Joe Grimm's News Jobs Café: Ask the recruiter

How High Should I am Job Search?

Q: While I'm still a rookie, I believe I'm ready to officially begin my full-time sports reporting career. I am just not sure if I should shoot for the stars this early or just stick with the moon for now.

I feel like my leading hindrance is my non-journalism degree (BS dual major in business management/marketing). In addition to that, that I will not graduate for one more semester.

I chose the major because I had plans to work in public relations within the same sporting industry that I report. I started working in journalism to obtain well-rounded experience within the industry. Who knew I would love it this much?

I currently work for a non-sporting magazine. While my title is advertising coordinator, I have monthly writing responsibilities. I have been writing a column on the sport I am seeking for my journalism career for more than a year.

I've also been writing for a Web site on my chosen sport for the past seven months, with articles ranging from breaking news to commentary. I have been doing ledes and writethrus, profiles and much more. I've worked alongside several of my journalistic "heroes" in the media centers and feel like I have a clear understanding of how it all works.

Most all of my articles have appeared on a very popular Web site within the industry that compiles and posts links to the top stories and breaking news. While it seems a little strange to me still, I even get fan mail. There have been a couple of times when responders to articles disagreed with everything I said, but ended their email by telling me how much they still enjoyed reading it.

While I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to get my name out in the world as a writer, I would really like to start getting paid for it. Working full-time, going to school full-time and writing for the Web site is a lot less fun when you don't get paid to do it -- especially after this long.

My expenses are not covered either, so I'm getting dangerously close to the point of no longer being able to attend the events. I know I can still get some mediocre stories from watching them on TV and get my quotes from the team PR managers, but it's never the same.

I would hate to step backward in my progress right now, but if I don't make the leap of faith now, I fear I won't have a choice. Freelance writing (and being paid) would be nice, but I want something more stable than freelance so that I can leave my current day job and focus more heavily on my career.

Any tips you can give this somewhat of a rookie on how to approach prospective media outlets with my level of experience (and my potential) would be greatly appreciated.

Kathy

A: You're doing fine. With another full semester still to go, you are getting good experience that will serve you well. It is hard to temper ambition with patience, but you've got to learn to do it. Should you be shooting for the stars or the moon? At this stage, they're all in the same direction.

You should be working now to land a paid internship or starting job when you graduate. Freelancers can get paid for what they do too, of course, but a paycheck brings stability and an additional kind of credibility.

The money is important and will be even more important once you graduate, but gaining quality experience will matter even more. Apply to work where you will get real editing and where you can work with other professionals. They will be your next corps of teachers.

It sounds as though you are known to some of the other writers on the circuit for your sport. Ask them for their advice on next steps. Likely no two will tell you the same thing. And put out the word that you're looking for work -- or will be soon.

How to Find Small Dailies?

Q: I will graduate college in May, and am starting my paid internship/first job hunt in the coming weeks. The advice I seem to be getting from your column, as well as the journalism professors at my college, is to look for a smaller daily paper to work for, as the large metropolitan papers are tough for a fresh grad to break into. How do I FIND these smaller papers?

I have no preference as to WHERE I work, but Googling for and looking through every newspaper in the country seems like a dumb idea. I just don't know, besides the big names where everyone wants to work, what papers are worth bothering with. The journalism department at my school is tiny (only a few full-time faculty), and I've already asked them for advice. Any more tips?

Rachel

A: Several on-line directories that can help you.

One approach is to type "all newspapers" into a search engine and look to see what comes up. With a few clicks, you can be looking at all the newspapers within a given state -- with links to their Web sites. What most of these lists lack is the circulation size.

Circulation is measured by the Audit Bureau of Circulations, which keeps a list of the largest 200 at http://www.accessabc.com/reader/top150.htm. Within the Web site, you can look up circulation sizes state by state.

Newslink at http://newslink.org/minews.html will give you state lists, too, but separates the metros from the other dailies and the weeklies.

Another approach is to explore newspapers by company, figuring out which are the smaller newspapers in good companies by looking at corporate Web sites.

Not all good, smaller newspapers are owned by companies, of course, so you might also try state press associations, which will list their member papers and some details about them. Find them by going here: http://www.gebbieinc.com/presasns.htm

A more graphical approach is to go to the Newseum, www.newseum.org, and call up its list of 500 front pages from around the world.

With this approach -- cross-searching by state, company and front page -- you should find some small papers that are intriguing.

Note: "Ask the Recruiter" is moving to Poynter's new Career Center. The new home is here.

 

Turn down part-time job?

Q: Since I first wrote to you I have graduated from college with a b.a. in journalism and completed another summer internship where I got some excellent clips. Your advice helped me a great deal the first time around, so I though I'd write you again.

I am now seeking a job as an entry level reporter. The large metro daily where I had my first internship invited me in for an informational interview a few weeks ago. This paper has a well-known reputation for hiring recent grads and former interns. They seemed impressed with my clips, but I have been told more than once by the newspaper that they are not hiring any reporters right now. I was told to keep in touch. A week after the interview the paper called me with an offer to be a copy aide part time working the late night shift on weekends.

