Here are 7 tips for interview success.

1. Start with your Resume

You will have to speak about everything in your resume in great detail. Make sure to have key points to talk about your resume. Review your resume to make sure that you have not stretched the truth in certain areas. Also, be sure to bring extra copies of your resume to pass out.

 2. Question Preparation

Spend some time preparing for the actual interview questions, think about ones that may come up and develop answers that will address what the employer is looking for. Also, formulate questions that you'd like to ask the interviewer, such as "what was the most challenging project you have worked on while your time in the company?" or "what is the next step in moving forward?" Rehearse your potential answers, but on the day of the interview make it sound natural and not rehearsed. The job description is also a good place to look for ideas for questions

 3. Company Research

Do in-depth research on the company. Learn about the company's mission, history, news events, conferences, and future development. Don't forget to check out the company's social media accounts to discover what the company is doing on a day-to-day basis and its interaction within their industry. You'd be surprised by how much information you can find on companies' social media accounts! Nicole, a Hiring Expert at ManpowerGroup says, "By thoroughly researching the employer you increase your chances of making a positive and memorable first impression. I would recommend digging deeper than just general knowledge about an employer.

• What are the services/products that the company offers?
• How large is the company? Other locations? How many employees?
• What is their philosophy or mission statement?
• What is the company culture like?
• Do they have other locations?
• Have they won any awards or received recognition?
• Do they give back to the community?
• Who are their competitors?
• Research the executives and the person you are interviewing with.

The more information you have about a company, the more confident you will feel during the interview, and the better impression you will make.

 4. Leverage Your Network

Make sure to use all of your resources to learn about the internal aspects of the company, especially your LinkedIn connections. Do you know someone who works in the company? Have you attended events of conferences that the company has also attended? Mentioning current employees and events or conferences attended by the company can show how much you know about the company and how quickly you can assimilate to their company. This is also a great way to show off your communication skills!

 5. Talk to Your Recruiter

Make sure to talk to your recruiter! Your recruiter is one of your most valuable resources and should be used to prep and coach you for the interview. Your recruiter will have valuable information on the company that can boost your interview such as specific questions to prepare for, the personality of the hiring manager or the qualities searched for in candidates. Your recruiter can be your potential lifeline and make a difference in the outcome of the interview.

 6. Arrive on Time

Make sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before the interview, to allow for time to fill out additional paperwork. It will also make a great first impression on the interviewer.

 7. Interview Outfit (Attire)

Make sure to look as professional as possible! While some companies have a more business casual atmosphere, others prefer the traditional button-down and pressed suit image. Make sure that your attire matches the company dress code. For either type of company, make sure your clothes are clean, ironed, and your shoes shined. As the old saying goes "the first impression is the most lasting."

The American workforce can be described in many ways: driven, diverse, tenacious and dedicated. It can also be described as incredibly stressed out!

Taking time off is not something Americans do well. In fact, according to a 2014 survey conducted by Project Time Off, 41% of Americans did not plan to use their vacation days. 

Among the reasons cited in the survey were: 

• A fear that they’d return to a mountain of work that would leave them playing catch-up for too long (40%)
• Could not afford to take time off (33%)
• They don’t want to appear replaceable (22%)
• Want to show greater job dedication (28%)

All these reasons are perfectly logical. But they are also incredibly flawed. There are several key reasons taking your vacation time actually enhances your chance for advancement.

5 Key Reasons to Take a Vacation

1. Everyone Needs To Recharge 

There’s only so long a person can keep performing at the peak of their abilities without time to rest, recover and regroup. If you need inspiration, you need to look no further than at how elite athletes use rest to enhance performance. Just as they must be careful not to overtrain least they suffer from burnout and staleness, so too must the dedicated employee. And burnout doesn’t only affect your mood, the health implications are real.

In order to remain healthy, productive and effective you have to learn to step back to recharge. Just like a car battery, you’re valuable only as long as you’ve got a full charge.

2. Creativity Needs to be Fed 

Even if you’re not a fan of musical theater, chances are pretty high that you’re familiar with the phenomenon that is Hamilton: An American Musical. And if you’ve heard even one interview with the show’s creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda, then you know that he was inspired to create the show after reading Ron Chernow’s biography of Alexander Hamilton, while on VACATION. What Miranda thought would be an interesting beach read, turned out to be the seed for an amazing creative breakthrough. 

For a business-related example, you need to look no further than Kevin Systrom, who dreamed up the idea for Instagram while laying on the beach. Now, I’m not suggesting that taking a vacation will lead you to write the next great American musical or the next disruptive tech idea,  but there is an important lesson to be taken from these examples. Allowing yourself time away from the demands of the office, deadlines, and day-to-day business makes room for your mind to wander. Science has given us very convincing insight into the virtues of daydreaming, and the impact it has on creativity. It’s your ideas that make you stand out at work; give yourself the time and space to dream some new ones up.

