So a television producer has applied for a job with your company.
Should you give them a chance?
After all, what does TV producing have to do with running your business?
A lot, actually.
Producers can be ideal candidates. Not just for jobs in public relations or marketing, but also nearly any position that requires teamwork, multi-tasking, and communications.
In my opinion, there are a ton of reasons to hire a former television producer — but here are eight great reasons why a former television producer would be a great hire for your team.
1. Producers are team builders and leaders.
A producer is not a good job for people who like to fly solo. They are constantly collaborating and learning how their different team members think and work. They know how to leverage these traits to create a more effective whole.
Producers are also experienced leaders. They have to give directions and constructive criticism to anchors, reporters, writers, producers, videographers, on-air guests (like musicians, performers, executives, politicians) and other team members. They also know how to stay open to others’ ideas and feedback, and can delegate appropriately.
2. Producers are excellent communicators.
At the core, producers are in the business of storytelling. You don’t get there without good communication skills. They know how to convey ideas in compelling and persuasive ways.
Friction and disagreements can happen between even the best teammates. This makes producers experienced in conflict management, too.
3. Big-picture thinking is a must.
Many jobs require meticulous attention to detail, but television producers also have to know how to see the big picture.
Business managers have to understand the long-term effects of their decisions. They have to know how the different parts of their company fit together. Likewise, producers have to understand how the different parts of a TV show fit together to deliver a compelling, informative, and entertaining television program.
4. Multi-tasking is a way of life.
Both business leaders and producers need to juggle numerous responsibilities. They have to know how to switch effortlessly from one task to the next.
Producers have many different responsibilities in their jobs. They have to think creatively and pitch new ideas. They have to problem-solve and stick to a budget.
Their ability to wear many hats makes them valuable for any office.
5. Producers will get you connected.
Producing is a social job, so producers learn to develop excellent networking skills. With so much collaboration, they can understand which people work best with each other, and who to call on when needed.
If a producer doesn’t know how to do something, you can be sure they’ll know how to find someone who does.
6. Producers are problem-solving pros.
You can’t make a television show without something going wrong at some point.
Just like corporate managers, television producers have learned how to identify problems, and also how to find or develop creative solutions, sometimes on short notice. As an executive producer and producer — I ALWAYS had a plan b, plan c, and plan d. You never know when a story won’t get filed on time or when a reporter won’t make it to the location on time… I had backup plans for my backup plans.
7. Producers can also be master marketers.
Television producers have great communication and networking skills, which makes a great marketing combination.
They are used to “reading” people and negotiating with them. Their media training means they can tell a story and craft an effective message that gets the desired results.
8. Time management is a necessity.
Any manager has to recognize how long different tasks and projects will take, and plan accordingly. So do television producers.
Producers are used to working with deadlines. They know how to hustle to get their projects done on time.
If you value any of these skills, former producers can be an ideal addition to your company. If you’re thinking about hiring a former producer, give their application a closer look. They might be exactly what you’re looking for.
As a former executive producer, I produce the best you on video, online, and on stage.
Schedule a free consultation here for media and public speaking coaching.
