7 Steps to Land Your Dream Music Industry Job

Contents

1. Identify your music industry career goals
2. Get the right education and skills
3. Create a strong resume
4. Build your network
5. Apply for music industry jobs
6. Prep for and ace the interview
7. Follow up after the interview

Have you ever dreamt of working in the music industry? If the answer is yes, then you're in the right place! Here, we will walk you through a detailed, easy-to-follow guide on how to get a job in music. Whether you're an aspiring musician, a budding music producer, or dreaming of being a top-notch music executive, this blog will show you the steps to land your dream music industry job.

Identify your music industry career goals

The first step on your journey to getting a job in the music industry is to identify your career goals. This is a vital step because it helps you to understand what kind of job you want, and it sets the direction for your entire journey. Here are some tips to help you identify your music industry career goals:

• Understand your passion: What excites you about the music industry? Is it producing, writing songs, managing artists, or marketing music? Identifying what you love doing will help you choose the right career path.
• Research different roles: The music industry has a wide range of jobs. From sound engineers to music therapists, talent scouts to artist managers, the list is endless. Research the different roles, understand what they involve, and see which ones align with your passion.
• Set realistic goals: While it's great to aim for the stars, it's also important to keep your feet on the ground. Set realistic career goals that you can achieve. This doesn't mean you can't dream big—it just means you're setting a path that you can follow.
• Make a plan: Once you have identified your career goals, make a plan. This could include steps like getting the right education, gaining experience, building a network, etc. This plan will act as your roadmap on your journey to landing your dream music job.

In a nutshell, understanding your career goals is a key starting point on your journey to working in the music industry. It gives you a clear path to follow and helps you avoid wasting time and energy on irrelevant paths. So, take some time, think deeply, and identify your music industry career goals. It's the first step in learning how to get a job in music.

Get the right education and skills

Now that you've nailed down your career goals, it's time to focus on the second step: acquiring the right education and skills. This is a vital step in learning how to get a job in music, as it equips you with the knowledge and expertise you need to excel in your chosen field. Here's how to go about it:

• Pursue relevant education: Depending upon your career goals, you might need to pursue a specific type of education. For instance, if you wish to become a music producer, you may need a degree in music production. Or if you aim to be a music journalist, a degree in journalism with a focus on music could be beneficial.
• Acquire practical skills: While formal education is important, practical skills are equally crucial. Whether it's learning to play an instrument, understanding how to use music production software, or knowing how to write press releases for musicians, practical skills will give you a leg up in the competitive music industry.
• Get hands-on experience: There's no substitute for experience. Internships, part-time jobs, or even volunteering at music events can provide valuable hands-on experience. These opportunities not only give you a taste of what working in the music industry is like, but they also allow you to apply the skills you have learned.
• Stay updated: The music industry is dynamic and ever-evolving. Stay updated about the latest trends and changes. This can involve reading industry reports, subscribing to music news websites, or attending music industry events and seminars.

Remember, getting the right education and skills is more than just ticking off a checklist. It's about continually learning, growing, and adapting to the ever-changing music industry. With the right education and skills under your belt, you're one step closer to figuring out how to get a job in music and landing your dream job.

Create a strong resume

Alright! You've identified your career goals and gathered the right education and skills. Now onto the third step: creating a strong resume. This is a key element in your journey of learning how to get a job in music. Let’s dive into how you can make a resume that stands out:

• Highlight relevant education and skills: First things first, make sure your relevant education and skills are easily visible. If you have a degree in music production, make sure it's there. If you've mastered a music software, or you're proficient in playing a certain instrument, list it.
• Showcase your experience: Next, detail any experience you have in the music industry. This could be internships, part-time jobs, or even volunteering at music festivals. Don't forget to list any key tasks or responsibilities that you carried out during these roles.
• Spotlight achievements: Have you won any awards or competitions? Have you received any special recognition in your previous roles? Don't be shy about sharing these achievements. They show your dedication and passion for music.
• Include a compelling objective or summary: This is a brief section at the top of your resume that outlines your career goals and why you'd be a great fit in the music industry. Make it engaging and genuine.

Remember, your resume is often the first impression potential employers have of you. Make it count! With a well-crafted resume, you're climbing up the ladder on how to get a job in music. Keep going—you're doing great!