3. Build Alliances 

Relationships are everything in the workplace. No matter where you are on the corporate ladder; trust, faith and cooperation among team members are key to success. And just as one weak link can threaten the entire chain, so too can one burnt out, exhausted, running on empty, employee. 

By taking vacation days you are not only taking care of yourself, but you are also presented with the opportunity to enhance the bond you share with your team. Planning coverage, or training someone up to watch your desk fosters cohesion and cooperation.  A word of warning here: if you don’t feel like you can trust your co-workers or manager to insure things run smoothly, it might be time to look for a new placement!

4. Appear More Productive

Project Time Off found that “People who take all their vacation days have a 6.5% higher chance of getting a promotion or a raise than people who leave 11 or more days of paid time on the table.” While this may fly in the face of conventional logic, the reason is simple: managers perceive happy employees as more productive. 

Now, this isn’t to say that taking vacation time is a magic salve guaranteed to fix everything that ails you, but it can give your brain and your body important time to recuperate and gain some new perspectives.

5. Financial Benefits

If nothing else can convince you, not taking time off means that you are spending those allotted days working for free. You may be the most dedicated employee or the hardest working team member who doesn’t think twice about working overtime in order to get the job done, but if your boss flat out asked you to work without compensation for 10-12 days a year, would you?

If your goal is to get ahead, get that promotion, prove yourself a great employee: you owe it to yourself, your co-workers and your boss to take time off, feed your creativity and rest your body.

So you want to land your dream job...

You know, the job that makes you jump out of bed without your alarm, excited to start your day. The job that keeps you engaged and full of energy while at work. The job that you are proud to tell your friends and family about. The job that you have been dreaming about for years and years (maybe since you were a child).

After all, you deserve it. 

You’ve put the time into your education through schooling or certifications. You’ve put in the work as well, spending countless hours improving your skills and mastering your craft. 

But what do you do next?

Here are 5 key strategies you can take right away, to land your dream job.

1. Use Social Media to Find your next job

• • If you do not have a LinkedIn profile, you are not serious about finding a job: Not only has LinkedIn become the go-to network for job searching, but it also has become the perfect platform for hiring managers and talent acquisition professionals to find qualified candidates.
    
  • Make sure all social profiles are up to date and optimized for keywords: This includes adding relevant certifications by name, software, tools you’re proficient in, and industry-specific projects that stick out on your resume in detail 
    
  • Join Groups and job boards related to your industry on Facebook and LinkedIn: This will allow you to further build your network and see new job opportunities as they are made available
    
  • Message hiring managers directly - This shows hiring managers that you are ambitious and willing to take initiative, and will really help you stand out amongst other possible candidates.

2. Create a clean resume and apply to open positions in your area

• • Your resume (like your LinkedIN profile) should be optimized for keywords and up to date: This increases the chances of your resume being found in search engines (Google, Bing, Yahoo, etc.;) and also shows that you are an authority in the industry in which you are applying
    
  • Take the time to create cover letters when applying to jobs: Do preliminary research on the company where you are applying. Write a cover letter specific to the company, and the position you are applying for. Explain how your skillset and experiences are relevant to the company’s needs. 

3. Allow a recruiter to search for you

• • Hiring managers are very busy and get bombarded with resumes: An experienced recruiter has spent years building relationships and earning the trust of hiring managers. They will make sure to put your resume directly in front of the decision-maker.
    
  • Recruiters who work in specific industries have unique insight: Your Recruiter will know which companies are good to work for and what those companies look for in an ideal applicant. They will also know which companies have an immediate need.
    
  • Recruiters are only successful when you are happy: Recruiters have an incentive to make sure you are completely satisfied with your new job (most have guarantee periods after a placement is made). A professional recruiter will only find you opportunities completely in-line with your goals.

4. Be Diligent but be patient

• • Take Steps every day towards finding your dream job: Finding a new job can be frustrating, but it is a necessary burden. Stay active on social media, and remain in contact with your recruiter to ensure progress.
    
  • Iron out all of your weaknesses: If you see a position that you really want but you are under-qualified for, ask yourself why? If you are lacking a certain certification, for example, take steps towards acquiring it. The more you are improving your skillset, the greater chance you have of landing your dream job. 

5. Be Patient

• • Finding your dream job takes time: Don’t spam hiring managers or recruiters. Just focus on these best practices and your dream opportunity will come

Crestron is one of the most important and well-known vendors in the AV industry. In terms of the Pro AV market, Crestron’s solutions are the automation and control systems of choice.