I understand being a copy aide is sometimes a good way to break in at some of the larger newspapers, but I'm not planning to stay in this area of the country for more than one or two years and I really need a position where I can get a lot of experience fast. When I was an intern at the paper it didn't seem like the copy aides did much more that just that, assist reporters with faxes and copies. I feel that I'd get better clips and more relative job experience writing for a smaller paper or even freelancing.

To complicate matters, I just found out that this newspaper has recently hired a new reporter, eventhough I was told they weren't hiring at all. I politely turned down the offer and said I needed to find something full-time. Did I just make a big mistake by turning down the jobs? I can't stop thinking about it and I hope I didn't burn my bridges.

Thanks, I appreciate your advice.

B.B.

A: You had a difficult choice to make. And you chose well.

Even if the paper had not turned right around and hired when it said it could not, even if it were not in an area that you plan to leave, even if it had not offered you a part-time job -- you chose well.

You have decided to become a journalist and are holding out to be one.

That is smart, though tough, in the face of a small offer from a big paper.

Stick to your guns.

I once had a new graduate turn me down for a copy aide job, saying she was going to report instead. I admired her courage, kept in touch and hired her later -- after she had a few years of reporting experience.

I like your intestinal fortitude.

Part-time job or internship?

Q: Hey, Joe, love to read your advice. Now that I need some myself, I knew who to come to. A lot has happened in the past year. I will summarize:

I'm involved in a one-year-long internship at a large daily (300,000 +) and will graduate in tandem with the end of the stint this December. I'd freelanced for the same paper for two years prior to the start of the internship, accumulating about 10 great clips -- all enterprise pieces. Under the same editor, I began the current internship in January and have amassed over 80 clips covering two municipalities while finishing up at the university. These beats have afforded me a wide range of clips: from features to hard news to profiles -- but not much breaking news (save for a handful of breaking online stories that I suggested be posted on our newspaper site, which were).

About a month ago, I began training for the city desk as a clerk. As a result of that, I now have a couple of breaking news clips and a few colorful obits under my belt. It's been a good experience. They even gave me one permanent weekday shift, knowing that I'm still taking classes full time.

The other day, I was offered a part-time job as the breaking news reporter for our Website in the morning hours five days a week. I accepted with no doubts, salivating at the prospects of the experience I know I'll gain. ... There was no talk of the fact that I'm still an intern. There was a comment about how I'm still in school and the editor wants that to be a priority, wants me to finish school asap.

So the bottom line is: other than my school newspaper, this is the one paper I have worked at my entire young career in journalism. And it is a great, famous paper. And I love where I live, I grew up here, my family is here. I know I need to keep doors open, but at this point, I see myself continuing to move up at this paper.

The question: this internship application season, do I send out résumés for next summer, or do I wage the bet on this gig and see where it will take me?

Things are looking good, I'm being noticed, my dreams are materializing. But I don't want to be a victim of tunnelvision ...

T.K.

A: You sound like you're thinking smart about all the variables -- and appreciating the good fortune you've had so far.

Making your next move does not need to be such a mystery.

Go to your editors, tell them you're thinking about plans after graduation and that you're planning to send out some internbship applications. Also tell them that you like the paper and would like to stay with it.

If they decide they want to keep you around, they'll grow your internship and part-time job into something more full-time and permanent. If not, you'll have those applications out with other newspapers. If you get a good offer, talk it over with your current editors. Don't just accept it without seeing where things stand. Handle things well and they will be happy to have you back someday.

I do like the way they're treating you and it is clear you appreciate what they've done for you so far. Make sure they hear that. But don't get stuck without a job.

Future editor?

Q: One of our daughters wishes to become an editor. She is in the 6th grade, homeschooled. The girl has read voraciously since she learned to read (I'm talking a Brian Jacques size novel every two days for years now) and I am wondering if she will need extensive grammar to be prepared for this or simply a solid working knowledge of the English language. She is a good writer for her age. Please advise.

Genny

A: I would be reluctant to push her into extensive grammer at this age. I feel pretty good that, with her love for reading, that will come.

Let her continue to do what she loves. Encourage her curiosity. Let her explore a wide range of interests. Show her how to be skeptical without being cyncial. Snd help her get used to working with a wide variety of people.

These skills are even more important to editors than a good grasp of grammar.

Journalism in Japan?

Q: I've got a problem. I've been living abroad in Japan for the last four years since 2002. And I haven't done anything journalism related since then.

I graduated from a fairly good school, did several internships and even had a job as a copy editor for a couple of months before I left for Japan. Now, after spending some time here as an English teacher and learning the Japanese language to an extent, I'd like to get back into journalism. More specifically, I'd like to do it here, in Japan with some of the English-language publications.

I'm determined to cold-call some editors and pitch them some stories/ask them for some assignments, but I'm not sure what the best way to go about that would be. My clips are limited and old and I haven't written anything for a long time. Of course I'm also trying to write as much as I can now for online publications and such, but in the meantime what should I do?

Jesse

A: Your English fluency may be one of your best assets.

Pitch story ideas. Editors are reluctant to give story assignments to unproven people, but will let them try to tackle stories that they think of themselves. Once they have had the chance to edit some of your work, they will have a better idea of how you operate. If you do well, you'll then get some assignments.

Fresh clips are much more important for people seeking full-time jobs than they are for people seeking freelance work.

Getting that first job?

Q: I'm worried and scared as hell. I didn't graduate from a good school and I'm dreaming of starting out with a daily as an intern reporter. Does having four or five daily internships make any difference?

Worried

A: Get a grip and get to work.

Not everyone who wants to get into journalism this year will get in, that is true.

But some people will get in -- ahead of seemingly more qualified candidates -- because they will be more willing to do what it takes to get started.

What does it take? It may take moving, starting at a smaller daily or compromising on the position you take.

Hard work, adaptability and the ability to grow on the job will count more than the prestige of your sheepskin.

So, dont be intimidated by others' degrees. Outwork them, outthink them and look outside of the boundaries they may place on their job search.

Apply to smaller newpsapers?

Q: I've got a twist to the traditional "how to break in to journalism" question.

For nearly two years I've worked full-time as a full-time undergrad student for a set of weekly papers. It has and still provides a great opportunity to build experience beyond the college newspaper experience and internship experience I have. But, after graduating in May, my heart is set on daily work and I don't see myself at the weeklies for much longer. I've got diverse clips from the job as well as that internship and college experience. I'm willing to relocate anywhere for the right job.

I've applied at 50,000 to 100,000 circulation papers. Is there a target circulation you'd recommend? Response to the first few weeks of applications has been nearly non-existent. Am I aiming too high too soon? Any thoughts on how to make this transition to daily?

Kelly

A: Your hunch is probably right. The dailies you're applying to likely want people from other dailies. I would try smaller newspapers.

But it might also be that the papers you're applying to simply have no openings at the moment.

It is difficult to test your chances with the market unless you apply to places that are actively hiring.

But you're on a good track. The experience you've gained will help you get off to a good start through your first couple of newspapers.

Can't get a job?

Q: I'm at my wits end. I recently graduated from college, hoping to pursue a career in journalism. This B.A. is my second, the first was in business. I interned at a local publication in Detroit (Third Street Publications), and got some great clips, or so I thought. The problem is I'm finding it extremely difficult to break into the journalism field. Everyone wants months, or even years of experience. All I have is an internship, and a year of writing for the college newspaper.  What I really want is to be a freelance writer, but finding employment in that area is even more difficult. What should I do? My fear is that I'll have to settle for a career in business, which is not what I want. I'm a writer. I also need a steady paycheck (student loans and all). I've exhausted all the job boards > to no avail. I've looked into broadcast writing, newswriting, magazines, etc. With both a communications and business degree, a passion for writing, and a brief professional experience what's the next step? And how can I break into the field of journalism?

Currently Unemployed

A: This sounds very frustrating!

In the pursuit of a full-time job, I'd pursue three strategies simultaneously:

If every place you apply to tells you that you need more experience, apply to the smaller places they hire from. Get into the pipelines.

Don't get discouraged if places that don't have any immediate openings show you no interest.

Apply for business reporting positions. The demand is greater.

Newspaper job with no internships?

Q: Thank you for providing this service. It is very generous of you. Here is my situation.

I am about a week and a half away from graduating from Cal State Northridge with an. M.A. in Middle Eastern history. I started the program two years ago, without really knowing what I wanted to do. Basically, I started it because I was lost, to be honest, after completing a B.A. in poli sci. It turned out, however, that I loved what I was studying and gained a great deal from it.

I had always liked journalists and admired their profession, but about a year and a half ago, it finally dawned on me that what I wanted was a career in journalism. So I found the college daily and became a contributor. The next semester, I was a staff writer and the wire editor, and this semester I am the opinion editor. I love the field and want to make a lifetime career of it. I have never taken a class in journalism, but I have learned a lot from working every day on the college paper.

Now that I am about to graduate, I have been looking for a way to break into the profession. Because I was always extremely preoccupied with my heavy academic load, I was never able to do an internship while in school. I always managed to miss the deadlines to apply for summer internships, because I was running around trying to write stories while managing my graduate level academic workload. I know this is no excuse and I regret it, but there's nothing I can do about it now.

I started applying to newspapers a few weeks ago and haven't had much response. I am wondering what the best way is to inquire as to whether a paper is hiring and to show interest and persistance without becoming a pest. Unfortunately, I am stuck in Southern Califrornia for at least a couple of years, because my fiancee is working on an MBA. I wouldn't mind this, except that I keep hearing that Southern California is very competitive, making finding a job difficult. Given my particular education and experience, what kinds of papers do you recommend I target, and again, how do I approach them initially? How do I pitch myself to them without appearing too pushy?

Bethania

A: You do have some challenges.

