25 ways to bag yourself a telly job...

...Ok, so it’s more of a ‘list of 25 places to look if you want to find/learn about/apply for jobs in TV (and other stuff in media)’.

But that didn’t make a very catchy title. And let’s be honest, it’s not a great subtitle either.

Basically what I’m trying to say is that if you explore/follow/read/apply to the following websites/TV experts/blogs/courses (that’s a LOT of forward slashes) you should come somewhere close to finding your way into the TV industry. Unless of course you are a scary/violent/metal weirdo. In which case, even if by some miracle you make it to interview, you probably won’t actually be given a job. Unless you hide your insanity/violent streak well.

Anyway, enough of the forward slashes. Here’s the most useful list you’ll EVER find.

1.     The Broadcasters- ITV, BBC, Channel 4, Sky, MTV, UKTV
These are the companies you’ve always dreamed of working for. They are the ‘big boys’ of the production/broadcasting world. A good old Google search will take you where you want to go, but bear in mind there’ll most likely be hundreds of candidates applying for the same job, so try to stand out! 
2.     BBC Work Experience 
The Beeb offers unpaid 2-4 week placements in almost every corner of the business. After filling out the usual forms and answering a few questions (think through your answers and make them specific to the position you’re applying for) you’re done. 
3.     ITV work experience 
This works slightly differently to the BBC. If you succeed in the application and assessment centre stages, you’ll be put into the ITV Talent Pool. Once in the pool, you’ll specify what your interests are and wait for the emails to come flooding in. (usually unpaid 2-4 wk placements)
To be eligible for Channel 4 Work Experience, you must first attend a 4Talent event or open day (usually held in March/September). Applications open three times each year, in early Spring, Summer and late Autumn. (It's worth noting with all work experience that unpaid work placements are only legal if you are a full time student. And anything longer than a few weeks should be paid work. Just because you need the experience doesn't mean companies can exploit your services! Know your rights.)
5.     THE UNITLIST 
A website run by the wonderful Jude Winstanley. For jobs in production, there’s no better place to be! From Runners to Production Coordinators, it’s all here. Also all jobs posted pay at least minimum wage.
6.     TWITTER
No, it’s not just for following your favourite celebrities (although the likes of Alan Carr and Chris Moyles are friggin’ hilarious). Twitter is a valuable job hunting tool! Follow people in the industry, comment on their tweets and use relevant hashtags e.g. #tvjobs
7.     Facebook
Put your job hunting specifics on your status every once in a while. You’ll be surprised how many people know someone who knows someone...
8.     Linked In
The Professional Network. Like Facebook but with CV info and job posts instead of relationship info and drunken wall posts. Connect with colleagues and interesting people in the industry. Linked In is the new CV.
9.      Indie Production Companies
‘Indie’ as in short for ‘independent’, not that genre of music promoted by The Killers. Contact independent production companies for details of vacancies/placement information.
10.  PACT website
Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television. The big list of all UK production companies. This is where you’ll find and research those indie companies you’re going to contact.
11.  BBC Fast Train
A free training day for TV freelancers. Spring/Summer annually. Must have had either 2 years experience or three professional credits in order to be eligible.
12.  Media Nation
Covers jobs all over the media industry. From Journalism and Publishing, to Games and Music, to Television and Radio.
Jobs and opportunities in telly. Also posting useful links and info on Facebook and Twitter.
Broadcast jobs. Sign up, upload and CV and apply, apply!
The aim: “To provide a vast free global and fully searchable database of creative talent and production crew accessible to anyone free of charge.” Does just that. And posts jobs too. Brilliant.  
The real stories behind the world of TV production. A website/blog (and book) by the brilliant Shu Richmond answering the questions you NEED answering when starting out in TV.
A forum for TV freelancers to ask questions, post opportunities and discuss the world of television to their hearts’ content.
Great list of telly jobs. Browse for free.
Sign up and get weekly emails about jobs specifically suited to you.
Great for graduates. Search for and receive emails about the jobs that matter to you.
Includes a ‘What job would suit me?’ feature. Just pop in your interests and qualifications and full list of possible jobs will pop up! Easy as that!
Graduate jobs in all sectors, with a handy email feature sending only jobs specific to your interests. Watch out for the unpaid placements (e.g. 3 months unpaid is not acceptable). Yes, TV is a competitive industry, but asking you to work for free for 12 weeks is taking the piss.
Great resources for jobs of all sorts. (Also check the Media Guardian section of the paper on Mondays)
24.   Media Volt
        "Your media industry social community site for those in, or trying to break into the industry" Create a profile and look for acting, extra, dancer, model or TV and Film production work!
25.  WEXO
A website and 'networking service' offering access to exclusive work experience, internships and jobs in all sectors.

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