9 answers
Ka’shia
Student
Greensboro, North Carolina
1
Question
Asked
4961 views
What type of skills or experiences are record labels looking for when reviewing an interns resume?
I am a Journalism and Graphic Design major. My ultimate career goal is to work for a record label. Some of the careers I had considered are marketing, design, content creation, etc. However, my school does not have any opportunities for students who want to work in the entertainment industry. So, what could I add to my resume to be of consideration.
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9 answers
Austin Bradley
Live and studio musician
31
Answers
Millington, Tennessee
Updated
Austin’s Answer
Hello and good morning
Well I'm going to be honest with you and I kind of hate to tell you this But it's not like it used to be it was based on your quality of talent in your quality of person nowadays it's all about who you know and what you know and it really hurts the business because instead of being about the business of making music that's just all about business and it has nothing to do with music or anything that's wholesome but when you been in this as long as I have you just learn to love it anyway I've been in music most of my life and I know I'm not going to ever stop until my eyes closed for the last time so all I can tell you is that if you going to try to do anything in this business you better grab on and hold on because it's not like it used to be.God bless.
Well I'm going to be honest with you and I kind of hate to tell you this But it's not like it used to be it was based on your quality of talent in your quality of person nowadays it's all about who you know and what you know and it really hurts the business because instead of being about the business of making music that's just all about business and it has nothing to do with music or anything that's wholesome but when you been in this as long as I have you just learn to love it anyway I've been in music most of my life and I know I'm not going to ever stop until my eyes closed for the last time so all I can tell you is that if you going to try to do anything in this business you better grab on and hold on because it's not like it used to be.God bless.
Thank you for taking time to respond! I respect your honesty. What are some ways that you have networked with others?
Ka’shia
Jami Ibrahim
Career Consultant, Urban Planning, GIS, Resume Writing
29
Answers
Kaduna, Nigeria
Updated
Jami’s Answer
Hello Ka’shia,
To increase your chances of landing an internship at a record label, it's essential to highlight skills and experiences that align with the primary functions and needs of the industry. Here are some key skills and experiences that record labels often look for:
Skills to Highlight:
1. Communication Skills: As a journalism major, emphasize your ability to write clearly and effectively, as well as your experience in creating engaging content.
2. Graphic Design Proficiency: Showcase your skills in graphic design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign). Include samples of your work or a link to an online portfolio.
3. Marketing Knowledge: Familiarize yourself with marketing concepts, particularly digital marketing, social media strategies, and grassroots promotion techniques relevant to the music industry.
4. Social Media Management: Highlight any experience you have in managing social media accounts, creating social media content, or understanding analytics tools.
5. Project Management: Mention any experiences where you successfully managed a project from inception to completion, demonstrating your organizational skills.
6. Research and Analytical Skills: Showcase your ability to conduct research and analyze data, especially in understanding market trends and audience demographics.
7. Basic Understanding of Music Industry: Have a foundational knowledge of the music industry, including different genres, demographics, and major players.
8. Collaboration and Teamwork: Highlight any experiences that involve working in teams, as collaboration is key in the industry.
Experiences to Include:
1. Relevant Coursework or Projects: Include any relevant courses in media studies, or PR/marketing.
2. Internships: If possible, look for internships (even if they are not in music) that focus on marketing, PR, or design. Highlight any branding or promotional work you did.
3. Student Organizations: Join or take leadership roles in student organizations related to journalism, design, music, or media. Organizing events or projects can demonstrate leadership and teamwork.
4. Freelance Work or Volunteering: Consider doing freelance graphic design or content creation for local artists, bands, or music events. Volunteering at music festivals or events can also provide valuable experience and networking opportunities.
5. Personal Projects: Create your own blog, website, or social media channel where you write about music, analyze trends, or critique albums. This showcases your passion and initiative.
6. Networking and Connections: Make relationships with professionals in the industry. Attend music events, panel discussions, or join online forums to connect with people who work in record labels.
