10 Questions with ... Peter Cichacki

NAME:Peter Cichacki (aka Trent Erikson) LAST WITH:WXLC/Chicago PHONE:847-791-4151

Please begin by giving us a brief career history...

Started in '94 at WMAD/Madison, WI.
WMYX, WLUM, WKTI and WTMJ/Milwaukee, WI ('95-'97).
KSEZ/Sioux City, IA ('97)
KKLS/Sioux Falls, SD ('97-'00)
KHYS/Abeline, TX ('00-'01)
WIIL/Milwaukee, WXLC/Chicago ('01-'05)

1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?

Some days it's difficult, but when you know you're good at what you do then you know it will soon be realized by others in the industry.

2) 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.

It seems that with jockless formats, voicetracking and more syndicated shows there are 100 times more talents looking for jobs than there are jobs available. I really can't imagine doing anything else for a living so it's difficult to discourage me.

3) What is your best way to get your foot in the door?

I really believe that persistence is the key. With all the packages and emails Program Directors get everyday, it's easy to get lost in the shuffle. By always following up with people and keeping your name in front of them (without being annoying) I may have a better chance than others.

4) So far what has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?

All Access is really great. I also go to the individual websites (Clear Channel, Entercom, etc.) where most broadcast companies post job openings as well.

5) What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get a job?

I've had a tee-shirt made with the station logo along with my name as the new Morning guy. Not all that crazy, but luckily I haven't had to resort to being nude under a sandwich board outside the Program Directors house...not that I am above doing that!

6) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?

There are so many aspects of the industry that I have found I am good at and love doing. Program Director, Music Director as well as Morning or Afternoon Drive. A combination of those is what I would love to do.

7) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, emails, rejection letters, etc.)

This seems to be 50/50. Some are great at getting back to you and at least keeping you in the loop as far are where they're at with filling the position...others, you don't hear back from at all.

8) Are you finding salaries/benefits lower than you ever thought, about the same, or have you seen some pleasant surprises?

I would say it's where I thought they would be, maybe even a little higher than expected in some places.

9) What's the most unbelievable question you've ever been asked in an interview?

"Are you willing to clean the bathrooms during your overnight show?" Answer - Whatever it takes!

10) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

Achieving goals of becoming a Morning Drive Talent and a Program Director. Also, simple things like becoming part of your listener's lives and sharing your life with them daily.

My favorite new diversion is ...

Calling up my friends on 3-way, then having them do the same until we have about 8 people on the line and we're running bits with them. It's almost like a mini (REAL mini) radio show.

Oprah or Dr. Phil?

I try to stay away from television during the day or I feel like I'm going to call about the classes over the internet where you can become a paralegal or veterinarian's assistant.

What have you learned about yourself, others, or life in general in your downtime?

I have learned that I have no patience. I understand better than anyone how busy Program Directors are but I can't wait to get a response from them about my package. I have also learned how much I miss that horrible, but free, radio station coffee.