Employment opportunities and job roles in the media sector How to apply for a job

1. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND JOB ROLES
IN THE MEDIA SECTOR
H O W T O A P P LY F O R A J O B
CAREERS GUIDE

2. 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.

3. RADIO
Job Roles
Broadcast Assistant
Broadcast Assistants work in both speechbased 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 Presenter
Radio Presenters are the voice of a station or
programme, whether they work in speechbased or music Radio. They are responsible for
creating the tone and style of Radio output
and establishing a relationship with listeners
Reporter
The 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 Producer
Radio 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 Manager
Radio 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 Manager
In 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.
Programme Controller
Programme 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.
Broadcast Journalist
The 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.
Commercials Producer
Commercials
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.

4. JOB ROLES
Television
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 & TV
Art 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 Journalist
Broadcast 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.
Presenters
Presenters 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.
Director
Directors 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 producer
Executive Producers are responsible for the
overall quality control of productions, and for
ensuring that final products conform to
commissioners' specifications.
Sound Recordists
Sound 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 mixer
Vision 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.

5. WHERE TO LOOK FOR JOBS
Advertisement
 Online/The internet
 Newspapers
 Word of mouth
 Poster/paper advertisements
 Shop windows
 Recruitment agencies
 Recruitment Websites
 University Careers Services

6. HOW TO APPLY FOR A JOB
Application form tips
Online application forms
Online 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 forms
If 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.

7. HOW TO APPLY FOR A JOB
CV 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. COVERING LETTER
What 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.

12. COVERING LETTER
AIMS OF A COVERING LETTER
Remember 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.

13. COVERING LETTER
Example with annotations
Address to be written
on the top right hand
side of the page
The letter
has a date
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
Finish off with
your signature

14. INTERVIEW
Choosing the right attire
• 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.

15. INTERVIEW
Women Attire
-
-
Smart clothing e.g.
skirt, dress, blouse, blazer, suit
Smart shoes. Ensure heels aren't too
high
Clean nails
Neat, professional hairstyle
-
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
-

16. INTERVIEW
Male Attire
•
•
•
•
•
•
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
•
•
•
•
•
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.

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

18. CAREERS GUIDE

19. 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