|
Unfortunately, this holiday season finds
too many good people looking for a job. As one who spends a great deal of time
wading through the talent pool, I'd like to offer some helpful suggestions when
sending out those all important aircheck packages.
Do list
Do: On an aircheck, put your best stuff
first. Sounds obvious, but you'd be amazed at how many airchecks start with a
thud. If you don't hook me from "hello" you don't have much of a chance.
Do: Include a professional picture. Video
is becoming more a part of radio and how you look does matter. You don't have
do be a model, but a professional photographer can cast you in the best light.
Do: Use your name in the file name you
send. You know how many files I would have on my computer that say "aircheck"
if I didn't have to go change them?
Do: Run any letter you send through a
spell checker. If this were so obvious, I wouldn't have to note it here.
Do: Demonstrate your versatility. Sure,
there may be one thing you're great at (i.e. morning sidekick) but let me know
what else you can do in this age of wearing multiple hats. The more skills you
have, the more valuable you are.
Don’t list
Don't: Start an email or letter saying,
"Your search is over!" While I appreciate confidence, you are not the one
making that decision.
Don't: Be impersonal. "Hello" is not a way
to start a letter. Address the person you're sending your package to by name.
If possible, include something that shows you know something about the
situation you are applying to.
Don't: Send only links. Ideally, give the
person receiving the package the option to download the file or go to a link. I
like to be able to save the good ones easily from an email rather than having
to go through the extra steps of downloading files from a website.
Don't: Bad mouth your last job or
situation. Again this seems obvious, but always emphasize whatever positive you
can from a situation you have left.
Finally, I strongly believe that there
are still good jobs, and even great jobs for those who have talent and/or work
harder. Make 2008 the year you take your career to new heights!
Joel Raab Associates
Country Radio Programming
Consulting
760 N. Woodbourne Road, Suite D
Langhorne, PA 19047
Voice: 215-750-6868
Fax: 215-750-6875
email:
joelraab@aol.com
|
Joel. 
