Parts 1-3 of this series have dealt with the reality of what happens to your resume/tape when applying for a broadcasting job, and what you can do about it. I hate to say it, but a lot of people are spending a lot of their precious time on things that don’t even see the light of a News Director’s desk. There’s no fool proof method, but there are a couple ways to add value to the media you send into the market place.

Here’s my third and final idea.

3. Produce for where you want to be, not where you are (or even where you’re applying to). We’ve heard the original for this business-themed phrase: “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.” You may be coming from a market 90-100, going for a market 20-30, and eventually aiming for that top five or ten. Or you may not be in the market game, and just know you want to land your dream job. Either way, don’t think you’re only as good as where you are - even if where you are is really awesome!

I once worked on a show where previous producers had fallen into the “I’m only as good as where I am” trap. It was in a smaller market, and the show was kind of the bastard child of the station - the one that fell through the cracks and got the least amount of resources. I would sound too noble if I said, “I came in determined to make this show all it could be,” because even though I knew the show (talent, time slot, crew, etc) had completely untapped potential, the main reason that I beefed up my production efforts was to make myself more excited about the show. I made that show my baby, and I’d like to think that enthusiasm rubbed off on the talent and crew, and maybe even the people who came in after me. Either way, the year I was there, the show won its first local broadcasting award!

I tell that whole story to say, live up to your personal potential and goals - don’t let where you are dictate how you feel about your product, or even totally affect how you do your job. And - to bring that back around to tips on getting your resume and tape through the door - this will come across when you prepare to go on to market 10 or 20, or hope for that dream job.

*alexis (www.10thfloorpr.com)