Got a job interview...got advice?
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Posted on Dec 07, 2006 10:40 pm
colonel_sanders
edit0r
Member Since: Aug 17, 2004
I have been offered a job as Studio Manager in training and also engineer in training. I have known these guys since I began recording, so they have watched my progress over these years.
2x owners, 1x intern on wages. I will make the 4th staff. It is considered by some as the 'biggest' studio in the South Island - lots of premium gear.
I'm meeting the owner/general manager/director to discuss the terms of the employment contract.
I'd be keen to hear any kind of advice, pearls of wisdom and pitfalls from you guys.
This is a big opportunity which I have decided to accept.
Cheers in advance,
C_S
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el musicoFreeleance Producer/Engineer/GtrMember
Since: Aug 11, 2002
Dec 08, 2006 02:14 am I wish i had more info for ya... funny since I own a studio and I don't know what i'd look other than someone to do everything I do...but here's a posting from a studio looking for a manager. it gave me a clue so maybe it'll help you.... it long tho
Job Duties*:
In this very busy role, your primary responsibility will be to run the day-to-day operation with all studio-related business being the first priority. You will also work under the direction of the Executive Director on executive and organizational tasks, as well as, on occasion performing duties for other division managers. The primary role of this position is to run the studio in general, from booking the studios, to coordination of CD replication and tech personnel, to monitoring and following through on the estate tasks such as ordering and replenishing of café and bathroom supplies, answering phones and door, making postal runs, and, including but not limited to:
• Booking and coordinating all studio activities, sessions, tours
• Compiling, coordinating and sending quarterly or bi-annual studio promotional mailings
• Answering phones, door
• Filing, and optimization of various existing organizational files
• Cashing out clients at the end of the sessions (after probationary period)
• Coordinating and scheduling of engineers and working with Chief Engineer to delegate incoming work, CD replication, etc.
• CD Replication and/or coordination of doing so for clients with our third party affiliate (Discmakers)
• CD Replication and/or coordination of doing so for in-house and Miracle Concerts
• Compiling and coordinating efforts in the publishing divisions as needed
• Any and all administrative duties that go along with daily duties, including but not limited to computer, online, copying, filing, etc. and conformance and strict adherence to Trod Nossel policies
• Coordinate the implementation for multi-channel and multi-source efforts across all Trod Nossel divisions
• Delegation of tasks to company interns and other hourly employees as needed
• Creating new, and continuing and solidifying old, relationships with our studio clientele
• Orientation of, and partaking in components of interviewing and hiring new employees
• Coordination of any and all equipment repair and purchases
• Ensuring and taking any and all appropriate actions that the studios remain booked with sessions by way of promo, contacting former clients, seeking new acts, etc.
• Coordinating from start to finish, the recording classes
Job Requirements*:
• Knowledge or strong interest in the music business
• Must be able to both take direction, and be a self-starter
• Attention to and strict adherence to company policy and security issues
• Ability to diversify and multi-task
• Extreme attention to detail
• Well organized, professional with a high standard of business ethic
• Computer proficient, including the following programs (but not limited to):
o Internet
o MS Office (Word, Excel, etc.)
o Corel Draw and/or Photoshop (for designing CD tray cards for clients)
o Knowledge of Pro Tools helpful but not required
o Quickbooks knowledge helpful
o ACT helpful
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to duplicate, take direction exactly and complete follow-through
• Good follow up
• Uninhibited and Tenacious
• Strong analytical skills
• Ability to function in a fast-paced environment and adhering to deadlines
• Willingness to partake in any and all activity needed for the benefit of the organization; either with the team or individually
• Positive, “can-do” attitude in all situations
• College degree preferred
Dec 08, 2006 04:21 am Spot on el musico. I haven't got the degree yet but I have the Diploma. I have deferred my degree studies to take this job. I hope to be able to complete the degree in the future at some time.
I have a long way to go, but I'm willing to do what's needed. I would say my biggest limitation is experience with protools and familiarity with day to day operations and management. But I am to be trained to the positions.
The owners/operators/directors have known me for a while, so they know a bit about my personal qualities and my potential. They also know the support I have had from my parents.
Cheers for the time el musico.
C_S
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Dec 08, 2006 12:01 pm Man, I'd already have taken it. Sounds sweet.
In my experience (non of it music engineering or studio manager based), the key component to bring someone on is aptitude. Is the person flexible, and willing (and capable) to learn.
If you have that, then you should be golden.
Congrats, and I hope it goes well, meeting with the brass =).
