everyone knows you need to write a cover letter to get a job, but lots of students get stuck at the point of actually writing one. So, to make things simple, check out our sample cover letter below.

A cover letter is like any normal letter. You put your own name, address, telephone number and email address at the top. Make it easy for them to contact you. Add the url of your website and/or demo reel (if you haven't done that yet, do it first).

Below that, you put the company's name and address. Address the letter to the person who does hiring at the company - most likely their head of recruitment or HR.  Below is our suggested template; feel free to edit it and personalise it to make it your own.

Six Rules to Create a Great CV

CV stands for Curriculum Vitae - in Latin: "the story of your life". In the USA it is known as a résumé.  Whatever the name, its purpose is to summarise your education, life history and skills as clearly and concisely as possible, and to put the best possible gloss on your achievements. 

Employers will expect one, so it's worth spending some time on it to get it right. And yes, even animators need a CV. Your demo reel may be your main calling card, but your CV still matters.

The good news is this: once you've done it, all you need do is edit it periodically and update it.  Below are our Six Rules for creating a great CV or resume.