Lots of people would love to work in your area and you do not have any full-time professional experience. The lack of experience is a greater detriment than the lack of a journalism degree, so I would work on getting some experience. Apply for jobs or free-lance opportunities at the smallest papers you can get to, try to get on board and work your way up.

Please, don't worry about being too pushy. It won't lose you any opportunities and might gain your some.

Circulation size for first job?

Q: I graduated with a B.S. in journalism in May, and now I'm trying to figure out what kind of position I'm qualified for. I served as executive editor of our school paper my senior year and completed three D.C. journalism programs, in addition to interning and freelancing whenever I could. I'm looking for a general assignment reporting job in a mid-size to large city. Is that realistic? If not, what is?

Tricia

A: You could contend for jobs at mid-size cities, depending on how well you did with those internships.

The best way to find out is to apply and see what happens. I'd start with papers around 100,000 circulation and see what response you get. If there's not much there, take a cut at smaller papers and another cut after that if you need to.

It is an employer's market because of staffing cuts and you've got to test it.

Apprentice No. 2 Rebecca on landing jobs

Rebecca Jarvis, the investment banker who hobbled on crutches to being a finalist on "The Apprentice," was at the Society of American Business Editors and Writers conference in Minneapolis Sunday and talked about her experience on the reality show.

She and her mom, Chicago Tribune reporter Gail MarksJarvis, revealed some of the inside stories their contracts forbade them from talking about. Dad James was in the audience.

Rebecca, on the job for a month now as an associate reporter for CNBC in New York City, was editor of her high school newspaper and wrote for her college paper.

This is some of her advice for aspiring journalists:

"If you are in college, write as much as possible for the college paper. You don't have to be the editor."

"Pick beats and stories that interest you. You'll do them the best."

"I just started sending out story ideas to (magazine) editors around the country. I always asked my friends who read those magazines what they liked and what they wanted to see. Some of my friends have their finger on the pulse. Make sure they're not too esoteric, but err on the side of pitching something that's a little esoteric because at least it will be different."

Rebecca said she received lots of offers after being on "The Apprentice," but the ones she liked best did not come from people who wanted to hire her because she had been on the show, but from people who said they liked the way she had conducted herself, knew she had been a banker and were aware of other experiences on her résumé.

Both mother and daughter said the journalist in them made it hard to turn down requests for interviews, but the contracts they signed restricting them from talking kept them quiet.

Rebecca said she went on the show for the experience, but that being under lights and cameras and wearing a microphone 24 hours a day wore on her. The closest she came to quitting happened when she broke her ankle about three days into the reality show, but she decided not to and felt that if she could continue on the crutches she was just learning to use, she could really accomplish something. She very nearly won.

Desired experience in TV?

Q: I know you mainly focus on print, but I was wondering if you could help. I'll be graduating soon so I'm always checking the job postings. I have yet to see a television reporting position that doesn't require at least two years of experience in the job description. My question is whether it's worth it to apply without yet meeting the listed amount of time or if that would make an applicant appear as though they don't follow directions or pay attention. I would hate to cut positions that could possibly bring work but I also don't want to get labeled as careless.

Also, if the suggestion is to get the experience first, where in the world do new graduates in broadcasting start?

Oakland University student

A: One of two things must be going on here: Small stations can't afford to buy any ads or positions who ask for two years settle for less.

Apply very small and plan to wick your way up to larger and larger markets.

A grad from your university packed her car, headed for Colorado and made a good start that way. The first year paid almost nothing, but it gave her a start.

So, apply to the smaller stations you see advertising, even if they ask for two years, and try out some stations in smaller markets, as well.

 

Internship or job?

Q: Here is my background: I have an asssociate's in photography and a B.F.A. in photojournalism. Graduated in 2004 and had two six-month internships at dailies with circ's of  about 40 thousand. I have been looking for a job since August and with luck I have had lots of interest in my work and have been on interviews but none have given me the job yet. I now have two new leads one being a job with a twice weekly paper as the sole photographer and another is a summer internship with a larger 100,000-circ daily paper. I feel as though I would learn a lot and benefit more from the internship as I feel there are more things I need to work out in my portfolio but I could do all of that on my own within the weekly paper also.

My goal is documentary photography/magazine freelance/and or publishing my own publication/but would like to work within the newspaper business first by getting contacts and producing good work. I am interested in a lucrative career and don't want to pigeon hole myself this early on. So my question is: knowing my ultimate goal with photojournalism, the direction the newspaper business is going in, and the two opportunities that may happen for me -which one would be best, and what would be the next step up?

Lost with Opportunities

A: The internship should provide you with greater learning opportunities.

You should worry about being a one-person photo staff at a twice-weekly. At this stage in your career, and knowing the kind of career you aspire to, you need to input and guidance that a large newspaper's staff would give you.

This internship should be your last. The next step should be a full-time, permanent job at a magazine or, much more likely, a daily newspaper with a good director of photography and a talented staff.

Trouble getting clips?

Q: What happens if I don't have clips?

You see, there is a time conflict with the meetings at the school paper and work, and I've been trying to get into the paper for the past year since you mentioned we need clips even for internships.