BeerHunterwww.TheLondonProject.caMember
Since: Feb 07, 2005
Dec 08, 2006 03:18 pm My advice is to just be yourself. An interview is for YOU as well. Interview them as well to make sure it is what you want. Being able to "get along" with your co-workers is one of the most important things IMO. It doesn't matter how talented someone is if you can't work with them.
And one other thing, Congratulations!
Dec 08, 2006 04:21 pm pjk - man, when I met with the guy I was tempted...but my parents had had a chat to me about conditions of employment, training and atleast having a go at getting paid in some way. As opposed to many interns who don't even get the basic wage but tend to be paid in terms of use of sudio gear, access to engineers/producers/agents etc and exposure to clients etc.
Also I just wanted a job as an intern engineer and he asked me to be trained as the studio manager. I didn't really know what that role entailed until I did a little research later. So this meeting is just to clarify the job descriptions, conditions of employment and wages/salary/etc if poss in the employment contract.
Beerhunter - thanks for the comments, man. Before I went to SAE Auckland in 2005 I got to work with the head engineer/owner/director etc and we both enjoyed the experience. I can learn a lot from him. The other intern seems a nice guy. And the one I'm meeting is a bit of a hard case.
But, yeah, it can be hard to relax in the interview situation, but I've made I few notes for the interview and I've been thinking a lot about the jobs, my role and how I can fit in there and support their vision as well as learn as much as I can.
Cheers pjk and Beerhunter,
C_S
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Dec 08, 2006 04:26 pm Heh, the more older I get, the more I screen them, like BH said.
That's certainly a good call though, get the details out in the open before you commit to anything. Smart idea, that.
I just thought as well, that you still would be going to University if it didn't work out, so you're still moving forward in your career.
Man, when I was your age I was just sitting around getting tanked, and playing rock. It's good to see there's still dedicated youth around.
(wow, now i really sound old)
Dec 08, 2006 04:35 pm lol. Its what everyone is doing. Apparently my mother just sat around waiting and in between times played a lot of sport even when she was supposed to be at classes. My father was working in a garden place separating tulip bulbs after not having much success at school and before immigrating to NZ by himself at 18.
But I've got heaps to learn yet pjk. And I've been lucky about the support from my parents. But I'm still playing rock and hoping not just to get tanked. Lol.
C_S
cooloFrisco's Most UnderratedMember
Since: Jan 28, 2003
Dec 08, 2006 07:07 pm Congratulations, my man. My only advice would be to not react in the first instant. Give yourself at least over night to think before you commit, beacause sometimes we get too excited about possibilities, we don't always think about the realities. But, you seem to be a bright guy, so I'm sure you'll make a good decision. Congrats again!
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Dec 08, 2006 11:15 pm CS, well you know how I feel about how far you've come in the last years.
The simple fact that they offered is a good sign so take it at that.
Second they are offering you more then you thought, manager and all. And training, that is the real world. If they are big and it sounds as though they are, the fact they are willing to bring you on as an intern means they will guide you as needed. But they obviously saw something in you that they feel is worth their time. You honestly cant beat what they can give you, real time experience and guidance. You know how I feel about that one, to me it was worth more then any school could possibly have given me. I was lucky enough to work alongside those who were willing to show me when I needed showing, and let me experiment and find my own way as well.
As for the money, well I'll just say don't be greedy but don't be shy either. If you feel it should be more and it is justified surely ask or arrange a plan for bonuses and future raises.
You know exactly what you want out of it, while meeting make sure and ask what you really want to ask. Don't be shy there at all as they will probably find your interest and questioning to be a good thing.
Lastly, I wouldn't sweat the PT thing. You know there are tons of apps and you know how to run many of them. But the biggest thing is what is inside you and your head. You are able to hear things in the music very few people get to hear. You know what sounds good and what doesn't and you know you can probably fix it if it isn't right. Besides, you can always sneak off and post here when you get stuck. :-)
I'll be wishing you the best of luck on this one dude, and you know what you want so go see if they have it.
Noize
Dec 09, 2006 02:10 am Thanks for the ups coolo. It was hard not to break out dancing at the second interview, when he talked to me about what he had in mind. I didn't hear anything after that moment. I was blinded. He could have been asking me to be his pimp for all that I would have realised. Now I've had a bit of time to come down to earth, I've been able to think more and try and consider options etc.
Thanks Noize. I maybe made them sound bigger than they are. They are 'big' for the South Island. But I am lucky to be considered for work there, since they already took on an intern.
At the moment the money is nil until I bring clients in - and that hasn't been sorted yet, other than he is willing to consider salary, wages or profit sharing. I appreciate he wants to make the studio self funding. But he knows the risk to his business is smaller than taking on an unknown and unproven and that this is my passion, so I'm more likely to make it work than I am to leave or be difficult etc, plus I have every intention in doing what needs to be done. Just a token gesture or payment in gear or in studio time for my personal projects - things like that would be fair, I think - from the outstart. But I have to run these ideas past him - see if there is any common ground.
