(December 6, 2013) Small changes paid big dividends for Matt Finkel in the sports broadcasting job market. An STAA client, Finkel is joining West Ohio Sports Network (WTLW/WOSN) in Lima, OH, as a sports anchor/reporter.
The position offers Finkel an opportunity to do a little bit of everything. “The job description calls for anchoring, live reporting, shooting, editing and play-by-play, which is exactly what I was looking for. I’m eager to gain experience in a number of different areas and this position gives me the opportunity to do just that.”
Finkel learned of the opportunity through an STAA job sheet. “When I read the job description, I applied right away and three days later I received a phone call from the Sports Director Andy Lynch. The process happened very quickly and it is a tremendous advantage to have the openings emailed to you directly.”
Finkel also benefited from some job market suggestions from STAA. “Organizing all of my demo materials on a professional-looking personal website made a big difference,” says Finkel. “Before I was sending multiple links to YouTube videos.
“I also revised my cover letter, making it less wordy and focusing on the skills that best suited the position I was applying for. I had previously always personalized the cover letter but I started taking a little extra time to think about what specific skills and experience I should highlight to prove that I am worthy candidate.”
A 2011 graduate of Syracuse University, Finkel has been a Broadcast Associate at MLB Network since 2011. He has also been doing freelance play-by-play this year for various college and high school sports throughout the Northeast.
“Thank you so much [STAA] for your help over the last couple of months,” says Finkel. “Our conversations and your advice were so helpful and I don’t think I would have been offered the job without making the adjustments that we spoke about.
“I am looking forward to working at a 24-hour sports network. WTLW/WOSN covers over 70 high schools and small colleges, so I will be busy. Each day will be different – I’m going to learn a lot and gain valuable experience.”
(Visit Matt’s personal website).