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How to Get a Job at HGTV

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HGTV is one of the most popular cable television networks, drawing in hundreds of thousands of daily viewers eager to see Chip Gaines enthusiastically take on “Demo Day” or catch the drama between Christina and Tarek on “Flip or Flop.” Although many viewers dream of one day hosting their own HGTV show, opportunities to become the next star are few and far between. That doesn’t mean you can’t get close to the action, though, as there are plenty of other roles to fill at HGTV headquarters and in its offices around the world.

Finding HGTV Jobs

HGTV is owned by Discovery, Inc., and headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee. The easiest way to find open positions at HGTV is to visit the Discovery careers website and enter HGTV into the search bar. From there, you’ll find a list of jobs with the network, or in company divisions where you would have responsibilities with the network. You can also search for specific roles within the company, such as production assistant or writer, or search by a specific location. If the type of job you are interested in isn’t available, you can sign up for alerts about positions featuring your search criteria.

Keep in mind that most of the shows you see on HGTV are produced by independent production companies. If you want to work for a specific show, such as “House Hunters” or “Love it or List It,” you need to reach out to those companies directly. You can find the production company information by going directly to the website for the show, or by searching the “Be on HGTV” section of the HGTV website for the contact information of each production company.

Applying for a Job

If you’re interested in an HGTV career with the network itself, you need to apply via the careers section of the Discovery, Inc. website. You must apply for a specific position; you cannot submit your resume for general consideration.

To apply, you need to create an online profile, following the link in the job listing. This requires creating an account if you don’t have one. From there, you can fill in the application information using one of several methods – connecting your social profiles (such as LinkedIn) to your account, uploading a resume or manually entering information into each field. Most applicants use a combination of methods, double-checking information manually after it’s been automatically parsed from the resume. Because HGTV uses an automated system to read the resume, it’s best to use a simple, chronological format for your resume and avoid using any type of special formatting, including tables, text boxes or images.

Alternative Paths to Employment

Another path to consider if you want to work for HGTV is an internship. HGTV internships are offered to qualified junior and senior college students during the spring and summer semesters. These paid, 12-week experiences are designed to give students hands-on experience with Discovery, Inc. and are generally available across departments and Discovery networks. To find open positions and application requirements, search for Open Opportunities on the Discovery, Inc. internships website, and follow Discovery Internships on social media.

References
Writer

An adjunct instructor at Central Maine Community College, Kristen Hamlin is also a freelance writer and editor, specializing in careers, business, education, and lifestyle topics. The author of Graduate! Everything You Need to Succeed After College (Capital Books), which covers everything from career and financial advice to furnishing your first apartment, her work has also appeared in Young Money, Lewiston Auburn Magazine, USA Today, and a variety of online outlets. She's also been quoted as a career expert in many newspapers and magazines, including Cosmopolitan and Parade. She has a B.A. in Communication from Stonehill College, and a Master of Liberal Studies in Creative Writing from the University of Denver.

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