Working in the Industry as a Young Person
by gillian greene
After having my foot in the door in the music industry for a couple years, I can say for certain that it’s definitely the place for me, but it’s different than what I could have expected. After going to panel after panel, the NAMM show in Anaheim, and working a few different internships, I thought I would try to share some things I’ve learned that might help someone looking to take their first step into the world of entertainment.
How You Look On Paper
When applying to new jobs, internships, or positions, the first step towards getting anyone to give you the time of day is to have a solid resume, cover letter, and recommendation. Resumes should be one page, highlighting your skills and experiences the best that you can, and language does matter. If you don’t have a ton of experience, volunteering can be a great way to fill out a resume with important skills, and it helps the community in turn.
Cover letters and recommendations are somewhat overlooked, but they can determine whether you get a call back. A strong cover letter tells employers why you want to work there, and how your experiences elsewhere could apply to the job.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for recommendation letters, even when you don’t need them. Having a variety of people who can assure your character can be helpful, as certain professions or relationships could carry more weight when it comes time to apply to different companies.
Communication
The music industry is all about communicating – whether through songs, through social media posts, or between teammates in the office. Even if your career is more behind the scenes, that doesn’t mean that you won’t need to be sending emails, making phone calls, and asking others for advice or help. Learn how to voice your thoughts and opinions effectively in person and through writing.
Keep it Cool
The music industry has a lot of people who are exactly how you’d expect a business person to be: professional clothes, ambitious attitudes – the classic “businessy” type. On the flip side, the industry has a lot more people who are just casual, average joes. They wear band t-shirts and old jeans to conferences, or they make jokes in panels. Find a happy medium between professionalism and informality, and you’ll make a much better impression to the people you meet, network with, or even interview with. Also remember to still work hard. Just because we’re chill doesn’t mean we don’t get things done.
Don’t Burn Bridges
One last key point that I’ve heard mentioned more times than I can count, not only at events but also from bosses, is DON’T BURN BRIDGES. The music industry is very vast, but that doesn’t mean that the boss of one company wasn’t once the intern of another. It is a very connected place, so many people know one another, no matter how obscure. If you’re a jerk, or you make a bad impression with your boss or coworkers, they will undoubtedly remember that, and a bad impression can easily make its way around the industry. Don’t leave any job or internship on the wrong foot, or you might have trouble finding a place where you fit in.