10 Questions with ... Jon Jensen

NAME:Jon Jensen LAST WITH:KEZX-KALE/Tri-Cities, WA EMAIL:sportguy2k@hotmail.com

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

2007: KEZX & KALE-A/ Tri-Cities, WA -- Sports anchor (AF2 Arena Football & high school sports)
2006-2007: KWHT & KTEL-A/Walla Walla, WA -- PD/Production
2004-2005: KZFN/Moscow, ID -- Air talent/production
2000-2003: KWDB/Oak Harbor, WA -- Air Talent/Sports anchor

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

Knowing how tough the economy is, staying hungry and determined for success is not easy. Keeping a positive attitude with the foresight of better times ahead are the best tools to have. Doing whatever it takes to keep the skills sharp through other means of employment keep one in the hunt. Enjoy life and those you care about.

2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?

Being involved with the bowling industry, I operate a pro shop. No matter the industry, the basic concepts of providing quality customer service and filling a need with specialized skills and market knowledge allow you to cross paths. I do free-lance sports broadcasting and independent web consulting. Having a strong background in information technology is a huge asset.

3) Do you plan on sticking with the music/radio industry?

Most certainly! Radio is about interpersonal communication, passion and being in touch with the community. Sports broadcasting does all three ... and more.

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

Nothing outlandish or over the top. Maybe just be myself, share in the exuberance and excitement for compelling, entertaining radio. What better way is there than that?

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

A Sports Director/PD gig in a medium to major market, while active as an air talent ... affiliated with a minor or major sports franchise. I'd like to keep active with local and regional events, especially when it comes to prep and college athletics. I also enjoy spinning the hits and rockin' out from time to time. Hey, that's what most listeners do, too!

6) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, e-mails, rejection letters, etc.)

I applied with one broadcast company for six opportunities in the same market ... not a nibble or callback. I had to twist an arm just to get feedback from them. No names here, but they were not personable or cooperative, even with quality air demos and solid, positive references. I'm returning to school to brush up on my Information Technology skills for the time being. My interest in staying in the Western U.S. is important to me and family. Having solid networking sources for job leads are essential in landing that quality gig. Talent and quality references in your network are crucial in being in the know.

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

I was asked by a program director, "What would you really like to do for us?" Didn't know what to make of that question, but I posed a question with a question ..."What would you like to do for this business?" Then I answered simply, "Attain and achieve success!"

8) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

Broadcasting with great talent and supportive, encouraging management. Being a part of a productive family, no matter the format, only broadens the horizons and the reach to those we serve.

9) Having been through all you have dealt with in this biz, what advice would you give people trying to break in?

Start in the hometown, mom-and-pop small-market stations. You learn not only the technical skills, but work with people who you can develop quality, meaningful relationships with. Those components lay the foundation to a career. Whenever in doubt, you have a place to call home, from where you start.

10) How will this experience change you when you get back to work?

Be humble, stay hungry and know your markets -- especially your competition. Keep up-to-date on the industry websites (especially www.AllAccess.com ), the industry rags, and network constantly. You just never know when that dream job may be coming your way. Finally, thank the people who support you most: your family. Without family, who else is there to be in your corner?

Any books you can recommend to people who need something inspirational to read?

"How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie. It may have been written in 1936, but simple principles never go out of style.