How To Land Your Dream Interview In The Music Industry

You’re a Marketer? A publicist? Maybe an aspiring A&R professional? Or you want to work in Radio? And you want a job in one of the biggest industries in the world… the music industry! Here are some steps to get that dream interview!

But first, who am I?

I currently work with Sing House Studios, a singing school in Ottawa, Ontario. I just graduated from college and am looking for my place in this big, crazy industry… So I’m in the same place as you. Well after doing much research myself and with my own personal experience here are some steps I used to land interviews for the internship I just finished! I’ve had interviews with Universal Music Canada and Sony Music, as well as landed contacts with Warner Music and other music companies in Canada. How have I done this? Good question! I might just tell you my secret…

Step 1: First of all, you need to sit down and brainstorm to figure out what exactly you want to pursue. Is it Marketing, PR, HR, Graphic Designing? Whatever it is write it down. Then research, research and research some more! Research what the industry is, go in depth in your area of interest. Read a biography (I found this helped a lot), read some blogs (Good job – You’ve read your first blog regarding the music industry… Check!) Write down your findings and make sure you know what you are getting yourself into. The industry isn’t for everyone as you’ll be working long crazy hours but if you want this bad then you might just have a chance as it’s not impossible to get in!

Step 2: After you feel you’ve done enough research, the next step is to create your Top 10 List! Write down 10 employers you would love to work for. Don’t be scared with the big names, we’ll get into that later.

Step 3: Now you have a better idea of who you would like to work for, the next step is creating an opportunity! Don’t expect to quickly apply on Indeed or Monster and leave your application in their hands. You have to take control and make sure you are really considered! This is for whether you’re looking for your first job in the industry or if you’re looking for an internship.

There is 2 ways you can go about this…

• Networking; This is the route I took when I was looking for my internship. I went on Linked In (If you don’t have it make sure you create an account – make sure it’s detailed) and I researched my Top 10. I wrote down 4 employees for the same company (so you’ll have a total of 40 names). Then, I messaged every single one of them to introduce myself and I asked for 10-15 minutes of their time to speak on the phone… I know scary stuff! But you have to do what you have to do to get to your dream job. Also I’ve been told not a lot of people do this so from the start they will be impressed. Now I would say about 25% responded to those messages but those people wanted to help me! I got on the phone with them and asked a bunch of questions about the industry and their jobs (You can add this to your research findings as it comes from a good credible source). I ended the conversation asking if there were any internship opportunities (You can also ask if they have any job openings – depending on what your goal is). They will most likely want to help you since they have been in your shoes as well!

• The other option (you can do both if you wish) is to check for job opportunities online. When something comes up make sure you apply. Now the important part is to follow up and introduce you on the phone so they can put a voice to the name. By doing this you know there’s already a job opening and you could potentially score an interview. I would also go in person and drop off my resume to HR. That tells the employer that you are really interested but also it makes you stand out. Many people wait for opportunities to come knock on their door but that will get you nowhere in this industry… Especially because it’s extremely competitive! If you want to work with a big label like Universal Music then it’ll be a little harder to get in touch with them as they are very busy but if you keep knocking on doors one will open! Don’t be scared by the big names, they are people just like you who already got their big break…now it’s your turn.

Step 4: Make sure you have a great resume! Job hunting is a bit like Advertising a product… You have to be able to convince people that you want this and that you’re right for it as well. This all starts with a great – NO spelling mistakes resume. I can’t stress this enough, proofread your resume 3 times and ask a friend to do the same! Spelling mistakes is a big turn off.

Step 5: Always keep in touch with your network! Who knows, maybe someone you know might know your next employer. Go on lots of coffee meetings and remember at the end of the day that your fate is in your hands! No one can do this for you but always remember why you want to enter the industry and stay positive (insert smiley face) !

You can add me on Linked In – Karine Levesque and I can answer any more questions you have!

You got this!!

Karine Levesque // @TalentPsychic