Kickstarting Your Podcasting Career
Kickstarting Your Podcasting Career
Author: Megan Hayward
Whether you’re starting, or growing your career in the podcasting industry, it isn’t easy, but it can be done! Here are some tips!
Where do I begin?
Networking is essential. For both freelance or full time work, being top of someone’s list of suggestions is a great way to get your first gig…
If you’re in an area where other podcasters are located, try to attend as many in person industry events as you can. Often these events are built with newcomers in mind, so it’s a great place when you’re brand new to it all.
Can’t make it to in person events? Don’t worry! I launched my career in the middle of the pandemic without ever meeting a single client face to face, you’ve just got to know where to look! Many groups (like The Podcast Academy) have virtual networking hours.
Social Media is also an excellent place to build up your network, showcase your portfolio and find work. X/Twitter still has plenty of call outs for freelancers/people sharing job opportunities. And LinkedIn is a great platform for staying up to date with people in the industry and connecting with them.
Check out AIR’s list of Audio Communities and Groups for a list of organizations/meet-ups!
How do I stand out when applying for a job?
When building your application, make it as simple as possible for the person reviewing your resume to determine if you reach the requirements.
Provide a cover letter whenever requested, and make sure it is tailored to the company and the role specifics.
If you’re worried about a lack of direct experience, consider your transferable skills! You might have never worked on a production schedule before, but as a customer assistant, your experience managing different priorities and responsibilities in a timely manner demonstrates your capabilities! (This can also work in job interviews, check out the (Star method!) But be honest about your experience - it’s a smaller industry than you think and people talk.
Top Tips for Your CV:
Keep it 1 page - 2 pages maximum!
Unless you’re an actor, you shouldn’t be asked to include a photo on your resume, so no headshots please!
Use clear, easy-to-read formatting.
Save your CV as a PDF with your name in the filename: FirstName_LastName_CV.PDF
Only list skills that you can back up with real experience.
Use the language in the job call.
What are your favorite resources?
All Hear has a one-sheet-wonder of evergreen resources and a monthly newsletter of new and ongoing opportunities. The best part? It's INTERNATIONAL.
The Podcast Academy - join this virtual community to network with future colleagues and employers!
Podbible - the best place to discover new shows!
Podpod - the latest industry news/thought pieces.
Newsletters! There are a ton of great industry newsletters you can subscribe to, like ours or our friends at BPA’s.
Last tips? Make stuff! It sounds obvious I know, but if you’ve got an idea, run with it. Solicit feedback too - I can’t listen to the first audio piece I ever made because of how bad it is, but everyone starts somewhere!
About the author:
Megan Hayward is an award-winning audio producer, based in Bristol, UK. She is a producer of podcasts and social video, as well as an editor at editaudio, a full-suite podcast production house operating in Canada, the US and the UK.