What is the Crestron Technical Institute?

The Crestron Technical Institute (CTI) offers training and certifications for AV Installers, Design Engineers, and Programmers alike. CTI offers a convenient blend of face-to-face training with industry pros,  in addition to online training courses. Training facilities are located worldwide and provide courses for those interested in Digital Media, NVX, or AV installing and programming.

What is the difference between Crestron DigitalMedia and NVX?

The general trend of the AV industry has been leaning more and more towards IP. Engineers and programmers need to familiarize themselves with hardware products that deal with signal routing, presentation control, and audio conferencing.

Over a decade ago, Crestron launched a complete suite of products under the DigitalMedia series that integrates many of these functions into one convenient solution.

“Today, DM integrates all digital and analog signals together with streaming in one platform, ensuring organizations can send video across their estates regardless of network infrastructure or AV technologies in place.” - Cinos

A global tsunami of cutting-edge VTC technologies such as WebEx and Zoom has hit the market. As a result, the demand for higher-quality audio and video has risen. Companies have also had an increased need for security, as they are often dealing with sensitive information delivered over their networks.

Crestron DigitalMedia NVX is the next generation of products that address this issue directly, by delivering a networked AV solution. In fact, DM NVX is the only secure network AV solution:

“It is infinitely scalable and delivers the best image quality with no latency across a standard 1 Gigabyte network...It has been well documented that networked AV is a much more cost-effective option than traditional matrix switches.” - Cinos

Whether installing, programming, or designing, professionals of ProAV will encounter Crestron gear in both product lines. Crestron offers certifications specific to their product lines, as well as relevant job functions in the AV Industry:

What Crestron Certifications are Important for A Career in ProAV?

Here’s some Crestron Certifications that stand out, and the positions they are most applicable to in ProAV:

Crestron Digital Media Certifications:

• Crestron DMC-E-4K - The Crestron Digital Certified Engineer has a working knowledge of installing, configuring and commissioning Crestron products and systems.
• Hiring Managers at AV Integrators will often look for Field Engineers and/or Lead AV Technicians with this training.
• Crestron DM-NVX-N - The Crestron Digital Media Networking Certification has become much more valuable recently. Engineers are often required to understand how to sign onto and troubleshoot secure networks at client locations.
• This training is important for Field Engineers loading and troubleshooting code from Crestron Toolbox.
• Crestron DMC-D-4K - Crestron Digital Media Designer designation means the engineer possesses the skills necessary to design Crestron Digital Media Systems.
• AV Design Engineers and/or Crestron Programmers will better understand how to tailor solutions to the clients’ specific needs.

Crestron Programmer Certifications:

• Crestron Certified Programmer - The Crestron Certified Programmer can configure and commission a Crestron fusion deployment. They can use smart graphics to create personal graphic user interfaces (GUI). They also show proficiency in the Crestron programming language (Crestron SIMPL).
  • AV integrators hiring for a Crestron Programmers will typically require this certification. Having a Certified Programmer on staff allows them to bid on certain projects. As such, this programmer certification is highly sought after, and the examination is very comprehensive and difficult.
• Crestron Silver Certified Programmer - This Certified Programmer has attended three annual Master Level classes and passed the Silver exam
• Crestron Gold Certified Programmer - This Certified Programmer has attended six annual Master Level classes and passed the Gold exam.

What is a Certified Masters Programmer?

These individuals hold the highest respect in the AV industry. One major perk of being a Certified Masters programmer is that you receive an exclusive invitation to masters classes. These classes allow an opportunity to get hands-on experience and training on Crestron’s latest technologies.

Crestron has become (without a question) the world’s leading manufacturer of advanced control and automated systems. For this reason, all AV professionals (AV Engineers, Installers, Programmers) should consider Crestron training as a sound investment in your career.

What Is A Crestron Programmer?

A Crestron programmer is a specific type of control systems programmer. They develop programs for video conferencing rooms, and spaces that enable seamless integration with the audiovisual equipment in that space. What makes Crestron programmers unique is that they specialize in the coding language specific to Crestron, known as Crestron SIMPL.

What is Crestron?

Crestron Electronics is a privately held company based out of Rockleigh, NJ dealing in home and commercial automation. The average person is probably completely unaware of the ubiquity of this company’s products and solutions.

Crestron’s control systems, hardware, and software solutions are everywhere:

“automated light, sound and temperature controls for luxury homes; digital screens and speakers for conference rooms; surgical camera controls and displays; classroom projectors; digital signs and retail displays; and even remote controls for hot tubs aboard luxury yachts.” -Forbes

This electronics distributor (often mistaken as a regional player) pulls down $500 million in revenue annually and carries no debt!

