Work in Radio - Getting a Radio Job

Finding yourself a position working at a radio station can be a tricky business. We offer some tips and links for those looking to work in the UK radio industry.

Working in radio - the basics

If you're considering a career in radio, this section may help, as it offers a few tips and suggestions:

Get experience - Rather than looking for qualifications, radio stations value experience. If there's a radio station in your area, consider approaching them to see if you can do any part-time (voluntary) work for them. Another good place to get some experience, is your local hospital radio station.
Consider a course - There are a number of radio courses available for those looking to learn more about the UK radio industry.
Get a book - See our books page for a couple that we recommend - these include information on making that initial contact, and what potential employers are looking for. There's also a useful book offering tips on radio presentation.
Check out your local stations - The RadioCentre is a good place to get a list of the names, addresses and phone numbers of the UK commercial radio stations. See our Radio page for details on the types of stations, including the new generation of local and community stations.
Look online - See our UK Radio Jobs page for some useful websites
Help? - Looking for any other help and advice? Try asking in our radio forum
Approaching a station - A quick call to your target station will get you the name of the right person to approach. If you're looking to do any on-air work, you'll need to create a demo tape - see the box below
Run your own station! Consider broadcasting on the Internet, or podcasting. It's pretty easy to do, and can be a very good first step. We offer information on how to record audio at home, how to start in podcasting, and how to start your own online station
Patience - Remember that there are a lot of people keen to work in the media, and jobs can be scarce. There are opportunities, but not that many - so be prepared for a wait. Keep your eye on radio websites and local press for information on new radio services in your area. Be persistent, and keep trying.

Broadcasting in a radio studio

Where to look for a job

There are a number of websites that list current radio job opportunities, and let you advertise yourself. Take a look at our UK Broadcast Jobs page.

Preparing your demo tape

If you're looking for a job in radio presentation, far more important than your CV, is your demonstration tape. Here are a few tips for putting together your demo:

Your demo tape should be well-produced and sound as polished as possible. If you can, we recommend that you make your tape in a recording or broadcast studio and make your links sound "as-live". If you don't have access to a studio, make use of your PC to record your demo - there are a number of PC audio editing packages that can be used to record and edit your demo - see our Voice Recording for information on how to use your PC to record and edit audio cheaply at home.
Listen to the radio station you are applying to, and target your tape to that station's format - a tape that uses the station's name and programming style is much more likely to be well-received than yet another generic tape for any-old radio station.
Programme Controllers are busy people. Keep it short - you should be able to sell yourself in no more than 5 minutes. Remember - first impressions last!
Keeping music to a minimum helps to ensure the tape is listened to. Just play a few seconds of any songs you use on your demo, fading it out as soon as appropriate.
You need to make sure you stand out and sell yourself, especially in the opening seconds of the tape. Remember that stations can get dozens of tapes a week from budding presenters, and you need to grab attention early to stand a chance of having the whole tape listened to.
Try to demonstrate your versatility - perhaps include links that demonstrate your ability to read 'straight' content (news, travel, etc) as a contrast to your lighter side - this helps prove that you can be of use to a station. Also include production work (voiceovers/jingles) if you've done them.
As one Programme Controller put it: "be clear, bright and compelling"
Tape or CD? The rule used to be to use a decent quality audio cassette, but with cassettes dying out, most people now send in demos on CD or even mail an MP3 audio file of their demo tape. Best bet is to check with your target station as to their preferred format for demo tapes before sending, so you give yourself the best chance of getting listened to. You could also consider uploading an MP3 file to the Internet, then mailing your web address to a station.
Address your demo to the correct person, with a well-presented covering letter. Call ahead to get the right name, job title and address to send the tape to.
Follow up your tape with a phone call after a couple of weeks - this shows that you're keen.
If you find you're not getting a response from your tape - try to get some advice. Ideally, talk to a radio station programme controller to see what they're looking for in a demo, or play your demo tape to other people in the industry to get some tips and opinions.

If you're looking to put together a killer tape, consider getting advice from the professionals - perhaps contact someone in the industry and ask what makes a good tape. Alternatively, check out our courses page, where you'll find details of UK companies offering voiceover and presenter training.

A final tip - consider making your tape available as an MP3 file for download from your website, or even consider making a podcast of some sample shows. Need help with this? Ask in our forum

Work in Radio - Getting a Radio Job

Finding yourself a position working at a radio station can be a tricky business. We offer some tips and links for those looking to work in the UK radio industry.

Working in radio - the basics

Where to look for a job

Preparing your demo tape

Other useful radio links: