SECTOR SPOTLIGHT - MUSIC INDUSTRY
TOP TIPS ON GETTING A JOB IN
THE MUSIC INDUSTRY
with Silv from BIY People & Talent
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CREATE YOUR OWN EXPERIENCE
Create your own experience… starting now! Write a blog about the music you love, curate your own playlists
on Spotify, run a YouTube channel, put on an event with your mates. All of these things can be included on
your CV when it’s time to apply for a paid role in the industry.
PERSONAL BRAND
Think about how you present yourself. The music industry is packed with people who love music, that’s why we’re
all here after all. One of the cool perks of working in music is the informal culture, but don’t mistake that for an
unprofessional one. Learn how to present yourself in a professional way. That doesn’t mean wearing a suit or
starting an email “Dear Sir or Madam”, it means being polite, and friendly but not over familiar, being respectful
and making sure you’re listening.
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UPDATE YOUR ADMIN AND DIGITAL SKILLS
A lot of entry level roles and internships in music are about supporting a team, you won’t get to be President
of a label or manage a superstar straight away. So make sure you’re organised, have great attention to detail,
have a good telephone manner and put “being helpful” to the top of your list of things to do! Digital skills will
also help you massively!!
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BUILD YOUR NETWORK
The music industry is a relationship business so build a network around you of like-minded individuals. At a
very basic level that’s friends who have the same passion for music as you do, as well as people who can
help you learn. Go to networking events and panel discussions like YGN, The Great Escape, BBC Introducing,
Urban Development, to name a few (and there are loads more out there!) Don’t think of it as a scary
networking experience, it’s just socialising but with a focus on your career.
BE AWARE OF YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA FOOTPRINT
When you’re applying for a job employers will sometimes look at your social media accounts (Facebook,
Twitter etc) so be mindful that, unless your security settings are locked down to friends only, potential employer
might be able to see that embarrassing video of you or the misjudged comments you’ve made previously. A bit
of social media housekeeping probably isn’t a bad idea….
BE KNOWLEDGEABLE AND ENGAGED
Read as many blogs as you can, read books about artists you’re into, watch documentaries on Netflix or YouTube
about the music you love (and even some that you don’t), learn about the music industry through reading Music
Business Worldwide (it’s free and you’ll get emails straight to your inbox with the latest news) listen to the CMU Setlist
podcast (it’s also free and full of the latest industry news), Music Week etc, to develop your industry knowledge.
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DO YOU!
We’re all unique, don’t try to be someone else because you think that’s what the industry’s about. Be yourself, be
open to learning, opportunities, meeting new people, be engaged, proactive, resilient, maintain your integrity,
and you’ll go far! Remember, you probably wont get every single job you go for, and that’s ok because not
every job is going to be right for you. Team fit is key for both the employer and your development; you need to
complement the team and vice versa. Attitude & Approach + Skills & Experience + Team Fit = Your Job!
For more info about kick starting your career in the music industry, go to:
https://www.facebook.com/BIYFutureTalent/
Follow BIY People & Talent on Instagram for hints, tips and opportunities
@biy.people.and.talent And why not check out their website www.biypeople.co.uk
Link to full Top Tips
https://www.ukmusic.org/skills-academy/careers-advice/top-tips-with-silv-from-biy/
18 | Careermag for School Leavers Issue 15 www.careermap.co.uk