Entire careers in the audiovisual industry are built around Crestron’s products. With a multi-galaxy of different programmers out there that specialize in different programming languages, it’s easy to get confused.

How Much Does a Crestron Programmer Make?

As of July of 2022, the average salary for a Crestron Programmer was around 80k a year. The bottom of the pay scale was around 65k a year. The top salary was as high as 110k a year.

According to indeed.com, hourly rates for a Crestron Programmer currently range from $28.72- $61.46 per hour.

Why so much variation in the compensation range?

Variations in compensation are due to factors such as project size and complexity, vendor certifications, and the experience level of the programmer.

 How to Become a Crestron Programmer:

In the AV industry, there is no standard, discernible path to success.

In the case of becoming a Crestron Programmer, a few different roads can spill out to the same destination. That being said, there are definite career experiences and vendor-specific certifications that are highly sought after by potential employers.

Many Crestron programmers have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Engineering. However, few transition into a role at a commercial AV Integrator right out of college. Often, Crestron programmers make their bones learning how to install and commission AV equipment in the field first. This way future programmers learn the basics of AV control systems like Crestron, AMX, and Control4 (to a lesser extent).

 What does a Crestron Programmer resume look like?

Here’s what employers are looking for on a resume:

• High School degree is usually necessary, BS/BA may be required but not always seen as vital
• Ability to install, troubleshoot and maintain Crestron Control Systems
• Create, load & modify Crestron Code (SIMPL)
• Ability to design Crestron and/or AMX control systems, and Graphical User Interfaces (GUI)
• At least two Crestron Certifications (Crestron DMC-E-4K, Crestron DMC-D-4K, CSP, CSP Silver, CSP Gold)

What Crestron Certifications Are Available

Training for these certifications are offered at Crestron Technical Institute (CTI). Here are some certifications that a programmer will gain along the way in his or her career:

• Crestron DMC-E-4K - The Crestron Digital Certified Engineer has a working knowledge of installing, configuring and commissioning Crestron hardware products to industry standards.
• Crestron DMC-D-4K - The Crestron Digital Media Designer Designation can design and tailor Crestron Digital Media Systems to a client’s specific needs.
• Crestron Certified Programmer - The Crestron Certified Programmer can configure and commission a Crestron fusion deployment, and shows proficiency in Crestron SIMPL.
• Crestron Silver Certified Programmer - This Certified Programmer has attended three annual Master Level classes and passed the Silver exam
• Crestron Gold Certified Programmer - This Certified Programmer has attended six annual Master Level classes and passed the Gold exam.

 What Is A Typical Crestron Programmer Job Description

The job duties and specific Crestron certifications that the employer is looking for may vary. Generally speaking, the job requirement will deal with designing, installing, troubleshooting and/or Crestron programming.

Sometimes AV Integrators will deal with other control systems such as AMX, or Control4 (if they deal with Residential AV Integration). In this case, the programmer may need experience in these languages as well.

• Create, load & modify Crestron Code (SIMPL)
• Program Devices with Crestron SIMPL
• Perform commissioning and acceptance testing of Code
• Develop and maintain Graphical User Interfaces (GUI) for Crestron touch panels
• Develop system recovery protocols in the event of the destruction of all or part of the system or components
• DMC-E required
• Crestron Master level Programmer Preferred

Whether you are an AV professional looking for new opportunities or an AV Hiring Manager looking for the Perfect AV Candidate...

“There is a zero-percent unemployment rate in cybersecurity and the opportunities in this field are endless” - Robert Herjavec, CEO at Herjavec Group

Cybersecurity Ventures predicts there will be 3.5 million unfulfilled job positions by the year 2025. Due to the dramatic rise of cybercrime, the malicious malware epidemic, and the increasing amount of severity attacks on consumers, businesses, and government institutions; cyber security is predicted to cost trillions of dollars annually by 2025.

In essence, bad news for the security of our information is good news for sales engineer employment. And where there's a boom, there's a demand for talent. One field that's feeling the full effects of this expansion is cybersecurity sales engineers.

Cyber Security Sales Salary

With an increase in cyber security sales engineers, demand comes an increase in salary range. In 2022, the average American Cyber Security Sales Engineer's salary was between $80-$150K, with experienced professionals averaging over $120K. And in an environment where talent is at a premium, and the demand is outpacing the supply; candidates who are in the job market often are fielding competing offers, as well as counter-offers from their current employers.

