Walk Away Before ...

Knowing when to leave is an important part of surviving in this business. This is an area that is not touched upon very often, but should be. We would all like to be one of those lucky ones who managed to get a good run and stay in one place for 10+ years -- even better, retire with benefits from a lone long-time employer. It's rare, but it does happen for air-personalities, PDs, GMs, salespersons and various company off-air staff.

However, the majority in the radio and music do not have long-term employment journeys with employers; sometimes the demise is of their own doing but in most instances, they are a victim of internal change.

It's an acquired skill or instinct that allows some people to recognize it's time to move on. I recently had a conversation with an on-air PD/afternoon-drive personality who is facing potential elimination.

PD: The owner has told us he only has working capital for three months and that we need investors.

Coach: What's the deal?

PD: He is a great guy, used to be a sports agent in the '90s but he doesn't talk about anything he has done since.

Coach: Strange, he doesn't talk about any work he did from 2000 until now. I am not getting a good feeling; something doesn't add up. There is a lot of money to make as a sports agent; whatever he did wrong back then, he will probably repeat the pattern with this company.

PD: Sam, I am his Executive Director and there are so many things not on paper or that I do not know. There are no policies or procedures in place and I am trying to fix that problem.

Coach: So, this guy doesn't leave himself or his employees in a defensible position? Listen to me, leverage your title and get out of there as quickly as possible. What kind of advice did the guy who had your job before you give?

PD: He told me to take anything the owner said with a grain of salt.

Coach: And there it is, trust me, update your resume and get out of there while the company is still on its feet. Leverage your position to get something while your position and the company still exist. To any future employer it will just look like you are simply moving your career forward.

Been A While ... My Advice...

If you are in a similar situation, with signs of impending employment doom, open your eyes, get busy, and look elsewhere.

These days the first hurdle is to apply online; only a select few stations want you to use snail mail any more. It is amazing how many resumes I see needing adjustments. Your resume should give information pertaining to radio and not every job you have ever had. Seasoned veterans with an employment gap, it is not necessary to list non-radio work; it will come up if you get to the interview.

Make Sure...

Only provide the information necessary for what you are applying for, it will increase the possibility for whoever reads it to zero in. Be sure and list the digital automation systems you are familiar with -- Prophet/NexGen, WideOrbit, Media Touch, Audio-Vault, Audacity, etc. Also include your production audio editing software expertise; Adobe Audition (formerly Cool Edit), Pro Tools, etc. And if the position is for PD or MD, make sure to list the music scheduling systems you have worked on -- RCS Selector, Powergold, BSI, Musicmix, etc.

Conclusion...

There are no guarantees, but know when to walk away and make sure you put yourself in the best position for future employment.