Prof Practice - Applying for Jobs

As part of my professional practice module, I am required to evidence anything which relates to that subject. In this post I will be discussing job searches and applications, which are both things I have been conducting recently. Outside of my academic study, I work part time at ELIOR UK, one of the largest hospitality contractors in the UK. I have worked there since leaving school in July of 2013. I have always had financial stability provided from my part time work, throughout my studies at college and my degree at CCAD. My personal development has came a long way through having a customer service based job, where I am required to ensure that the customer has a faultless experience. My job at Eliot, which also requires me to act as a representative of Sunderland Football Club, has enabled me to grow in confidence and has refined my interpersonal skills. I see having a job that is customer facing as a key aspect of being able to interact well with people (especially film crews, which require consistent team work). During a recent shift I had an informal discussion with my manager regarding the current state of affairs at Sunderland Football Club. The club are in a dismal position, which hasn't happened in many years. This has effected the hospitality staff significantly, and has caused job losses across other parts of the club too. We discussed the possibility of me losing my job, and although it is not definite, I decided it is within my best interest to act on it anyway. As part of my professional practice I also created two CVs. I did this to ensure I could divide the type of work I was applying for - and in doing this I could use the most relevant CV. The first CV is my labouring CV which I am using to secure part time work. I will use this to sell myself to potential employers, where they can see my past employers and the skills I have that are necessary to requirement. My second CV is my academic CV. This one demonstrates my skill and qualifications gained primarily through education. Opposed to the first CV which aims to sell me as an employee, the second sells my work as a filmmaker - and gives whoever reading it the incentive to place trust in my specific area (directing). 

This is my working CV; 

This is my academic CV; 

I began the process of looking at other part time jobs within the area. I looked at part time work that would be able to tide me over financially whilst doing my Masters Degree at Newcastle University. I'm also keen to work for personal development and the ability to enhance my CV. Ideally I'd like weekend work, but for now I'm looking to get my foot in the door as a precautionary measure in case I do actually lose my current job. I signed up to a website called 'indeed' which allows you to create a minimalist CV, which you can use to apply for jobs at the click of a button. This is what an indeed CV looks like:

I used my CV on indeed to apply for a couple of jobs which I found I was qualified for. I also provided alongside the CV a covering letter, briefly outlining why I felt I was qualified for the job, and also to inform the employer of my skills and qualifications. Below is an example of a covering letter which I provided on my 'Indeed' application; 

"I am an innovative forward thinker, who is highly motivated, open-minded, and willing and able to adapt to new workplace situations. I have exceptional interpersonal skills honed by my years of experience working in a fast-paced environment, and can build a rapport with customers which is essential to any business."

Below are two of the jobs I applied to for part time work. The first application is to EMPIRE cinemas and the second is for Revolution Bars. I prioritized both of these opportunities because they met my criteria - they are accessible, and I believe I am qualified to work in both of those working environments. 

Empire Cinemas Ltd

Revolution Bars Group PLC 

I also looked at part time jobs in Newcastle that could go along side my Masters Degree at Newcastle University. Whilst looking for jobs in Newcastle, opposed to the generic part time laboring jobs I found in Sunderland, what I found were jobs that could actually benefit my position as a film student, and as an individual striking to make it in the Film Industry. The first job I found was a service assistant position for Tyneside bar/cafe, which is situated within Tyneside Cinema. The cinema is a hugely successful one in the heart of Newcastle, which attracts and displays the talent of local and international filmmakers. Opposed to the standard Leisure or 'complex' cinema, Tyneside engages with the audience and filmmakers. Despite the job only being for Tyneside cafe, I think this is a potential gold-mine for someone like myself. It gives me the opportunity to see first hand how a cinema is ran, and it allows me to build contacts through that network. Tyneside is constantly working toward bringing in emerging filmmakers for Q&A sessions, of which I recently attended with the British director 'Ben Wheatley'. Working there would provide me with the opportunity to potentially make contacts with industry professionals. All whilst working without creative involvement or responsibility to a project. Below is my application for Tyneside Cinema. 

My second application within newcastle was to the BALTIC centre for contemporary arts. BALTIC were looking for casual gallery staff, e.g. people who are enthusiastic about art, good with people and can have discussions about the exhibitions to visitors etc. Much like the job opportunity at Tyneside, I felt like as well as this being a part time job its also a great chance for me to further my contacts and my working CV simultaneously. This type of work lends itself to the creative type and would allow me to further myself in my studies and in my work life simultaneously. Below is my application to BALTIC.