Cyber Security Sales Engineer Path

What the increase of hiring means is, if you're in cyber security presales, you have the opportunity to exercise agency over your career by taking the offers that you feel stand to most enrich and add value to your career trajectory.

Hiring Managers

If you're a hiring manager charged with hiring cyber sales engineers, you already know that the competition for talent is fierce. You also know that you might have to push your budget to get the level of talent you need to keep your company's and/or your customer's data safe. And you probably also understand there's tremendous value in interviewing candidates even when you don't have an immediate opening. But there are a few other key issues to keep in mind.

Lose the Checklist

When you're faced with a competitive market and top talent comes at a premium, you have to be willing to look beyond your checklist. The best candidate may not carry all the certifications you want to see, or they might carry ones you never considered important. They might come from a different sector or not have the years experience you're looking for, but the overabundance of open cyber security sales engineer jobs needs to be filled. This means that you need to develop a technique for evaluating the kinds of non-technical skill sets that will stand you in good stead when making a hiring decision.  

Understand the Power of Soft Skills

As the bridge between the technology and the customer, a sales engineer's ability to manage and communicate effectively with customers needs to be a prime consideration. Since they are in daily contact with customers, they are your eyes and ears in the field, and having someone who is an agile communicator of human experience (as well as technical expertise) is invaluable to you. While you will directly experience a candidate's interpersonal aptitude in an interview, you can also ascertain the nature and extent of their skills by having them complete a respected psychometric exam like the O.C.E.A.N./Big 5 personality indicator.   

Hone Your Game

And speaking of soft skills, in order to attract the best talent, you need to have a company culture in place that both values and invests in their employees. We already know that the best retention and recruiting tool is to make employees and candidates feel valued. Determine what your ideal candidate would need in order to feel like a valued member of your team and actively develop those aspects of your business. Always keep in mind that--now more than ever--the proverbial "ball" is in candidates' courts. Top talent will carefully weigh the prospect of working on your team against that of working for your competitors.  

When you're hunting for top talent in a crowded field, always make sure that you have the best position on offer.

Looking for a cyber security sales engineer to join your sales team? Click Here, and a recruiter will reach out to you within 24 hours.

Are you looking for an account manager, pre-sales, post-sales, systems engineer, sales executive, sales manager, solutions engineering, or either security systems or security services position? Click Here and search our current openings!

You contract an executive recruiting firm for the benefit of their expertise with top talent and the quality of their relationships. You know working with recruiters may cost you more than your in-house HR department, but they're worth the price. But, just as there is no such thing as one-size-fits-all hiring practices, there isn’t just one engagement model.

Knowing the difference between contingency search, retained search and the new, innovative option known as the hybrid recruiting model, can mean the difference between making the right hire and losing time and money on an unproductive search.

3 Recruiting Models

CONTINGENCY SEARCH

You're No-Risk Option.

Signing a letter of agreement for a contingency search is binding only IF the search results in a hire. Yes, you’ll have agreed to a percentage of the closing salary, but if the recruiters don’t bring you the A-level talent you’re seeking, then the search doesn't cost you anything. You’re not bound by an exclusivity agreement and can work with multiple search firms at once. And most firms offer a guarantee period, anywhere from 30-90 days. The recruiters carry all the risk- if they don’t deliver, you don’t pay.

But Nothing Is Truly Free.

The contingency recruiter search process can often be costlier, carrying higher percentage fees. And what you might not get is fully-dedicated resources or the full force of the search team’s focus to fill your positions. With no guarantee of payment, a contingency search firms will only dedicate so much of their time and resources to your search.

RETAINED SEARCH

We’re There For You.

There are some hires, such as C-level suite and marketing manager level positions, that are just too important to leave to chance. You need a focused search dedicated to building your team. When you engage a recruiter in a retained search, they’ll be looking not only for the candidates with the right resumes, but also mining for hidden talent -- candidates who are primed to take on new challenges but may fly under the radar. This is where the recruiter’s reach and relationships come into play. You get all their time and attention focused on your search by paying them an exclusive, pre-determined percentage of the final salary. Usually payable in three installments (1/3 at the time of engagement, 1/3 at an agreed-upon point in the middle of the process, and the last installment rounded out based on the actual salary). With a retained search consultant model, you know your money is hard at work for you.

What Will It Cost You?

Retained searches are structured to mitigate the risk for both you and the recruiter. However, in the event that the search does not end in a successful hire for either internal or external reasons, that first 1/3 of the fee is non-recoverable - though many firms will apply it to a future search. This is the time to work with a search firm whom you trust and who has a solid, long-standing reputation in your business sector.

THE HYBRID RECRUITING MODEL

Quality Service At A Discount.

