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10 Questions with ... Kenny Wall
February 14, 2012
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
As a 25-year radio veteran, I have been a Program or Operations Director for the bulk of the last 20. Stations such as Alternative KMYZ/Tulsa, Active Rock KDJE/Little Rock, Country KRMD/Shreveport, Top 40 KMX/Fayetteville, AR; and Hot AC Mix 106.5 in Sydney, Australia. I have been "on the beach" since September.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
I stay busy. I have a daily routine as well when it comes to looking for a job. I also have great family and several good friends I can always count on for encouragement.
2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
I am a Sports Talk show FIEND! I catch Tim Brando, Dan LeBatard, Around the Horn, PTI and Scott Van Pelt. I can tell you just about anything you want to know about sports right now!
3) Some people get discouraged or enlightened with the business when they actually step out of it for a while. Tell us your observations from the outside.
I actually really miss radio. I miss the camaraderie, strategic planning and the day-to-day activities. I think when I'm back in the saddle, I'll take the time to enjoy it more.
4) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
Without a doubt, Allaccess.com has been the place where I've found the most jobs. However, my networking has paid off as well and I've got several tips from that.
5) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
I'd like to be an Operations Manager overseeing multiple properties. That would be a good challenge, and it would require me to stay on my toes. Plus, dealing with multiple formats would be fun.
6) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, e-mails, rejection letters, etc.)
I have found that only about 20% of the jobs I have applied for have either responded or sent a rejection letter after the job has been filled. That has been somewhat frustrating, but I also understand the massive amount of resumes that they are receiving.
7) Are you finding salaries/benefits lower than you ever thought, about the same, or have you seen some pleasant surprises?
From what I can see, the salaries and benefits are about the same. More than likely, you'll be wearing more hats than you used to.
8) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?
Have your resume professionally written. Those people can take your accomplishments and really make them sound impressive. It's totally worth the money. Also, if you have some money saved, do the Career Rehab Program from Multibrand Media International. Not only will you get your resume/cover letter rewritten, you'll also get schooled on interviewing, social media tips, and they have stations they work with that have openings from time to time. Dealing with them has been 100% worth the money.
9) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
I think having a successful run in Australia at Mix 106.5/Sydney is my best accomplishment. I had to introduce the "American" style of programming there and get everybody on the same page. Once we all started working together, we really were successful.
10) How will this experience change you when you get back to work?
When it comes to hiring, I'll make sure I take the time to respond to all who apply and at least tell them something in regards to the job they're applying for. I will also continue my networking in the event I ever get let go again.
Bonus Questions
My favorite new diversion is ...
Storage Wars and Pawn Stars. I don't miss an episode of either!
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