How to Find a Job As a Disc Jockey
Disc jockeys broadcast music on the radio and often read news, sports and weather reports. Another kind of disc jockey plays music at festive gatherings such as weddings or bars and restaurants. A disc jockey is perceived as a glamorous position but one which requires working unusual hours. A disc jockey that entertains at weddings is usually required to have his own equipment and music collection. He needs to have a large collection of music in a variety of styles to suit the taste of attendees.
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Instructions
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Enroll in and complete classes in broadcasting, public speaking and drama--often available at colleges and universities. Practice a variety of speaking styles and create a variety of intros for specific needs (i.e., presenting news, introducing various styles of music).
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Apply for internships. If the college, university or broadcasting school offers an internship or co-operative education program, enroll in it. While internships are often unpaid, they can provide an entry into a paid job at the same station.
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Volunteer at public radio stations and school stations. Volunteer to announce school sporting events and to be the disc jockey at school dances. Public access stations often teach volunteers how to run audio equipment.
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Create a demo of your skills on a CD or MP3. Make sure it is of professional quality with no skips. Be sure your presentation is free of vocal mistakes (e.g. "umm," mispronounced words, too much "dead air").
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Send your resume and demo to radio stations. Those who wish to perform at weddings should send their resume and demo to local disc jockey companies and event planning companies. Contact the company a week later to ensure the package was received and ask about job opportunities.
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Tips & Warnings
Disc Jockeys who perform at local events and venues will likely get more business if they can also provide festive lighting and even a dance floor. Some venues don't provide them.
Disc jockeys (or announcers) at radio stations often move up by working behind the scenes as engineers or producers.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, competition for announcer jobs, including disc jockeys, is likely to be high. While there will always be a need for announcers, technological advances have made it possible for radio companies to consolidate programs across several stations and prerecord shows for later airing.
Earnings for announcers, including disc jockeys are relatively low, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, except for those that work for large stations in major markets.
Disc jockeys that work at events must work late hours in a noisy, sometimes smoke-filled environment, and deal with customers who are boisterous and sometimes intoxicated.
Disc jockeys at radio stations often lose their positions because of format or station-ownership changes.
