skip to main content

Get Noticed! CV / Profile Workshop Highlights

To celebrate Young Workers’ Month, the Musicians’ Union (MU) hosted ‘Get Noticed!’, a CV / profile boosting workshop led by FEU Training. Here are some of the highlights.

Published: 30 November 2016 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:28 PM
Your CV needs to hit the right note for each job you are applying for. But one size does not fit all. So where do you start?

To celebrate Young Workers’ Month, the Musicians’ Union (MU) hosted ‘Get Noticed!’, a CV / profile boosting workshop led by FEU Training for MU, Equity, National Union of Journalists and The Writers' Guild members age 30 and under. Coaches Muriel and Sue dished out their advice on all aspects of CV and profile writing. Here are some of the highlights…

“Remember your CV is the only evidence of who you are and what you do,” advises Muriel. Employers and engagers look at so many CVs and profiles that every time they pick one up, they are actively looking for reasons to put it down and move on to the next one. One key question to ask, says Muriel, is what would make you read a CV to the end? Try showing what you’ve got to family and friends, and asking what your CV or profile tells them about you.

“Make it honest. It’s equally dishonest to not talk about your achievements as it is to big them up,” says Muriel. “Never put anything false. Your credibility will plummet,” she adds. You need to show your work on the big projects, without taking credit for them. Otherwise it could put you in an awkward situation in an interview, and put future job prospects at risk.

“Space is precious on a CV, so it’s about weaving things in,” suggests Muriel. Before putting anything in to your CV or profile, think about what it is and what it tells the employer / engager about you. Be careful with generic bolt-ons and random facts unless they have demonstrable relevance, says Muriel. And if you have different skillsets, adds Sue, it is okay to have different CVs for each one.

“It’s about knowing your markets…. Do as much research as you can,” says Sue. You may think you know what employers / engagers want really well. But you should still look into who you are sending your CV or profile to, what they need, and what they want. 

“We can never assume covering letters are read first and CVs, second,” Sue tells us. Muriel suggests a paragraph at the top of your CV or profile highlighting the most relevant key points – especially if crucial information is stuck further down your CV or creeping over onto the second page.

“Work out how your CV is going to land,” advises Sue. Make sure it is easy to understand. If it is difficult to read for any reason, your CV might be put in the ‘no’ pile – especially if it’s being read on a phone or on the go. Check, double check, and triple check for typos. Ask someone else to do the same. Avoid minute text, cramped pages and too much jargon.

“It’s a fairly tough writing challenge,” says Muriel. “There are no definite answers, just things to consider to give it your best shot”. But you are not alone.
  • Get in touch with your MU Regional Office for advice on CVs, profiles and writing applications.
  • Keep an eye out for more FEU Training workshops and webinars, free for MU members.
  • Take one of FEU Training's online courses in blogging, business skills, building your brand and more.
  • Stay up to date with your MU – follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and look out for MU news and events.
  • Not getting our emails? Make sure your communications preferences are up to date by logging in to My MU.
 

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

John Shortell wearing a Musicians' Union t-shirt with rainbow logo, holding a flag, during a Pride march in 2023. He is joined by colleagues and other members who are performing as they walk.

MU Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Named in IQ Magazine’s 2025 Queer Pioneers List

The MU congratulates John Shortell, Head of ED&I, on being named one of IQ Magazine’s outstanding queer professionals in the international live music business. John is a driving force for change, and the Union is exceptionally proud to have him working on behalf of musicians.

Published: 03 July 2025

Read more about MU Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Named in IQ Magazine’s 2025 Queer Pioneers List
Wooden blocks with speech bubble graphics on them against a blue background, a single block with a red stop sign is in front of them, blocking the line, representing free speech restrictions.

MU Reiterates Anti-Censorship Stance

The MU reiterates its anti-censorship position and support for the organisation ‘Freemuse’, following the issues around the broadcasting of Glastonbury sets this weekend.

Published: 01 July 2025

Read more about MU Reiterates Anti-Censorship Stance