Anna Lundström, is the Chief Human Resources Officer at Spotify, the world’s largest subscription music platform.

Here, as part of Music Business Jobs’ Career Advice section, Lundström reveals four top tips for job seekers in the music business, revealing what Spotify’s HR team looks for in ideal candidates…

Tip 1: Find a role that aligns with your passions and interests.

Look for roles that align with your passions and interests as much as possible. At Spotify, we’re looking for people who care about what they do. If you enjoy your work, you’ll be much more successful.

Be picky – don’t blast your resume to 10+ roles at a company just to get a foot in.

At our core, we’re fans too, and make it our business to not only discover and appreciate culture around the world, but also understand the ins and outs of the industries we operate in and how our work impacts artists and creators. A baseline awareness of how the industry works, from artist payouts to streaming trends, will help your knowledge and experience shine.

We pride ourselves on having some of the most creative minds in the business – and we want to see how job seekers will explore creativity with us and help us to deliver tangible impact.

Tip 2: Be Yourself. Unless You’re a Jerk — Then Be Someone Else.

We are big on culture. Not the fake “I love ping pong!” kind, but real-deal, values-driven teamwork. So bring your quirks, your playlists, your odd obsession with Scandinavian crime dramas (we get it) — just leave your ego at the door.

Remember, life is meant to be lived; don’t waste your time at a company that doesn’t align with your values.

Find out what’s unique about the company and job you are applying for and decide if it’s the kind of place you want to work at. Remember, life is meant to be lived; don’t waste your time at a company that doesn’t align with your values.

Tip 3: Showcase your unique skillset and experiences.

Every career path is unique. There’s no one right path to success, however you define it. It’s the unique experiences that help make every individual stronger in their role.

So, don’t just list your experience, showcase your accomplishments and how you’ve made positive impacts in previous roles. Maybe that random gig as an assistant to a circus artist taught you a skill that is just what we’re looking for.

We want to know your story and how your wins, your experiences, your learnings, your failures, all make you the right fit.

Tip 4: Be Curious & Embrace Change

We look for people who enjoy learning and are attracted to new perspectives.

Being part of the Spotify band means nurturing curiosity and welcoming (and oftentimes driving) change.

Show us your curiosity throughout the interview process and highlight how you’ve navigated change throughout your career, in school or in your life.

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New York-based Maria Neve is Senior Vice President, People Experience, at Sony Music Entertainment for the Americas.

She says: “Changing industries can be both exciting and uncertain. With reflection, passion, and determination, you can think about making a successful transition into the music industry.”

With this in mind, beloe Neve offers some key tips for those seeking jobs in the music industry – which should assist with them landing their dream role…

1) Think about your career journey

Define what matters to you and what a meaningful career experience looks like. Example: What challenges excite me? What is most important to me right now?

Consider your interests, passions, and ambitions. Example: What am I doing when I am at my best? What gives me fulfillment?

Identify skills and competencies that will make an impact. Example: What are my strengths? What do I need to improve on? What transferable skills do I have that would add value or I need to deepen further?

2) Immerse yourself in the industry

Learn and Practice: Take courses, attend workshops, microlearning sessions, read music/entertainment articles/platforms or teach yourself new skills relevant to your area of interest and the industry.

Network: Attend music events, follow industry thought leaders and creators, and join conversations with industry professionals across social channels. Seek out mentors to connect with and learn from.

Early Career: If you are in college or a recent graduate, explore internships and rotational programs which can provide valuable ground floor opportunities within the industry. At Sony Music, we seek to empower future industry leaders through immersive experiences across the globe.

3) Stay Aware

Industry Trends: Keep up with the latest trends, developments, and technological shifts in the music industry.

Continuous Learning: Be willing to learn and adapt to new challenges and opportunities.

4) Find your footing to make an impact

Music is a continuously evolving industry and there are numerous opportunities to make a difference. Typically, artist facing roles do require experience scouting and signing new talent and/or creative skills in music production. However, opportunities exist in marketing and engineering, accounting and design, and so much more which may not require former music experience.

