Joe Grimm's News Jobs Café: Ask the recruiter

Have Cover Letter at Interview?

Q: I have an interview coming up at a large news magazine in New York City, and I was wondering if I should bring a cover letter. I got the interview through a friend. I merely used this friend's name (which has some clout) and sent a copy of my resume in an e-mail and got a reply to come in for an interview. I originally added a short note in the email (like a mini cover letter) but that was about it. Will a cover letter be expected of me when I walk in for the interview?

Also, I don't have a ton of experience for the job but I know I can test well and do a good interview. Plus I have been using the relevant skills needed in other jobs I've done. I have one year in the job experience department for this position, but that was a college paper and a little while back. Considering that I need some luck to land this job, is there any advice you can offer me? I was going to bring in a portfolio of some graduate papers and some clips I copy edited, but beyond that I only have some freelance writing I've done (Web site copy and such). Bottom line is I don't have a sweet portfolio but really, really want this job.

Thanks a lot for your help.

Daniel

A: A cover letter typically flies by mail and accompanies a resume. You should not need one for the interview.

I would plan to write a brief and thoughtful note afterward, however.

To get ready for the interview, do you research into that company and be ready to ask some sharp questions. Do not ask fake questions calculated to show how much you've learned. Better, ask questions about the company's direction, market position or future that will likely touch on some of the issues company insiders are concerned about. Have your portfolio with you, but don't bring it out and take people through it unless they ask to see it. You don't want to lose interviewing time to portfolio showing.

Note: "Ask the Recruiter" is moving to Poynter's new Career Center. The new home is here. Don't forget to change your bookmark.

A Cultural Mismatch?

Q: Before I start, many thanks for the thoughtful responses to my question. "Ask the Recruiter" is an invaluable resource, and even throwaway comments that you make on it probably end up saving reporters years on their careers. This is a true public service.

It's the season for recruiter interviews at the college where I'm a grad student. I have two problems that go together -- I was raised in a very traditional part of the country where terms of address and decorum were extremely, extremely important. Now I have some years of newsroom experience by now out of that region, so I know newsroom culture fairly well. And when I see a guy in a suit, I think that either somebody died or the person is a lawyer. I want to make a good impression on these interviews, so I'm going in a gray sportcoat and a conservative tie, black slacks. My thinking is, this looks formal enough to be respectful and sharp, but not so formal that I look out of place, intimidated/ing, or naive. But the prep school kid in me still looks in the mirror and thinks, "go for the suit." The grownup reporter nixes that idea. Am I on the right track, or could I be showing up to these interviews in the sharpest navy suit I have? I really don't want to look like a kid that just got out of Sunday school, or a law student that went to the wrong interview.

The other problem is one I've had all the time, everywhere. When I meet someone older than I am, I refer to them as Mr. or Ms. so on and so forth, and answer "yes, sir," and "yes, ma'am." This inevitably causes problems when I'm at functions with other journalists and am trying to make contacts, because editors often prefer you call them by their first name. I always come across as being childlike, and it's really just me following my mom and dad's sincerest tableside advice. I think I can solve my problem by going straight to first names, but again, the prep school kid in me shudders at that idea -- it's impolite. I think I have a good idea what I'm doing with the first dilemma, but the second one is one of those lifetime quirks that I've never really solved.

Am I the only person with these nutty sorts of issues?

Grad Student

A: You are not the only person with these issues, and they are not at all nutty. They are about how we are acculturated.

First, your situation: Your instincts on dress are correct. The gray sportcoat, black slacks and tie work well in any context. The blue suit could carry messages that will distract editors from the business at hand. (Is he a lawyer, ex-military, very conservative, etc.?) Dress to impress -- but not to distract.

As for terms of address, it is OK to open with courtesy titles and "yes sir," especially if this seems natural to you, and to become less formal if the recruiter tells you to.

On my first day at the Free Press, I did the same thing, and felt quite fine to be told that we were all on a first-name basis.

Your questions about acculturation apply to a lot of people.

In some cultures, it is considered impolite to look an elder directly in the eyes. People who cast their eyes downward or to the side may be trying to show respect, but can be misinterpretted as being dishonest. What a cruel misunderstanding!

In other cultures, handshakes are soft, more like a touch than a grab. Yet in American business culture, this sign of opennness can be taken as a sign of weakness. Another great misunderstanding.

We all do well -- candidates and recruiters -- to do as you have done. Know yourself, think about where the other person is coming from and find a place in the middle that accommodates both.

Note: "Ask the Recruiter" is moving to Poynter's new Career Center. The new home is here. Don't forget to change your bookmark.

Going to National College Media Convention?

If you're going to the National College Media Convention in St. Louis Oct. 25-29 and would like to meet, e-mail me.

I am especially interested in talking with digital journalists and copy editors.

Too Relaxed in My Job Interview?

Q: I think I've lost my filter for job interviews. While I used to be very nervous, now I've sort of become too relaxed and I end up saying what I don't mean to say. On a job interview I was on recently I told the recruiter that I was a good writer, but not a great writer. I realize now that it's sort of arrogant.

Do you have any advice on how to backtrack if you've said something stupid in an interview? I tried to make it sound like I was telling a joke but to be honest I don't think he was too enamored with me after that.

Embarrassed and Otherwise Clueless

A: You seem to have demonstrated why butterflies can be helpful during an interview. They keep us from acting like turkeys.

Recovery should not be difficult. A follow-up note is always a good idea after an important interview. Use yours to explain what you really meant to say. No need to apologize, but the clarification -- if it demonstrates that you can be a great writer -- could help a lot.

And pack some butterflies for your next interview.

Do Your Job-Hunting Homework

At many job fairs, job-seekers complain about recruiters who ask, "so, what do you know about our newspaper?"

The job-seekers feel they are at an unfair advantage because they have limited ways to quickly check out the background on a paper that just happens to be at the job fair.

Career coach Marie McIntyre answers a question that comes close to these situations.

DIfferent day, new recruiters?

Q: I'll be attending a three-day conference at the end of this month which features a Career Fair. Since the fair is over two days, I imagine the same recruiters will be there both days. What should I do to maximize seeing the same recruiters on the second day?

I don't think it would be advantageous to just walk by them as if we hadn't met yesterday, but I'm not sure if I should stop to have another full-length conversation. And if there are different recruiters from a company I already spoke with, should I make the acquaintance of the new recruiter as well?

Toni

A: I'm a recruiter so, of course, I can think of lots of reasons for you to go both days:

• We often use more than one recruiter, even at a one-day fair, just to handle volume.
• If the job fair is big, you may not be able to get to all the recruiters in one day.
• If you've already paid the costs of being at the conference and job fair, going for a second day probably costs you nothing.
• It is wise to reinforce a good first impression with a second-day visit. Show up with some new questions or points to make about yourself.

Overlapping quotes?

Q: This probably sounds like the dumbest question...but someone asked me how to edit an interview where interviewer and interviewee are both talking at once. Any editorial marking or suggestion how to show this in print? I am at a loss.

Thanks.

Lucy

A: I would put the quotes in whole, ordering them according to the chronology in which they began. If one speaker starts talking and the other speaker then comes in, I'd put the first speaker first, finish off the quote and then put in the whole second quote.

You can handle interspersed quotes by interspersing short paragraphs, but there is not a typographically sensible way to overlap quotes. This is one of the shortcomings of putting quotes down on paper.

If you wish, you could add a phrase like, "talking over each other" or "who sometimes speak at the same time." That should convey the nature of how the interview went.

Printed communication imposes more order on verbal communication than usually occurs.

Don't blow the interview

Business Week online has tips about how to act if you really want that job.

Many are obvious (don't arrive too early; don't use e-mails with words like seduction), but at least they're funny ...

First job interview?

Q: I've been one of those weird, yet lucky, people who has never had to interview for a single journalism internship (and I've interned at two major metro dailies and a major metro alt. weekly.) I've always just been offered the positions outright through phone calls or e-mails.

However, it's time for a real job and I'm heading into my first interview on Wednesday at a fairly large mid-size paper. While I have a very good idea of what will happen (and the massive list of questions I have about the place,) I was wondering if I should bring a clip portfolio of some type. If so, how extensive should it be? How far back in my career should I go? Other than clips, should I bring old letters of recommendation? What about print-outs of raw copy?

This paper is much too big for me to have to do design work or shoot photos, but should I bring along anything that shows those skills?

Thanks for any advice you can give.

S

A: Yes, take a portfolio with you, even if you've already sent one.

It may be that your work does not get to everyone you'll meet. It may be that some folks will want to see more, so make it more extensive than the one you've sent in.

Still, be selective. Do not bring in your whole body of work. It would be a shame if someone judged you on your weakest example. I wouldn't bring the raw copy and would maybe bring just one letter of recommendatyion -- and present it only if asked.

For a paper of this size, stay focused on recent work applicable to the job they're trying to fill.

It's too bad that you didn't get interviewe experience on internships, but not so unusual. Internships may be won by mail; jobs seldom are.

Good luck!

Friend had no interest in job?

Q: A friend of mine recently interviewed for a position where I work but seems to have made two errors in my opinion. From the sound of things, it didn't appear that he even looked at our publication, or if he did, he didn't do a thorough job and apparently it showed during the interview. Also, he wasn't interested in the job and may have said during the interview that he wasn't ready to leave his current position for this one. That made my editors wonder why they spent the money to fly him out here and put him up and spent the time to talk to him if he wasn't serious in the first place.

I don't know this person well.

Should I tell him that he may have left a bad impression?

Embarrassed

A: I would certainly tell him and I would tell him that his cavalier attitude could tarnish your reputation just for having done him the favor of opening a door for him. You did him a favor; he did you none.

I would then go to your editors and apologize for his behavior. They shouldn't hold you accountable for what he did or didn't do, but clear the air and show them you're as mystefied as they are.

How to dress for informational interview?

Q: What's the appropriate attire for an informational interview? I don't suppose it'd be the sort of Sunday best I'd wear for a formal interview (or would it?); nor do I think it would be right to show up in a Polo shirt and shorts. What sort of outfit says "professional but not presumptuous"? Should I wear a tie?

Also, I've seen want ads for reporting jobs at one particular news organization -- I won't say which -- requiring applicants to submit, along with resume and clips, five story ideas, each five sentences long. I'm all for having story ideas ready for the job interview, but this just seems like a way for the editors to harvest lots of ideas without having to do the legwork. What are your thoughts on this requirement? The paranoiac in me wants to know, how can I keep a really good story idea from being poached before I've even been interviewed, other than not applying to the place in question?

J.T.

A: You're right. The Polo shirt and shorts should stay home. Put on a tie. Look as though you're there for a real interview, but do not try to hijack an informational interview into a job interview.

If you feel upon arrival that you are overdressed, just loosen the tie and carry the jacket. Men have it so much easier than women!

Don't worry so much about having them steal your story ideas. But in keeping with your status as a job candidate, fuzz up a tantalizing detail that you'll be happy to clarify -- once hired.

Overdressed for job interview?

Q: I was wondering what is the appropriate thing to wear to a newsroom job interview. I was thinking of wearing a tie and sport coat/blazer, but it is likely to be in the 100s the day I'm interviewed. Is it OK to go without the coat or will I look too casual for a job interview?

Hot seat

A: Take the jacket and wear it over your arm. If you need to interview without it, you'll be all set. If you arrive without one and find that the place is an icebox, you'll be out of luck.

Late job offer?

Q: Thanks so much for the advice on your site. Not only is it valuable, it's also encouraging. Us aspiring-writer types need that from time to time.

Here's my question: A week ago, a paper that's twice as big as the one I'm at flew me up for interviews. It seemed to go pretty well, and they said they'd call me during the week.

I still haven't heard back. Is that a sign that I flubbed it?

Thanks for your help!

Growing journalist

A: Well, it's not an encouraging sign, but I wouldn't spend a lot of time trying to guess what it means. Pick up the phone or drop an e-mail and ask.

The fact that they flew you there in the first place is a sign that they are serious about you.

And good luck!

Does anyone else have a perspective on this?

What interview questions should I ask?

There is a lot of advice out there about what to ask when you are being interviewed for a job. (OK, I may be responsible for some of that.) The AP's Michael P. Regan cuts through some of the clutter.

Calls on job application?

Q: I have been attempting to get a position at a largish newspaper. The problem is that the person in charge of hiring (an assistant managing editor)  seems to like he doesn't want to be bothered.

I thought I had a pretty good package of impressive clips and a pretty good resume. After I send in my resume and clips, I usually call in a week or two to find out if they received my clips and when I can expect a decision to be made and to touch base.

I called him three times over the space of a month -- once leaving an upbeat, polite message which he never returned and then reaching him twice to which he said, "I'll call you back," and then never did. I called the second time after two weeks of nothing, and the third time after another week passed with no calls back. I was very polite through this all.

