The Industry

     Remember that time I said people were sending me awesome stuff?! Well I got another email this morning from Rob Arnold who, like the fancy title says, is the Creative Director at Big Dog 92.7 in Regina. Let’s face it. He’s a creative director… he is going to have some really good tips! If you are a copywriter or creative director I encourage you to check out today’s ‘Extra’ and leave some comments!

“I see you’re looking for some advice for people who are new to the ‘biz.’  While Airchecker did a great job of summing things up, I’d like to add in a couple of things from a Creative / Production stand-point.  I’ve been a Creative writer for 8 1/2 years, and a Creative Director for 4 1/2 of those, so if I may…

- If you’re applying for a Creative Writer job, make sure you send Script samples along with your resume.  Probably 5-7 pieces of what you think your ‘Best’ work is, and a bunch of different styles (ie: Straight 30, Conversation, Humour, Hard Sell, etc.)  Make sure the scripts (and your resume / cover letter) are spell checked.
- If you’re applying to for a Production job, keep your demo to the best 3-4 spots you’ve produced.  Make sure you send them in a high enough quality format that you don’t get any MP3 distortion.  I recommend 192 kbps, 44100 khz.
- Do I need to send along audio of the finished spot?  That’s a great question to ask the person you’re applying to.  Every person is different, but personally, I say ‘no.’  I want to see your idea on paper, not that particular interpretation of it.
- After you’ve sent your package of goods, If you haven’t heard back in about a week, give a quick follow-up e-mail.  Whoever is doing the hiring is busy too, and while you’re excited to have the opportunity to get into Radio, a phone call may seem too up front.  Just a simple e-mail with “Hi, it’s me… just curious to know if you’ve made any decisions in regards to the job.  I’m very excited to have the opportunity, etc..”
- While Radio is a Fun business to be in, until you get the job, keep your correspondence semi-professional.  You’re not the best thing to happen to the business… yet.
- Keep in the back of your mind that you may have to move to get that first gig.  Everyone’s circumstances are different, but you shouldn’t Expect to be working in Vancouver / Toronto right out of school.  Don’t get me wrong, I know people who have done exactly that, but it’s a rarity.  I moved 3 Provinces West and a whole lot of KM North for my first gig.
That’s about it!  Good luck in your hunt Mitch!
Cheers!
Rob Arnold C.P.C.C.Creative Director - Big Dog 92.7”

Woot! Awesome advice. Bookmark this page right now if you might apply for either a creative/production job… I’ll wait. 
I have more emails like this that I am going to spread out over the course of this week, so keep your eyes open for them!
-Mitch (@mitchhawes on twitter)