Sorry to revive this conversation, but I find the subject interesting.
I'm a french composer, and i'm living by now the horrors of job search, career issues, etc...
))
I just wanted to say a few little things, a part of my little experience :
-customers (or members of a team...) unfortunately, will first judge you on your sound, not on your expertise, or your composition. This comes just after. A bad song with a big sound, is more likely than a good song with a rotten sound (of course, the best is to have the big sound with the great music !) - So I had to invest a little money... (new hardware, new softwares..)
-I chose to work for free the first year to gain experience, meet new people ... etc... I think it is necessary to participate in many projects, and this allows to gain some self-confidence, and fulfill your CV
-I have to be patient and a hard worker... keep my eyes and my ears open, and my heart too !
These are my choices, not necessary the Only Truth of course.
(your opinion is welcome)
Wish you the best,
Phil