I quit calling since I figured I was given the brush-off. How else can I try to get hired and is it OK to bypass someone who apparently isn't helpful?

According to a few corporate-oriented Web sites, they say calling is bad, period. But every other hiring editor I've talked, or at least 9 out of 10, have been interested, asked me questions and talked about the position -- which I think is normal.

Thanks for your help!

Looking for Recognition

A: People can be strange. If you've hit a brick wall, I'd go around it. It would be less threatening to this person if you want a level below his position -- say, the metro editor or features editor -- than if you went over his head to the managing editor.

I love ads that say, "no calls." How inviting is that? We're journalists. We call. And we bend rules that prevent us from getting what we need.

Interview preparation?

Q: I'm interviewing for the position in about 10 days and I'm SO excited! But, I'm also extremely nervous.

I know I'm supposed to learn everything about the paper inside and out before an interview, and I've researched the ownership and circulation and all that stuff, but when it comes to the actual paper ... what am I supposed to study? I've been reading the articles online, but is there something in particular that I'm supposed to be looking for? What sort of questions about their paper are they likely to ask?

Getting ready

A: I have an article on the JobsPage that deals with how to use the web to prepare.

I'd also go in with some suggestions about how you could make the paper stronger and I would anticipate some questions about what the paper can do to reach more readers in your age group.

Shut up and listen

Orlando Sentinel reporter Sara Isaac has come up with some good advice for job-seekers, as well as interviewers:

Let the other person do the talking.

Hiring managers seem to favor people who let them do most of the talking -- and some candidates seem to know this, allowing interviewers to talk on and on.

The source for the article, who manages the Business Assistance Center at Lake-Sumter Community College in Leesburg, recommends that interviewers talk 20 percent of the time and listen 80 percent of the time.

Who pays for interview visit?

Q: If I'm offered a job based solely on phone interviews, but it's important to me to still visit the company, who should pay those expenses? How do I bring up the subject?

R.W.

A: Only the brave take jobs at newspapers they never have visited. Only the foolish hire people they have never met.

But, if the paper is small or its budget tight, the paper may not insist on an in-person interview. This shifts considerable risk to the job candidate who will be out a job and the cost of moving if there is a mismatch. The paper will just be out in the job market again.

If you are offered a job based on phone interviews, I would say, "Wow! I'm excited to get this offer, but I don't think I should accept until we've had a chance to meet each other. Can I come out to meet you and the staff? How would we handle that?"

As will be the case with most negotiations, when you ask a question, you put the ball in their court. They will then tell you whether they will pay for the visit or no. If they say they won't, you can ask about sharing expenses. Maybe you can buy the plane ticket and they can pay for housing. Ultimately, it could come down to you deciding whether to take the risk. As I said, most of it will be yours.

A visit will help inform you about the paper -- and will require the paper to make a bigger investment in getting this to succeed.

Text-messaging for jobs?

Text messaging has spawned a lot of abbreviations. LOL means laughing out loud and its big brother is ROTFLUTS: Rolling on the floor laughing unable to speak. TMI (too much information) should not be confused with TMWFI (take my word for it).

As sports recruiters increasingly use text messaging to reach athletes, I wonder whether we’ll see newspaper recruiters follow suit, and whether journalists will need to develop their own abbreviations for text-message recruiting.

Some we should add for text-interviewing:

DCUWCU: Don’t call us, we’ll call you. ATYBC: Are these your best clips? (Of course not, silly!)
RTFP: Read the ***** paper. (already in use)
CNUPGN8?: Can you paginate?
TGS: This is great stuff!
CU$?: Can you cover business?
(YOU): We have a nurturing climate.
WMD: No, it’s not what you’re thinking, it’s “What’s my deadline?”
U/Q: You are over qualified.
HSCYS: How soon can you start?

What are your ideas?

GTG

Delivering my resume?

I am at the National Writers' Workshop at Wilmington, Del., presenting my new workshop, "The Live Interview." One of the attendees asked whether is it appropriate to leave a résumé at an informational interview and, if so, when.

Yes, it is fine.

Here's how to do it:

Show up at the newspaper, ask your questions and expect some in return. Observe everything around you. The editor will likely be watching closely to make some judgment about your journalistic skills.

Take it as a positive sign if the editor asks for a résumé. If that doesn't happen, ask if you can leave it -- with samples of your work -- when it is time to go.

While an informational interview is not a job interview, you are not there because newspapers are a hobby. You are there because you are looking for a potential workplace.

Oh, and when you schedule an informational interview, try to schedule it for just before or after the news meeting. Most morning newspapers have them around 10:30 a.m. and again around 3 p.m.

Piggybacking an informative visit on a news meeting will extend your stay, get you introduced to some top editors and give you a chance to observe the newsroom's culture.

Quirky questions

The Indianapolis Star's Dana Knight has a funny article on an observation by the Vault about what they say is a trend to goofier questions.

One that Knight says pops up: "How do you decide what to have for breakfast -- Pop-Tart or oatmeal?"

How long to wait for job offer?

Q: If I don't hear back from an editor after I've emailed a request for an informational interview, what should my next steps be? How long should I wait?

Waiting

A: I'd give the editor a few days and try again.

Remember, informational interview are just that -- a way to gather information. Don't try to use an informational interview as a ploy to get your foot in the door and then morph it into what you hope will become a job interview.

Your concern over not getting an invite has me concerned.

Try another e-mail.

Interviewing as a journalist

In a Career Journal article, intern James Caverly makes some good points how, by thinking strategically, sales people can show their stuff in job interviews.

What journalistic traits, demonstrated in an interview, might lead to job offers?

 

• Establishing rapport
• Good questions
• Follow-up questions
• Attentive listening
• Note taking
• Follow-up to the interview

Positive interview signs?

Q: I recently interviewed for a position and, as I was leaving, the potential employer said, "Well it went well for you today. You have a lot of experience." She also offered her business card to me and asked me to check out the company web site.

     The same day, I sent a thank-you note, and the next day I e-mailed her some questions. In her response, she said, "Thanks for e-mailing!" and then answered my questions and informed me again to ask any questions that I thought of.

     It sounds positive to me, but I don't want to get my hopes up. I just have faith that God will give me what I need and what I need.

Shelly

A: Say your prayers, cross your fingers and clutch your lucky rabbit's foot.

