4 Essential Tips to Winning a Voice Over Job

There are many factors that will help you win a voice over job on top of having the talent.  These top 4 will ensure that you have more jobs coming in and that you are as busy as you would like to be.

The Read

The most important part is your performance.  While the client may have an idea of what they want and if you give them that, then chances are you will get the job.  However, if you are not aware of what they are looking for, and this happens a lot, then take cues from the script.

What is the tone of the script?  Can you give real emotions from what you are reading?  The more you can reinforce the message of the script with your unique voice talents, the greater the chance that you will win them over. Another trick is to read the script as the consumer... a good POV.  This will let you hear it the way it is intended to be heard.  Your interpretation and read will be how the writer intended it. Be aware of the commas, the exclamation marks, and other grammar keys. And don't be afraid to put a few of your own natural pauses in there. I do this quite frequently to simply follow through on my own phrasing style. The copywriter may not have it written to be grammatically correct. But more to clue in the talent as to how to read it. As a side note, I learned in my acting classes, it's more important to "commit" to a basic feel of the script than it is to be right on with the script's intention. It shows professionalism and dedication to the subject matter. If it is not exactly what the copywriter or director intended they will correct you based on the fact that they feel you are the right fit for the script... with proper guidance.

Audio Quality

The second most significant part of winning a voiceover job is the audio quality of your demo.  The quality of the audio that you produce will sway the client.  Better quality audio will give them security that you can produce the same on a final product.  If it is a poor-quality sounding audition, then they will most likely pass.  No matter how perfect your read is. Remember, your "audio" is being auditioned as well. A high quality studio or equipment is a factor in getting more voice over jobs.  Your equipment needs to produce what I call "broadcast quality standard." The room that you record in must have a good "room sound" to it. Not too dead and not too live. The room needs to be soundproofed.  A pop filter and mic placement are also a key factor in making sure that the audio is up to par for landing voice over jobs.  If you set the studio up with this in mind, then your audition demos will sound high-quality. 

Be Specific

Letting the client know about the services that you are able to offer them as a voice over talent.

Do you have a quick turnaround on projects? Are you good at editing?  Can you add music or effects to the project? When adding these services, be sure that you are sufficiently skilled to do so.  While this does not make up for a good read and quality, it will help if you are in the running.  The proposal can differentiate you from the competition.

Quote

The quote is a part of the process that many people are not be confident in.  Find out if there is a budget range for the voice over talent.  Think about the time and work that you will put into the project. Consider how it will be used and get as much info about this as possible from the client. 
Then quote a price that is fair to you and hopefully in the range. If they had no clear budget in mind then you just helped create one for them. And you hopefully have helped to uphold the high standard and fair rates of the voiceover industry.

Don’t let the quote stress you out.  When you quote a price that is within the budget range then you should not have any problems.  If you determine that their budget range is simply too low for you to work with, then let them know and stick with your quote. Don't become intimidated. Simply elaborate on how you arrived at the figure and show them you're worth your quote. Personally, I will NEVER allow myself to compete with another talent based on price alone. 

The 5 Ways You Should Market Yourself as a Voice Over Talent

Part of being a voice over talent is being a self-marketer and promoter.  If you are looking to create job opportunities for yourself then there are definite groups of people that you need to create relationships with in order to get more gigs.

Casting Director/Agent

A casting director or agent is the one that facilitates the casting of actors for all the roles in a project.  They will be the one to conduct the auditions and know exactly what the director and producer want.  If they are working with a high-volume company, they also may have a roster of voice over talent. So, when a project comes up, they know exactly who to call.  Having a relationship with a casting director or agent is a great start.  It's one way to have more opportunities presented to you.

Creative Director

A creative director is what a company may have if there isn’t a casting director or agent working on projects. You can find creative directors on LinkedIn and other social media to connect with. Send an email introduction to them.  They are a good contact to market yourself to as they will place actors and talent on projects.

Advertising Agencies

Advertising agencies produce projects that need voice over talent.  They may have a roster of voice over talents that they work with regularly.  However, building a relationship and impressing them with your talent may get you to be on the list.

It is best to start locally and work your way broader.  Be sure to have some demos of high-quality value and showcase what you can do.  They may do radio, video, explainer videos and audiobooks so if you have examples in several categories, have them ready.

Voice Over Marketplace

There are many voice over marketplaces online that will connect voice over talent with companies and brands.  On many marketplace sites, you can create a profile and upload demos.  Individuals can find you and there is a way to find jobs on the sites and bid on them.

Create a Website

A great website is an absolute MUST! It is a way to promote yourself, have demos on the site, and create a domain name that features you and helps establish your VO brand. Make your website easy for potential clients to use.  Make sure your demos are right on your Landing Page. Remember, voice seekers may be whipping through many websites at once and want to hear your demos as quickly as possible. Make it easy for them! Also, be mindful that people may be looking at it on a mobile device.  You want it to be usable on a computer and on a smartphone.  The last website tip is to have a call to action on every page.  A way for your potential clients to contact you.

Voice Over Talent Career

Having an account on Upwork or Freelancer, Audiobook Creative Exchange (ACX) is a start.  You can bid on jobs that are out there. But be careful and don't sell yourself short by accepting "cheap" VO jobs! Don't forget that some of it is about reaching out promoting you and your work with individuals and corporations directly via email, snail mail and phone calls. It is best when reaching out to companies to find the person who oversees voice over talent.  Study their website for background information you can use to communicate knowledgeably with that person. When people have a connection with you, the more they are likely to feel confident about working with you.