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Info for
High School Journalists

Journalism
Job Hunters' Guide


Assorted Advice from the Northern Star


Resume

  • Put some thought into it. It's not just a laundry list. Ask, what are my assets that will help me get this particular job? Does my resume clearly show them, and prioritize them?
  • In journalism, always emphasize experience over education.
  • Not too gimmicky; follow a basic format, unless you're a designer
  • PDF
  • Always have a resume on you. You never know when you'll need it.

Cover Letter

The most important part of the package you'll send to editors. This shows an editor your ability to write material that gets people's attention. Make this your very best writing. Tailor it to the place you're applying; have a generic version that you can change each time.

 

Portfolio

  • Personal Web site: Advisable for anyone.
  • Stories: 5-8 clips. Photocopied onto 8 ½ x 11 sheets. Never send originals.
  • Photos: Published clips, plus a CD slideshow and/or Web site.
  • Design: Published pages, reduced to 8 ½ x 11. Color. CD slideshow and/or Web site.
  • Copy editor: Published pages, reduced to 8 ½ by 11. Headline samples.
  • Carbonmade.com
  • Soundslides: create a slide show and put it on your Web site
    (this also shows and editor you can create these)

 

How to Search

  • Have a plan. Rifle approach, not shotgun approach. Pick 5-10 places you'd like to work. Be realistic for your level of experience.
  • Clean up your online profile. No embarrassing photos or statements on social networking sites.
  • Google yourself. Because an employer will.
  • Network. Get to know your hometown editor. Visit editors where you want to work
  • Don't ever pay to post your resume online.

When to Search

Start early. Editors receive the most resumes in, you guessed it, December and May. Those resumes all go into a pile that may or may not get a close look. Your resume should be on the editor's desk long before that … and they should have met you in person.


Where to Search
Don't wait for ads. Many jobs are never advertised because employers already have a pile of resumes.

Interviewing Skills

  • Go to the town as early as you can. Talk to people. If you want to be a reporter, find and write a couple of stories. If you want to be a photographer, shoot a few pics and some video.
  • Research the town and the company.
  • Offer ideas as well as answers to their questions.
  • Get a copy of the job description, then give the editor supporting material that shows you can handle each aspect of the job.
  • Firm handshake, eye contact, good posture
  • Dress one level above the job you want

Practice your interview with a friend before you go.

Have answers ready for these questions:

  • "So, tell me a little about yourself."
  • "What got you interested in journalism?"
  • "What do you like best / least about reporting / design / photography / etc."
  • "Tell me about a work situation where you overcame a challenge."
  • "Tell me about the best story you ever wrote."
  • "Where do you want to be in five years?"
  • "What do you think print journalism will look like in five years?"
  • "What would be your dream job?"
  • "What do you like and dislike about our paper / Web site / etc.?"
  • "Why should I choose you over others who have applied?"
  • "What would your co-workers say about you?"

 

Follow up
When you get home from the interview, immediately write an e-mail or letter to the interviewer thanking him/her and reiterating, briefly, why you think you're right for the job.

If you don't get the job, don't burn a bridge. Send a note to the editor thanking him/her for considering you and asking them to keep you in mind for the future.

 

 

 

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