You need quality talent, and you need it fast, but you’re not looking to pay premium recruiting fees. You may be a start-up needing to fill out staff, or an established firm looking to test the waters with a new recruiter. Either way, the Hybrid model may be the perfect solution for your staffing needs. You’ll pay an engagement fee, but in exchange for a small outlay at the beginning, you’ll get treated like a retained client AND you’ll pay a discounted rate. The upfront fee is deductible from the final percentage based on starting salary. Think of it as a down payment. Recruiters like it because they get a targeted search that’s more than likely to end in a hire, and you get exclusive service at a discount.

Is There A Downside?

Sure there is, but it’s pretty slim for you. The only way your engagement fee won’t go to work for you is if the recruiting firm can’t fill any of your staffing needs within the agreed-upon specified time, and even then the fee can be applied to a future search.

There are, of course, other models for engagement, solutions that are tailored to special needs, such as filling out a new branch or for contracting short-term hires. If you find yourself faced with one of these situations, talk to your recruiter and explore what works best for you.

What is an AV Technician?

According to Study.com, “Audiovisual technicians set up, operate, maintain and repair equipment used to enhance live events, such as microphones, video recorders, projectors, lighting and sound mixing equipment. They record meetings and presentations with video cameras, operate spotlights, adjust amplifiers, coordinate graphics used in displays and provide technical support for teleconferences, webinars, and distance-learning classes. Technicians may also edit, copy and store videotapes and DVDs, track inventory of equipment and order supplies.” 

With this being said, a study conducted by InfoComm states the next three years will be a time of consistent growth for both AV sales and service sales worldwide. This is an industry that has seen a consistent growth rate of 3.10% per year since 2004. Accordingly, the demand for well-qualified AV techs is expected to continue to rise at an expected 15,000 new jobs each year.

Looking for a new job in the Audiovisual Industry?

How Much Does an AV Technician Make?

With a full-time audiovisual technician making a median salary of $55,671, an AV technician with a few years of experience can expect to earn between $48,000-$66,000. Similarly, a part-time audiovisual technician can bring in anywhere from $15-$30 an hour depending on experience.

The beauty of many of these jobs, unlike many in the IT sector, is you don't need a raft of previous experience, hefty certifications or specialized degrees to enter the field.

Here's what you need, and what you can expect from a career in this field:

How to Become an AV Technician:

• A high school degree is necessary, however a bachelors degree will certainly be helpful but is not always viewed as vital
• A good facility with technology- this could be as simple as a strong working knowledge of consumer goods (TV/DVD Players/Game Systems) as well as a degree of comfort with cable-ing and connection conventions.
• Working knowledge of electrical safety. Again this can be as simple as understanding the fundamentals of rewiring, grounding and wiring outlets.
• Experience in either music, theater or other live events can be helpful. (Did you volunteer with a local community theater and help setting up audio equipment? Perhaps you played in a band or are your family's go-to-guy for all issues with TV and accessory set up.)
• Any kind of facility with AV equipment will serve you well, but the real key quality you need is the drive to keep learning.

What is a Typical AV Technician Job Description:

Regardless of the vertical, you find yourself working in (Video, Audio) or the sector the company serves (consumer, commercial, industrial) most job descriptions will include the following requirements:

• Install, set up and adjust audio-visual equipment on site
• Test equipment for faults then repair
• Train customers on operation and basic maintenance
• Perform routine checks and maintenance of equipment
• Troubleshoot problems in the field
• AV technician is responsible for being team members
• AV technician needs to learn their particular audio visual systems

(There will also be different audio visual technician skills recommended based on the job.)

Looking for the Perfect AV Candidate?

The Typical AV Technician (OR NOT!):

While there might be the typical job description, that doesn't mean there is such a thing as a typical AV technician. AV techs hail from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Some come from the music industry, others from entertainment, while still others are attracted to the field as a way into the larger IT world. Whatever direction you're approaching the field from you ought to have the following:

• The desire to travel and to be exposed to a wide variety of environments. One week you might be working in a school and the next week you might be installing a video wall in a retail environment.
• Flexibility and creativity to troubleshoot on site.
• Good communication skills for both reporting to managers and supervisors as well as being able to field and manage customer concerns.
• A passion to create cool stuff.

The beauty of beginning your career in AV/IT if you become an AV technician is that working in the field can prepare you for a variety of roles down the road. And with new integration opportunities blossoming all the time, AV/IT shows no sign of slowing any time in the future - neither will your career!

Lastly, know there are many different names for AV Technicians. Some of which include, AV Installer, AV Specialist, AV field engineer, AV customer engineer, etc.   

