Production Assistant Training Programme for Unscripted TV - Feedback
As we had so many applications through for the ScreenSkills and Media Career Advice Production Assistant Training Programme for Unscripted TV, we’ve been unable to provide individual feedback, but have listed some generalised feedback below for the application and interview stages of the programme.
Applications
We had almost 500 applications in for just 40 places in total for the programme (20 places per cohort), so there was a lot of strong competition for very few places.
The application form provided a chance to showcase skills, experience and passion for working in production management for unscripted TV. Essentially it needed to be completed as if it were a job application, as ultimately it was, as candidates would get the paid placement as part of the programme. We were looking for more than one sentence answers for the questions, using the opportunity to showcase the key skills you have for the Production Assistant role and your passion for wanting to work in unscripted production management. These key skills were available to see on the ScreenSkills Production Assistant job profile page that we linked on the training programme webpage, the application form and in any social media posts in relation to the training programme.
We were not only reviewing answers on the application form, but we were also reviewing CVs as well. Unfortunately some CVs were really poor, not providing any more information about their experience or passion for wanting to work in unscripted TV production management. What we found really helpful on CVs, especially those who wanted to transfer across from a different industry, was a clear idea of what they did day to day in their previous roles and bullet pointing what their key skills were. This allowed us to assess if you had the relevant key skills and experience we were looking for to thrive in the Production Assistant role.
If you want some more CV tips, then take a look at our blog of how to write a CV for the Film & TV industry here.
Although the training programme is for an entry-level role, it is specifically aimed at those working to work in production management in unscripted TV as their chosen career path, as we’re looking to fill skills gaps in that area. Ultimately this means that if you listed that you want to work in a different job role in the industry, your application didn’t progress further. This is noted on the training programme webpage, the application form and in any social media posts in relation to the training programme, but we still had many applications through that weren’t interested in working in that area of the industry.
As we had so many applications through, we did find we had candidates who demonstrated some of the skills for wanting to work in production management in unscripted TV, but they may not have progressed to the next stage as we compared them to other applications from candidates in the same area which we felt were stronger. This was particularly difficult to assess for both London & Manchester where we had the most applications through to work in those regions. What we looked at next for these applications was specifically how many key skills candidates had and we found that those working in admin, hospitality, events and theatre especially, demonstrated many of the required skills for the role, so tried to process those applications if we could. However, with so few places available in each region we did find that we unfortunately couldn’t take everyone forward for interview who were interested in working in production management in unscripted TV.
Interviews
We interviewed as many suitable candidates as we could, which meant we interviewed a total of 120 candidates for both cohorts.
What we were looking for at the interview stage were candidates who could identify the key skills they had gained in previous roles/experiences and provide evidence of these and how they would relate to the Production Assistant role. We also expected candidates to have researched the role, so had a full understanding of what was required of them. We ensured we provided links to the PA job profile on the programme webpage, application form and on our social media posts, so this was something that could easily have been researched.
These are the key skills needed for a Production Assistant role and we used these to assess candidates both at the application and interview stage:
· Organisational skills
· IT skills/understanding processes and systems
· Multi-tasking/ juggling skills
· Attention to detail/Accuracy - keeps effective logs/establishes systems/maintains records
· Calm under pressure
· Quick learner
· Good communicator/people skills - can maintain good relationships
· Adaptable and flexible - can deal with the unexpected
· Can work unsupervised
· Can prioritise tasks
· Can coordinate and implement procedures
· A problem solver
· Evidence of resilience
In addition to information on the PA role, we also provided a recording of a Q&A we conducted which gave lots more information on the programme as a whole and what the PA role entails as well as meeting alumni from the previous Production Co-ordinator training programme. The programme page on our website also provided a huge amount of information, including an extensive Q&A section. These were easily accessible and really helped for interview preparation.
In addition to key skills, we focused questions around long-term career goals as we were looking for candidates who wanted to continue down the production management career path in unscripted TV, as the programme is in place to fill skills gaps in that area. Again, if you said that you want to work in a different job role in the industry or you want to focus more on scripted or animation or on more creative pursuits then your application didn’t progress further.
Directly related to that long-term career goal, was a demonstration of passion for why specifically candidates wanted to work in unscripted production management. We weren’t looking for people who just wanted to get their foot in the door, we wanted candidates to really show that they were committed and would really love to work in the Production Assistant role in unscripted TV.
Ultimately, with so many applications through and the number of interviews conducted, it was particularly hard to decide our final cohorts. With so few places available in each region across the UK, we did find that we unfortunately couldn’t bring everyone onto the programme who were interested in working in production management in unscripted TV. These decisions were made based on how many placements were available in each region and which candidates we felt best demonstrated their key skills and passion for wanting to work in production management in unscripted TV in those areas.
If you are skill interested in working in production management in unscripted TV, then we offer multiple training courses which will prepare you for the role. You can take a look at these here. We also run free bitesize courses for ScreenSkills focusing on production management in unscripted TV which you can find here.
We also recommend joining My Transferable Skills - Getting Into TV Production Management and watching this great discussion on transferring into the industry which may be able to help with your next steps on your chosen career path.