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I Can't Get Radio Out Of My Blood ...
September 3, 2019
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. I keep hearing that it's harder than ever to find a job in radio. It's always been hard to get a job in radio -- this is a small fraternal industry. The key is to not let the detours derail your passion -unemployment comes with the territory. The business of radio is about change and the ability to stay relevant. I spoke with an air personality on a time-out from radio and transcribed our talk
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I keep hearing that it's harder than ever to find a job in radio. It's always been hard to get a job in radio -- this is a small fraternal industry. The key is to not let the detours derail your passion -unemployment comes with the territory. The business of radio is about change and the ability to stay relevant. I spoke with an air personality on a time-out from radio and transcribed our talk.
Coach: How's it going with the job hunt?
Air Talent: A few part-time weekend possibilities but finding full-time anywhere has been hard. I've been in this business for 19 years and this is the 10th city I've worked in.
Coach: Are you open to moving again?
Air Talent: We moved here four years ago and fortunately, our daughter -- whose an only child -- just left for college. My wife works for a hotel chain; she's an accountant and she's been able to transfer several times when I've moved for other radio jobs. Her company moved her here and this is was one of those times I moved following her and I was able to find a non-radio job with FedEx. After a year, I was lucky enough to find an afternoon-drive job. I used to be a morning guy, but those opportunities seem to be disappearing. But as my luck would have it, the station here flipped formats and eliminated two air shifts. They let me go six months ago and I'm back working at FedEx. Both my wife and I are open to moving again -- now that our daughter is in college. My wife's company would transfer her if she wants. I still have the itch to get back on the air.
Coach: If you don't mind me asking, how old are you?
Air Talent: I'll be 45 in November.
Coach: I would never discourage anyone from continuing to chase their dreams, but it sounds like you and your wife have done well, so are you sure you don't want to stay put and just find another part-time job on air and live the civilian life? Sounds like she's got a great job and they must like you at FedEx, they took you back. Correct me if I'm wrong, but they have good benefits and the pay is not too bad. Are you sure you want to chase another full-time gig in another city at this point of your life?
Air Talent: I hear what you're saying; it's just hard to get radio out of my blood. Most of the part-time stuff here are board-op jobs. My wife and I are on the same page, and she's up for me going for it and us moving again. I've been reading your posts in All Access for years and thought I would reach out. Your advice given to programmers, jocks, and just people trying to get their foot in the door is always uplifting for me. I thought I would see if you could help. That's why I e-mailed you and I'm glad you sent me you cell number.
Coach: Thank you for the kind words and here's what I think you should do. Start the process of applying online and connecting with OMs, PDs, consultants, and VPs/Programming on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. And of course, check with your industry friends to see who knows what might be open somewhere. Cover all your bases.
Air Talent: Okay, I can do that.
Coach : Also, I don't know if yours is the case, but I have had friends who've worked at great stations over the years, apply for jobs, and they couldn't get past the first interview. A couple of years ago a friend told me about an interview he had that was more like a hero-worshipping session. The PD kept asking what it was like to work at this or that station. My friend never got a second interview. He and I figured out that, based on the places he had workedthe PD was embarrassed about the money they were offering --he probably thought they couldn't afford him.
Air Talent: You lost me.
Coach: I suggest you make it clear when you apply that you've adjusted your financial needs to the current industry salary standards. In other words, make sure your potential employer knows you're affordable. I am not saying sell yourself cheap but put the employer in a position to offer you the opportunity to say "yes or no" to a job.
Air Talent: I can see where you are coming from. I bet I have missed out on some jobs because of that very reason.
Coach: I've got my fingers crossed for you and your wife, e-mail me your aircheck/demo, I'd love to hear it. If I can help in anyway, let me know.
Air Talent: Thanks, I would love to pick your brain on a few things I've been working on.
Coach: Sounds good to me, just let me know when you want to do that.
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