How to Create an Radio Station Audition Tape

If you want to be a DJ, one of the first steps you need to take to get a job is to make an audition tape to send to potential employers. The good news is, you don't have to go into a professional recording studio to do it.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Gather your equipment and select your format. If you have access to voice-recording software on your computer, that is the way to go to if you want to burn a CD. Otherwise, a tape recorder with a microphone will work just as well.

2. Check the specific criteria of each station you plan to send your tape to. Different stations might have different requirements as far as what they would like to get out of an audition tape.

3. Decide what to say. Your audition can be a short public service announcement, a weather report or a commercial. Include the name of the station to which you are applying for a personal touch. Take some extra time to write out your scripts; it makes your tape better.

4. Record your bit, speaking clearly into the microphone. Quality is important because the better the tape or CD sounds, the better you sound. If you're using a computer, edit for background noise and sound quality.

5. Distribute your tape. Send a cover letter and a copy of your resume to the station director as well.

6. Be prepared to repeat the process several times. The radio industry can be tough to break into.