Do These 8 Things to Get a Church Music Job You Love, on Music and the Church Ep. 22

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You’re an organist, a choir director, or other musician. Here are the top 8 things to do to get a church music job you love.

This spring I did a survey of 268 church musicians and people who have hired them. I learned a lot about what makes a great job applicant. In this week’s episode, Crawford and I dig into 8 highlights:

1. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to find church music jobs.
2. To find out more about a church, just call or email the search committee chair or another person connected with the church like the pastor. Seriously. Just call them already.
3. Find out salary norms for your area. You can’t negotiate well if you don’t know what normal is.
4. ALWAYS tailor your job application materials. Most job searches have fewer than 15 applicants and your application will almost certainly be read.
5. Don’t be afraid of interview questions about conflict. Every church has conflict and the hiring committee wants to know that you can work in a church setting.
6. Personal questions are legal in the U.S. for church interviews. So think ahead about what you want to say about your faith, your family, and so on.
7. Negotiate if you can. But not all churches are willing or even able to negotiate.
8. Be decent and polite.

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Get a Church Music Job You Love Series

This series is based on my survey of over 250 church musicians and the people who have hired them.

1. I surveyed 250+ church musicians. Here’s what I learned about getting a church music job you love.
2. 17 Places to Find Church Music Jobs
3. 3 Ways to Research a Church Music Job Opening
4. How Much Are Church Musicians Paid? Here’s How to Find Out.
5. How to Write a Church Music Cover Letter and Resume (Plus the #1 Way to Make Hiring Committees Happy)
6. 29 Interview Questions You Might Get (Plus 34 for YOU to Ask)
7. How to Negotiate Salary and Benefits (and Why You Should)
8. 4 Things You Need to Get a Church Music Job You Love (Plus 9 Big No-nos)
9. Do These 8 Things to Get a Church Music Job You Love (Ep. 22 of the Music and the Church Podcast)