Know all about What Casting Directors Really Want to See on an Actor’s CV while hiring a great actor for their next project.
You’ve probably heard it a hundred times: CV writing can make or break your acting career. But what are casting directors really looking for?
It's not just about the number of roles you’ve landed. There’s a formula to getting noticed – and the secret is in how you present yourself.
Here’s the inside scoop on what casting directors want and how CV writing can help you craft the perfect CV that shines.
Casting directors don’t have hours to read through every CV.
They’re sifting through hundreds – maybe even thousands – of submissions.
Keep it simple.
No need to get fancy with fonts, colors, or layouts.
Why?
They want to find the info they need fast.
Here's a quick fact: 90% of casting directors spend less than 10 seconds on each CV.
In that short time, your CV should scream professional and focused.
If it’s hard to read, you’re likely out of the running before they’ve even looked at your experience.
That headshot on your CV? It’s the first thing casting directors see.
Make sure it’s professional. No selfies. No amateur filters.
You need a clear, high-quality photo that reflects your true look.
Fact: 80% of casting directors say they immediately skip CVs with poor-quality photos.
And here’s something else to consider:
Casting directors want to know what you actually look like.
If your headshot is over-glammed or photoshopped beyond recognition, they won’t trust your image.
Pro Tip: Keep it real. A clean, natural shot works best.
Sure, casting directors want to know your experience.
But here's the catch: they don’t want every single role you’ve ever played.
Be selective.
Feature your strongest roles – the ones that show off your range and skills.
If you’ve worked with reputable directors or been part of major productions, highlight that.
Fact: 66% of casting directors prioritize roles from well-known productions or directors.
If you’ve got those, put them at the top of your CV.
What about smaller roles? It’s okay to include them, but don’t clutter your CV. Keep it clean and focused on what matters.
You might have the natural talent, but casting directors also want to know:
Have you been trained?
Fact: 75% of casting directors give more attention to actors who list formal training.
If you’ve been to acting school, completed workshops, or trained with industry experts – shout it out.
But don’t stop there.
Get specific.
Mention what you trained in: Method acting? Shakespeare? Voice-over work?
The more detailed, the better.
You’d be surprised at how often special skills make a difference.
Can you play an instrument? Speak multiple languages? Perform stunts?
Casting directors often need actors with specific talents. And guess what?
Your special skill might land you the role.
Fact: Around 30% of casting calls require specific skills like accents, sports, or even dance.
So, if you’ve got something unique – whether it’s horse-riding, martial arts, or a killer British accent – don’t hide it.
Give it the space it deserves on your CV.
This might seem obvious, but you’d be shocked at how many actors forget to include clear contact info.
Or worse, they bury it at the bottom of their CV.
Fact: 12% of actors miss out on opportunities because casting directors can’t easily find their contact info.
Make it simple.
Your name, email, and phone number should be easy to spot at the top of your CV.
Pro Tip: Include links to your online profiles or portfolio if you have one. Casting directors love actors with a strong online presence.
You’ve booked new gigs.
You’ve taken new training.
Maybe you’ve even changed your look.
Update your CV regularly.
There’s nothing worse than sending out a CV that’s out of date.
And yes, casting directors notice.
Fact: 45% of casting directors discard outdated CVs – especially if they notice major gaps or changes in appearance that don’t match your headshot.
Don’t let that happen.
Stay on top of your game and keep everything fresh.
It’s tempting to exaggerate.
Maybe you want to make that indie film you worked on sound like a blockbuster hit.
But here’s the thing:
Honesty matters.
Casting directors talk. They know people. And they can verify.
Fact: 25% of casting directors have blacklisted actors for misrepresenting their experience.
So, don’t fudge the details. It’s better to be authentic and transparent.
If you’ve only done smaller roles, own it. Confidence in your true experience is far more attractive than a bloated CV.
One size doesn’t fit all.
Every role is different, so why send the same CV for every casting call?
Tailor your CV for the role you’re applying for.
If it’s a comedy, emphasize your comedic roles. If it’s a dramatic part, highlight your experience in drama.
Fact: 65% of casting directors say they prefer actors who customize their CV for the role.
It shows you’ve done your homework and that you’re serious about the part.
If you’ve worked with notable directors, producers, or actors, ask them for a short recommendation.
It doesn’t have to be long – just a few lines about your professionalism and talent.
Include it at the end of your CV.
Fact: 55% of casting directors say recommendations can sway their decision – especially if they come from someone reputable in the industry.
Your CV is not the place for unnecessary details.
Casting directors don’t need to know about your hobbies, your favorite color, or where you went to high school (unless it’s a performing arts school).
Stick to the essentials.
If it’s not directly related to acting, leave it out.
Fact: 90% of casting directors skip over irrelevant details.
So, cut the clutter and keep it sharp.
Did you know casting directors are now using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to sift through CVs?
This means your CV might be scanned by software before it even reaches human eyes.
To make sure you pass the ATS, use simple formatting.
No images, no crazy fonts, no tables.
Fact: Over 50% of CVs are rejected by ATS systems due to poor formatting.
Avoid this by sticking to a straightforward, clean design.
When it comes to your CV, less is more.
You don’t need to write a novel.
Casting directors prefer concise CVs.
Stick to one page if you’re early in your career.
For seasoned actors, two pages are fine.
Fact: 80% of casting directors prefer CVs that are one to two pages long.
Any longer and they’ll lose interest.
At the end of the day, casting directors want to know you’re passionate about the craft.
Your CV should reflect that – through your roles, your training, and your attitude.
But don’t just say it – show it.
Fact: Casting directors are more likely to call back actors who exude enthusiasm and dedication in their materials.
Now that you know the secrets to what casting directors really want, it’s time to put them into action.
Take a look at your CV. Does it reflect your true talent? Is it simple, focused, and professional?
If not, don’t worry.
You’re not alone. Many actors struggle with crafting the perfect CV.
That’s where we come in.
As professional ATS Resume/CV Writers, we specialize in helping actors like you stand out from the crowd.
We know what casting directors are looking for, and we can help you create a CV that gets you noticed.
Book a free consultation.
Let’s work together to transform your CV and help you land your next big role!
Your acting career is just one step away from success.
Make sure your CV gets you there.
