CAREERS GUIDE

E M P L O Y M E N T O P P O R T U N I T I E S A N D J O B R O L E S I N T H E M E D I A S E C T O R

H O W T O A P P L Y F O R A J O B

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

There are different job roles which are split into two categories, creative and non creative. Creative jobs being the more active jobs, where you go and do things while the non creative jobs handling the more technical side which is mainly office based.

These jobs are sorted into their division: creative, editorial, technical: researched, financial, organisational and administrative. Different media sectors require different job roles, television production consists of more workers than a radio production.

Television production requires more creative jobs as there is more equipment which needs to be used. While radio production would consist of more non creative job workers.

RADIOJob Roles

Broadcast AssistantBroadcast Assistants work in both speech-based and music Radio - offering practical support to Producers and Presenters. They undertake a wide range of key administrative tasks to ensure the smooth running of live and recorded radio programmes, and may also help with research, planning and production.

Radio PresenterRadio Presenters are the voice of a station or programme, whether they work in speech-based or music Radio. They are responsible for creating the tone and style of Radio output and establishing a relationship with listeners

ReporterThe focus of the Reporter's role in Radio is to find and tell the stories that make up the news or current affairs output for the station or organisation for which they work.

Radio ProducerRadio Producers work in both speech-based and music Radio. Although they play a key role in creating what is heard by listeners, they are not usually heard on air themselves.

Radio Traffic ManagerRadio Traffic Managers in Commercial Radio are responsible for scheduling advertising and promotions in line with the business strategy of a radio station or group of stations, in order to ensure effectiveness and maximise revenue.

Station ManagerIn Commercial radio, the focus of the Station Manager's role is sales: maximising revenue for the station, and managing its budget and resources. Station Managers are interdependent.

Commercials ProducerCommercials Producers create radio advertising and station promotions for radio stations. The work requires a combination of high level radio production skills with an understanding of the creative potential of Radio and audio content, in order to market and sell products and services.

Broadcast JournalistThe majority of Broadcast Journalists working in Radio supply news content, for one or more different outlets, ranging from single local radio stations to international news organisations, and their related websites.

Programme ControllerProgramme Controllers or Programme Directors are responsible for leading programme teams on Commercial Radio stations - to ensure that they produce programming which meets the creative and commercial needs of each station.

JOB ROLESTelevision

Television is the mass media of the present time, reaching tens of millions instantly with sound and images, seeking to inform, educate and entertain.

Art Director - Film & TVArt Directors facilitate the Production Designer's creative vision for all the sets and locations that eventually give productions their unique visual identity

Camera Operator Camera Operator is a senior role within television camera departments, but precise responsibilities vary greatly depending on the type of production. Camera Operators need advanced technical skills, combined with creative skills, and must know how to operate the camera to achieve the desired result.

Broadcast JournalistBroadcast Journalists are responsible for generating ideas, and for assessing the value and accuracy of ideas and information from other sources, researching background data, and presenting items for consideration by Editors, Commissioners, or other decision makers.

Lighting Director By using the script or brief from the Production team they design the specific look required for each shot. They use their advanced technical skills to realise the design and, with the help of the rest of the lighting department, to set up and operate specialised lights and accessories.

PresentersPresenters work at the front line of television. They introduce and host programmes, read the news, interview people and report on issues and events. As the number of channels increase, so do the openings, but opportunities to become a Presenter are still scarce and competition is fierce.

DirectorDirectors are responsible for the look and sound of a production and its technical standards; they interpret the Producer's and/or Writer's vision.

Executive producerExecutive Producers are responsible for the overall quality control of productions, and for ensuring that final products conform to commissioners' specifications.

Sound RecordistsSound Recordists (also called Production Mixers) play an important role within the production process by ensuring that high quality sound is captured at all times.

Vision mixerVision Mixers edit programmes live (as they are being transmitted or recorded), using a variety of transition methods, such as cuts, mixes, wipes, frame manipulation, etc.

WHERE TO LOOK FOR JOBSAdvertisement

Online/The internet

Newspapers

Word of mouth

Poster/paper advertisements

Shop windows

Recruitment agencies

Recruitment Websites

University Careers Services

HOW TO APPLY FOR A JOBApplication form tips

Online application formsOnline forms can be longer and more complicated than paper forms – follow the instructions carefully and check how many screens you have to fill in before you can submit your application. Some employers will ask for a ‘personal statement’.

