Why Getting a Job in Music Feels So Hard Right Now (And What To Do About It)

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So, here's the thing - a lot of people are looking for jobs right now.

You know it. We know it. Everyone feels it.

And if you're trying to break into the music industry specifically, you feel it even more. It shouldn’t be this difficult, but it is. 

There's nothing more frustrating than putting years of time, money, and energy into something you actually care about, and then feeling like the door just won't open.

What We're Seeing on the Ground

Last month, we hosted a session at SXSW on how to actually get a job in music. The turnout was strong, the conversations were real, and one thing kept coming up:

Most people aren't struggling because they're not talented. They're struggling because they don't understand how hiring actually works.

So instead of guessing, we started paying closer attention to the types of roles actually being posted, the skills that keep showing up in job descriptions, and how candidates are (or aren't) positioning themselves. 

We pulled some clips from the SXSW session throughout this piece that should help too.

Talent vs. Hireability

A lot of people go in thinking: "I love music, I'm good at what I do - someone will give me a shot."

That's not really how it works.

Hiring managers aren't just looking for passion. They're looking for signals. Can you communicate clearly? Do you understand how the business actually operates? Can you contribute something on day one, even in a small way? It's less about potential and more about proof.

You Might Have to Be a Little Annoying

Here's something that doesn't get said enough: when you're trying to get your foot in the door, it's okay to follow up. Send the email. Check back in. Be respectfully persistent. 

Most opportunities don't go to the most qualified candidate. They go to the one who stayed top of mind.

What Actually Gets You in the Door

Most entry-level roles, especially at the assistant or coordinator level, are looking for a pretty consistent set of skills:

  • Organization and attention to detail

  • Clear, professional communication

  • Basic data handling (Excel, Google Sheets, etc.)

  • Some understanding of how different parts of the industry connect

The problem is most candidates don't present themselves in a way that makes those skills visible. So even if you have them, you might not look hireable on paper.

What to Actually Do Next

If you're serious about getting in, focus on three things:

  1. Learn how hiring actually works — not what you assume companies want, but what they consistently ask for

  2. Make yourself look hireable — your resume, your pitch, your outreach should all read like someone ready to step in and help

  3. Have a real action plan — specific roles, specific companies, actual next steps. Not "I'll start applying soon."