How To Get A Job In TV

1. How To Get A Job In TV Rebecca Clapson Yosayf Dunn Jemma Wilson

2. So you want a job in TV? Negatives: • Involve long periods of dull work • Repetitive • Menial work • Printing out contracts, filing paperwork, research Positives: • Wonderful • Exciting • Rewarding • Challenging • Creative • Varied

3. What area of TV do you want to work in? • Screen writer • Researcher • Camera operator • Director • Producer • Broadcaster • Set designer • Editor • Pre-production • Finance director • Sound • Lighting • Costume and Wardrobe • Casting

4. Which route do you take? You can either do this from experience or from qualifications. This all depends on the department you want to enter and what type of organisation you want to work for. Many companies are looking for experience however, we would recommend that you still get a degree to get a basic foundation in the industry. While studying you can apply for work experience to show you have what it takes to be part of the industry. If you already have a specific career path in mind make sure you know what will be required.

5. Which route do you take? Operational roles (e.g. camera operator, editor): Formal qualifications are less important, experience is the key. On-screen personality (e.g. presenter, actor): Formal qualifications are less important, personal attributes (self confidence, people skills) are critical. Media commentary (e.g. movie or TV critic): Formal qualifications are usually important, practical experience is not usually required but desirable. Management (e.g. Finance, Producer): Formal qualifications are very important and a reasonable level of experience is expected.

6. What are they looking for? The experience and requirements of an employer depends on the area that you want to enter. Most people start out in TV as a runner which requires little to no experience, and allows you to get your foot in the door. There are key skills that employers are looking for: Motivation Confidence Commitment Organisation People Skills Handling pressure

7. Networking: Its not what you know, its who you know • Find out who’s who and what’s what • It is a direct way of demonstrating your attitude & interest to people who may be able to help you on your way • Ask for work shadowing • It is a valuable way to gain work experience • Many jobs aren’t filled via advertisements they are usually gained through contacts in the industry

8. Networking: Where to find them There are a huge number of places where you can find contacts: Exhibitions Galleries Guest Lecturers Master Classes Work Experience Student Events Residences Commissions Tutors and Friends Competitions

9. “Never wait for someone to come & spot your work… get out there & work hard at it… go to as many events as you can & go to the networking events”

10. How to network • Be positive • Use your best social skills • Look the part • Have a business card • Be resilient

11. 10 second pitch Have a 10 second pitch prepared, you never know when you might need it: • Hello my name is… • What kind of job you are looking for? • What kind of industry do you want to work in? • Where do you want to work?

12. Be positive and SHINE S – Smile H – Handshake I – Eye contact N – Name E – Enthusiasm

13. CV A creative CV is the best choice for the media industry each CV must be tailored to each individual employer. Personal Details: Email and Mobile number Career objective: Who you are and what you will bring to the job Experience & Employment: What you have done in the industry Skills and Achievements: Your best attributes Education: The most relevant qualifications

14. Covering Letter Every application should include a covering letter tailored to each application. This is a sales pitch of you selling yourself; why are you the best person for the job. First paragraph: State the job you are applying for and when you are able to start Second paragraph: Why you are interested in the type of work and why this company attracts you Third paragraph: Summaries your strengths and why you would be an advantage to the organisation. Relate the skills you have to what the job requires Last paragraph: Mention when you are available for an interview and thank the employer

15. Interview • Find out everything you can about the company • Make sure you know all the skills that you can offer the company • Show your interest and be positive • Firm handshake and eye contact • Complete and concise answers • Use good English • Ask intelligent questions about the position • Top Interview Tips