As an audio visual technician (also known as an AV engineer) you will be responsible for the installation and maintenance of audio and visual technology such as IT systems, screens, projectors, speakers, lighting, cameras and streaming services.
To get a specialist job like this, you will need to have a great CV.
This easy-to-follow guide has been created to give you all the necessary guidelines to help you write your perfect CV and secure a job interview for this role.
I am an enthusiastic, driven and tech-savvy AV Technician with more than two years of work experience in testing and installing Audio/Visual systems for a variety of different purposes. My key strengths include; exceptional knowledge of technology, excellent customer service and the immaculate presentation and delivery of digital equipment.
Achievements
Degree in Media Production from Northampton University
Live Music Charity Fundraiser
Education
2012 – 2015
BA (Hons) Media Production
Northampton University
Grade achieved: [2:1]
Relevant Modules:
Moving Image and Creative Video
Television Drama
Audio and Special FX
Contemporary Hollywood
2011 – 2012 Results: Media: A English Literature: C Film studies: B
A Levels
Aston College
2005 – 2011 Results: 11 GCSEs at Grades A*-C.
GCSEs
Aston School
Work experience and employment
Dec 2015 – Present
Audio Visual Technician EMS Events
Main duties performed:
Setting up and testing portable equipment at the client’s location of choosing, including the immaculate presentation of media apparatus
Providing technical support and problem solving to all visual systems
Training non-technical members of staff or third-party professionals on the basics of AV equipment; cameras, projectors, microphones, etc.
Holdings business meetings with clients to discuss their needs/requirements
Equipment loan and administration; ensuring all equipment hire is documented with receipt of hire, and the date of return is mutually agreed
Communication with the head office to confirm that all systems are operating at an exceptional standard and resolve any issues that may require attention
To provide the full safety guidelines and familiarise everyone with the fire exits
Ensuring that all equipment pass the annual safety checks
Regularly handling media equipment, wires, cables, etc.
Assisting the Marketing department with taking photographs of events
Assisting with organising events and stage setup
Performing equipment maintenance duties such as cleaning, fixing and replacing
Replacing bulbs, fuses, plugs and wires when necessary
Researching new products and ordering in stock
Labelling and organising equipment and devices in storage rooms
To maintain a smart and professional manner at all times
Feb 2015 – Nov 2015
Sound Engineer Assistant Imperial College
Main duties performed:
The set-up and assessment of audio recording equipment in all lecture theatres
Selecting specific audio equipment adjustment in order to optimise the recording of lectures, including all maintenance and repair works
Installation and updating of the Panopto software onto university computers for students’ access record and view lecture presentations
Performing general maintenance duties of media and IT equipment
Qualifications
AutoCAD course (3 days)
Level 2 ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence)
Skills and competencies
Experienced in the installation and maintenance of computers, laptops, projectors, lighting rigs, plasma screens, sound systems, VHS & digital cameras, radio microphones, CD players and other media and AV equipment and devices
High interest in always educating myself in the usage of the latest software and equipment to suit the client’s needs
Outstanding organisational skills due to the regular set up and smooth running of services provided to clients during gigs, exhibitions, events and conferences
Hobbies
Due to my creative personality, in my spare time I enjoy interior design for my house, including drawing and organising the set-up of furniture. I also enjoy everything related to technology and following the latest news and events in the industry.
Mrs Ella Hyde IT Manager, Imperial College Address: 7 Helena St, Maryport, M22 7YD Tel: 0850 4312 4423 Email:[email protected]
Preview
What makes this CV effective?
Strong Profile Statement: The CV begins with a compelling summary statement that quickly highlights the candidate’s career objectives and key strengths, grabbing the reader’s attention from the start.
Quantifiable Achievements: Throughout the CV, the candidate uses specific, quantifiable achievements to showcase their accomplishments. This provides concrete evidence of their skills and contributions.
Education and Work History: The candidate has provided clear information about their educational background and work history, including dates, locations, and job titles.
Relevant Keywords: The CV includes industry-specific keywords and phrases, which can be crucial for passing through automated applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Stick to a standard CV format: Your CV should follow a traditional format that is familiar to employers. Start at the top of your CV with your personal details, followed by your personal profile, achievements, employment, education, skills, hobbies and, lastly, references. This will make scanning and reading your CV effortless so none of your important information will be missed.
Use a professional CV font: It’s easy to get carried away when choosing fonts as there are hundreds to choose from. You should stick to well-known and high-legibility fonts such as Times New Roman, Verdana, Ariel and Helvetica. Don’t use a font size smaller than 10.
Use appropriate margins and spacing: A perfect CV should be easy to read and follow so never pack too much information together. Use appropriate margins and spacing to organise the information into well-defined sections with plenty of white space around it.
Use short sentences and bullet points: Studies have shown that employers only spend around 30 seconds reading a CV. Given this short window of opportunity, an effective way to increase the readability and impact of your CV is to use short sentences and bullet points instead of long paragraphs.
