DJ Resume Example, Template, & Tips for 2024

Being headhunted or ‘discovered’ by a high-end employer during a performance is not impossible. But it’s also statistically unlikely. 

For most long-term gigs, you’ll need a good old-fashioned DJ resume. But don’t worry—you don’t need to play it by ear. This guide will show you exactly how to amp up your resume game!

In this guide:

• A DJ resume example better than most.
• How to make the perfect DJ job description for resumes.
• How to write a disk jockey resume to stand out from others.
• Expert tips and examples to boost your chances of landing a DJ job.

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Looking into other jobs as well? Check out these related articles, each featuring a dedicated resume example: 

• Artist Resume Example & Guide
• Creative Director Resume Example & Guide
• Dance Resume Example & Guide
• Event Coordinator Resume Example & Guide
• Event Planner Resume Example & Guide
• Fashion Resume Example & Guide
• Freelancer Resume Example & Guide
• Model Resume Example & Guide
• Music Resume Example & Guide

DJ Resume Example

DJs (disc jockeys) provide music and entertainment during parties and other events, playing music that’s suited to the style of the event and the target audience. A DJ resume should show that you have appropriate knowledge of relevant equipment and experience in interacting with audiences. 

Here’s how to write a DJ resume that hits the right note: 

1. Format Your DJ Resume Template the Right Way

Your resume is promotional material, in a way. But it’s also a formal document, which means that it needs to follow specific guidelines and best practices to make a good impression on the hiring manager. 

Here’s how to format your resume properly: 

• Apply the reverse-chronological layout to your resume—list your most recent experience first. This format highlights your most relevant achievements, and it’s familiar to recruiters, so they’ll have no trouble navigating your document. 
• Use a simple resume fontlike Arial or Helvetica for maximum readability. Set it to 10–12 points. 
• Set the margins of your resume to one inch on all sides and use 1–1.15 line spacing. 
• Separate your document into these resume sections: professional resume header with your contact details, profile paragraph, work experience, education, key skills, and additional information. 
• Try to fit everything on one page—that’s the best resume length nowadays. 
• Save your resume as a PDF file to make sure the formatting stays intact. Only submit a Word doc if the employer specifically asks for one. 

You may be tempted to get creative with the style of your resume—There’s one thing you should keep in mind. Virtually all medium and large companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)—software that scans and analyzes incoming resumes. Most ATS solutions can only read plain text—so, anything on your resume that’s an image, a table, or another visual element won’t register with the software. 

If you’re applying to a small studio or club, especially if you’re submitting your resume in person, then the design of your resume can be a bit more creative. But for online applications to larger companies, keep things as simple as possible to avoid having your file discarded by the system. 

2. Kick Off Your DJ Resume With a Mind-Blowing Profile

Sample your most relevant achievements and skills and remix them into a resume profile statement that’ll blow recruiters’ minds. The point is to show them immediately, from the very first paragraph, that you’re the ideal candidate for the job. 

Here’s how: 

1. Open with an adjective (creative, driven, professional, personable)
2. Add your job title (DJ, nightclub DJ, event DJ)
3. Mention your years of experience (2+, 5+)
4. Say how your skills will benefit the employer (eager to use my skills and expertise to provide the highest quality of music and targeted entertainment during XYZ Company’s events)
5. Outline a couple of your most relevant accomplishments (maintained 100% client satisfaction across 3 years, released 3 singles, created 80+ tailored playlists based on client preferences)

That’s how you create a resume summary paragraph, perfect for summing up your existing experience as a DJ. 

If you don’t have experience just yet, write an objective resume statement instead—it’s the profile of choice for entry-level candidates and career changers. Use things like volunteering experience, projects, unpaid gigs, education, and transferable skills from other jobs to show your potential. 

Most people struggle with writing a profile, no matter their experience level—if you find yourself stuck, skip this section for now. Come back to it once you’ve written the other parts of your resume; you’ll find it easier to pick out the most relevant events. 

3. Give Your Skills a Boost in Tailored DJ Job Descriptions

The quickest way to get yourself ignored is to send the same generic resume to every employer, like a broken record. 

