How to Write a DJ Resume (With Template and Example)

DJs are professionals who use their musical talents and entertainment skills to provide entertainment at bars, in nightclubs, over the radio and at various events. For people who enjoy interacting with others and providing entertainment, a career as a DJ can be very fulfilling. Understanding what a DJ resume is and how to write one can be beneficial if you're seeking to enter this profession. In this article, we examine what a DJ resume is, explain what steps you can take to write one and present a template and example you can use.

What is a DJ resume?

A DJ resume is an important document that you can use to apply for DJ jobs. Many employers typically require job applicants to submit a resume and a cover letter. These two documents are usually the first time a potential employer comes into contact with a candidate. A well-written resume may increase a candidate's chances of advancing to the next stage of the hiring process, which is usually an interview.

Related: What Is a Resume? (Plus How to Write and Format a Resume)

What does a DJ do?

A DJ, also known as a disc jockey, is a professional entertainer who typically mixes music and plays it in front of a live audience as entertainment. Many DJs work in nightclubs and bars, although some perform primarily at events such as parties and weddings. Some DJs may also work at radio stations.

Related: What Can You Do With a Music History Degree? (Plus Salaries)

A DJ's primary duties typically depend on their employer. For example, a DJ who works at a nightclub may focus on ensuring that the music they play is lively enough to create a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere for party-goers. Similarly, a DJ who works at a private party may also work on creating and playing appropriate mixes to suit the party's atmosphere. They may also have additional duties like hosting. In contrast, a DJ who works at a radio station may focus primarily on hosting and talking to guests and play music as a secondary duty.

Related: What Are Resume Keywords? (Definition and How to Use Them)

How to write a resume for a DJ role

Here are some steps that you can follow to help you write a resume for a DJ role:

1. Provide contact information

When writing a resume, start by providing your contact information. A phone number and an email address usually suffice. By providing your contact information, potential employers can contact you if they wish to schedule an interview or speak with you further. You can also include a recent photograph of yourself at the top of your resume, although this isn't a requirement.

Related: Should You Include a Resume Photo? A Complete Guide

2. Write a professional summary

A professional summary outlines your resume and is typically 2 to 3 sentences long. A professional summary allows an employer to quickly review your skills, abilities and career goals. This lets them gauge your suitability for the job opening before reading the rest of your resume. A well-written and engaging professional summary can help a potential employer develop a good impression of you and may cause them to view your resume more favourably.

When writing a professional summary, consider it from the perspective of a potential employer. Based on the job description, think about whom a potential employer might consider an ideal candidate for the role. Once you have thought about this, structure your professional summary to best fit the characteristics of that candidate.

3. Highlight your relevant work experience

In the next section of your resume, you can highlight your relevant work experience. This gives a potential employer a better idea of how compatible you are with the role. It can be a good idea to tailor your resume to a particular job. Although this may take more time, it conveys a genuine interest in the job to a potential employer and may increase your chances of getting a job offer. To do so, check the job description to identify the primary duties.

For example, if you're applying to become a DJ in the music industry, focus on work experience that applies to your musical skills. In contrast, a job listing for an events DJ position may require applicants to have strong public speaking and hosting skills. In that case, focus more on your work experience in hosting events.

Related: Why Creating Multiple Versions of Your Resume Works

4. List your educational qualifications and other certifications

Use the following section to detail your educational qualifications and other certifications. Although DJ job listings rarely require applicants to have any specific level of education, they may require them to be proficient in verbal communication and music mixing. Thus, you can briefly list your qualifications and focus on any relevant certifications that you might have in hosting or music mixing.

5. Highlight relevant skills

Another section to include in your resume is the skills section. You can use this section to highlight any skills you have that may be relevant as a DJ. You can also check the job description to ensure that the skills you include showcase your ability to perform a DJ's duties.

6. Add references

References can be especially important for an aspiring DJ. It may be difficult for a potential employer to judge your proficiency from your resume and cover letter alone. Having referees to vouch for your abilities may improve your chances of getting a job offer. Before adding any references to your resume, ensure that you check with the referee to confirm that they're comfortable serving as a reference for you.

Related: How to Include Referees in a CV (With Tips and Examples)

Resume template for a DJ role

Here's a resume template to give you a better idea of how to format your resume:

[Full name]
[Location]
[Phone number]
[Email address]

Professional summary [Summarise your experience as a DJ in the nightlife or events industries, including some of your skills and career goals]

Work experience [Position title]
[Business name]
[Start date–end date]

• [job duty]

• [job duty]

• [job duty]

[Position title]
[Business name]
[Start date–end date]

• [job duty]

• [job duty]

• [job duty]

Education
[Type of degree]
[Institution name]
[Graduation month and year]

• [coursework or extracurricular activity]

• [coursework or extracurricular activity]

• [coursework or extracurricular activity]

Certifications
[Name of certification]
[Certifying institution]
[Date received]
[Date renewed]

[Name of certification]
[Certifying institution]
[Date received]
[Date renewed]

Skills

• [relevant skill]

• [relevant skill]

• [relevant skill]

• [relevant skill]

• [relevant skill]

References

[Referee's name]
[Referee's position]
[Referee's organisation]
[Referee's address]
[Referee's phone number]
[Referee's email address]
[Brief paragraph detailing the referee's relevance to you]

[Referee's name]
[Referee's position]
[Referee's organisation]
[Referee's address]
[Referee's phone number]
[Referee's email address]
[Brief paragraph detailing the referee's relevance to you]

Example of a DJ's resume

Here's an example of a resume you may reference when writing your own:

Thomas Lim
Singapore
+65 9999 9999
thomas.lim@email.com

Professional summary
Skilled DJ with five years of experience in music mixing and hosting. Highly versatile and able to adapt musical style to suit the atmosphere and mood of any location. Seeking a full-time position as a DJ in the nightlife industry.

Work experience
Freelance DJ for private events
Self-employed
June 2019–Present

• engaging with audience members through interactive segments

• planning playlists for events and queueing up songs

• taking music requests from audience members

Nightclub DJ
The Black Club
December 2016–May 2019

• mixed tracks to create dynamic and engaging music mixes for a live audience

• engaged with party-goers to create a lively ambience

Education
Bachelor's degree in mass communications and new media
Singapore University
Graduated in August 2016

• emcee for graduation ceremonies in 2014 and 2015

• student DJ for radio club

Certifications

Professional Music Mixing Certification
Singapore DJ Society
Issued November 2016

Skills

• proficiency with music mixing software

• strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills

• musical talent and rhythmic skills

• ability to create energetic environments

References

Natalie Chua
Human resources manager
Grounded Products
123 Roberts Road
81112222
natalie.chua@email.com
Natalie hired me to be the DJ for her company's dinner and dance events in 2020 and 2021.

Alfred Wee
General manager
The Black Club
123 Neil Road
91234567
alfred.wee@email.com
Alfred was the general manager at the club that I worked at from 2016 to 2019, and we had a close working relationship.

The model shown is for illustration purposes only, and may require additional formatting to meet accepted standards.