Another important part to be aware of along with skills and what you do, is how you show up. Your ability to demonstrate collaboration, empathy, curiosity, a bias for action, adaptability and agility will be critical to your success in not only shifting industries but also your ability to thrive in any role or profession today.

Within Sony Music, having an artist- first approach is a bedrock principle for us.

Think about where you can align your skills, interest, and ambition to make an impact within music. Whether your role involves commercially developing our artists, creating marketing strategies, or managing financial operations, you will be contributing to a broader mission.

For example, within Sony Music, having an artist- first approach is a bedrock principle for us. We put creativity at the center and the artist and people experience at the forefront of our mission. Whatever your role, your support is integral to the success of this creator first mission.

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London-based Ben Farmer is Senior Vice President, People Experience, at Sony Music Entertainment. In his role, he leads the company’s International HR team, covering regions such as EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) and APAC (Asia-Pacific).

Below, Farmer highlights three key things to consider for those seeking a job in the music industry…

1) Show a passion for music

At Sony Music we expect whatever your role, you’ll have a creator-first mindset, ensuring they are at the forefront of your decision making. This is important for anyone wanting to work in the music industry, particularly if you’ll work directly with artists and their teams, songwriters, producers or other creators. Even if you aren’t working directly with artists or other creators, you should still be able to connect the dots and understand how the work you do will have an impact.

Demonstrating your passion for music is essential and this should be apparent from both your application and throughout the interview process.

When it comes to applications, tailoring to both the role and company you are applying to will help the hiring team see where you can really add value. Demonstrating your passion for music is essential and this should be apparent from both your application and throughout the interview process. You may choose to outline or elaborate in a cover letter, particularly if your previous experience has been outside of the industry.

2) Showcase your Impact

We are relentless in our efforts to deliver excellence and high standards in the work we do.

As a candidate, both in an application and interview setting, we would recommend you showcase the value and impact that you have brought in previous roles. Highlighting the quality of your work and the results you achieved on your CV or resumé is a great way to demonstrate this, as opposed to a copy and paste of your job description.

Candidates who demonstrate the ability to creatively solve problems or spot opportunities to replace outdated ways of working impress us most.

It’s a competitive market and having those high standards front of mind when applying to a role and in the interview, process could make a huge difference. This starts with your preparation. If you want to work in a label, as a minimum we would expect that you have done some research on the roster, the team you are meeting and are familiar with some of the recent releases and campaigns.

Our industry is evolving, we expect our people to embrace change and feel excited about the opportunity to shape what’s next. Candidates who demonstrate the ability to creatively solve problems or spot opportunities to replace outdated ways of working for more efficient or innovative practices impress us most. Especially when they’ve been able to turn those ideas into real impact.

3) Contribute to the Culture

We believe that collaborative and inclusive teams are integral to cultivating an environment of trust, one where we support and elevate each other.

For those in people leadership positions, having strong examples of delivering results through others and contributing to the development of people in their team is crucial.

It’s a great signal that you have a growth mindset and a willingness to adapt.

Whether you have been a people leader or not, it’s always great to hear about individual success and how in your previous role(s) you have contributed to the achievements of a team.

However, having the ability to recognise when you haven’t hit the mark and demonstrate how you’ve learnt from that is a great signal that you have a growth mindset and a willingness to adapt.

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Suzanne Arrabito is Vice President of Marketing & Communications at Reservoir Media. Since its founding in 2007, Reservoir has grown to represent over 150,000 copyrights and 36,000 master recordings, including hundreds of No.1 hits worldwide.

At Reservoir, Arrabito is regularly involved in the recruitment process of new execs. Below, she reveals her No.1 golden rule for people seeking a job in the music business…

When applying for a job, make sure to emphasize what skills and experience you bring to the table and what that will result in for the hiring manager and company.

All too often we see cover letters that outline how this role will help the candidate grow for the next phase of their career. Show us what value you will bring to the team instead.

