Saturday, December 5, 2009

IT'S WHO YOU KNOW AND WHAT YOU KNOW (THE JOB SEARCH) Chuck Geiger

One would automatically think because of the decline in positions, when one becomes available, radio stations have a countless mecca of names and prowess to choose from. Not really true, Country stations are looking for a specific sound, region, personality, administrative needs and ability to play well with others. I read the PD Chronicles yesterday in All Access and the writer was talking about reading an old Radio and Records from 1985 and there were pages of jobs from PD's, MD's, morning shows, afternoons, weekends, nights, production and so forth. Sure the jobs are few and far between, but that doesn't change what the station's are looking for.


Target your work for the station you are applying for: Don't apply for a position over your skill level. Just because we talk on the microphone doesn't mean we should get called and interviewed for every position available. I have had PD's and VP/Programming folks tell me that talent and programmers are getting in their face about why they didn't get hired. Not a smart move. You most likely didn't fit the big picture needs of the station. This happens. This is why I preach to talent and programmers when applying for positions, do not go out your realm of knowledge and pitch jobs and people you know and they know you. Don't just apply for jobs. No one get hired by applying for a job. You get hired by who you know and who knows you. The familiarity factor.

If your skill level is only a weekend or fill-in talent and you apply for an afternoon job, you better be rockin' the box. Don't take an egotistical and emotional look at the turn down or the position. Find out the real needs of the position and tailor fit your package for the job position. We are adding to the disgruntled and out of work radio famine by being plain pissed off that we didn't get jobs we are not qualified for. Only apply for jobs that you want, know the market, the PD, the Market Manager, the station, can you contribute to the success of the station, are you more than a boilermaker or journal air talent? Questions to ask yourself before sending the next package to a job opening.

2 comments:

  1. On that note, my dear friend...I know that there are soooo many packages being received by stations everywhere...may I just say that when I get an email (even if its a broadcast email) telling me "thanks but no thanks" it really is appreciated. Being in the beach is an emotional rollercoaster that affects every aspect of one's life...that simple courtesy goes very far...so to those of you who have passed on my stuff this year, and let me know it, Thank you!

    ...And to my current employer--God Bless You!

    :) Stace

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  2. Stace: Great point - A quick email goes a long way.

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