1. Firstly make sure that you can present to camera well, there’s no point in going to all the trouble of applying for work, going to screen tests, getting photos and demo reels unless you can actually do the job. Some people think they can ‘wing it’ or ‘Blag it’ but producers are just too careful these days as every production is costing someone a lot of money. They won’t leave it to chance and they can spot a fake a mile off.

2. Next, you’ll need to put together a demo reel of your presenting. Virtually every single job listing will ask for a ‘Showreel’ to be sent either online or through the post as a DVD. If your showreel is made of poor quality amateur looking work it’s unlikely that you’ll ever get asked to a screen test or audition.

3. When you get to a screen test make sure that you know the premise or format of the show you are auditioning for and understand exactly how it works. Also make sure that you are accustomed to using the ‘Tools of the Trade’ like 'auto cue' and ‘talkback’. It’s essential that the first time you use these tools is NOT at your screen test as it is highly likely that they will confuse or throw you the first few times.

4. Get experience in front of the camera by doing student films, low/no budget work, training courses or even make your own shows just to practise. Everyone’s heard a story about the ‘supermarket checkout’ girl who is suddenly discovered and shot into the limelight but the reality is that most working presenters have gained experience climbing the ladder either as a journalist, cruise ships staff, local/hospital radio, shopping TV etc.

5. Get yourself an agent. There is no easy way of doing this it’s a matter of hitting the phone, sending out your showreel and arranging meetings with the agents. The golden rule is to make sure the agent has contacts within the industry, otherwise they’ll be just doing what you can do for yourself i.e. looking at The Stage, internet sites etc. And then they’ll charge you handsomely when you get work! If someone asks you if you have a 'twenty percent' they're talking about an agent, because that's how much they charge.