I've tried to talk to the advisor and she sent me to the editor and the editor never e-mailed me back. I talked to the senior editor ... no e-mails back. All I have is this little blurb about a book review I put together about other people's suggestions. I don't know if I should even include that as a clip, but that's my only one. Any comments?

Michigan

A: You simply have to get clips to break into newspapers. As much trouble as you're having, we editors still think that college is the easiest and best time to start getting them.

You are facing some of the routine tests that reporters face every day: unreturned phone calls, conflicting schedules, red tape. These daily annoyances are standing between you and your hoped-for career.

You need to get some clips not just to qualify for internships and jobs, but to find out whether you really like journalism.

Persist. E-mail and call again. Show up. Explore other campus publications or small newspapers in the area. You already know some of the things that reporters will do to get the stories they need. You'll have to use some of those skills yourself to get the clips.

Good luck!

 

Late bloomer?

Q: Thanks for writing this blog, I think it helps a lot of people.

This is my story: grew up wanting to be a journalist, but lost sight of it in college because I became involved in the activist community and decided on a major in liberal arts.  Now, almost 2 years out of undergrad school, I realize that I wanted to be a journalist all along.  I feel that I have a strong background in the subjects I ultimately want to write about, but after reading the information you have posted here, it seems impossible to get an internship anywhere without previous experience.  Isn't that what an internship is for, to get experience?

I have read that freelancing (something which, to me, seems incredibly ambiguous) is the only way to get your foot in the door at this point.  Are there any resources you recommend for more info on how to do this?  What other advice can you offer someone who missed an opportunity to write for the university newspaper?  Thank you!

Lacking Experience in DC

A: Internships are for helping people get experience, but they usually aren't the first step. Most internships require applicants to first get experience at a student paper or by freelancing.

Most internships go to students or new grads, so this is another factor that may keep you from landing one.

Freelancing is simply about writing for a publication on a piece-by-piece basis. That usually begins by pitching a good story idea, getting the green light, learning as much as you can about the editor's requirements for the piece and then nailing them.

The first step to making a good pitch is studying the publication and knowing its editorial needs.

A popular guide to freelancing and writing for all sorts of publications is Writers Digest.

Good luck.

Ready for a job at a big newspaper?

Q: Your blog is terrific. It's like an informational interview without the awkward small talk. Before getting my masters in journalism last year, I reported for a weekly paper for a couple years. I'm now interning in Washington for a newspaper group, where my stories often land in some big metro papers. I've included my resume. I feel as if I've developed the skills to work at most any good-sized paper.

But since I lack a string of "professional" experience, am I being overly optimistic to think that I could land at a big paper in a nice, fun city? And could you give me some perspective: At my age, 26, should I be pretty flexible in where I'm willing to move?

Cheers,

R

A: You have things about right. Most big papers in nice, fun cities have waiting lines. While many of the people in that line may be qualified to work there, it is the newspaper's job to choose the best from the many. You don't want to wait in a line forever; you want to get to the front of the line. People get there by doing great work at a progression of ever-better beats and newspapers.

I think it's more realistic to work your way toward those papers with jobs at good-quality small and mid-size papers than to wait patiently in a long line. Work pays better than waiting, too.

At age 26, you should be flexible. In fact, that is one of the benefits of being 26. There will be plenty of time for inflexibility later.

Weeklies to dailies?

Q: I'm still relatively young (mid 20s) but have had several years of experience reporting for a small-town weekly, editing a campus newspaper, as well as writing for a big city -- but small circulation -- alternative weekly and a group of monthly business-to-business publications -- though deadlines are weekly.

I'm going to be moving to a mid-sized metropolitan area, and I would like to advance to a daily. I know that some opportunities will be open in the coming months, though in the past it seems like all the weekly experience has been a problem for daily editors concerned about meeting daily deadlines. I'm also concerned about how newspaper editors view business publication experience, possibly as "hitting softballs".

Moving

A: You're right about the weekly vs. daily dilemma, but you have an advantage to play.

Your business reporting experience is a real plus and for some jobs it will put you ahead of people with daily experience.

Look for the business reporting openings.

Too long to wait for a job?

Q: I am interested in pursuing a journalism career, but there are a few other things I'd like to do first after graduating from college. How long is "too long" to stay out of the journalism field? At what point will my clips be too old for serious consideration?

CN

A: How long is “too long?” That can depend on what you do in the interim and the size of the paper you try to break in with. I would say, though, that if you get to the point where you have done no journalistic writing for the past two years, you will pale in comparison to other candidates who have been on it within the past two weeks.

Don't have required experience?

Q: I'm deep in the job-hunt and have been an active reader of your jobs page. But! I want your advice to see if I'm doing something wrong.

My qualifications:

I just finished grad school at Medill, won an SPJ award along the way, broke two national news stories while in school and co-started a successful editing company before heading to j-school. I speak two languages fluently and two brokenly. I've written feature, hard news and a column. Story ideas have not been a problem as I'm now a full-time freelancer and rely heavily on ideas that pay. And I'm willing to relocate as long as it's for a daily newspaper.

