Media and Entertainment Jobs

Building a network is key to landing entertainment and media jobs
By Virginia Franco, Freelance Writer When it comes to entertainment and media jobs, it is often said that who you know can make or break you. When you don't know anyone, therefore, the task can seem daunting. With the right set of tools, however, you can build your own network to provide that first step down the path toward achieving your dream of landing a job in the entertainment business.

Thanks to the Internet, creating a network of people to contact who can help you find media and entertainment jobs is easier than it used to be. The following three steps can help you create that essential network to find jobs in media and in the entertainment industry.

1. Search classifieds on sites that specialize in entertainment and media jobs.

2. Locate contact information for those who already have successfully navigated entertainment industry careers.

3. Find a talent agent with a successful track record placing people in entertainment jobs.

Search classifieds that specialize in entertainment and media jobs listings

Like most other industries, the Internet has helped those in the entertainment industry to network on a much larger scale. Whether you are interested in pursuing entertainment careers in Chicago, entertainment jobs in California, or just want to find out which entertainment companies New York City has on its rosters, be sure to check out entertainment and media networking websites.
Try:  Sign up at EntertainmentCareers and you can search for jobs in the media and entertainment business by region and job type. The Biz, published by entertainment giant Variety, allows those in the entertainment business to network and allows you to search by location for a variety of entertainment jobs.

Locate contact information for those who already have jobs in the entertainment business

Making it in Hollywood, New York, or anywhere else in the media and entertainment business, can feel overwhelming without contacts. If you don't know anyone who knows anyone in "the biz," there are sources available online to help you get started.
Try:  Nielsen publishes the Hollywood Creative Directory, which can be purchased online or in hard copy. Their website advertises itself as the "best directory for navigating the complicated maze called Hollywood and getting your foot in the door." If you are interested in pursuing a behind-the-scenes career, consider Creative Handbook, which claims it is the "Premier Los Angeles Production Resource Guide for the Southern California Entertainment Industry."

Find a talent agent with a successful track record placing people in entertainment jobs

When you don't know anyone who can help you get in touch with people in the know, you may want to consider hiring someone who does to represent you. A good talent agent will be able to help direct you to the proper auditions and interviews. With so many vying for so few positions, a talent agent can serve as a first step in the weeding-out process to help your profile catch the right person's attention.
Try:  Locate talent agents in your area by searching the Association of Talent Agents directory. Talent Agency Match specializes in helping you locate various types of talent agencies and provides background information about various agencies.

• Make sure you've done your homework before reaching out to professionals with successful jobs in the entertainment business. Ensuring you are familiar with their body of work and being prepared with educated questions will go a long way toward making a great first impression.