These remarks could be positive, or they could just be politeness. I wouldn't draw too many conclusions from them.

Should I apply a second time?

Q: Last year, I interviewed for a reporting job at a daily paper. I went through an extensive interview/application process that involved submitting a written critique of the paper, telephone interviews, two days of in-person interviews, math/grammar/spelling tests and a trial story. I thought everything went well, but when I checked back in the weeks following they said the position was frozen for several months. Not sure if that position ever got unfrozen, but I never did hear back from them.

Now, that same paper is advertising an opening in another department. I'd really like to apply for that job but am wondering if my previous interview experience will work against me. I'd have to tell them I had interviewed before, but fear that might mark me as "the applicant we didn't offer the job to last time." Is there a protocol for how to handle this? Do you feel I'm wasting my time applying, based on what happened during my first go-round? (The person I'd be sending my application to for the features job is someone I never met during my visit last year.)

Thanks for your help! I read your blog regularly and have gotten some great guidance from it.

Hanging

A: You're experiencing typical newspaper disorganization. The budget picture changes rapidly, editors can fail to keep in touch with people who have invested a lot of time with them and departments don't talk to each other.

Hiring freezes: They come and go, sometimes overnight, and there can be different types: Hard freezes in which almost no one gets hired (except maybe copy editors and designers) and slushy freezes in which papers just slow down the hiring, knowing that adding a few weeks to the typical lag time will reduce payroll spending.

The line goes dead: While we editors are often accused of putting bad news in the paper, many of us still don't like to deliver it to individuals. In this case, it sounds like you were hot for a while, the freeze cooled off their ability to hire and when it revived, they were looking at other people. Timing can make a difference. I try not to get anyone in front of people for a full-fledged interview with all the bells and whistles unless we have a real job open -- and then I hope we don't get a freeze.

Departmental disconnects: Even at small newspapers, departments can act more like competitors than collaborators. They compete over space, resources -- even external candidates. I bet the first department never told the second department about you. It probably never occurred to them. In this case, that could be good. I would apply. What have you got to lose? The best thing you can do as an outside candidate knocking on the door is to ask a candidate who spans departments, such as a recruiter or managing editor.

Oh, and tell them you've applied in the past. Eventually, they would figure that out.

Adapt to the interviewer

James E. Challenger gives some good advice on the California Job Journal: "In a job interview, you must customize your remarks to the company’s requirements. Giving the same responses in each interview substantially reduces your chances of being hired."

Speak up about business reporting interest?

Q: You recently wrote on your blog that "talent is scarce" in business reporting. I am an undergraduate business student seeking a summer reporting internship. Long-term, I would prefer to write on matters other than business; short-term, I'll take anything I can get.

To this point, I have played down my business education in my cover letters. I've viewed it as a differentiating negative, not as a differentiating positive. Do you think that I should change tactics? For a first summer internship, does it even matter that I understand accounting scandals and corporate mergers better than the average j-school student?

Daniel

A: Change tactics.

Having some knowledge of business will not deprive you of metro reporting opportunities; it will open the door to business-reporting opportunities.

Use your cover letter to tell people you're up for either.

Several times now, I have met people early on at job fairs who had an interest in business but who were not playing it up. I told them to change their interviewing tactics to push their interest in business. In every case, they said they generated more interest that way.

Who pays moving costs?

Q: After sending out a couple dozen applications, I got a couple of calls. One is a daily on the West Coast; the other are some weeklies on the East Coast.

When is a good time to bring up whether or not they will cover moving expenses?

Midwest Journalist

A: I would make moving costs part of the negotiations. That would come after they make you an offer and before you give them your decision.

If you start negotiating that prematurely, you could jeopardize an offer. I'd also want to get a look at the newsrooms before I would know how much I would spend to get to a job there.

There are two more things I want you to pay close attention to as you contemplate these moves:

1.: Money paid for relocation is subject to federal income tax, so take that into account and, if you're bold, ask them to pay enough to cover the costs and your tax liabilities.

2.: Do your homework on cost of living, especially apartment prices, state and local taxes and auto insurance. Both of these locations cost more than where you've been living and I don't want you to be shocked.

Informational interview?

Q: I've been working as a reporter at a 48,000-circulation daily in the South for two years. It's the first paper I've worked at and I love it here, but I'll be moving with my soon-to-be husband to the Boston area in July after we are married. I'm hoping to move to a daily of equal or larger circulation, but I'm open to a smaller daily with a great reputation and top-notch editors and writers.

I was curious: How early is too early to apply for jobs? I'll be in Boston in March looking for homes with my fiancé, but is it too idealistic to expect a job interview that early in the process? Part of my dilemma: where I can find a job would play a crucial role in where we live. My fiancé already landed a job at a research hospital near Cambridge, so I'm trying to find a paper within reasonable commuting distance that we can both live with.

I wouldn't be able to start until August and it's likely that the slots papers have open now will change in the next few months. Is it acceptable to e-mail or call the editors to see if I can get in for an interview in March? Do I send my clips, résumé and cover letter now or wait a few more months? I'm worried that sending my stuff too early for any vacancy they have may work against me, let's say, if they're hiring for a beat I have little to no experience in.

What's a reporter to do?

Any advice you could give would be greatly appreciated.

PS - I absolutely love your blog and have found your expertise very helpful -- thanks!

Boston bound

A: Congratulations!

That's exciting news.

Four months' advance notice of a move is a perfect time to go in for informational interviews to get an inside look at these newspapers. You're smart to focus on quality rather than mere circulation.

To request the interview, you should send along a résumé and excellent cover letter. Clips would be fine, too.

Please, just don't try to morph an information interview into a job interview. The point of the informational interview is to satisfy your own curiosity and, if you like the people, to pique their interest in you so that they ask you in for an actual job interview.

Your best time for the real McCoy of job interviews will be after the wedding. I am guessing that you might be a little busy in the weeks right before the wedding, and I would hate to see a slew of stressful interviews mess up the big event.

Happy honeymoon!

When to reveal ethical conflict?

Q: I've just heard back from a paper I applied to and wonder how much disclosure of potential conflict of interest is necessary on my part?

One of my parents has a senior position for a national consulting firm and for years has been under contract with the county human services department where the paper is located. The contract is set to expire permanently in one year's time with no chance for renewal.

Without going into excruciating detail, I'd say that this is obviously the sort of thing I would mention to the paper before I began working there if hired. But I'm not sure if I should mention it to them before or during an interview.

