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Employment ...
May 14, 2019
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. Knowing when to leave is an important part of surviving in this business. 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 longtime employer. It's rare, but it does happen for some. There are those who cause their own demise, but in most instances, workers 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
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Knowing when to leave is an important part of surviving in this business. 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 longtime employer. It's rare, but it does happen for some.
There are those who cause their own demise, but in most instances, workers 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 air talent who is facing potential elimination.
Air Personality: I'm in a situation with a company whose has told us they only have working capital for six more months. They or I should say the owner says they are looking for new investors.
Coach: What's the deal?
PD: This is a small company and the owner is a great guy; he used to be a sports agent in the '90s but he never talks about anything before that.
Coach: Some people don't like to dwell in the past
Air Personality: Sam, there are so many things not on paper around here. There are no policies or procedures in place.
Coach: This all sounds kind of odd. How long have you worked there?
Air Personality: I've been here a year almost two years. We've had a couple of unpaid layoffs since I've been here.
Coach: Obviously this owner has financial issues with his company. You need to find a new job ASAP.
Air Personality: Our software is outdated and I'm having a hard time making any new demos. We just lost the cleaning crew and staff is being made responsible to keep things clean around here. We have two other stations in our cluster. This would be my fourth station in six years, and I'm worried how that looks
Coach: Just update your resume and get out of there while the checks are still clearing. You can't worry about how many places you've worked; these days there have been a lot of downsizing and rearranging. When the subject comes up of why you've had so many jobs over the last few years, just explain. And in the case of this company, anyone would understand why you left.
His Problem Sounds Familiar ...
If you are in a similar circumstance with signs of impending doom, 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 that need adjustments. Your resume should give information pertaining to radio and not every job you have ever had. For those seasoned veterans with an employment gap, it's not necessary to list non-radio work; it will come up if you get to the interview.
Remember ...
On your resume, only provide the information necessary for the job you're applying for. You want your potential employer to zero in on what they are looking for. If you get to the interview process, you can then expound on other things you've done.
Most Important ...
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.
Finally, ...
There are no guarantees, but know when to walk away and make sure you put yourself in the best position for future employment.
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