7. Online Courses or Certifications: Get certifications or take online courses focused on digital marketing, content creation, or graphic design that pertain to the music industry.
8. Music-Related Experiences: If you play an instrument or are involved in any music-related activities (e.g., a band, choir, or music production), include that experience, especially if it shows your understanding of the music landscape.
Resume Tips:
- Keep your resume concise and tailored to the role you are applying for.
- Use action verbs and quantify your achievements where possible (e.g., "Created social media graphics that increased engagement by 30%").
- Make sure to showcase your passion for music and how it influences your work.
By incorporating these skills and experiences into your resume, you'll present a compelling case to record labels and improve your chances of securing an internship in the entertainment industry.
To increase your chances of landing an internship at a record label, it's essential to highlight skills and experiences that align with the primary functions and needs of the industry. Here are some key skills and experiences that record labels often look for:
Skills to Highlight:
1. Communication Skills: As a journalism major, emphasize your ability to write clearly and effectively, as well as your experience in creating engaging content.
2. Graphic Design Proficiency: Showcase your skills in graphic design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign). Include samples of your work or a link to an online portfolio.
3. Marketing Knowledge: Familiarize yourself with marketing concepts, particularly digital marketing, social media strategies, and grassroots promotion techniques relevant to the music industry.
4. Social Media Management: Highlight any experience you have in managing social media accounts, creating social media content, or understanding analytics tools.
5. Project Management: Mention any experiences where you successfully managed a project from inception to completion, demonstrating your organizational skills.
6. Research and Analytical Skills: Showcase your ability to conduct research and analyze data, especially in understanding market trends and audience demographics.
7. Basic Understanding of Music Industry: Have a foundational knowledge of the music industry, including different genres, demographics, and major players.
8. Collaboration and Teamwork: Highlight any experiences that involve working in teams, as collaboration is key in the industry.
Experiences to Include:
1. Relevant Coursework or Projects: Include any relevant courses in media studies, or PR/marketing.
2. Internships: If possible, look for internships (even if they are not in music) that focus on marketing, PR, or design. Highlight any branding or promotional work you did.
3. Student Organizations: Join or take leadership roles in student organizations related to journalism, design, music, or media. Organizing events or projects can demonstrate leadership and teamwork.
4. Freelance Work or Volunteering: Consider doing freelance graphic design or content creation for local artists, bands, or music events. Volunteering at music festivals or events can also provide valuable experience and networking opportunities.
5. Personal Projects: Create your own blog, website, or social media channel where you write about music, analyze trends, or critique albums. This showcases your passion and initiative.
6. Networking and Connections: Make relationships with professionals in the industry. Attend music events, panel discussions, or join online forums to connect with people who work in record labels.
7. Online Courses or Certifications: Get certifications or take online courses focused on digital marketing, content creation, or graphic design that pertain to the music industry.
8. Music-Related Experiences: If you play an instrument or are involved in any music-related activities (e.g., a band, choir, or music production), include that experience, especially if it shows your understanding of the music landscape.
Resume Tips:
- Keep your resume concise and tailored to the role you are applying for.
- Use action verbs and quantify your achievements where possible (e.g., "Created social media graphics that increased engagement by 30%").
- Make sure to showcase your passion for music and how it influences your work.
By incorporating these skills and experiences into your resume, you'll present a compelling case to record labels and improve your chances of securing an internship in the entertainment industry.
Thank you for taking time to respond! You really put into perspective with what I should put on my resume and how to improve my chances of obtaining a career in the entertainment industry.
Ka’shia
Dylan Labon
Musician
10
Answers
Ponca City, Oklahoma
Updated
Dylan’s Answer
The skills and content that needs to be included in your resume depends on what position you desire within the record company. If you want be a part of the administrative team, skills such as office management, organization, communication skills, and project development would serve you well. Other roles within a record company require extensive knowledge of the music industry or music creation. For instance, music agents and promotion assistants need marketing and correspondence skills as well as a comprehensive understanding of the current music landscape and the musical desires of the general populace. On the other hand, jobs like production assistants and audio engineers have to possess digital music creation skills. These types of jobs are not available to those without a background in composition, sound design, and/or digital audio workstations.