Limit the jargon: You may be inclined to use a lot of technical jargon on your AV technician CV but you have to be careful not to overdo it. Not every recruiter will be familiar with the technical terms or technology that are used in the audio-visual industry. Try to strike a balance between showing yourself as a competent, technical-minded individual and your CV being easy to understand by non-technical readers.
Write your personal details such as name, address, telephone number and email address at the top of your CV. Use your name, not “CV” or “Curriculum Vitae”, as the main heading of your CV.
I am a skilled and methodical AV technician with excellent knowledge of installing both AV & IT hardware and software, including configuration, diagnosing and resolving problems. I have assisted with the organisation of over twenty major events and provided technical support to a wide range of stakeholders. I have excellent attention to detail, demonstrated in my ability to set up complex AV systems without issues.
Achievements
In this section, you should list your main achievements and accomplishments such as awards, promotions, good grades, extensive work experience, leadership positions, etc.
Example:
Successfully installed and configured AV equipment and systems at an important event in the absence of the AV manager
Promoted thrice in two years
Elected class representative in college
Employment and work experience
This is probably the most important of your CV.
In this section, you should list down the details of your employment and work experience. This could be from full-time or part-time jobs, voluntary positions and internships. Write the jobs in reverse chronological order (most recent first).
For entry you need to include the following information:
Start and end dates
Job title/position
Organisation name
Main duties, responsibilities and achievements
April 2020 – Present
Audio visual technician AV Solutions Ltd.
Main duties and responsibilities performed:
Set up, operated and maintained IT and AV equipment
Diagnosed and resolved technical AV issues in a timely manner
Worked closely with the IT team to resolve technical problems
Provided technical support, advice and guidance to colleagues and clients
Assemble, maintain and repair audio-visual technology equipment.
Video production (set up, shoot and post-edit production).
Deploy AV and IT equipment for live events.
Troubleshoot technical issues and resolve problems as soon as they arise.
Manage AV bookings.
Provide tech support to clients.
Ensure the safe and secure storage of equipment and systems.
Adhere to health and safety regulations at all times.
Provide general assistance with events.
Education and training
Next, inform the employer about the education and training that you have received.
Things to include in this section:
Professional training qualifications
Degrees
College-level qualifications
GCSEs
Example:
2017-2019
A-Levels
South England College
Maths (B), Computer Science (B) and English (C).
2015 – 2017 Results: 7 GCSEs at Grades A*-C, including Maths and English.
GCSEs
Sutton Community College
Qualifications
The qualifications section of your CV should contain a list of additional qualifications such as professional training qualifications.
Example:
Level 2 Certificate in IT Essentials Course – Open Study College
BTEC IT Users (ITQ) Level 1 – Pearson
Skills
In the skills section, you should mention your skills and abilities.
There are two types of skills:
Soft skills: Personal qualities, characteristics, abilities or traits that enable one to interact and work with others. These include your work ethic, communication skills and time management skills.
Hard skills: Specific, quantifiable and teachable skills that enable one to do their job to a good standard. Hard skills include IT skills, typing speed, video production and configuring AV systems.
Your CV should contain examples of both soft and hard skills as both are highly valued by employers.
Example:
Excellent understanding of the audio-visual industry, equipment and systems.
Outstanding problem-solving and analytical skills, demonstrated in my ability to rapidly diagnose and identify technical software and hardware problems.
Excellent interpersonal skills, demonstrated in my current job by working with a variety of people from all backgrounds.
In my free time, I enjoy reading books, playing football and experimenting with AV equipment and systems to build my own personal home cinema.
References
Finally, write the details of your references in this section.
Your references should be two people (known as referees) who know you well and have worked with you before, including a former employer, manager, teacher or coach.
Your referee cannot be a friend or family member as this creates a conflict of interest. Employers want to get an impartial and unbiased opinion about you.
Example:
Mr Ben Jones Senior AV Engineer, Media solutions Address: 3 Townhouse, York, Y2 4FH Tel: 07663576373 Email:[email protected]
Mrs Sam Brown Director, AV technologies Ltd. Address: 4 Station Road, Bury, B72 9QR Tel: 07874356432 Email:[email protected]
Focus on your skills and experience: There are no specific entry requirements for becoming an AV technician, but employers highly value technical skills and relevant work experience. You should focus on these areas to make your CV stand out from the crowd and secure a job interview invitation.
Write a tailored cover letter with each application: A cover letter is a short letter that introduces you to the employer and encourages them to consider you for the job. Employers receive hundreds of applications per vacancy so sending a cover letter with your AV technician CV will significantly increase your chances of being noticed by the employer.
Print on high-quality paper: It’s a good idea to bring two copies of your CV to the job interview. To make a good first impression, print your CV on high-quality paper such as 120gsm silk paper. Standard copying paper is slightly transparent and only 70-90gsm – not very impressive!
Written by Sobhan Mohmand Sobhan is a qualified Careers Advisor and Professional CV Writer with over 10 years of experience in helping job seekers get a job. He is a Member of the Careers Development Institute (CDI) and is listed on the official UK Register of Career Development Professionals. He holds a Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development (QCF).