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Dylan Berthier is Chief People Officer at Kobalt Music, one of the world’s largest music publishing companies. Below, as part of Music Business Jobs’ Career Advice section, he recommends that job seekers in the music industry show recruiters that they understand the uniqueness of their prospective employer.

Tip 1: Do your research!

On the company, the mission, the role and department you are applying for. Make sure your application is tailored.

We want to see passion for music and the industry, but also that you have a good understanding of the role and department that you are applying for. And make sure you highlight all the relevant skills and experience in your application.

Tip 2: Tailor your application and showcase your passion for music!

Focus on music-related experiences including work, projects or volunteering experiences. Even if your previous roles are not yet within the music industry, emphasize transferable skills like digital marketing, managing events and stakeholders as well as showcasing your creative problem-solving skills.

Feel free to contact the people team and ask questions that will support your application. There’s nothing that demonstrates interest and motivation for the role more than when you ask relevant and interesting questions about the team, the role and the company to help you stand out from the crowd.

Tip 3: Network network network (and always be professional!)

It’s a very competitive industry, and it can sometimes seem impossible to get through to an interview. But be patient, and if you follow Tips 1 and 2, you’ll eventually get there.

In addition to that, just keep making connections in various forums and relevant industry communities. Reaching out to hiring managers and folks who work in the department you are applying for can be a good idea.

Spend time crafting your message and make sure it’s relevant, professional and passionate.

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Jesse Dang is SVP, People at Warner Chappell Music, the global publishing operation of Warner Music Group.

Below, as part of Music Business Jobs’ Career Advice section, he offers two top tips for those looking for their dream role in the music industry.

Tip 1: Frame your experience in terms of impact, not just achievements.

In your resume and interviews, explain the impact of your work. How did you contribute to the success of the company/organization/team? Show them the tangible benefits of hiring you.

Tip 2: Do your research and show you’re invested.

To prepare for the interview, thoroughly research the company’s catalog, artists, and overall mission. Then, find ways to connect your skills and experience to their specific objectives. When interviewing for music publishing roles, emphasize your expertise in relevant areas and highlight any applicable coursework or experience.

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Aisha Bean is Vice President, People & Culture at Create Music Group. Create sits at the intersections of music, culture, technology, and data. Headquartered in Los Angeles, the firm partners with over 25,000 artists and over 2,500 record labels. 

With over 18 years of experience leading people and culture strategies across the tech, advertising, and entertainment industries, Bean brings a future-focused approach to organizational design and talent development. Recognized by the LA Times as a 2024 DEIA Visionary, she is a passionate advocate for inclusive leadership and building high-impact teams.

Below, as part of Music Business Jobs’ Career Advice section, Bean offers five top tips (plus one bonus tip!) for job seekers based on her own experience as a hirer…

Whether you’re trying to break in or grow, success depends on more than passion—it’s about showing value, being intentional, and understanding how the business actually works. At Create, you don’t always need music industry experience, but you do need a plan.

From data science to A&R, here’s how future leaders are getting hired—and building careers that last:

Tip 1: Lead With Value – Especially If You Work in Data or Tech

Yes, loving music matters. But what’s more compelling is how your skills drive monetization, innovation, or efficiency.

Are you a data analyst spotting fan trends? A product manager who’s built royalty tools? An engineer scaling content platforms? The industry needs builders who understand how systems sustain the ecosystem. Speak to that.

Tip 2: Your Resumé Is a Billboard. Your Portfolio Is the Proof.

Your resumé should pitch your impact. What did you build, improve, or launch? Use metrics when possible. But go further – show your work. A portfolio isn’t just for creatives. A project manager might include workflow maps or sprint recaps. A developer can link to feature demos or code repos. Social marketers can share their favorite campaigns.

Use your portfolio to connect the dots between your expertise and how it would drive results for the role you’re targeting.

Use your portfolio to connect the dots between your expertise and how it would drive results for the role you’re targeting. The easier you make it for someone to see your impact, the more likely they are to remember you.