The beat I'm applying for is slightly open-ended and while human services is by no means the focus of it there is a small potential for a conflict if I were to really dig in on investigative work. The chances of it coming up during the interview process are, however, very, very slim.

While I tend to err on the side of maximal disclosure, I don't want to be perceived as suggesting that this connection will give me inside sources, though my parent has told me that the work has been very well received and simply my acknowledging my relationship to one of a handful of officials would probably increase my credibility with them -- whether I intended it to or not.

How would you approach this issue as a candidate? What would you expect as a recruiter?

Possibly conflicted

 

A: Your instincts are right. You must disclose any potential conflict so that the newspaper's editors can make the decisions they must to protect the independence and impartiality of the news report.

But this appears to be an arm's-length and temporary conflict.

I would inform them at the offer stage, if and when you get that far, but before you accept.

To get into all the particulars of this potential conflict before you have even been offered a job might muddy the waters and could even make you seem presumptuous. If they offer you a job, disclose the potential conflict then.

Ban on references?

Q: Another reference question: my company refuses to let editors give references to reporters. The policy is vague (perhaps something legal, perhaps they just want to make it harder to leave) but I can't really explore the reasons without making it obvious I'm looking.

This is my first job, but I've been out of school for too long to use professors and I really wouldn't want to anyway. But of course, any company I head to will be expecting some references.

Any advice?

Anonymous

A: Some companies have policies that say they can do no more than confirm dates of employment. This may provide maximum protection for the newspaper, but it affords no help to the industry or to workers.

There are a few ways to get around it. The cleanest is to offer a copy of a positive evaluation, if you have one, in place of a reference. If it is OK with your editors that you look for a job in the first place, you can ask for a letter of recommendation. While that may violate the spirit of a ban on references, it might fly. A third avenue may be to offer the newspaper a letter in which you waive your right to sue.

In any case, this policy will hardly sound strange to potential new employers. Sometimes, the same newspapers that instruct their editors not to give references tell them to check them. Smart editors can often get the right signs from an editor who has been instructed to say nothing. Yes, the same newspapers that instruct their editors not to give references tell them to check them.

When job interviews go bad

Credit the California Job Journal with "10 Things You Don't Want to Hear in a Job Interview."

Our favorite nomination from their list: “While I’d love to hear more about what a doofus your old boss was, I’m afraid our time is up.”

Interviewers largely untrained

A two-year study of 592 interviewers at 500 Canadian and international organizations shows that 28 per cent of interviewers received just over four hours of formal training on average. However, much of that time was spent training people not to ask questions banned by legislation.

The others didn't get any formal training.

Monstrous

In her column today, the Washington Post's Michelle Singletary makes "Monster Jobs: Interviewing" her book of the month.

She excerpts this from the chapter called, "What were they thinking?" A human resources director said: "Some career changers just haven't thought very hard about making a case. I interviewed a gentleman for a television field technician position. His background did not reflect any type of experience in electronics or televisions. I asked him if he had ever taken off the back of a TV and actually seen the inside. His response was this: 'Are you kidding? It's dangerous back there.' Needless to say, he did not get the position."

How can I seal the deal?

Q: I was hoping you could offer me some job advice. Here's the story: I used to work at a newspaper as a photojournalist but left, partly due to an ethics issue and partly because I was burned out from the grind. I currently work as a proofreader, but that's not where I want to stay.

Before I left the newspaper, I interviewed for a copy editing position at this other daily. During the interview, the editor said there may be something opening up after the first of the year. I took the copy editing test, and he said my style was good but that I needed to work on my content.

So, I've been reading their paper and the AP Stylebook. I keep in touch with him from time to time, and have e-mailed some staffers that I know there. What I would like to know is -- what should I be doing that will really seal the deal? I don't want to come on too strong, but I also don't want him to forget about me since I haven't heard any updates about the new position. They are still in the middle of a redesign and consolidation.

Ellen

A: It's better to come on strong than to be reserved -- and forgotten.

Ask the editor for an appointment, go in and tell him -- show him -- that you are now up on content and looking to improve in any other way you can.

With friends on the inside, ask them to tell you when positions become available. You always get a better reception when they're looking to fill a job than when they're not.

How do I handle being rejected for a job?

Q: I have questions about what to do after rejection and how to follow-up. I was disappointed that I didn't get a job at a paper I like very much. I've been at my current 50,000 daily-circulation paper for less than a year and a half. The paper I tried out for was double that size. I flew out for the interview in a totally different region in the country from where I'm at now.

The paper's staff didn't know where I grew up, so it was quite a surprise when I met an editor (not an executive or managing editor) from my hometown. (My town isn't big.) After the job interview, I e-mailed a "thank you" note to her, as well as all the editors I spoke with. The "hometown" editor was very nice and e-mailed me back, and so did two other editors.

I'd like to talk to the "hometown" editor some more. I want to keep in touch with this paper, just in case there's another opening. My job interview went really well, but maybe another candidate was a better fit.  I plan to e-mail the managing editor and ask politely what things I can improve on. While I know I need to talk to the managing editor, I'd like to establish a solid relationship with the other editor. How do I handle this situation?

Jenny

A: I understand your disappointment. I'd feel let down, too. But your follow-up strategy is perfect. We have frequently interviewed people who we thought were very good -- but then hired someone else who we felt was better for the job. In many cases, the person who was rejected at first is hired in a later round.

You have taken a big step toward making that happen by staying in touch and asking for suggestions. That shows grit and sincerity.

I should think this editor would respond well to a request for mentoring and advice.

You are handling this very well.

Whom do thank-you notes go to?

Q: Etiquette question for you: I just got back from a three-day job interview in which I met 15 or more people, from fellow reporters to the managing editor. Some people met with me for a few minutes, others took me to meals and/or drove me around town to my hotel, airport, etc. I am wondering about the protocol for thank-you letters. Should I send letters to each person? Only some of them? If so, who? And what is the best way to do this -- by email, handwritten letter, typed, etc?

Reporter on the Market

A: You can't go wrong writing to everyone who spent 15 minutes or more with you. I would certainly thank those who put themselves out by picking you up, taking you out or showing you around.

Handwritten notes make the most sincere impression and they can be short.

Applying where my boyfriend works?

Q: I was hoping you might be able to help me with a question no one else seems to know the answer to. I now work at a 60,000 daily and am in the process of applying to other newspapers in a different part of the country so I can be closer to my boyfriend, whom I met when we both worked at the newspaper where I still work.