In summary, the first step you need to take is to find what kind of job you are looking for within a record label. Second, discover and acquire the skills necessary for that specific position. And finally, summarize the obtained skills and knowledge within your resume.
One additional resume note, experience is not always work history. The journey you took to obtain your skill set counts as experience even if it did not occur within a traditional work space.
Best of luck, and I hope my advice was helpful.
In summary, the first step you need to take is to find what kind of job you are looking for within a record label. Second, discover and acquire the skills necessary for that specific position. And finally, summarize the obtained skills and knowledge within your resume.
One additional resume note, experience is not always work history. The journey you took to obtain your skill set counts as experience even if it did not occur within a traditional work space.
Best of luck, and I hope my advice was helpful.
Thank you for taking time to respond! Going into detail about each job in the industry was very helpful. Your additional note about the journey of obtaining skills is something I have never heard before and will utilize in my resume.
Ka’shia
Sungwoo (Chunga) Chung
Monetization Strategy
8
Answers
Redmond, Washington
Updated
Sungwoo (Chunga)’s Answer
Hi Ka’shia,
I'd recommend including three things in your resume:
1. Extracurricular activities or previous internships related to marketing, design, or content creation.
2. Skills and relevant experiences that match the qualities your target company is seeking (e.g., analytical, self-starter).
3. For a design role, include a link to your design portfolios if you have any.
For #2, do some research and tailor your resume for each company since their criteria can differ.
Hope this helps, and good luck with your application!
I'd recommend including three things in your resume:
1. Extracurricular activities or previous internships related to marketing, design, or content creation.
2. Skills and relevant experiences that match the qualities your target company is seeking (e.g., analytical, self-starter).
3. For a design role, include a link to your design portfolios if you have any.
For #2, do some research and tailor your resume for each company since their criteria can differ.
Hope this helps, and good luck with your application!
Thank you for taking time to respond! When tailoring my resume, is it better to put extra skills that is related to the industry or should I just put the required skills?
Ka’shia
Noah Gelb
Video Production
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Noah’s Answer
In my experience hiring interns I just want to see that you've shown passion and drive. Did you start a group or organization or initiative of some kind? What can you say about it? How did you grow it? I just want to see something that makes me think "wow, cool, she really worked hard at that."
Also, as interns are often given admin-related tasks, I try to look for cues on the candidate's attention to detail and organization. Is your resume neat and well organized? Are the sections well written and concise?
There are a number of AI services that can give you feedback on your resume that are worth exploring as well.
Also, as interns are often given admin-related tasks, I try to look for cues on the candidate's attention to detail and organization. Is your resume neat and well organized? Are the sections well written and concise?
There are a number of AI services that can give you feedback on your resume that are worth exploring as well.
Thank you for taking time to respond! This gives insight on potentially starting my own organization for people like me who want to work in entertainment.
Ka’shia
Rick Goudzwaard
Musician career coaching
6
Answers
Goodyear, Arizona
Updated
Rick’s Answer
To land a record company internship, you'll want to highlight these essential skills:
- *Administrative Tasks*: Think scheduling, paperwork, and organization. Record companies need help with day-to-day operations, so show you're comfortable with tasks like maintaining websites, coordinating mailings, and handling clerical duties.
- *Audio Editing Software basic knowledge (see YouTube) in tools like Pro Tools and Adobe Audition is a must. You'll be working with music, so understanding the basics on how to edit, mix, and master tracks is a plus.
- *Social Media Savvy. Record companies use social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube to promote artists and engage with fans. Show you're familiar with these platforms and can create engaging content.
- *You don't need to be a music expert, but demonstrate your passion and knowledge and involvement.
