Tough Economic Times For Radio Jobs

I just heard that a friend of mine in Long Island just got laid off. He was a morning show host for years and years there. I'm shocked at how the economy has hurt the radio and the rest of the media industry.

I think it all started with the tanking of the auto industry. If you've worked at a radio station you know that car dealerships are what keeps you afloat. I know that when times were good, you had a tough time separating 2 auto dealers from the same stop set.

It's just not good. The failing auto industry and housing market. I've never seen it so bad in my 15 years as a morning show host.

Even air talents who have incredible ratings and have been at a station for years and years are getting laid off. No one is safe. It seems like it's everyone for themselves. I feel like I'm one of those violinists on the Titanic. Just hoping some miracle will come along and save the sinking ship before my a$$ hits the cold unemployment waters.

So what is one to do if they find themselves with a job still? Have your options ready. Work on your networking skills, develop new talents, or put your resume on Monster.com or Careerbuilder. I know I have. It's always good to be prepared in today's economy.

Yes, we love radio, but as I see it, we love to eat too.

By the way, check out my site and if you're interested, post your bio and aircheck, and maybe you'll make enough to eat on! :) ==>>>>> Radio and Voice Over Jobs...

-Chris K.
Springfield, MA

Dressing for the DJ interview

One of the most asked question about interviewing for a position at a radio station is..."How should I dress?"

After you get hired for a position as a radio talent, YES, you'll probably be able to dress casual. But never for the job interview. Chances are that the General Manager and maybe even Regional Radio Group manager will be in the meeting with you. Wear your best dress pants, dress shirt and a tie. A suit is too much.

Have you ever heard the expression, "you can never OVERdress?" It's true with the radio interview too.

Contacting a Program Director About a Job

Should you ever contact a program director by phone about a job? My answer: NO! Not unless it says so in the ad, even then I probably wouldn't. It's easy to email nowadays, and if the PD likes your stuff, they will contact you. It's like going out on that first date, if they like you, they WILL call! If they don't, you need to move on.

I would send an email (after seeing a job listing) to the PD with a resume and MP3 attached (with MP3 being no larger than 3MB). Write a simple email stating that you'd like the position. Don't write 3 pages. Keep it short and to the point.

Then, I'd suggest sending ONE follow up email, a week or so later.

Creating your aircheck

Aircheck Tip: Never make your aircheck more than 3 minutes long. Also, put your best stuff first. If you were watching a movie and the first 30 minutes of the film sucked, wouldn't you get up and walk out of the theatre? And maybe the ending rocked, but you'll never know! Agree? Comment away!