I applied to the same newspaper where my boyfriend works, and I now have an interview there in a few weeks. I expect his name will come up during the interview because we worked at the same newspaper. What do I say when editors or reporters ask if I know him? Do I tell them we're dating or just good friends? I don't want to jeopardize my chances of getting the job by telling them we're dating, but at the same time I don't want to seem sneaky or deceptive later if I get the job. What do you advise?

Looking

A: Yes, let's not be sneaky or deceptive. And let's hope all remain professional.

Something much like this happened to me once as a hiring editor. I hired one person and then interviewed another person coming from the same place. They were near-simultaneous interviews. Knowing that people can sometimes be competitive, I told the second person that we had already hired the first person. I asked whether he would have any problem working with that person again. He said he wouldn't.

As I was arranging their moves to the newspaper, they said they would use the same shipping company. That seemed to me to be efficient. When he told me that I really needed to get just one room for their transitional housing, the light went on.

I felt I had been clueless, but I think they handled the situation well.

They did not discuss their personal lives during the interviews, but were honest about their relationship as soon as it became relevant.

If you are asked whether you know this fellow, the obvious answer is "Yes." That's all.

If the editors ask an open-ended question, like, "How well did you and this fellow get along at your paper?" Restrict your answer to the professional aspects of your relationship: "We were in different departments," "We worked on some stories together," "We worked together well, or I wouldn't be applying here."

It is understandable that you would try to get a job where your boyfriend is working, but I wouldn't make it part of my interview. If you get the job, the facts of your relationship will come out, but let them come out naturally and not as some sort of awkward announcement. If editors feel you were deceptive because you did not talk about your personal relationships during the interview, tell them that you simply thought it would have been inappropriate.

One exception: If you are married and applying at a place that has a policy against nepotism, you have to let the editors know you're married.

Meet? Talk?

Q: What does it mean when an editor wants to "talk" or "meet" with me?

I recently finished a copy-editing internship at a 300,000-circulation paper and am graduating in May.

Today, I called one editor and arranged a "meeting," but he also mentioned showing me to the daytime folks.

It's all very confusing; if all they wanted to do was to "meet" me, then why am I being introduced to the staff?

The other editor e-mailed me earlier this month, saying he'd like to "meet" me at the AAJA convention, which I couldn't go to. I responded that I would also like to "meet" him, but couldn't go, etc. And that is the last I've heard from him.

What is going on? Am I doing something wrong? Am I supposed to be reading more into these "meetings," even though they probably know I don't graduate until May?

To make things more complicated, I'm studying abroad for a semester. So how do I handle internship/job search?

Please help!

Confused

A: I'm afraid we editors don't always explain ourselves very well.

A meeting or a talk with an editor or recruiter is a chance for the editor to get to know more about you as a potential hire. If you are not immediately available, they may be looking at something that is less formal than an interview, but it is definitely some sort of audition. They'll ask questions, you'll ask questions. You will take the measure of each other. They will determine whether they want to -- now or later -- advance you to the stage where the formal interview occurs.

I frequently invite people for visits, coffee, meetings or talks. I am always trying to assess how well they might fit in with my newspaper -- and when.

Accept these invitations in the same spirit they are offered -- as a way to learn more about places where you might want to work.

Be patient with the editor who evaporated after you said you wouldn't be at AAJA. You're writing less than a week after the convention. He's probably busy cleaning up business that the convention created. (Incidentally, there were very few copy editors there.) He was trying to take advantages of circumstances that might have thrown the two of you into the same town. That opportunity didn't materialize, but I bet his interest in your work is still there. Wait a bit and contact him again.

Your internship/job search will be affected by when your semester abroad occurs. This is August. Top internship offers will go out in the fall semester; job offers will start dropping in the winter and spring for May grads. You can apply for internships by mail and e-mail; you'll want to be around to interview in person for real jobs.

Do this: Apply as best you can for really exciting internships. If you get one, take it and worry about the jobs at the end of next summer. If no great internship comes up, plan to crank up a job search in March or April. And relax in between times.

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Borderline job interview questions

Q: During a recent job interview, I was asked if I have any children, and if so, how old are they?

I thought it was a weird question -- but I wanted to be honest, and I'm proud of my kids, so of course I said yes. (I have a preschooler, and a baby under a year.)

I'm extremely qualified for the position, but now I'm wondering if my answer could be counted against me. The other finalist has less experience, but is single and unattached.

What's your advice on handling these types of questions? Is that a normal question, and am I worrying over nothing?

Working Mom

A: This is a problem.

While interviewing job candidates, employers should stick to questions that are relevant to the job. They should not ask about marital status, children, age, religion, race, ethnicity and other factors that do not relate to job skills and performance.

If you are offered the job, your question becomes moot.

If you do not get a job offer, you have a decision to make.

The JobsPage does not give legal advice.

People who are asked questions that seem to be irrelevant to job performance may ask, "Excuse me, but is that relevant to this job?"

Confrontational role-playing interview?

Q: I actually applied for an internship at the Free Press and I have a few questions for you.

I have an interview for an internship in a few days. Apart from the spelling and copy tests they intend to give me, an editor told me there would be another assessment.

All the editors will be in a room and will create a situation, where they actually become players in the event (a rally, a crime scene, etc.).

For 15 minutes my job will be to interview them and find out information. Afterwards, I will have 45 minutes to write a story on what I found out.

The spelling and copy tests don't worry me, but the "johnny-on-the-spot" interview does.

I'm sure they'll be picking me apart while I'm asking quesitons and I don't blame them, they want to know how I'm going to be on assignments when they can't watch me.

But the idea of having all of my reporting techniques on display to the "big bosses" worries me.

Any suggestions?

Anxious

A: This sounds crazy! I don’t know why a newspaper in a smallish Midwestern city needs to put reporting candidates through this kind of a role play but, hey, maybe they’ve found that it works.

So, I believe you.

A couple things to do:

Because you are expecting an aggressive, confrontational situation, prepare yourself to do it without freaking. Remember the difference between bad actors and ... bad actors.

Ask good questions. It sounds as though they may have some people in the room who will refuse to be of any help at all, people who will contradict the other people and people who may be good sources. You’ll have to quickly try to evaluate that. Your writing may have to encompass the diverging opinions you get. If any of the actors gets especially hostile or tight-lipped, keep your cool and your professionalism and move onto someone else who might be more helpful. You really wouldn’t, in 15 minutes, have time to overcome a wall.