Build your network

Great, you've nailed your resume! Now, let's move on to the next critical step in landing that dream job in the music industry: building your network. In the music world, who you know can be just as important as what you know. Here's how you can start:

• Connect with classmates and instructors: If you're in school studying music or a related field, start by building relationships with your peers and teachers. These connections could lead to opportunities down the line.
• Join industry organizations: There are plenty of professional organizations for all areas of the music industry. These can be great places to meet people who share your passion and can offer advice or job leads.
• Attend music events: Concerts, music festivals, and industry conferences are excellent places to meet like-minded individuals. Plus, they're a lot of fun!
• Volunteer: Offering your time at music events, radio stations, or local music festivals can introduce you to a wealth of contacts. And it's a meaningful way to contribute to your local music community.

Remember, networking isn't just about taking—it's about giving too. Be genuine, offer help when you can, and show genuine interest in others. This is not only a good strategy on how to get a job in music, but also a good life strategy! So, get out there and start making connections!

Apply for music industry jobs

So, you've dotted your i's and crossed your t's on your resume, and you've begun to build a solid network. Awesome work! Now, let’s move on to the nitty-gritty of getting your feet wet in the music industry: applying for jobs.

Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Identify your target companies: Make a list of music industry companies you'd love to work for. These could be record labels, radio stations, music PR firms, or even tech companies that specialize in music-related products.
2. Visit their websites: Most companies list job openings on their site. Regularly checking these can give you a head start.
3. Use job search websites: Sites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn often have music industry job listings.
4. Customize your application: Tailor your resume and cover letter to each job you apply for. Highlight the skills and experiences that make you a strong fit for that particular role.
5. Apply, apply, apply: Don’t get discouraged if you don’t hear back right away. Keep applying. And remember, every application is a step closer to answering the question: "how to get a job in music?"

Remember, even if you don't land your dream job straight away, every role is a step forward in your music industry journey. So, keep the faith and keep applying!

Prep for and ace the interview

Alright, you've nailed the application process and now you've been invited for an interview. Exciting, right? But also a little nerve-wracking. Let's break down how to turn that nervous energy into a stellar interview performance.

1. Research the company: Know what the company does, who their competitors are, and recent news or milestones. This shows you're genuinely interested and have taken the initiative to learn about them.
2. Practice common interview questions: Prepare answers for typical questions like "Why do you want to work here?" or "Tell me about a time when...". But don't memorize them word-for-word. Keep it natural.
3. Prepare your own questions: Interviews are a two-way street. Asking your own questions not only shows your interest but also helps you figure out if the company is the right fit for you.
4. Dress appropriately: Pick an outfit that's professional but also fits the company's culture. Remember, it's better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.
5. Follow up: After the interview, send a thank-you note to the interviewer expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. This leaves a good impression and helps you stand out.

Remember, interviews are not just about proving you're qualified for the job, but also about showing you'd be a great addition to the team. So, let your personality shine through. And who knows? This could be the key to opening the door to your dream job in the music industry.

Follow up after the interview

Alright, you've aced the interview. What now? Well, it's not time to sit back and wait. Keep the momentum going with a well-crafted follow-up. This is a step many overlook, but it's an excellent opportunity to impress and show your dedication.

1. Send a thank-you note: This is a simple yet effective way to stand out from the crowd. Send a thank-you note to the interviewer within 24 hours of the interview. Make sure to personalize it, mention something you discussed during the interview, and reiterate your interest in the job.
2. Stay patient: It's natural to feel anxious, but remember that hiring processes can take time. Resist the urge to follow up too frequently—it might come off as pushy.
3. Keep the communication professional: Even if the company culture is casual, maintain professionalism in your communication. This shows that you respect the process and the people involved in it.
4. Continue your job search: Don't stop applying for other jobs in the music industry. You never know where opportunities might come from and it's best to explore all your options.

Following up after an interview shows your commitment, interest, and professionalism—qualities that can tip the scales in your favor when employers are making their decision. So, while you're figuring out how to get a job in music, don't forget this crucial step!

If you're eager to put these 7 steps into action and land your dream music industry job, we highly recommend checking out the workshop 'Industry Insights: Starting Your Music Career' by Aria Jay. This workshop offers invaluable insights, tips, and guidance on how to kickstart your music career and make it in the industry. Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to learn from an experienced professional!