3. Go Beyond the Cover Letter – Make It an Experience

Cover letters still matter – but modern candidates tell their story across mediums. Make your resumé a clickable hub: link to samples, campaign recaps, or a short intro video.

Use platforms like Notion, Canva, or your own site to curate your body of work. Whether you’re in A&R, Marketing, HR, or Legal– show how you think, not just what you’ve done. Great storytelling leaves a lasting impression.

4. In Interviews, Bring Your Vision to the Table

We’re hiring Innovators. The strongest candidates think like entrepreneurs: they challenge assumptions and create value. Share moments where you launched something, solved a problem, or drove innovation.

The strongest candidates think like entrepreneurs: they challenge assumptions and create value.

We prioritize candidates who are trend watchers and trendsetters that fluidly demonstrate strategic execution. Show us you’re more than your job title – you’re a driver of what’s next.

Tip 5: Your Soft Skills Will Set You Apart

Music is a relationship-driven industry. Research company culture and demonstrate how you align, authentically. Being technically strong isn’t enough if you can’t build trust and communicate effectively. Show how you lead with empathy, navigate ambiguity, while shifting priorities.Can you turn feedback into fuel, not friction?

Hiring managers are looking for more than cultural fit—they want cultural contributors. Bring examples that show how you elevate team dynamics.

Bonus Tip for A&R: Don’t Just Spot Talent – Spot Opportunity

Modern A&R is more than good ears. Taste matters – but so does data fluency, business sense, and cultural insight. Can you turn early buzz into growth? Guide artists through brand-building and monetization? The best A&Rs are part curator, part entrepreneur. Show how you develop talent, not just find it.

The bottom line is, don’t shrink to conform, differentiate yourself from the competition.

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Kenysha Bartee is Senior Vice President, People & Culture, at SoundExchange. The only organization designated by the U.S. government to administer the Section 114 sound recording license, SoundExchange collects and distributes digital performance royalties on behalf of 700,000 creators and growing. It also pays out over a billion dollars each year to performers and rightsholders.

Below, as part of Music Business Jobs’ Career Advice section, Bartee offers three invaluable tips for job seekers looking for their big break in the music industry…

The music industry is dynamic and competitive, yet it is also expansive, encompassing many types of businesses, so you don’t have to be a creative to be successful.

The key is being proficient in your area of expertise and having the intellectual curiosity to develop and adapt. As with any industry, acing the interview process is a critical step.

Your well-crafted resume (or well-connected network) got you on stage, now what will you do when you’re handed the mic?

Tip 1: Know the Company

Your desire is not enough to get hired, so thoroughly and intentionally research the company before an interview so you can express why it is a place worthy of your talents. Understand the Mission, Vision, and Values as organizational guideposts and how they align with your aspirations.

Your desire is not enough to get hired, so thoroughly and intentionally research the company before an interview.

News and social media posts are a primary resource to understand how the company is portrayed publicly, notable employees and partnerships, and any sustainability, philanthropy, or community impact efforts.

Compare and contrast your abilities with what is relevant for the company, have insights to share during the interview, and be ready to express how you can contribute to the company direction.

Tip 2: Build a Connection

Ensure each interaction is meaningful, conversational, and engaging. Show interviewers what it will be like to sit in a meeting with you or collaborate on a project.

Prior to your interview, it will be important to leverage your network. Set up a chat with anyone has worked for or is familiar with the company to gain insight on culture, work-life integration, company structure, benefits, and work-perks. During the interview, discuss workplace trends like AI, hybrid working, or how something you’ve learned through research is impacting the company. Inquire about what behaviors are core to being successful in the role and share how you embody those traits.

During the interview, discuss workplace trends like AI, hybrid working, or how something you’ve learned through research is impacting the company.

It is also important to prepare separate questions for each interviewer. This allows you to get many of your questions answered without being repetitive and can set you apart from cookie-cutter candidates.

After the interview, send a thank you email, including a few key aspects of the interview that you found intriguing. This not only demonstrates professional courtesy, but also active engagement in the process.

