No Calls/No E-mails/No Thanks

From time to time, whether I'm happily employed in a gig or not, I cruise the employment opportunities on various websites.

I look for on-air work. Some would call that "communications work."

I have to tell you, I appreciate it when a possible employer lets me know they don't have time for me right away -- before I even apply. Whenever I see "No Calls/No E-mails," that's what I think: "Here's somebody who wants quality communicators, but they don't want any communication unless they call you." So when I see "No Calls/No E-mails," I automatically go to the next posting with an under-the-breath, "No thanks!"

"No Calls/No E-mails" can mean a lot of things. Sure, you can just think to yourself, "Well, that's just how that company operates." But I'd encourage you, especially if you're interested in the position they're offering, to explore the real meaning behind "No Calls/No E-mails." How overworked is a PD, OM or GM who doesn't even have time to talk with interested possible future employees? Do I really want to work for a company that already has my potential immediate boss that overworked?

Or maybe the person who posted that job opening is just worried about themselves. "Sure you're talented, sure you're my morning show, but I'll talk with you when I decide I have the time and patience to put up with you." Is that really something I want to deal with in a new job? A boss who's conceited enough to think they're the only reason they have a great sounding air staff ... because they somehow magically put it all together? I don't care what kind of mountain range you're in, or how close to the ocean you are, or how great the benefits package is. If you're the sole reason your station sounds great, then you don't need me, do you?

Finally, here's the kicker on a job post that I just saw this morning that inspired this little piece. I read a job posting that actually said "NO CALLS/NO E-MAILS. Anybody that calls or e-mails me about this job will automatically be disqualified from consideration." Holy crap! Are you serious? If I call you and tell you I'm interested in your gig, you'll disqualify me? If I, in my 16th year as an on-air radio nerd and currently employed full-time as morning show host, programmer and sales person, only have time to drop you a quick note in e-mail form, I'm out of consideration? Well then, my friend, keep it. I've been doing this long enough to know that I don't know everything about this business and neither do you.

In short, if you want anybody who considers themselves to be a talent and possible asset to you and your station, I feel for you that you discourage them (us) before we ever get a chance to talk the first time. I haven't worked at improving my craft for 16 years so you can talk to me when you feel like it. If you don't have the time for me when I'm interested in you, sorry, my interest in hearing from you will be long gone by the time you step out of your ivory tower.

No Calls/No E-mails? Sorry, No Interest.