KEY TIPS: Be sure to read the questions carefully and answer them. If a question includes two or

three sub-questions answer all of them. Write your first draft independent of the application form and check it for spelling and

grammar Use spell checks, but be wary of them. If you write ‘from' instead of ‘form', for

example, it will not be picked up. For UK applications avoid those that introduce American spellings like ‘organize' and ‘center'.

Cut and paste your answers on to the form. Be careful if you are taking material from another application not to include the name

of the other organisation. This is the quickest way to the reject pile. Don't waffle. Keep your answers succinct. Edit them for unnecessary words. Include key verbs relating to the job like organised, supervised, and liaised. Some

employers scan for key words and reject forms not including them. Your final check should always be to read it through in every detail

Paper application formsIf you’re filling in a form by hand, write as neatly as you can in black ink. Use block capital letters if the form asks you to.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A JOBCV Tips

Companies like the BBC receive a lot of applications, so it’s important you make yours stand out. With that in mind, here are some helpful hints and tips that you can use:

• Be concise and ensure your information has an impact

• Keep it simple and clear – you can always elaborate at the interview

• Analyse the job description – read the job description, identify which relevant skills, experience and competencies you have. If you don’t, consider other experiences that could be appropriate

• Read the application questions carefully – take time to think about each question and add your personality to your answer

• Summarise your key achievements at the top of your CV

• Don’t have any unexplained gaps on your application. If you have had a career break or have been travelling, let them know

• Academic and professional qualifications should flow in a logical order

• Check your application before submitting. Check spelling and get a friend or family member to read through if it helps

CIRICULUM VITAE (CV)

A curriculum vitae (CV) provides an overview of a person's experience and other qualifications. You need to "sell" your skills, abilities, qualifications and experience to employers.

What you’ll need to include: Personal details Education and qualifications Work experience Interests and achievements Skills References

CURRICULUM VITAE (CV)Tips

1. Target your CV to the job you are applying for

2. Always send a covering letter unless the advert says not to

3. Keep your CV short – No more than two pages, and keep it clear

4. Employment and education history should be in chronological order

5. Clear, attractive presentation is essential

6. Use action verbs e.g. managed, delivered, designed

7. Keep lists to a minimum

8. Be truthful but make sure you sell yourself

9. Highlight your achievements

10. Run and spelling and grammar check before sending to an employer

CURRICULUM VITAE (CV)References

A referee is a person who is in the position to recommend another individual for a job position. They will then be asked provide information about the person's qualifications, character, and dependability.

Make sure your references know that you will be using them as references. Do not give out their contact information to potential employers unless they give you their explicit permission.

List your references and their relevant information. As shown in example below

To Whom it May Concern,

I have known Jane Doe in a variety of capacities for many years. She has been my daughter's riding instructor for the past several years. In addition, she is my partner in a small business where she is responsible for writing and editing articles and website content.

Jane is organized, efficient, extremely competent, and has an excellent rapport with people of all ages. Her communication skills, both written and verbal, are excellent.

In summary, I highly recommend Jane for any position or endeavour that she may seek to pursue. She will be a valuable asset for any organization.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

John Smith Example

COVERING LETTERWhat to include

A cover letter accompanies a CV (and/or completed application form). It's an opportunity to highlight what's in your CV and to provide real examples to support your ability to do the job. Some recruiters place more emphasis on the cover letter than the CV so it pays to take care with it.

First Paragraph State the job you’re applying for Where you found out about it (Organisations like to know which of their advertising sources are being successful) When you're available to start work

Second Paragraph Why you're interested in that type of work Why the company attracts you

Third Paragraph Summarise your strengths and how they might be an advantage to the organisation. Relate your skills to the competencies required in the job.

Last Paragraph Mention any dates that you won't be available for interview Thank the employer and say you look forward to hearing from them soon.

AIMS OF A COVERING LETTERRemember that the key aims of a covering letter are to:

Express clearly and succinctly who you are, what job you are applying for, why you are suitable for that job and especially why you want to work for the organisation.

Highlight your specific strengths, motivations and reasons for applying. Convey a confident, competent, enthusiastic and professional attitude. Avoid any spelling, grammatical or typing errors. Ask a friend to check your

letter before you post it off. Address any gaps or apparent weaknesses in your CV such as poor academic

results due to illness, for example.

