How to Get a Job at a TV Studio

You will need persistence, networking skills and a great resume to find a job at a TV studio.

Landing a job at a television studio is no easy task. With thousands of applicants, it is tricky to get your foot in the door even if you have the right skills and job experience. If working in television is your dream job, be persistent and ready to network if you want to to land your first gig.

Instructions

1. Prepare your resume. As always, be sure your resume is professional and error-free. Include any experience you have in television, film, production or other creative industries, such as fashion or writing. Don't limit your experience to professional jobs; include any relevant experiences from hobbies, freelancing or school.

2. Review your career goals. Television studios receives thousands of applications for each job opening, and most studios require employees to start at the bottom of the totem pole. Even if you do have relevant experience, you might need to put in time answering phones or running errands for a year or two before you are promoted to a job that you actually want. Keep an open mind if you come across positions that seem boring or under your experience level; this might be the only way in the door at some television studios.

3. Network. Due to high demand, many positions in the television industry are filled through references. Reach out to any friends, family members or colleagues in the media industry and ask for relevant television studio contacts. Mention your job search to as many people as possible. You never know when a "friend of a friend" might be your ticket in the door. Use online networking sites such as LinkedIn to connect with old colleagues with whom you are no longer in touch. As you receive contacts, keep a log of contact names, phone numbers and email addresses.

4. Be persistent. The television industry is demanding, so it is often the most persistent candidates who catch recruiters' eyes. Ask to speak to the contacts you find in Step 3 about potential job opportunities in person or on the phone. If a contact does not respond, follow up with the contact frequently. As long as your emails or phone calls are friendly, you will not be seen as too pushy. Remember that there are hundreds or thousands of other candidates making the same calls.

5. Volunteer or intern. If you cannot find a full-time job, offer to volunteer or intern at a television studio. This will provide great experience for your resume and can often turn into a full-time job. At the very least, you will make great industry contacts that can provide other job opportunities after your short-term job ends.