Here’s our second clip from the presentation I gave at Production Base‘s Networking Party, all about how important it is to give your skills context.

Give your skills context

For people in creative industries, the importance of giving your skills context can’t be overstated. It’s not enough to just list your technical abilities; you need to tell a short story that allows potential employers to see you at work on the job. Here’s why .

Demonstrates Practical Application

By describing how you’ve applied your skills in past projects, you show that you’re not just theoretically proficient but have real-world experience. This helps employers understand your ability to handle the demands of the job.

Aligns with the Role

Contextualising your skills allows you to tailor your application to the specific role and company you’re applying to. Highlighting relevant experiences and accomplishments demonstrates your suitability for the position.

Showcases your Problem-Solving Skills

Explaining how you overcame challenges and contributed to the success of a project gives insight into your ability to solve problems. The employer will see you as an asset to their team who can adapt and innovate.

Context for your skills conveys your Passion for the Job

Sharing the stories behind your skills can reveal your passion for the industry. Employers are more likely to hire someone who is genuinely invested in the work.

In the creative industries, like camera crew and set design, where collaboration and innovation are paramount, providing context for your skills sets you apart from the competition. It helps employers visualise you as a valuable addition to their team

Want to know more?

Giving context is just one of the skills you need to master to become a trusted collaborator, that freelancer that everyone turns because they deliver. My creative career builder course takes you through all the skills you need to learn to achieve this.

If you’re not ready for that, then try my creative CV course, which helps you write a winning CV.


Gavin Ricketts is a Producer/Director with over twenty year's experience. His courses on finding work in the creative industries has helped hundreds of Film and TV Crew win more work.