Tip 3: Be Confident

Preparation and agility breeds confidence. Just as an artist spends an infinite amount of time practicing, you should have an expert command of your resume and past experiences that have shaped your career.

Create a list of potential questions and practice giving succinct, yet conversational, responses. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) as a guide.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) as a guide.

Given the pace of change, be open to expanding your skillset and ready to take on new challenges. Express this openness during the interview, staying true to who you are now, but leaving the door open for meaningful opportunities to learn and grow in the future.

By building a connection, thoroughly researching the company, and interacting with confidence, you’ll be well-equipped to make a lasting impression and secure your place in this industry.

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Addie Adeniran is Senior Vice President, People, at Warner Music Group – a global music company that employs over 5,000 people around the world. 

Below, as part of Music Business Jobs’ Career Advice section, she offers two top tips for job seekers looking for their big break in the music industry…

Tip 1: Communicate your leadership and vision.

At the executive level, companies are looking for strategic thinkers who can share their vision. Look to respond with a forward-looking approach to questions.

You should use examples of projects and initiatives to help paint a narrative to make your achievements relatable and impactful. Showcase your leadership philosophy, decision-making style, and how you build and manage teams.

Tip 2: Ask the right questions.

Inquire as to how success in the role will be measured along with what is the current company landscape and priorities.

What current challenges are facing the organization? You should ask about the culture so you can understand if there is a fit. For example, you can ask how the organization handles past challenges.

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Pic credit: Frederike van der Stræten/BMG

Melanie McAllister is Chief Human Resources Officer at BMG – a global music company that employs over 1,000 people globally and generated more than $1 billion in revenues in 2024.

In her role, McAllister oversees people excellence, performance, development and analytics at BMG, along with DE&I. In doing so, she fosters the development of BMG’s teams across its 20 offices in 13 core music markets.

Below, as part of Music Business Jobs’ Career Advice section, McAllister offers four top tips for job seekers in music…

Breaking into the music industry can be competitive, but with the right approach, you can stand out and make a lasting impression.

Here are some key tips to help you land your dream role:

Tip 1: Showcase Your Passion for Music

The music industry thrives on creativity and innovation, so it’s essential to convey your passion. What inspired you to pursue a career in music?

Whether it’s a particular artist, a transformative live experience, or a deep appreciation for the business behind the scenes, share your story.

Employers want to see your enthusiasm and commitment – it’s not just about what you can do, but why you want to do it.

Tip 2: Align Your Skills with the Role

When applying for a position, carefully analyze the job description and tailor your application to highlight the skills and expertise that align with the role. Be specific – if you have experience in marketing, A&R, finance, or any other area, illustrate how your background makes you a strong candidate.

Carefully analyze the job description and tailor your application to highlight the skills and expertise that align with the role.

If you have a portfolio, such as content you’ve created, music you’ve produced, or campaigns you’ve worked on, include relevant examples to showcase your abilities. Demonstrating your skills in a practical way can set you apart from other applicants.

Tip 3: Demonstrate Your Industry Knowledge

Employers are looking for people who understand the ever-evolving landscape of the music business.

Stay informed about current trends, challenges, and opportunities within the industry – whether it’s the rise of AI in music creation, streaming economics, or artist development strategies.

In interviews or applications, articulate your perspective on these topics. Showing that you have a broader awareness of the industry proves that you’re not just interested in a job but in the bigger picture of how music connects with audiences worldwide.

Tip 4: Show That You’re a Cultural Fit

Beyond skills and experience, companies want employees who align with their values and company culture. Research the company’s mission, initiatives, and workplace environment, and highlight why you’d be a great fit.

At BMG, for example, we foster a culture where diverse perspectives fuel creativity and innovation, and performance and entrepreneurship drive success. We are driven by fairness, transparency, bold decision-making and artist-focused values – if these resonate with you, make that connection clear in your application.

By demonstrating your passion, skills, knowledge and cultural fit, you’ll give yourself the best chance of breaking into the music industry. Good luck!

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