- *Communication and Research Skills:
You'll be working with various teams, so effective communication and research skills are vital. Showcase your ability to write press releases, conduct market research, and analyze data.
- *Flexibility and Networking: Record companies value flexibility, teamwork, and networking. Be prepared to adapt to changing projects and build relationships with industry professionals.
- *Technical Skills*: Familiarity with HTML, Photoshop, and other creative tools can be beneficial. Show you're willing to learn and explore new technologies.
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) also emphasizes a basic knowledge of
Intellectual Property Knowledge. Understand the basics of copyright law and intellectual property rights.
- *Public Policy Awareness. Stay informed about music industry policies and legislation.
- *Research and Writing. Develop strong research and writing skills to assist with reports, studies, and memos.
Remember, the key to landing a record company internship is to demonstrate your passion for the music industry, combined with relevant skills and knowledge.
- *Administrative Tasks*: Think scheduling, paperwork, and organization. Record companies need help with day-to-day operations, so show you're comfortable with tasks like maintaining websites, coordinating mailings, and handling clerical duties.
- *Audio Editing Software basic knowledge (see YouTube) in tools like Pro Tools and Adobe Audition is a must. You'll be working with music, so understanding the basics on how to edit, mix, and master tracks is a plus.
- *Social Media Savvy. Record companies use social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube to promote artists and engage with fans. Show you're familiar with these platforms and can create engaging content.
- *You don't need to be a music expert, but demonstrate your passion and knowledge and involvement.
- *Communication and Research Skills:
You'll be working with various teams, so effective communication and research skills are vital. Showcase your ability to write press releases, conduct market research, and analyze data.
- *Flexibility and Networking: Record companies value flexibility, teamwork, and networking. Be prepared to adapt to changing projects and build relationships with industry professionals.
- *Technical Skills*: Familiarity with HTML, Photoshop, and other creative tools can be beneficial. Show you're willing to learn and explore new technologies.
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) also emphasizes a basic knowledge of
Intellectual Property Knowledge. Understand the basics of copyright law and intellectual property rights.
- *Public Policy Awareness. Stay informed about music industry policies and legislation.
- *Research and Writing. Develop strong research and writing skills to assist with reports, studies, and memos.
Remember, the key to landing a record company internship is to demonstrate your passion for the music industry, combined with relevant skills and knowledge.
John Graham
Music Producer
82
Answers
Bremerton, Washington
Updated
John’s Answer
Hi Ka’shia!
I really agree with Jami and Dylan's comments.
I thought you might like to get a sample of what it's like to work in a music studio session and hear some comments from some great musicians and producers about the experience. Guitarist Nicky V did this video last week and I think you could glean a lot of information from it about how studio sessions work and the importance of being prepared. Nicky also talks about the qualities of people he hires for sessions and what he looks for and why. Here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3o4frJn2i-0
Hope you enjoy this, and good luck on your journey forward - John
I really agree with Jami and Dylan's comments.
I thought you might like to get a sample of what it's like to work in a music studio session and hear some comments from some great musicians and producers about the experience. Guitarist Nicky V did this video last week and I think you could glean a lot of information from it about how studio sessions work and the importance of being prepared. Nicky also talks about the qualities of people he hires for sessions and what he looks for and why. Here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3o4frJn2i-0
Hope you enjoy this, and good luck on your journey forward - John
Eli Belcher
Music Production
1
Answer
Snohomish, Washington
Updated
Eli’s Answer
I manage a record label and know people that also manage their own labels. When looking for a graphic designer and/or marketing team, we look for people and traits that fill our needs as much as possible. Marketing especially is becoming more and more valuable to record labels in these years, with how much the industry is growing. One of the best ways to market is obviously social media. I'm busy right now so that's all I have time for. Hope this helps!
