Preparing for Employment in the Radio Industry

Methods of Recruitment
It is increasingly difficult to get on the first rung of the ladder in the media industry, however, once you have a foot in the door the opportunities for career progression are often ample, with companies more likely to promote internally or through word of mouth rather than by advertising vacancies, it is there for vital that you network and develop personal contacts within the industry you are working.

The most common places for vacancies to be advertised for the radio industry are within the media supplements of newspapers such as The Guardian (on a Monday) and on Industry websites such as Media UK. There are also dedicated recruitment agencies set up to assist the media industry in finding the right candidates for the vacancies.

A lot of Radio Stations advertise on their websites and occasionally they broadcast vacancies on the radio (Real Radio often does this promote vacancies within the sales and promotions departments).


Media UK
Media Guardian
Radio Talent
Grapevine
BBC Radio 1
Virgin Radio

Trade Press:
The Radio Magazine

Training Opportunities

One of the main things that radio stations look for in potential employees is experience. Although hard to come by, this is often gained through work experience, either with community and/or hospital radio, student radio or even with the professional radio stations themselves.

Real Radio run a radio academy for people aged 16+ who already have some radio experience (such as school/hospital radio) and are on a media course. Although highly subscribed, for the lucky ones it provides a valuable insight into the running of a commercial radio station. They also have a student sponsorship scheme for those applying to certain post graduate media courses. These not only provide support and experience for those looking to gain entry to the radio profession, but also enable Real Radio to hand pick and train those with potential to the standard that they require for their company.

There are many different courses that are not affiliated with radio stations that offer radio specific training. The London Academy (see Media Courses) have fee paying courses lasting only a few days covering topics such as radio presenting and production. The Trade Union BECTU also run courses often tied in with certain media institutions.

Bectu Learning
Education & Training
Broadcast Journalism Training Council
Media Courses
Radio Courses

Professional Bodies
Within the media industry there are many different Trade Unions, Guilds and Associations, with a purpose of representing and supporting those who work within the industry. Below are links to some of the professional bodies associated with the radio industry.

Student Radio Association
Trade Unions
Bectu
Audio Engineering Society
The Institute of Broadcast Sound
The Radio Academy
The Radio Centre
The Writers Guild of Great Britain
Equity

Initial Employment
Entry requirements vary depending on the job role and the company. Some companies require applicants to hold a relevant degree whilst others prefer relevant work experience. Personal attributes such as commitment, efficiency, reliability, punctuality, the ability to work in a team and a passion for the industry are all vital.

Presentation for Employment

Career Development

Task

Using some of the websites listed, find a suitable position to apply for and produce a professional CV stating your experience and qualifications and why you would be suitable for the role.