Air Personalities Aren't Built In A Day...

Enjoying what you do for a living or career is important on many levels. If the work doesn't provide a frequent dose of adrenalin, then it's a job. Whenever we do something we love, it's not work.

Being a competent air personality takes good work habits and a non-addition to repetition. Once you learn the mechanics and start to excel, you've entered the fraternal order of "Professional Talkers." There's no typical route to get into this business or one of the new related audio industries. However, there are definite ways to get in position to acquire the skills needed.

It's A 24-Hour Process...

I tell others who want tips on the best ways to get ahead, learn from everyone -- from both those you like and dislike. Much like sports, radio announcing takes practice and repetition. A sports reporter once asked Major League Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddox, "How do you repeat your mechanics?" His answer: "I throw a lot." It is the same thing for a radio personality; it's a lot of practice.

Getting to the Job Interview...

Let's fast forward past the continuous learning process to getting a job. The online application process is the first huddle to get through. Adjust your resume to what the PD is looking for. For example, if someone has an opening for afternoons, then list your on-air experience and the broadcast automation programs you are familiar with -- NexGen/Prophet, WideOrbit, Media One, AudioVAULT, etc. Also point out the digital production software you have experience with -- Adobe Audition, Pro Tools, etc.

Only What's Pertinent...

Don't list non-radio work experience or skills that do not directly relate to what you are applying for. If you get to an interview, that's where those other non-radio related skills can be brought up. If you do not have commercial on-air experience, list your college, community radio, or online air work.

One Of The Steps ...

I once had a client who was adamant about making the perfect aircheck/demo. While working with him on show prep, timing, brevity and believability, I noticed regardless of his progress, he kept referring to his aircheck/demo. Then it dawned on me: He thought by making the perfect aircheck/demo, he would get the perfect job and life would be sweet. It's just one of the steps to help with focus and advancement.

What PDs Look For...

PDs hire a personality if their air work is a direct reflection of the demo. If the aircheck is a "best of" recording and the PD finds out they've hired someone who can't consistently deliver what was on the demo, that person will lose the gig.

Lineage & Resume Are Not Enough ...

Years ago during my days on-air, my PD hired a newsman based on the demo, the resume, and the fact this guy's dad was a local news legend. Surely the apple could not fall far tree, right? On the guy's first day, I tuned in to listen. What I heard was an inexperienced struggling talent. When I got to the studio for my shift, the afternoon-drive personality said, "Maybe this guy was adopted, because he sure doesn't have his dad's talent. The GM has been blowing up the hotline." It was the new hire's first and only workday at our station.

Get Busy...

There are no shortcuts to work; it will take time and patience. Make sure your aircheck/demo is on point before sending out anything. I also suggest you get a mentor or someone to coach and monitor your progress. If you are just starting out in the business, maybe the PD or another personality on staff will help you above and beyond. For those in college hoping for a radio career, social media -- Facebook, LinkedIn, or another source -- can connect you with experienced announcers glad to mentor. Remember, regardless of your learning curve, practice makes you better not perfect.