Sound like you? J.Patrick & Associates has multiple AV Industry Jobs which we encourage you to check out!

Looking for a project engineering, audio engineering, project manager, sound engineer, design engineer, sound technician, or any technician position? Click Here to search all our jobs!

Related Blogs:

How to Transition from AV Tech to Management

How to Get Promoted from AV Tech to Lead Technician

Avixa CTS or Crestron: Weighing the Importance of AV Certifications

Looking to further your career in the audio visual industry? 

There are many different types of AV training to keep in mind...

The tsunami wave of new AV technology and the many segments of the AV industry may leave candidates feeling dizzy. Live events, which account for a considerable chunk of AV, may sing to your inner audiophile. On the other hand, tech-savvy av professionals have made their entire careers servicing videoconferencing technologies (Cisco Webex, Zoom).

Then there is AV Integration, which is more like the construction business.  AV integration requires designing and installing, troubleshooting, and maintaining AV systems. The demand for qualified technicians in this field is especially high. 

Every business is seeing the value in a new conference room; Complete with videoconferencing, sound and lighting, and large format displays. Software video conferencing companies like Webex has also upped the ante on smart rooms. Systems can now be remotely integrated, controlled and supported through network integration.

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Projections for the AV Industry

As our world becomes smaller the goal of staying connected remains a global imperative. AV integration has experienced the most dynamic growth. 

AVIXA, the board which handles licensure for the Audiovisual Industry, has marked this trend. AVIXA Board of Director Jeff Day, cited that by 2023 AV Integration (ProAV) will be a “230 Billion Dollar Market”. This outpaces our country’s projected GDP rate considerably. 

So it stands to reason that getting a job in the AV Integration space should be relatively easy... right?

Here’s the kicker…

There seems to be some confusion as to what technical experience hiring managers are looking for in AV candidates. AVIXA’s Sean Wargo, Director of Market Intelligence, elaborates:

“The market for AV solutions is consistently strong; the industry must continually grow to meet the demand...the challenge is often finding the qualified labor to staff the influx of AV design and integration projects.”

Sean Wargo, AVIXA

Simply put, there are not enough qualified technicians and designers to step into these roles opening up at the AV Integrators. Many hiring managers elect to pass on candidates coming from other roles in the AV field.

Which qualifications are in demand for hiring managers?

An AV technician needs to know the ins and outs of basic installation. This includes pulling and terminating cat5 and cat6 cable, soldering, installing LEDs, projectors, and microphones. 

But is it enough to advance past an entry-level technician job?

Margins are shrinking when it comes to building and selling hardware systems, and trending more towards software-based solutions. Now more than ever, it is in the best interest of savvy AV technicians to invest in the right vendor certifications. The issue is, there are almost as many industry certifications as there are racks of gear being pumped by these integrators. 

You have the AVIXA CTS or CTS D or CTS I variants. There is the slew of Crestron certifications. Let’s not forget Extron, Biamp, Tesira, and still, the list goes on.

Not to mention industry certifications tend to be on the pricey side. For example, the CTS prep course (highly recommended) is around $1000. The CTS exam itself is $175. Getting all the AV certifications can be an expensive and time-consuming undertaking.

Which AV Training Courses are Most Important

There are no simple answers. This author’s job involves talking to experienced candidates and hiring managers in the audiovisual industry. 

I started asking the question: in your experience, what is the best experience? 

Over several conversations between candidates and managers alike certain patterns began to emerge. 

One key takeaway is the AVIXA CTS certification has value and is globally recognized. 

However, it’s value to hiring managers is that it covers broad industry knowledge. In this way, it is more of a ticket to play as opposed to any indication of specific knowledge or experience. 

More credence might be given to the CTS -I (for AV Installation) and CTS-D (for Design). These tests are regarded as more difficult and deal with specific job functions in AV. Still, the CTS certifications serve the valuable purpose of helping you gain visibility amongst hiring managers and recruiters. In one manager’s words, a CTS is never required but shows the individual is “self-motivated and passionate about AV.”

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Vendor-Specific Training

The general consensus seems to be that vendor-specific training is much more applicable in the field. While every integrator’s process is a little different, there is considerable overlap in the technology being utilized. Certain vendor certifications appear to be worth their weight in gold when it comes to getting recognized by hiring managers. As stated earlier, many of these certifications line up with the trend of AV moving from hardware to software business. 

Crestron Certifications

Crestron, which is the Windows software used to program audiovisual components in smart rooms, is ubiquitous in commercial settings. 

Installers that possess certifications from Crestron, such as the DCM-E-4k, consistently have an edge up in the marketplace. 