But I don't have "at least two years at a daily."

I'm having a hard time getting employers to even read my resume and clips, and equal difficulty getting face-time with those that do. How can I improve my materials or strategy? Is there a qualification I should avoid focusing on?

I've attached my résumé and cover letter to see if the trouble lies there (please don't publish those on the page).

Sincerely,

Juana B. Writer

A: Your résumé and cover letter look good to me.

And, it's true, despite your impressive start, you do not yet have two years of experience. Have you been applying to places that ask for that and find you are not getting a response? Perhaps they are serious about that requirement and you should aim at places that do not use that as a qualifier.

Yet, I would still try them. I often see newspapers (even this one) hire people who do not meet their stated wishes because other candidates appear to be better, or because they don't get applicants who meet all the desired qualifications.

You have done some good work and have a lot going for you. Keep trying and don't settle too much -- even in this tough economy.

Too late to start a new career?

Q: I am 33 years old and have children. When I was in school I never in my wildest dreams even thought that I would enjoy writing.

I would like to tell you a little about me. I started my family early in life, and I put them first and put off what I really wanted to do. I had my first child when I was about 20. At that time, I did not even think that I could get a good job nevertheless to make my mother proud of me. I was a big disappointment to her because I got pregnant so young. She had her own dreams for my life and it did not include children.

I did not go to college after high school. I just was not ready in my mind. I was still a child in my own right and I knew that I could not handle it. Seventeen months later I had another child. My self-esteem was very low and my confidence level was non-existent.

I felt like I was worthless and good for nothing. Those feeling continued for several years. I got into a couple of bad relationships and consequently I ended up marrying one of the bad relationships. I knew that it was wrong, but I thought that I was making a good decision for my children and the child that I was carrying. I settled, for my children, and hoped that I could fall in love with that man. Well, that man turned into a controlling, overbearing husband, treated my children harshly, and abused me. After six years, I grew enough courage and strength and divorced him.

At that point, I took a long hard look at my life. My choices did affect my children. Taking a deep breath I vowed to make a better life for my children but first I needed to work on me. One day, I sat in front of my desktop, looking down at the keyboard. "I need to improve my writing skills so, I can get into customer service" I did just that, I began writing one sentence and then it went to two pages but at that point my mind kept thinking and I continued to write. By the time, I finished writing I wrote a book. I took it one step further and had it published. I am presently in the process of writing a prequel to my first book and have a third one in mind as I write to you.

I would like to do something that I enjoy and I enjoy writing. I would like to work in newspapers.

Fought My Way Back

A: I applaud your strength and determination. You should be proud of your achievements and encouraged about your future.

But I am not sure that newspapers are what you really want. Yes, writing is important to what newspapers do. While you have found a lot of joy and some success in writing, it does not sound as though you’re doing journalism. I suspect this would be a far different ting for you. While there is a lot of writing at newspapers, writing is not half of what even the reporters do. There is a lot of reporting, digging, interviewing, story pitching and so on. In many cases, the writing comes at the end of a long day of pursuing the facts that will make up the story. Not all writers enjoy reporting. You’d need to find out whether you like the total package.

If you do, you’ll still have a long way to go. Some people get hired at newspapers without a college degree, but it’s usually because they have had some great experience. You would need to go back to college or to start with a really small paper that is willing to take a chance on you. That could mean a pay cut. You’ll have to determine if that is realistic for you and your family.

Finally, I have to say that I cleaned your question up before I posted it. I don’t know whether your mistakes are the result of not knowing the right way to say things or going to fast and not self-editing. (I’ll plead guilty to those counts!) If you lack some basic writing skills, you’ll have to master those before you can take a crack at newspaper work.

Consider this: Maybe writing will now become an important part of your career, but not the major part and that you will meld it with your other skills and attributes. Or, you may find that you stick with jobs you like and can do well with, but satisfy your writing desires with books like the ones you mentioned, without incurring the expenses of a trip through college or a job with a low starting pay.

You’ve come a long way. Keep going.

Dovetail job search and military reserves?

Q: I'm a senior journalism student at the University of Pittsburgh, Johnstown campus. I'm looking for a full-time starting position at a newspaper practically anywhere in the country -- but I'm also looking at a stint in the military reserves to help with my heavy student loans. I've got a good deal of clips under my belt from the school paper and our 35,000-circulation local daily. I'm also editor-in-chief of the school paper.

My adviser says there's no way to dovetail the two jobs. I'll be graduating a semester early, so I could get boot camp out of the way before I actually reported to my newspaper job, but there's always the threat of (federally protected) deployment, not to mention I can't get solid advice on how to conduct the initial job search.

What can I do?

Dan

A: I agree with your advisor.

Deployment is real these days and editors might be less inclined to hire someone whose first duty is to the reserves for weekend exercises and the like.

I know journalists and newspapers that work this relationship out well, but I think you're complicating the start of your career by adding these additional responsibilities. Long-term, the experiences you would have in the reserves and the responsibilities you'd learn could help you in the newsroom, but this double-barreled approach to starting a career seems to me to be problematic.

