There is a false notion that the job of a radio disc jockey is glamorous. DJs don't have small shifts and sometimes have to work late at night or early in the morning. They have to work on the weekends and holidays as well.
- Play music as per music requests or his or her choice
- Interact with listeners and conduct live shows.
- Provide information on current events
- Might also need to write scripts
- Needs to sound chirpy always irrespective of his personal life or mood
- Recording commercials or promos
- Taking interviews and conducting talk shows
One should have a pleasing voice and unique style of talking to excel in the career of being a Radio DJ. You must be familiar with recording equipment and software, etc. Other skills include building a personal connection with the audience. You must have a good aptitude and confidence to handle tricky situations as well especially while conducting live shows. You must know about voice modulation techniques too. Your script writing skills can be an added advantage as you can write your own scripts.
While studying in high school, a part time job of a disc jockey would take you far. You can observe disc jockeys at parties and learn about the professional aspect of the work. Take a note about the kinds of equipment you'd require. If you play well enough, then you'll be able to make it to the formal parties. Such an experience is invaluable. Work at your college radio station will provide an insight in the real world of radio, its equipments, working system, problems, etc. Work at unusual hours for college radio. Make a copy of the show and build a portfolio.
An internship before a real job is very important. Do your internship when you're still in college. This internship might also become your permanent job. The basic job initially will be office work. You will not be speaking directly on the microphone or programming a show. But this is a much needed experience. Seek help from the broadcasting advisor of your college for the entry level radio jobs. A job at the local community radio station can also be considered after your graduation. You would basically start off as an entry level worker learning the tricks of the trade. Nevertheless, you'll have a better opportunity to start off as a Radio DJ. The requirement of the market today is on air experience.
Becoming a radio DJ is not an easy task nowadays. There are a lot of stations that are using group shows to the full time slots and cutting jobs. A few stations are employing radio DJs, so this is a great opportunity to get into the market. There are a lot of Disc jockeys who end up in a group show, or writing or doing public relations. Mornings, afternoons, and late nights are very popular time slots for a radio disc jockey. The populace listens to the radio when they're driving or entertaining or at home.
Radio DJs do not earn typically well except if they're employed in the best and premier organization. A disc jockey has to work really hard for a meager amount. They have unusual hours of work and sometimes also end up working on weekends. There are some radio disc jockeys who work because they simply adore their job. They usually get paid $40,000 to $60,000 annually, with varying benefits. And the salary also depends upon the organization and your experience.
If you are someone who loves to talk and it comes naturally to you, you can have real fun being a radio jockey. With new radio channels coming up, the job prospects are bright for the right candidate.
