I have often seen questions raised on whether Voice Over Artists need resumes (or as we call them in the UK CV’s-Curriculum Vitae). So much of our casting process is invested into custom audition samples that having a resume might seem superfluous, but as in any profession, a CV is a calling card and provides an opportunity to highlight your abilities. Recently I’ve noticed that Agents and Professional Casters are requesting a CV as part of their submission process. As with any hiring process, perhaps its being used as a weeding out tool (Maybe quicker than listening to all the demos?). What do you bring to the table, what skills do you have, what kind of clients are you booking?
With the industry as competitive as it is, I would say definitely make or update your CV and have it on hand.
Also have one copy with your full name and another with your first name and initial, there are several places that do not allow your full name.
Even if you are starting out, it can be a motivation to take classes and showcase general acting or entertainment skills that relate to voice acting so you have enough voice over related material to put on it. Even things like skills & hobbies might lead to castings!
Also, a lot of the information on a CV is similar to what is needed on Casting sites, Production House forms and so is a valuable personal reference to use too. There are some great resume’ templates (I use Canva) that help with ensuring you have a professional look and can guide you on the information to put on it. The general rule of thumb is to review it at least once every 6 months to a year.
Besides a resume and a website, another important factor to showcase who you are is your social media presence. We all try and have one. There are of course, two edges to this particular sword. It can be a force for good or bad publicity! Stay positive and avoid some of the vitriol that swirls around. Post news about your own business but also share in other people's successes. Some casting directors will check out what you are saying and how you act in these public forums.
If you don’t have anything personal to post, then share interesting voice over related content and make connections. I’ve even seen casting notices that say that a strong social media presence is preferred.
We can help market and popularize our VO gigs in our social media world, and I’d suggest you maintain a profile on the big 5 –Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Linked In & YouTube. A lot of voice over artists find social media niches on Tik Tok (who hasn’t seen the @noble_son VO challenge doing the rounds at the moment) 3.3M hits to date) Pinterest, Discord (I have two clients who run their live sessions via Discord) and Twitch, so consider these forums as well.
Consider branching out to interest groups outside of Voiceover. Remember you are a business and whilst a fair amount of casting happens between VO friends on Social Media, there is a great deal more that happens beyond that.
This being said, be careful of over exposure. If you see something too much, you stop really seeing it. OEWA, over exposure without value is one of these phenomena. Although it is rare, it can happen. Social media has so many layers, the algorithm’s keep changing, we are all chasing optimized SEO’s, showcasing our strengths- all leading up to being listened to, being cast and creating a successful career as a voice actor. So put your best face to the world and let casters know you are both talented and responsible.