You could, in an effort to pay for your journalism degree, blow the chance of getting into journalism.

And unless you're prepared to be sent to Iraq, it could be a mistake.

First job as picture editor?

Q: I am a recent graduate of Indiana University.  I am 29 years old and specialized as much as possible in picture editing.  Since I was older, I wasn't able to do an internship.  I did network like crazy while in school and have contacts at some prestigious newspapers/magazines -- none of which has paid off.  In addition, I have was even the subject of an article in the NPPA's magazine, News Photographer about student picture editors.

The problem is that in the 7 months that I've been applying for picture editing positions (a lot) I have had 2 interviews.  My lack of experience is cited as being the reason I am not getting the positions.  I have work samples, but an actual "portfolio" is hard to provide because I don't have published examples of my picture editing work...since I can't find a job.  I am feeling frustrated and disheartened.  What can I do that I'm not doing already?

Inexperienced

A: It may be that, all for good reasons, you have been aiming too large.

Keep your contacts up, but understand that they may be waiting patiently to be your second or third newspaper, rather than the first.

So, go after smaller paper where you may need to be more of a generalist, shooting and assigning as well as editing. Still, your lack of experience, even on college publications, from the sounds of it, will be a hurdle.

When you talk to those papers, be prepared to explain how badly you want to work hard for them so that they don't eliminate you on the belief that you're just looking for a quick steppingstone.

 

How do I get started?

Q: I am a troubled journalist. I graduated last year from Oakland University and actually had you as a teacher for my newspaper editing class at Oakland University. I had aspirations of becoming a college basketball broadcaster and writing a sports column in a newspaper within the same area. Since that class, I have changed that to writing for a newspaper now and broadcasting later on in life.

I currently work at a sports-talk station as a producer, a small-weekly newspaper as a regular freelance reporter, a full-time cashier at a car dealership and recently had my first freelance article in the Detroit Free Press. I have been doing what I want to do for about a year now, but I want to write for a newspaper full-time and no one seems to want to hire me. I have been sending out packets to the small papers and don't even get a response. I've sent a packet to the Washington Post on a whim. and got a personal e-mail back from the editor. What gives? Granted, it has only been a little over a year since I graduated, but I feel that I am ready to move on to bigger, better and fewer jobs.

I also have another question about whether or not I am still eligible to serve a summer internship at the Free Press and whether that would be a good idea considering the experience I have now.

What should I do? It seems that I am stuck between a rock and a freelance hard news story.

James

A: Thanks for writing. It's nice to hear from you, though I sympathize with how tough things are for you.

First, let's separate some issues.

Your key issue is trying to land a full-time job as a newspaper reporter. You're stuck at entry level -- freelancing -- and you have your eye on metros. You'll need to build in the interim steps -- small and then mid-size dailies -- to get moving. It sounds as though all your experience is within about an hour's drive of Detroit. You'll have to expand your search to get some traction in the competitive field of sports writing. Be willing to move -- even farther than Washington -- to a paper much smaller than the Post.

The market is tough. One way to cope with that is to be flexible on location.

Another issue is that you wonder why a big newspaper like the Washington Post would reply to an application while many small newspapers haven't.

The issue may be time. Major metros receive many more applications than small papers do, but they also have more help in the way of a dedicated recruiter, assistants or secretaries to help them handle the mail. Of course, maybe the Post editor sees some real potential in your work and wants to encourage you to take the steps that will help you grow.

At this stage, I think most editors will feel you should be past internships, which generally are meant for students and new grads.

Can't move for a job?

Q: As a journalism student, I enjoy reading all of the great job tips you have for young journalists on your Web site. 

Here is my question:  I am a college senior who will be entering the job market soon.  I have one part-time unpaid internship at large state-wide daily under my belt, and I hope to land a full-time paid internship at another large paper the summer after I graduate.

I've been told by many people that I have great clips, but I'm worried about finding my first job after school because circumstances prevent me from re-locating for a job.  I am married and my husband still has one year of college left before we can re-locate. I have to stay in the Oklahoma City area, and I'm afraid I just won't be able to find a job here.

There is the paper I had my first internship at, an alternative weekly, and then a few not-so-good small town papers.  I've looked, and none of these papers seem to be hiring right now.  What should I do if can't find a job in this area?

Thanks for your help,

Oklahoman

A: Even with some limited personal options, you have choices.

It seems you have considered but discarded the option of moving away from your husband while he finishes school. That's OK. I think I would make the same choice.

So, you have to find the best journalism job you can in that area.

Begin by fully exploring the opportunities in the area. Use the Editor & Publisher Yearbook to look up every daily and decent weekly within a reasonable drive. What is reasonable? Be generous with that definition. One concession may be to get an apartment that is at one end of a long commute for him and a long commute in the opposite direction for you.

While other seniors are strafing the country with applications, yours will be targeted on papers within driving distance. That means you will be in more frequent touch with the editors there, you will be reading those papers, visiting those newsrooms and you will be showing them that you are very serious about any opportunities in their newsrooms above all others.