Instead, target your resume to each job you apply for to get noticed and get hired. Just as you’d adapt a set or playlist to the occasion and the crowd, you need to adjust the work experience section on your resume to suit each employer and show them you have the exact skills they need. 

Here’s how to write a targeted DJ job description for your resume: 

1. Re-read the job ad. What skills does the employer mention? 
2. Come up with examples of when you used those skills to impress supervisors, clients, or crowds. 
3. Write bullet points describing those examples as achievements for your resume. Aim for up to 6 bullet points per job and include numbers wherever possible to add more context to your performance. 

In this way, rather than boring the reader with a bland list of ‘responsibilities’, you’re painting an image of yourself as a competent, driven professional who takes initiative. And who wouldn’t want to hire someone like that?

The skills from the job advertisement serve another purpose, too. They’re your resume keywords. 

Remember all that stuff about Applicant Tracking Systems scanning incoming resumes in larger companies? Well, those ATS solutions also measure how relevant your resume is, in relation to the job ad. 

By including the same words and phrases as those used by the employer, you’re boosting the score of your DJ resume and making it more ATS-friendly—and therefore more likely to reach a human recruiter. 

So, it only makes sense to add them to your resume skills section, too! Pick up to 10 of the most relevant skills from the job ad and your own experience. This list should help: 

DJ Resume Skills

• Communication skills
• Customer service
• Playlist preparation
• Equipment setup
• Music production
• Soundboard operation
• Remixes
• Event participation
• Crowd interaction
• Original tracks and mixes
• Sampling
• Looping
• Beat matching
• Event coordination
• Technical skills
• Problem-solving
• Troubleshooting
• Interpersonal skills
• Time management skills
• Adaptability
• Creative thinking skills
• Critical thinking skills
• Negotiation
• Networking skills
• Attention to detail
• Computer skills

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4. Cross-fade into Details of Your Education

If you’ve done your share of gigs since leaving school, all you need to do in your resume education section is to list the basics: 

Your highest completed level of education, the name and location of the school, and your graduation date. Done and dusted. 

However, if you’re writing a resume with no experience, spend a bit more time on your education—it’s the best you have to offer, in the absence of relevant jobs. 

Academic achievements, extracurricular activities, a high GPA, or projects are all worth mentioning. If you studied music or a related topic, you can also list relevant coursework on your resume. 

If you want to become a DJ and have zero experience, consider taking a college course suited to the type of DJing you want to do—even if you already feel competent in your music skills. A certification or degree will serve as proof of your skills and knowledge, plus you’ll get the chance to broaden your network. 

5. Fine-tune Your DJ Resume With a Few Extra Sections

Spinback, fade out, cross-fade—Chances are, you end your mix on something, rather than just letting it trail off into silence. In the case of your disk jockey resume, consider wrapping up with a couple of additional sections, such as: 

• Licenses and certifications—remember to mention your driver’s license if the job involves travel and/or if the job ad mentions driving
• Volunteering experience
• Projects and noteworthy collabs
• Foreign languages you can speak
• Publications
• Awards
• Singles, albums, or songs you’ve released

As for interests on a resume, only include them if they’re directly relevant to the job. Otherwise, they won’t add anything to your application, and you’re better off skipping them altogether. 

Alright, you’re almost ready to apply! All that’s left is to write a cover letter to send along with your resume. Focus on highlighting your most relevant experience and outlining why you want to work for this particular employer. They won’t be able to say no to you! 

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Key Points

Here’s a recap of how to write a DJ resume: 

• Format your document to make it easy to read and professional-looking. Keep the design simple, especially if applying online. 
• Fill every section of your DJ resume with achievements and relevant skills—particularly the profile and work experience sections. 
• Remember to outline our education and list any other details in additional sections. 
• Submit a cover letter with your resume to boost your chances of getting hired. 

Thanks for reading! How did you find our DJ resume sample? Perhaps you have some unanswered questions about writing your DJ resume? Let us know in the comments section below! 

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