How To Land A Gig At Spotify

Working in music is as sweet as it sounds.

spotify
(Image credit: Archives)

spotify

(Image credit: Archives)

A morning commute is nothing without a carefully crafted playlistto drown out the AM bustle. Similarly, a birthday bash is much improved when there's a curated soundtrack playing in the background. Nowadays, you have Spotify to thank. Ever since the streaming music platform made its way across the pond and launched stateside in 2011, more and more people are turning to Spotify to access endless music for a monthly fee or without cost (if you can withstand the advertising interruptions.) While Spotify is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, it has offices all over the globe, and its perks are hard to beat: in-office concerts, discounted concert tickets, and a fun, vibrant office environment (there's even a company band.) Interested in applying for a job at Spotify? In partnership with Jobvite, we chatted with Alexandra Scheiman, Head of Technical Recruitment at Spotify, about what it takes to land a job at what some may argue is the most thriving place for music today.

Be Innovative

Spotify is changing the climate of the music business. Naturally, they want their employees to drive the sort of ideas that will keep them at the forefront of the industry. To get the attention of hiring managers from the get go, you need to be creative with your application. One intern turned full-time staffer put his cover letter in his Spotify profile. Some send videos. Others do resume playlists. And the innovation doesn't stop once you've snagged the job. Scheiman says: "We like to think of ourselves as a place where people can really learn and grow, so we're interested in hiring people with the curiosity and drive to really take that opportunity."

Have Diverse Interests

Yes, to work at Spotify, you should be constantly bobbing your head and tapping your foot in time to a beat. But, music shouldn't be the only thing you love. What's important to note, however, is that these interests are fostered through groups that allow "Spotifiers," as Scheiman calls them, to explore their hobbies alongside colleagues. Co-workers will go and try new restaurants, or hit the gym together. If there isn't a "club" for you in existence, you can start one. But most of all, employees should care about their place of employment. "Everyone here is passionate about Spotify as a product and really believes in our mission of changing the way the world listens to music," Scheiman says.

Embrace the Music and Tech Industries

To prep for a career at Spotify, it's important not just to be knowledgeable about music, but technology, too. Scheiman suggests reading sites like TechCrunch or Fast Company to stay up-to-date on tech news, but also publications like The New York Times or The Guardian for more general pieces on the music industry. The goal: Be in the know on the buzz in both industries.

More Heads Are Better Than One

As with many of the hottest companies in technology, positive dynamics between colleagues are of the utmost importance. At Spotify, these relationships are fostered through staff wide collaboration. Employees work across departments to consistently be on the cutting edge of new ideas. "We really encourage experimentation and creativity," Scheiman says. Twice a year, we host a "Hack Week" to really break down boundaries between teams to "solve big picture challenges," she adds.

You've Got to Love Music.

It's no surprise that Spotifers "share a passion for music." At a company that hosts weekly in-office concerts, it would practically be a waste not to have a workforce brimming with music aficionados. An affinity for music is essential for a successful career at Spotify.

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Photo via Getty Images

Diana Pearl
Editor

I'm an Associate Editor at the Business of Fashion, where I edit and write stories about the fashion and beauty industries. Previously, I was the brand editor at Adweek, where I was the lead editor for Adweek's brand and retail coverage. Before my switch to business journalism, I was a writer/reporter at PEOPLE.com, where I wrote news posts, galleries and articles for PEOPLE magazine's website. My work has been published on TheAtlantic.com, ELLE.com, MarieClaire.com, PEOPLE.com, GoodHousekeeping.com and in Every Day with Rachael Ray. It has been syndicated by Cosmopolitan.com, TIME.com, TravelandLeisure.com and GoodHousekeeping.com, among other publications. Previously, I've worked at VOGUE.com, ELLE.com, and MarieClaire.com.