Marcos Mariano Perretta
Music Producer And Composer
2
Answers
Pergamino, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina
Updated
Marcos Mariano’s Answer
To make your resume stand out when applying for an internship at a record label, you'll want to focus on the skills and experiences that demonstrate your ability to contribute to the industry, even if your school doesn’t offer direct opportunities. Here’s what you can do to tailor your resume for the music industry:
Key Skills Record Labels Look For:
Marketing & Promotion Skills:
Social Media Management: Experience with platforms like Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube, particularly in the context of promoting brands, music, or events.
Digital Marketing: Knowledge of SEO, email marketing, and paid ads can be valuable for promoting music, artists, and events.
Content Strategy: Experience developing content that resonates with target audiences—this could be blog posts, social media posts, or promotional material.
Graphic Design & Visual Communication:
Branding: Show your experience in creating visual identities, whether through logo design, album covers, or social media graphics. Your graphic design skills will be essential for creating engaging and on-brand visuals for artists.
Photo and Video Editing: Experience in editing photos and videos can be important, especially for content creation or working with artists on promotional material. Tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, and After Effects are valuable here.
Communication & Writing Skills:
Press Releases: Writing and distributing press releases is often part of marketing efforts for record labels, so having experience in journalistic writing or media relations is helpful.
Storytelling: Writing compelling stories that promote artists or music, whether through blogs, social media, or interviews.
Content Creation:
Videography and Photography: Experience creating promotional videos, music videos, or behind-the-scenes footage for social media or artist marketing campaigns.
Podcasting or Interviewing: If you’ve done any work with audio content, interviews, or podcasts, this is an excellent way to demonstrate your ability to produce content for the music industry.
Project Management & Organization:
Time Management: Record labels often work on tight deadlines, so any experience managing multiple projects simultaneously can be a huge asset.
Teamwork: Show your ability to collaborate with other creatives, artists, and marketing teams to achieve common goals.
Understanding of the Music Industry:
Knowledge of Trends: Stay up-to-date with current trends in music, technology (streaming services, platforms like Spotify and TikTok), and the entertainment industry at large.
Networking: Show if you've made connections in the music or entertainment industry through internships, events, or personal projects.
How to Gain Experience and Add to Your Resume:
Freelance Work:
Take on freelance design or content creation projects, such as creating promotional materials for local bands, artists, or events.
Offer to design social media graphics or websites for up-and-coming artists, which you can showcase in your portfolio.
Online Courses and Certifications:
Music Business/Marketing: Consider taking online courses on platforms like Coursera, Skillshare, or LinkedIn Learning to show you understand the nuances of the music industry.
Design Software: If you're not already proficient, taking courses on Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, etc.) can strengthen your portfolio.
Social Media Strategy: Courses on digital marketing, content strategy, or SEO can also help demonstrate that you understand how to build an online presence for artists.
Internships or Volunteering:
Look for internships in related industries, such as entertainment or digital media, that will help you build relevant skills.
Volunteer at local events, music festivals, or community projects that are related to music or entertainment. You’ll get exposure and network with people in the industry.
Start a Personal Project:
Launch a music blog, YouTube channel, or podcast where you review or promote new music, artists, or trends. Use this to practice your writing, communication, and content creation skills.
Create a portfolio showcasing your work in design, content, and marketing with an emphasis on the music industry.
Networking:
Join music-related groups on LinkedIn, Reddit, or Facebook, and attend industry events or conferences (even virtual ones). Building connections is vital in this industry.
Use your school’s alumni network to connect with graduates who work in the music industry or related fields.
Resume Tips:
Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your relevant experiences (such as freelance design work, content creation, social media management) and show how they could apply to a record label role.
Portfolio: Create a strong portfolio showcasing your graphic design work, content creation, writing, and any relevant projects.
Keywords: Use industry-relevant keywords (e.g., "digital marketing," "social media strategy," "content creation," "brand identity") to help your resume get noticed by applicant tracking systems.
By gaining hands-on experience through freelancing, volunteering, or side projects, and by taking initiative to learn about the music industry, you’ll build a resume that will attract record labels looking for creative and skilled interns.