So the third interview is tomorrow to seal the deal. Thanks Noize.
Cheers,
C_S
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Dec 10, 2006 01:31 am Cs, I realize what you meant by big for where you are. Its the same as big was in the 70's for me with a few local underground studio's here. And yes, I did the same thing, work for studio time etc. as it just made sense. It didn't feed me but it kept me were I wanted to be, and eventually it did and does provide me with enough to make it worth the time spent.
Here is wishing you luck, no matter which way you decide to go.
Noize
Dec 10, 2006 11:35 am Make them feel you really want it,and they may want to give you the job.Lots of luck;)
Dec 18, 2006 01:42 am Its all a go. Am now the Studio Manager/Engineer of Blast Recording Studios www.blaststudios.co.nz . Start work tomorrow.
El Musico - The job description info you posted was a central piece od info. Thanks very much.
Noize, pjk, beerhunter, hujambo - thanks for the advice.
Kaos62Kaos is only a form of insanityMember
Since: Feb 03, 2005
Dec 18, 2006 01:52 am Good Luck CS hope it all goes well for you
el musicoFreeleance Producer/Engineer/GtrMember
Since: Aug 11, 2002
Dec 18, 2006 02:30 am Cool man, congrats!
Dec 18, 2006 06:19 pm Thanks Kaos. We'll see how it goes.
Thanks again el musico.
Merry xmas to everyone and all the best for the new year.
LokiCone PokerMember
Since: Apr 07, 2002
Dec 18, 2006 06:22 pm Way to go CS! That is great! Now... strip the studio and send it peice by peice to me, saying that you guys need to update it. haha. Seriously though, way to go mate!
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Dec 18, 2006 07:28 pm CS, congrats from here as well. I'm glad you got it really. I think you will be happy. Just remember it will be some long late nights and maybe some really shitty days. But in the end it will be worth it.
Just remember to not forget your friends when your putting out those platinum record's.
Best of luck, and happy holidays to you and your family as well. Wish your mum a good holiday from me as well.
Noize
Dec 18, 2006 08:56 pm Lol Loki. Thanks.
Noize, I heard heaps of stories already. Funny ones and stories of abuse from clients. Hard work is fine for me. It can't be easy taking the abuse tho or even disappointment.
My mum says all the best too and that we're looking forward to seeing you here in NZ. She also says "he's got a long way to go yet!"
pjkPrince CZAR-mingMember
Since: Apr 08, 2004
Dec 19, 2006 12:11 pm Good for you C_S, and good luck. Be sure to make lots of mistakes =)
(you know, to speed up that learning curve, and all)
Dec 19, 2006 01:40 pm Lol. You know it, pjk! Yesterday was the first day. It was awesome! Sat at the desk and pretended I knew what all the knobs and slides were for. Answered the phone. Ate my lunch. Lifes good. haha.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Dec 19, 2006 07:56 pm CS, you'll get the hang of it in now time I'm sure of that. Like I said, the best way to learn is to just start twisting the knob's, since you already have a basic knowledge of the stuff it wont take you long at all.
Dec 20, 2006 12:59 am congrats indeed man!
i'd take up the hobby of reading up on any manuals for all the gear you're using (start with the board) knowing how the routing works is key to not lookin' like a *******...lol i've fumbled around on a D8B for almost 30 minutes infront of a payin' customer, and it was just silly....but yeah, go the extra mile and ask the owner for any manuals he might have.
cheers man! you know what you're dooin'
*just checked out the site*
holy ****! man have fun with that rig!
man, i gotta get my jaw off the ground! i swear my heart rate rose a good 15bpm just reading the gear list.....
omg i'm speachless!
Quote:
All pins silver soldered
ok now i'm crying
dude, i always wanted to live in New Zeland! omg if you guys ever need help, i will pack my **** up and come out for a week or two and kick it with ya! lol damn i've got friends in Auckland too!
Dec 20, 2006 04:25 am Just brought the 700+ pg tools manual home tonight. Yeah...eat your heart out wyd. Lol. Blast has some serious outboard gear for such a little place. But come out anyway wyd.
I'll give you a call direct noize if thats alright...when I need some advice.
Dec 20, 2006 11:12 am oh totally man, i'd be glad to help....snag that desk manual!
Dec 20, 2006 07:42 pm No sweat. Let us know when you're coming wyd. We have a big house.
PS I'm in Christchurch now.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Dec 20, 2006 08:52 pm CS, I edited the link so it goes direct now.
And yep, tis OK with me.