It sounds as though you’ll have to be like a biathlete who huffs and puffs through a snow cross-country course and then has to remain motionless for the shooting part of the event. You’ll have to keep a clear head in the middle of a muddle and then focus your thoughts for the solitary act of writing.

Remember that other people in the newsroom likely went through this same exercise and got hired.

Please write back afterward and tell me what happened and whether you get an offer! We’ll keep the name of the paper off this site.

Getting to my dream job?

Q: I'm a young journalist who has enough experience (I think) to start looking to move up. I've worked for two years now at a 35,000 daily in Washington State.

I'm really homesick and want my next career move to be in the South. In fact, I've got the newspaper picked out that I'd love to work for, The Courier-Journal. I'll be vacationing in Louisville for the derby.

I was thinking of emailing or calling an editor and asking them if they wouldn't mind meeting with me, going over my clips and telling me if I've got what it takes to get a job there. Is that a smart thing to do? And, which editor should I choose to contact? There are a dozen of them and I don't know anyone there.

Niki

A: I think Louisville is lucky to have people who want so dearly to work there. And I think you are very smart to plan a visit.

I would call either the managing editor or the department head for the section in which you would like to work. Make an appointment for an informational interview. Do not try to wrench it around into a job interview. Use most of your time there to learn about the newspaper. Make sure your inclination to go there is well founded. Do some advance research and then, using questions and observations, learn all you can about its culture, growth opportunities and strategies.

Also explore these career-related questions: Could you be in contention for a job there right now? If so, where does the paper announce its openings? Are there any at present? What are the steps in the application and interview process? If the paper would not yet consider you, what must you do to get into place? Can you get prepared at your present paper? If another newspaper is in order, which ones does this paper hire from?

If you determine that this is the paper for you, leave with the name and contact information for someone who can serve as a mentor as you try to work your way aboard. Good luck!

How long to wait after the interview?

Q: I am a municipal reporter for a medium-sized daily newspaper in Pennsylvania who was invited to interview for a position with a large daily in the northeast.

The interviews went well, the editors said they were highly interested in me, and I subsequently sent out thank-you letters to the key editors involved in the process. At the end of the interviewing day, the editors said it was going to be a "fast" decision process. It's going to be four weeks now without a response.

I called one of the editors involved two weeks ago, and he said the position was still open, only that they were still talking and apologized for being slow. My gut feeling is they have made an offer to someone else and are stringing me along with the "possibility" of a second opening. If the paper were somewhere else, I would have written them off by this point, but because of family reasons the location is important to me.

My question is, after doing everything that I have done up to now, what should be my next step? Do I lay back and allow the process to play itself out, or do I call again, and if so, how regularly and aggressively?

I do not need to relocate to this area for several months, but sooner rather than later I will otherwise have to begin considering much smaller papers there that I don't necessarily want to work for but for which I probably would be a very strong candidate.

Anxious in Pennsylvania

A: The editors should have been clearer if, for them, a "fast" process is one in which the candidate hungers for information.

When things go as they have for you, I generally attribute it to editors slowing down the hiring process for budget reasons or some difficulty settling on the final candidate. I think you have this situation figured to the penny.

Hang in there a little longer and express your interest in a week or so, (Your question came the day before Thanksgiving, so we might expect these editors to be in turkey heaven for the next four days, anyway.)

It sounds as though this is a paper where you want to work, so remain cool. It doesn't truly matter whether you're the first choice or the second, so long as you get in. There's no point in getting dejected. And if you miss this opening, leave yourself  in prime position for the next one.

If the answer comes back that you are not The One, tell the editors that you remain interested and ask how well you would be considered for the next opening.

Good luck, I hope they give you something -- like an offer -- to chew on.

A no-byline tryout?

Q: Another quick question on tryouts: My employer doesn't know I'm trying out,
but it's possible she may read the paper I'm trying out at. Can I ask the
paper I'm trying out with to leave my stories without a byline?

Alice

A: I would be very concerned about any newspaper that didn't understand and honor such a reasonable request.

Prepare for a job tryout?

Q: Your advice on interviews, clips and résumés has been very helpful. I have managed to score a tryout for a reporter position at a mid-size daily in Massachusetts. Any advice on how to prepare for a tryout, apart from reading the paper?

Alice

A: Yes. There is more you can do, though reading the newspaper deeply is a good first step.

I would get familiar with the town beyond what the newspaper tells me. Get hold of some maps and study them well enough to know your major directions and landmarks. Try to get some sense of context for the area by looking to see where it fits into the larger county or region. See if you can lay hands on a brief history.

Get to your tryout in advance. Drive or walk around to get a feel for things.

A tryout is, in some ways, a time trial, as you have to turn a smart story or two in a jiffy.

Include some of the context you've learned in your story -- most candidates won't have any and some experienced folks will take it for granted.

Pop that deadline and turn in a story that is whistle-clean. Then, show that you're receptive to editing. If they are bringing you in for a tryout, they want to see what it is like to work with you, and are not merely interested in your work product.

How to handle two job offers?

Q: I have a job interview this week in Virginia and another one the following week in England across the pond.

I would honestly rather have the second job in England, plus I qualify for UK Citizenship because my mother was English even though I am U.S. citizen now.

So I've read in your tips that I shouldn't wait longer than a week to accept a job if it is offered. The interview in England is exactly one week after the interview in Virginia. 

What should I tell the people in Virginia if I am offered the job? Should I tell them to wait a week? Should I tell them I have another interview? Or should I tell them I'll take the job then tell them sorry if I get the job in England? (I would prefer not to use this last option as it would be misleading)

Really I am wondering what wording I should use.

I've been applying for jobs for months with little response and now I have two in-person interviews at the same time (go figure).

By the way, the interview is in Virginia is Wednesday morning, so if you have time please get in touch with me soon.

Matt

A: Your first move is to always be truthful. If you don’t want to reveal something, than say you don’t feel comfortably saying it, rather than make up something else. The second move is to keep your commitments. If you accept a job and then drop it a week later, you have broken a commitment. Don’t do that.

Because your second and preferred opportunity is out of the country, you may need to ask for more time. If you get an offer from Virginia, you could honestly say, “I have been looking all over for a position and have my hat in for a job overseas. It will take a little longer than usual for me to get resolution on that. Can you give me a little time.” When you say that, you will be telling the Virginia newspaper what your preference likely is the overseas job. At least you want to hear what the opportunity is. Virginia is unlikely to withdraw its over just because you have another offer. Foot-dragging will cool their interests a bit and could ultimately cost you the offer, but being up-front should preserve the offer.

