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Maybe you’ve noticed this, but lately it’s been difficult to find qualified, talented people to work at our radio stations. Frankly, most of the applications that cross my desk are from men and women with little or no experience in radio (which isn’t always bad) but who unfortunately also possess an unrealistic expectation level about positions, salaries and job descriptions. It seems the days are gone when hungry applicants would do just about anything to get a foot in the door. It’s probably a sign of our times, but when was the last time you interviewed someone willing to do what YOU were willing to do just to work in radio?
There has been a lot of speculation about the reasons for the dearth of qualified radio applicants we’re experiencing, but suffice it to say, “hiring ain’t what it used to be!” Which is why the most creative and successful programmers have to become pro-active in our search for radio’s future stars.
So where do you go to find the folks who will one day have your job? Well, other than rounding up the usual suspects (unsolicited applicants, listings in trade publications, references from colleges and universities) here are some places you can look.
Start by looking around you.
A smart employer is always mining for prospects. Whenever you’re in the presence of someone who has a good personality, who shows attention to detail, and who (if you’re looking for future on-air personnel) shows good communication (speaking AND listening) skills, ask him or her the age-old question, “Have you ever thought about working in radio?” You’d be surprised at the number who have. Build a relationship with these people. You won’t be able to hire them all, but when your mid-day announcer tells you he’s leaving in two weeks, you won’t be totally unprepared. Radio skills can be taught, but, by and large, communication is a God-given gift.
Cultivate the type of employee you’d like to have.
Have you ever wished for an employee who would instinctively know how to deal with a myriad of broadcast situations? Why not grow your own? Whether you’re mentoring the people you see as “future employees” or those already on the payroll, take the time to teach them the skills (and attitudes) they’re going to need to succeed in broadcast ministry. This will sometimes take the tone of a fatherly chat, while at others; the tone will be more like a reality check. Both are important to developing capable, qualified employees.
Treat everyone well.
A good reputation (as an employer or as a friend) goes a long way. The nature of our business, and of life in general, dictates that not everyone is going to work with you forever. While God has a person within your sphere of influence take advantage of every moment to treat that person with dignity and love. If they work for you, do what you can to make their job more fulfilling. This will sometimes mean paying them more or giving them fewer hours, but for the most part treating employees well has little to do with salary or benefits, and everything to do with appreciation and respect. If you successfully do this, the person will become an ambassador for your station (or for you personally) even after they’ve moved on to a better gig. And somewhere down the line they’re going to have a chance to recommend you to a potential employee who may come to dominate morning drive in your market.
About the author
Jon is recognized as one of the leaders of AC Christian radio. His
career includes stints at the pioneering WCIE, Lakeland, FL, where
he was Program Director and Station Manager. He has served as
Program Director and Operations Manager at K-LOVE, Program Director
for The Word In Music Satellite Network, and currently holds the
Program Director position at KSBJ in Houston.
Jon has been a contributing editor for the Christian Research Report
(CRR) and has written articles for Radio World, Contemporary
Christian Music Update and Religious Broadcasting magazine. He also
conducts Share-a-thon’s around the nation and consults Christian
stations on fundraising through ShareMedia. Jon also serves as
Chairman of the NCR.
Jon and his wife Karen have been married since 1978 and have two
children, Megan, and Anna. They are members of Kingwood Community
Church. |
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