COVERING LETTER

COVERING LETTER

The letter has a date

Address to be written on the top right hand side of the page

Good opening paragraph.Tell the employer a bit about yourself and what job you’re applying for.

Why them?

Why you?Restate your interest and summarise your suitability for the post

Example with annotations

Finish off with your signature

INTERVIEW

• In an interview your attire plays a supporting role.

• Your conduct, your interpersonal skills and your ability to articulate intelligent and well-thought-out responses to questions are the most important elements.

• Appropriate attire supports your image as a person who takes the interview process seriously and understands the nature of the industry in which you are trying to become employed.

• Be aware that in some industries, customer contact and image presented to the customer is critical. In such industries, your attire will be judged more critically.

• Your attire should be noticed as being appropriate and well-fitting, but it should not take center stage.

• Dressing nicely and appropriately is a compliment to the person you meet.

• Even if you are aware that employees of an organisation dress casually on the job, dress more formally for the interview unless you are specifically told otherwise by the employer. The interview is a professional meeting and thus a more formal occasion than daily work.

• Never confuse an interview or business function with a social event. Don't dress for a party or a date.

• Not every contact with an employer requires interview attire. For some occasions business casual is appropriate.

Choosing the right attire

INTERVIEWWomen Attire

- Short skirt or extreme form fitting garments- Textured, patterned or bright coloured hosiery- Wet hair- Strong perfume or heavily scented body products- Distracting or noisy jewelry- Visible body piercings and tattoos - Jeans, t-shirts, trainers- Exposed technology; turn off your phone and keep it out of sight- Carrying a book bag rather than briefcase

DON’TSDO’S

Dress for success

- Smart clothing e.g. skirt, dress, blouse, blazer, suit

- Smart shoes. Ensure heels aren't too high- Clean nails- Neat, professional hairstyle

INTERVIEWMale Attire

DON’TS

DO’S

• Visible body piercings and tattoos.• Jeans, t-shirts, trainers.• Do not wear ties with cartoon characters, religious icons, wild patterns, or bright colours.• Strong aftershave.• Exposed technology; turn off your phone and keep it out of sight.

• Wear a suit (solid colours)• Long sleeve shirt (white or coordinated with the suit)• Wear a tie• Leather/smart shoes• Neatly trimmed nails• Neat, professional hairstyle

INTERVIEWHow to prepare and have a GOOD job interview

On the day before the interview, read your application form again, since many of the interview questions are likely to draw on the content of your application and you need to remember what

you have written and think about what might be raised as a result.

Dress smartly. Even if the dress code is casual for the organisation concerned, it always pays to be smart for the actual interview.

Be in good time

As you are introduced to the interviewers, shake their hand firmly, look them in the eyes, and say that you are pleased to meet them. These first few seconds are so important in creating a favourable impression. Remember: you don't get a second chance to make a first impression.

Answer the questions in a confident, firm voice. Don't mumble or rush or be too hesitant.

When answering the questions, maintain eye contact with the interviewer(s)

Don't waffle. If you don't know, say so.

Don't self-deprecate. You don't need to say things like: "I'm nervous/rambling/guessing/ making this up." You are there to highlight your strengths, not advertise your weaknesses.

At the end of the interview, you may be asked: "Are there any questions that you would like to ask us about the company (or organisation) or the job?" Once again, be ready for this and have one or two good questions ready.

Above all, show some enthusiasm and keenness for the job.

Remember!1. Do your research 2. Practice your answers 3. Look the part 4. Stay calm 5. Ask questions

CAREERS GUIDE

The End.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

• CV and applicant tips - http://www.bbc.co.uk/careers/vacancies/cv-tips• How to write a covering letter - http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/cv/coveringletters.htm• How to have a good job interview - http://www.rogerdarlington.me.uk/Interview.html • Radio job roles - http://www.creativeskillset.org/radio/careers/jobs/ • TV job roles - http://www.creativeskillset.org/tv/jobs/TV_profiles/• Reference example - http://jobsearch.about.com/cs/referenceletters/a/samplecharacter.htm

• Image – • Guy, what not to wear: www.pintrest.com • Radio wave - http://www.wpclipart.com/signs_symbol/assorted/assorted_3/antenna_and_radio_waves.png