Candidates applying for Field Engineer need to know how to use Crestron Toolbox, and should also know its basic functions. 

Many techs hear the word “programming” and want to run for the hills. However, the training is not as scary as one might think. According to one candidate with 30 years in ProAV:“Crestron’s certification program is fabulously well run and gives plenty of time for test preparation.”

DSP Vendor Certifications

DSP vendor certs such as Biamp, Dante and Tesira also score high points on the application. 

Again, integrators will vary in their choices, but Biamp’s offerings in particular thoroughly cover the “audio” in audiovisual. Acoustic Echo Cancellation (AEC) is one specific area that is covered, to achieve maximum speech quality in audio. 

Many integrators will have at least one key contact on staff that is Biamp certified and also serves as a Biamp channel partner. So you can bet, Biamp certified engineers that can write DSPs are highly sought after by many AV integrators.

Are AV Certifications Worth It?

With all this said it may come as no surprise that to hiring managers, experience trumps most anything. If you’re not yet working on ideal AV projects, you should consider continued education in the form of AV certifications. 

It is true that many firms will pay for training. But, what if you are not currently employed or climbing the ranks at an integrator? 

If coming out of pocket is not an option, many vendors have free online training to get you started. Targeting AV integration projects that are using these technologies and seeking an entry-level spot is also a strategy worth considering.

Sound like you? J.Patrick & Associates has multiple AV Industry Jobs which we encourage you to check out!

Looking for a project engineering, audio engineering, project manager, sound engineer, design engineer, sound technician, or any technician position? Click Here to search all our jobs!

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When you’re happy in your job, talking to a recruiter may seem counter-intuitive. 

But did you know,  it’s actually one of the best times to speak with a recruiter?  Recruiters can provide you with a wealth of information about your career, industry news, and much more.

Remember talking to a recruiter initially is not a commitment and it certainly does not mean you have to quit the job you have currently. We thought of some of the top reasons why talking to a recruiter can be of benefit to you even when you may not be looking for a job.

 You will learn about new opportunities

Your time is valuable, so if you’re happy in your current job,  it’s understandable if you don’t want to hear about another opportunity. However, It’s worth a few minutes to learn about possible open positions in your field and to make a connection with a respected recruiter.

A good recruiter will know your industry like the back of their hand.  When talking to a recruiter, l You may find that your current compensation is not equal to the market, or you may find out how good you have it, and quell any thoughts about moving jobs. 

 You will learn about current skills within your Industry

Recruiters will be able to tell you about current industry trends, trends, and courses or certifications that will keep you current in the industry in which you work.   

• Audio Visual Certifications: AV certifications will jump-start your career in the AV industry and make you stand out in a crowd when applying for your next job. Being AV certified will also keep you current with AV standards.

• Cyber Security Certifications: Cyber Security professionals are in High Demand. With Businesses looking to safeguard their IT systems from attacks, becoming certified in Cyber Security, will boost your resume and expand your knowledge.

• Crestron Certifications for AV Pros: Crestron has become, without a doubt the worlds leading manufacturer of advanced control and automated systems.  For this reason alone, all AV professionals should consider Crestron Training as a sound career investment.
  
  

Relationships with recruiters are not entirely about getting you a job

Remember, talking to a recruiter today does not mean you have to leave your current job. If you are happy in your current situation, save the recruiter’s number, and ask them to keep you in mind for future openings, and keep doing what you love.

Just because they don’t have the perfect opening for you right now, doesn’t mean that in six months or three years that your dream position won’t be open. Or that your situation will be the same.

 Companies Change 

Like most things in life,  work situations have a habit of changing. Companies go through restructuring, and positions get overhauled. Managers and coworkers get promoted or go to another company. 

The company you love today may not be the same in five years. Maintaining your relationship with a recruiter is a great way to keep your options open without having to make any commitments.

Like companies, you too will change

What you enjoy and find challenging will also evolve over time. 

In order to find the roles that can help you meet those challenges, you need to move organizations. After all, the average employee in America can expect to have anywhere from 10 to 15 different jobs in their career. And this is where having a relationship with a recruiter helps; When you’re ready to shift career paths they are ready to help you. 

Help a Friend get a job

Just because the job isn’t something you’re interested in, you may very well know someone who is.  Many recruiting firms offer a referral program. 10 minutes on the phone might not get you a job, but it could advance a friend’s career, and earn you a bonus.

A call from a recruiter, especially when you’re in a great spot, can look like a bother. But when you know about the added value, you realize it’s an opportunity to learn more about your industry and the space you work in. 

Recruiters are beneficial to both active and passive job seekers alike. After all… your dream job might be out there and only your recruiter can find it.