How to Get CATV Contract Jobs
Though local network television may be suffering a long, slowish death, cable TV has long experienced a thriving climate, thus producing a number of jobs for the right people. Unlike other industries, CATV jobs often provide a great deal of variety with a multitude of short-term assignments, with projects ranging from a few weeks or months to a couple of years. The key is to have your finger on the pulse of where others in the industry get their industry-specific information and news.
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Instructions
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Know your limitations (but don't limit yourself too much). CATV contract jobs are particularly wide in their breadth, because there are so many veins of work, from install jobs to construction and office or support jobs. Some require at least 2 years of experience in Cable TV, whereas some are just looking for a dedicated person who handles tools, heavy equipment, long hours and weekend shifts well. Expand your horizons, but don't opt for a highly technical job requiring years of hands-on industry training when you are just breaking into it (unless they're able and willing to train you on the spot).
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Recognize your resources. Many contract jobs require you BYOT (Bring Your Own Tools), and that you also have a dependable mode of transportation, so don't always expect the company truck.
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Start with Medley Communications. Medley and other major cable TV contractors are a good jump-off place. Medley in particular offers talent to provide install and construction services (among others) to large commercial companies. Check for openings directly on its site (see Resources below).
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Peruse Indeed.com (see Resources). Though broader in its scope than a search through, say, Medley's job bank, Indeed offers a lengthy listing of CATV jobs as a separate category, including CATV contracting. Again, there are varying degrees of personal and professional prerequisites, which vary substantially from job description to job description.
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Check out CATV industry forums and blogs. These are significant networking tools. Among the list is Cable Addicts Broadband Lounge (see Resources), offering a listing of jobs by category, and a section for those seeking work, as well as insight and articles providing information into elements which are crucial to your search in an evolving industry, such as industry-specific trends.
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Check "Broadcasting & Cable" regularly. This is the TV industry's leading trade magazine. There is a section on its website listed as "TV Jobs," which includes CATV contracting jobs. You can also access many articles for free on its site (see Resources).
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Resources
- Indeed -- Substantial listing of CATV jobs, including contracting
- Cable Addicts Broadband Lounge -- Includes list of job openings, place to post jobs you are seeking, as well as industry discussions and information
- Medley Communications -- List of contract jobs for work with large companies
- Broadcasting & Cable -- The TV industry's leading trade publication's online issue. See Jobs section.
