Bogus Job Openings

It's as true in broadcasting as it is in so many parts of the business world: getting a job is less about 'applying' for a job and more about marketing yourself for one.

It's who you know. Or, more to the point - it's who knows you.

Actual job openings only represent a fraction of the available jobs to be had. Why limit yourself to only those? Seek out people who's acquaintance will benefit you. Maybe they're future PDs who will then put out a bogus EEO/EOE ad after hiring you. Maybe they're air talent you can use as a sounding-board for ideas and insight. Maybe they're people who can benefit from knowing you as well. After all - go getters tend to surround themselves with go getters.

Winners like winners.

Think of it from the program director's point of view. Let's say you're a PD with an afternoon drive jock who has to go - for whatever reason. Maybe it's more of a case where the afternoon driver is seeking a step up rather than you pushing him out.

Regardless...

Do you wait for him to put in his two weeks before you build a talent pool? How foolish that would be. When he splits, you'll be short a full time talent for weeks if not months. You'll probably have to settle for who you could find rather than who you'd really want to hire.

The successful broadcaster is a master of marketing as well. The work you do in marketing yourself today pays off in dividends down the line.

"But I need a gig NOW!"

Well then you are screwed now. That's reality, and not liking the way the business works doesn't change the way it works. You should have marketed yourself back then. If you had, you'd be reaping the benefits now.

"Yeah, well I need a gig now. What do I do?!?"

Do whatever you have to. Respond to ads with packages, get your work in the hands - and ears - of everyone you know.

But when you land a new gig... give yourself a few weeks to get comfortable - and then start marketing yourself.