I would put pressure on the second paper. If you get an offer, say, “I now have an offer from another paper and it’s a good offer. I think I would prefer to be at your  company, but I don’t know that until I know what the position is. Can we move quickly on this? I do not want to drop a sure offer that I like on the hopes of getting something that may not develop at all.” Although you prefer the second company, if the first company makes you an offer, you owe it to them and to yourself to get them an answer quickly.

Keep checking your messages while you are across the pond!

What if job posting says "no calls"?

Q: In many of the job postings I see, they say "no calls." However, articles I've read on good cover letters said you should be aggressive, and instead of saying, "I hope to talk to you soon," you should say, "I'll call you next week to discuss the job." So, should I show them I can follow rules and not call, or should I show them that I'm determined and call them? Any advice would be greatly appreciated as I am getting absolutely nowhere with my job search.

Amy

A: Desperate times call for desperate measures. But, hey, we’re only talking about a phone call. If you’re getting no response, call. What do you have to lose?

Editors or human resources people working in league with editors, use a “don’t call us, we’ll call you,” approach to keep their workloads down. That’s understandable. But it won’t help you get the job. I would place a phone call to the editor who, as nearly as you can determine, is responsible for filling the job. Use on-line staff directories or the Editor & Publisher Yearbook or the newspaper’s masthead to decide whom to call.

Make a call that makes sense.

I hate confirmation calls that go like this. “This is Kelly. I sent you an application two weeks ago. Did you get it?” This puts me on the spot. I almost always do get what people mail me, but don’t want to say so unless I can confirm that. This means I have to stop what I’m doing, look through the mail and inter-office communication I’ve had for the past two weeks to come up with an answer that goes like this: “Yes,” or “No.” That invariably leaves the caller unsatisfied, as what they really are asking is, “What are my chances?”

So, when you make that forbidden call, try something like this:

“Hi, my name is Amy. I sent an application two weeks ago for your opening and am just following up. I am very interested in knowing more about that job and applying for it. I’d like to move to the next step in your hiring process. If you need any more clips, a critique, an essay, a phone interview – anything at all – please let me know. I’m ready for the next step. Let me leave you my e-mail or phone number so that you’ll know how to reach me.”

A longer lead-in than “Did you get my application?” gives the editor a few minutes to look for it. This opening statement also lets the editor fill in some time by describing the job and whether it has been filled. Notice you have not made any direct requests, but have suggested several ways where the editor might take the conversation. The call is not one that requires an immediate answer or even a specific answer. And by leaving some call-back information, you have politely and insistently left the door open for an invitation.

If that still does not yield anything, I would drop a follow-up note in a week or so, reaffirming your interest and maybe your latest clip. You might wait another week or so and follow that with an e-mail.

Through this process, remember that you may be way out of the running for the job. Perhaps other candidates have a lot more experience or greater talents. If you learn this through the call and subsequent contacts, re-emphasize your continuing interest in the newspaper and ask for some guidance about what you can do to improve your chances the next time, or whether the editor can suggest an interim paper for you.

If you get to this point, you have established a relationship that can help you.

It will not work with every editor, and I would try it only with the relatively few newspapers that you have an honest, long-term desire to work at.

How long to wait for story assignment?

Q: I recently went to an interview for a general assignment position at a 12,000-circulation daily.  After the interview, the editor explained that he would like to send me on a story assignment to really get a feel for my writing style.  The story was to be given to me within a few days after the interview.  However, it has been almost two weeks now and I have not been contacted.  Any advice or insight you could give would be great.

Pennsylvania

A: What are you waiting for?

If you need to get that assignment to get the job, ask for it. You’ll likely get nowhere if you keep waiting. Show some hustle by telling them you’re interested and ask for an assignment. At best, the editor has been delayed in making the assignment. At worst, you’re getting the brush-off. Force the issue.

Job interview clothes?

Q: Just wanted to say thanks for your interviewing tips on the freep.com website. I have the biggest interview of my life on Friday and have been studying up with all your suggestions. The are very helpful. except you forgot one thing -- you never say what to wear on the interview. :) I've heard that newspapers are traditionally not too formal so a business suit might not be the best idea. ... anyway :)

I graduated from Emory University in Atlanta last year and have been doing the journalism thing ever since. It's awesome. Thanks for teaching me some things along the way ...

Ellen

A: I hope this is soon enough to help!

I have every sense that you will dress appropriately. As this is an important job interview, a professional business suit would be appropriate, even at an informal newspaper. It would be natural for you to be more dressed up than the editors, as this is a special even for you, but more in the routine for them.

If you were to underdress, you would feel uncomfortable and would be unable to upgrade. If you overdress, it may be possible to tone it down by losing an accessory.

Business suits for men and women would be appropriate for almost any formal interview.

I seldom see people who dress inappropriately (tight clothes, sloppy clothes, cleavage, unkempt clothing) and wonder whether advice would help them, anyway.

I think you're on the right track. Good luck with that interview, Ellen!

Sports writer or news editor?

Q: I seem to have put myself in a very unique situation. A couple of weeks ago I had a job interview at a daily with a circulation of 14,000 for a news editor position. I had hinted at the end of interview that my initial goal was sports writing, but would still be interested in the position and would think about it. It turned out that within an hour of when I left one of the sports writers was leaving for a larger paper meaning he had an opening. When I made the follow-up phone call from the interview, the guy I interviewed with told me he had an opening for a sports reporter. We have had a couple of conversations in between now and then and it is pretty obvious he is interested in considering hiring me.

So, here is my question: What would be the best way, or is there a good way to express to him I would be interested in both positions without nagging? Any suggestions?

Tennessee

A: Well, you have put yourself in an enviable position, that's for sure.

I would be straight with the editor. That is often a good policy. Say, "Look, I am interested in both of these jobs, as both seem to play to my strengths and have me doing good journalism. I came in more interested in sports, but your paper kind of sold me on the news editor thing. I don't mean to seem wishy-washy, but at this point, I'm ready to talk seriously about either position. I have not lost my love for sports, and I am still intrigued about news editing. What do you think the best fit would be for me?"

Just do me one favor. Don't say "very unique" anymore. Unique is like pregnant. It's not a matter of degree.

Is an informational visit worth it?

Q: I applied for a full-time sports job at a newspaper in Colorado.  I had a lengthy phone interview with the managing editor, who asked at the