Camera Operator Resume With Sample and Practical Tips
A camera operator job is exciting and fulfilling, especially for individuals who love being around action. This field is diverse, and you get to work in different productions. You can film anything from movies, live music and sporting events, or local shows. The opportunities are limitless, and each job gives you a different experience.
Mark Becker Camera Operator 029-247-997 markbecker@gmail.com San Francisco, CA linkedin.com/in/markbecker
Professional Summary
Accomplished and professionally trained camera operator with eight years of experience in live broadcasts. Successful in using various camera equipment to deliver meaningful stories and interviews through multiple media channels. Skilled researcher with exceptional interpersonal and writing skills.
Work experience
Amblin Partners Robotic Camera Operator June 2014-May 2018
Operated robotic cameras to record scenes that were hard to capture using normal cameras and complicated frame shots for music videos.
Led the camera operation of various documentaries, reality shows, red-carpet premieres, and other special events.
Trained more than ten camera operators on all matters relating to filming, including lighting requirements for every set, editing footage, filming sequences, and post-production process.
Searchlight Pictures Camera Operator March 2012-April 2014
Responsible for setting up media equipment needed at remote stations for live broadcasts and promotions.
Assisted with all technical aspects of the video production process in a live broadcast environment.
Set up cameras and coordinated with lighting technicians and other crew members to ensure the set was ready before interviews and shoots.
Education
Bachelor's Degree in Communications South Dakota State University 2016
As more individuals get interested in this field, the competition is getting stiffer. Before you get one of these coveted positions, you need to craft a camera operator resume that showcases your experience and extraordinary camera skills.
This article will give you some ideas to help you craft your professional resume. Also, check out our resume examples. Here are some of the topics we'll cover in this article.
How to add your professional camera operation experience.
The most sought-after skills in camera operators.
The best format and layout for your resume.
The relevant sections you should have in your camera operator resume.
Salary & Employment Rates for Camera Operators
According to the U.S Bureau of Statistics, the overall employment of film and video editors and camera operators is projected to grow 12 percent from 2021 to 2031.
The industries with the highest levels of employment in Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film:
Motion Picture and Video Industries
Radio and Television Broadcasting
Cable and Other Subscription Programming
Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services
Other Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
The average salary for a camera operator is $43,000. The typical range is between $35,000 and $52,000, depending on the level of education, experience, and skills.
How to Write an Effective Resume for a Camera Operator
Camera operators need to showcase their expertise in recording footage for various productions. Knowledge of camera systems and equipment should be evident in your resume. Always check the job description to find out what the recruiter is looking for and tailor your resume to match their requirements.
Hiring managers don't have much time to review resumes, so it's always advisable to keep it short by summarizing all your qualifications on one page. Also, optimize your resume by using keywords and action verbs. Once you've added all your qualifications, proofread your resume to ensure that it doesn't have any mistakes that could cost you the opportunity.
Consider the resume layout, format, and structure.
Best Format For Your Resume
The right format as you list your qualifications is key. Choose any of these three formats for your resume:
Reverse-chronological format - This format is perfect for candidates who have worked for many years in camera operations.
Functional resume format - This format is suitable for recent graduates and career changers who don't have much experience in camera operation. It focuses on the skills they've gained in school or other jobs.
Hybrid/combination resume - This format combines the best features of the two other formats. If you have the required skills and experience in camera operation, this format is perfect for you.
The layout should make it easy for the recruiter to read your resume. Always use fonts that are easy to read, like Cambria, Calibri, Times New Roman, Helvetica, Verdana, and Georgia. A font size of 10-12pt is always recommended.
The structure of your camera operator resume should have the following sections:
The header section
Resume summary/resume objective
Work experience
Education section
Skill section
An additional section (interests, languages, computer skills and certifications)
Start Your Resume with the Header
The header has your contact and personal details. These details must be correct to allow the recruiter to reach you easily. This information includes:
Your full name
Job title
Phone number
Professional email address
Location
A link to your LinkedIn profile or portfolio
Correct example
CORRECT
James Ward
Camera Operator
274-008-477
jamesward@gmail.com
Georgetown, TX
linkedin.com/in/jamesward
Incorrect example
INCORRECT
James Ward
Camera Operator
274-008-477
jamesward@gmail.com
1991 Brentwood Drive
House number 05
Georgetown, TX
Date of birth 02/02/2000
linkedin.com/in/jamesward
📌The header should always be short and to the point. Focus on the relevant details and leave out any personal details that the recruiter doesn’t need.
Describe Your Professional Experience As A Camera Operator
Your work experience in this field plays a significant role in helping you secure a camera operator position. As we mentioned, this career allows you to work in multiple fields. There are many different cameras for various productions. Depending on the position you're applying for, be specific and give details of the camera you're conversant with, if possible.
Describe your employment history by listing two or three previous jobs. Under each job, list three to five job responsibilities and quantify them with figures or facts that show the hiring manager what you can do if given the opportunity. The structure of this section should start with the name of the workplace, your job title, and the period you worked at each place.
It's always advisable to prioritize relevant work experience. However, if you're starting your career and don't have relevant experience, add your volunteer and internship experiences and highlight the transferable skills you gained.
Example for an entry-level camera operator
Searchlight Pictures
Camera Operator
January 2012-July 2015
Traveled to various locations and composed reviews of events and instructional videos used for all social media platforms.
Made arrangements for post-production activities like video editing for three different shows every month.
Collaborated with the audio operator to ensure sound equipment was ready before all live events.
Example for an experienced camera operator
Bell Media
Lead Camera Operator
June 2016-May 2018
Operated remote cameras to ensure that all angles were covered during live-to-air productions.
Used cameras in several different camera mounts to capture raw footage of live-to-tape content, which made it easy to achieve the desired effects during video editing.