Would you like more details on any of these steps or help with creating a standout portfolio?
Key Skills Record Labels Look For:
Marketing & Promotion Skills:
Social Media Management: Experience with platforms like Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube, particularly in the context of promoting brands, music, or events.
Digital Marketing: Knowledge of SEO, email marketing, and paid ads can be valuable for promoting music, artists, and events.
Content Strategy: Experience developing content that resonates with target audiences—this could be blog posts, social media posts, or promotional material.
Graphic Design & Visual Communication:
Branding: Show your experience in creating visual identities, whether through logo design, album covers, or social media graphics. Your graphic design skills will be essential for creating engaging and on-brand visuals for artists.
Photo and Video Editing: Experience in editing photos and videos can be important, especially for content creation or working with artists on promotional material. Tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, and After Effects are valuable here.
Communication & Writing Skills:
Press Releases: Writing and distributing press releases is often part of marketing efforts for record labels, so having experience in journalistic writing or media relations is helpful.
Storytelling: Writing compelling stories that promote artists or music, whether through blogs, social media, or interviews.
Content Creation:
Videography and Photography: Experience creating promotional videos, music videos, or behind-the-scenes footage for social media or artist marketing campaigns.
Podcasting or Interviewing: If you’ve done any work with audio content, interviews, or podcasts, this is an excellent way to demonstrate your ability to produce content for the music industry.
Project Management & Organization:
Time Management: Record labels often work on tight deadlines, so any experience managing multiple projects simultaneously can be a huge asset.
Teamwork: Show your ability to collaborate with other creatives, artists, and marketing teams to achieve common goals.
Understanding of the Music Industry:
Knowledge of Trends: Stay up-to-date with current trends in music, technology (streaming services, platforms like Spotify and TikTok), and the entertainment industry at large.
Networking: Show if you've made connections in the music or entertainment industry through internships, events, or personal projects.
How to Gain Experience and Add to Your Resume:
Freelance Work:
Take on freelance design or content creation projects, such as creating promotional materials for local bands, artists, or events.
Offer to design social media graphics or websites for up-and-coming artists, which you can showcase in your portfolio.
Online Courses and Certifications:
Music Business/Marketing: Consider taking online courses on platforms like Coursera, Skillshare, or LinkedIn Learning to show you understand the nuances of the music industry.
Design Software: If you're not already proficient, taking courses on Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, etc.) can strengthen your portfolio.
Social Media Strategy: Courses on digital marketing, content strategy, or SEO can also help demonstrate that you understand how to build an online presence for artists.
Internships or Volunteering:
Look for internships in related industries, such as entertainment or digital media, that will help you build relevant skills.
Volunteer at local events, music festivals, or community projects that are related to music or entertainment. You’ll get exposure and network with people in the industry.
Start a Personal Project:
Launch a music blog, YouTube channel, or podcast where you review or promote new music, artists, or trends. Use this to practice your writing, communication, and content creation skills.
Create a portfolio showcasing your work in design, content, and marketing with an emphasis on the music industry.
Networking:
Join music-related groups on LinkedIn, Reddit, or Facebook, and attend industry events or conferences (even virtual ones). Building connections is vital in this industry.
Use your school’s alumni network to connect with graduates who work in the music industry or related fields.
Resume Tips:
Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your relevant experiences (such as freelance design work, content creation, social media management) and show how they could apply to a record label role.
Portfolio: Create a strong portfolio showcasing your graphic design work, content creation, writing, and any relevant projects.
Keywords: Use industry-relevant keywords (e.g., "digital marketing," "social media strategy," "content creation," "brand identity") to help your resume get noticed by applicant tracking systems.
By gaining hands-on experience through freelancing, volunteering, or side projects, and by taking initiative to learn about the music industry, you’ll build a resume that will attract record labels looking for creative and skilled interns.
Would you like more details on any of these steps or help with creating a standout portfolio?