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10 Questions with ... Craig Ruddy
September 16, 2014
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1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
First, I always tell myself I will eventually find a job as long as I keep applying and continue to work on my craft. I try to get out of the house, even if just for a walk or drive. I like to listen to my old airchecks and constantly edit material to send out to employers.
2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
I volunteer at a college radio station. I have a show twice a week and I treat it as being on a major-market radio station. Being able to talk on air a few times a week I feel keeps me fresh and ready to go when hired.
3) Do you plan on sticking with radio?
Yes I do. Interning for SiriusXM for a year, I knew it was what I wanted to do, and I knew I had the ability to be a great on-air personality with hard work and focus.
4) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
Interning is the best way to get your foot in the door. You won't be getting paid, but you are definitely in the building. It's a great start and great way to meet the people who are actually doing the job you strive for.
5) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
All Access is great for radio jobs across the country, whether it's Sports radio, Top 40 or everything in between. I like Connecticut School of Broadcastings Job Center for local radio gigs.
6) What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?
During an internship I commuted six-and-a-half hours daily four times a week for a year to hopefully get a job.
7) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
I would love to get a job on air at a Sports radio station or at a Hip-Hop radio station.
8) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, e-mails, rejection letters, etc.)
Well, mostly rejection letters, even to jobs I was very qualified for. I've had a few phone interviews, but that's as far as it went. The e-mails seem very friendly, until you get to the "we won't be hiring you" part.
9) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?
The only way to separate yourself is to be yourself in my opinion. I don't' expect to be hired if I'm just trying to fit in with everyone else and fit a mold.
10) Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years?
In five years, I see myself on a morning radio show Monday to Friday at a satellite or big-market radio station. In 10 years, I hope to have one of the best radio shows in the country.
Bonus Questions
Any books you can recommend to people who need something inspirational to read?
"The War of Art" is a great book for artists of all kinds. This book has helped me with procrastination tremendously. It's a how-to on fighting resistance and getting things accomplished every day.
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