Supervised a team of ten camera operators and assigned duties during pre-recorded shoots and live broadcasts.
Boost Your Resume with Your Academic Qualifications
Camera operator jobs will vary; some will require a bachelor's degree, and some will not. Always read through the job ad to determine the recruiter's qualifications and tailor this section accordingly.
If you don't have much experience, use this section to list some of the relevant courses from your associate's or bachelor's degree that have prepared you for the position. You don't have to add the high school diploma if you have a bachelor's degree or Master's.
The structure of your education section should have the name of the degree/diploma, the name of the school, and the year of graduation.
Correct example
Bachelor's Degree in Film Production
Robert Morris University
2016
Strengthen Your Resume with Your Skills
The skills section highlights the top abilities that help you do your job effectively. Most hiring managers look for specific skills in a camera operator, and if you don't have them on your resume, you miss out on the opportunity.
Your resume should have a list of hard and soft skills. Hard skills are the ones you learn at school and might need some time to practice before you perfect them. Soft skills don't require time to learn. These are character traits that help you interact with people.
The skills should be in bullet-point form to make it easy to spot and scan them on ATS systems. Use the job description to help you determine some of the skills you should have on your resume. The right skills on your resume with the correct wording/language increase your chances of landing an interview.
Here is a list of skills to consider for your camera operator resume.
Hard skills
Video editing
Quality control
Television production
Video production
Filming sequences
Robotic camera operation
Audio recording
Framing of camera shots
Soft skills
Interpersonal skills
Excellent communication
Time management
Decision-making
Teamwork
Attention to detail
Multi-tasking skills
Organizational skills
Introducing Your Professional Summary
Use a professional summary to summarize your experience, skills, and top accomplishments as a camera operator. It's the second section of your resume, which also introduces your resume, so it must be interesting to read and catchy to get the recruiter's attention. Keep it short with only three to four sentences.
Correct example
CORRECT
Meticulous Camera Operator with seven years of experience in television production. Strong background in motion pictures, television, and live broadcasts. Proven ability to provide creative input to ensure 100% customer satisfaction. Skilled in operating television cameras and directing other crew members to record scenes as instructed by clients, increasing customer referrals by 15%.
💡The example above describes the candidate's experience and highlights specific accomplishments that will immediately get the recruiter's attention.
Incorrect example
INCORRECT
Independent camera operator with office and on-set experience. Proficient user of television cameras and other photo equipment. Extensive knowledge of Final Cut Pro.
💡This example is too general and fails to highlight an accomplishment that separates them from the other candidates.
Professional Objective
Recent graduates and career changers must also introduce their resumes in a catchy manner that gets the recruiter's attention. However, they may not have the required experience and accomplishments. The professional objective allows them to introduce their resumes by highlighting their professional goals and expressing their interest in the camera operator position.
Correct example
CORRECT
Hardworking camera operator with excellent video production skills. Strong track record for turning concepts into entertaining and inspiring movies and shows using different filming sequences. Extensive expertise in television studio shoots and live events. Looking for an opportunity at a top media company like Lantern Media.
💡The example above gives a detailed description of the candidate's skills and professional goals. It also expresses the candidate's interest in the position.
Include Additional Sections on Your Camera Operator Resume
The job market in the film industry is competitive, so you need to set yourself apart to get the position you want. An additional section allows you to highlight the skills and other qualifications that make you unique. Use our resume templates which will help you structure this section.
Here are some of the sections you should consider on your resume.
Computer Skills and Certifications
Camera operators may be required to assist in video editing, which requires computer skills. Knowledge of editing software and Ms. Office will put you ahead of the other candidates who don't have this qualification. Adding it under this section ensures that the hiring manager sees it quickly.
A certification in this field always gives you an edge over the other candidates. Add all your relevant certifications in this section to ensure that the recruiter sees them easily. Here are some certifications for camera operators that will allow you to stand out.
Avid Certified User: Media Composer
Avid Certified Professional: Media Composer
Languages
Working on different sets means interacting with many people from various cultures. Hiring managers prefer bilingual candidates, so your language skills should be easy to spot on your resume. Use the official language reference when listing the languages as follows:
Goethe Zertifikat or TestDaF for German
SIELE for Spanish
DELF for French
IELTS or TOEFL for English
Interests
Not all hiring managers will be interested in who you are outside of work. Always check the company you're applying to before adding the interests to ensure they are aligned with the company culture.
Tips & Tricks to Enhance Your Resume
Start your resume with an engaging resume summary/objective that captures the recruiter's attention.
Use keywords and action verbs from the job description to optimize your resume.
Research the company you want to apply to and match the tone and style depending on their culture.
Always choose a layout that's easy to read and understand.
Tailor each resume to match your potential employer's requirements.
Check your resume before sending it out to ensure it has no mistakes.
Summary: Key Points for Writing a Perfect Camera Operator Resume
Add your contact information and personal details in the header section.
List your employment history and job duties in the work experience section.
Always prioritize the relevant skills and experience.
Quantify your achievements as you list your duties using figures and facts.
List your transferable skills from other jobs and school if you don't have much experience.
Describe your academic background in the education section.
Write a Cover Letter To Complement Your Resume
A cover letter is a major part of your application that should not be left out unless the recruiter says they don't require one. It gives more details about your qualifications but allows you to inject some personality and showcase your writing skills. Check out our cover letter examples and get some ideas that you can incorporate into yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which top companies are hiring camera operators?
Some of the companies hiring camera operators include:
Weather Group Television LLC
Nexstar Broadcasting
RUN Studios
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Hearst Media Services
Rochester Hockey
National Football League
Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie
Which are some of the industries hiring television, video, and motion picture camera operators and editors?
Advertising, public relations, and related services
CORRECT
INCORRECT