Good luck.

Is 29 to old to start a newspaper job?

Q: I am 29 and have a 10-year-old. Am I too old for this career and for internships?  I know this can be a competitive field.  I will achieve whatever I set my mind to, but I do want to be realistic about what to expect before I base my future on this decision.

Thanks again. You really do provide an educated forum.

Michelle

A: Twenty-nine is certainly not too old to be a successful journalist, but it does present some issues.

One is internships.

Most companies give internships to college students or new grads and are not thinking of 29-year-olds as they award internships.

Of course, it is wrong and short-sighted to exclude people on the basis of age. However, editors legitimately hire interns more on the basis of potential than past performance, and they might see more potential in someone who has achieved greater journalistic experience than someone who has more time.

Also, editors are understandably reluctant to offer internships to people who would have to leave permanent jobs to accept them, or who have no intention of joining the newspaper. Because of how our lives go, people are more flexible about making the moves they might need to make if they have fewer commitments than if they also have to consider a spouse's career, a mortgage, children's schools and their rootedness in a community. Many newspapers give internships to people who they hope will go out into the industry, learn as much as they can and then bring it back. A candidate who must work within the local market offers a different challenge -- and may have greater needs for the internship to lead directly to a permanent job.

The challenge, then, is to show the editors that you are as journalistically skilled as the competition, that you have just as much potential and that you can make the career moves you'll need to make to develop that potential. After you take care of all that, play up the advantage you have of life experience that might make you a more reliable, professional intern. 

If, on top of that, you can show how your non-journalistic experience contributes to making you a uniquely qualified journalist, you should be able to make a good case.

 

On-line degree to journalism?

Q: I'm 29 years old and just re-entering the education atmosphere after earning my A.A. degree nine years ago.  I have decided to take classes online majoring in English and minoring in Journalism.

I haven't started yet and I am nervous because this is the last shot I have to jumpstart a real career before I'm antiquated (mom of a 10-year-old and full-time slave to the midgrade job market) :).

I've always thought that print journalism would be my passion and reviewing the courses offered for the minor, that feeling is confirmed.  My worries however are the English major and the online degree.  Do you have any advice tailored to my situation?  I really want to move in the right direction in a career that would make me happy.

Thanks for reading!

Michelle

A: The thing you need most is experience, Michelle.

You will need it to get a job; you will need it to see if your hunch about your passion is correct.

A degree -- on-line or otherwise -- without experience will not get you far in the newspaper business. Experience -- even without a degree -- can work.

I'd get in and talk to the local papers, especially the smaller ones, to see what opportunities might exist for you to write.

 

Recent grad in the wrong field?

Q: I am a recent college graduate with a degree in theatre and a minor in journalism. During college I interned with two renowned, award-winning journalists and wrote weekly feature articles and theatre reviews for the school paper.

Upon graduating from college, I was unsure if I wanted to go into journalism and leave theatre entirely, so I took two minimally paid internships at respected theatre companies. The first one, which I completed, was in public relations, and I'm glad I did this internship because I had the opportunity to script press releases and learned a great deal about pitching stories to the media from the publicity side of the coin.

However, now I am in a full-time marketing and sales internship at a theatre company for an 11-month stint ending in nine months, and I am very unhappy.

I am mostly concerned that my experience this year working for under minimum-wage will not prepare me for a career in journalism. Would I be better off leaving this internship and finding an entry-level position at a newspaper? It would be difficult for the theatre company I work for to find a replacement for me, but as things stand now my bosses see that I am not passionate about my work and I think they are leaning towards asking me to leave.

Even if I do stay on this year and do my job well, I feel I will not be able to leave here with good references. On top of everything, I am depressed because I am working a 40-hour per week job and earning less than $1k a month.

I'm planning to apply for a lifestyles listings position at a local daily newspaper and have not mentioned my current internship on my résumé, but am not sure how I should go about explaining why I moved across the country without a job and have been here for the past two months.

Do you think I should: a, leave my current internship and actively seek an entry-level job at a newspaper and b, should I hide my current internship from prospective employers or make a note of it, stating that I am prepared for a full-time paid job at a daily newspaper and feel my current job is getting me nowhere?

Elaine

A: I'm with you -- with an exception or two.

I do not feel you should complete your year in a passionless, full-time job that pays less than $1,000 a month. I don't know how you'd survive, for one thing.

If your bosses know that you're not getting paid and that you're feeling no passion, they should already be thinking of finding a successor for you.

Do not withhold anything from potential new employers. But don't describe your jobs as dead-ends. Figure out what you're learning and talk about that.

A listings clerk job could be a good way t get a lot closer to work you'll love.

Internship or job?

Q: I have been reading and looking through your page on the Detroit Free Press website for the last few weeks obsessively because I am graduating in two months. While your website is so helpful, I still have a few questions, if you don't mind.

First, though, I'd like to tell you some of my background so you have a better idea how to answer my questions. I am currently on staff with our paper, covering football. In September, I finished an internship with a newsletter where I worked for almost a year. Also, I was able to get on as a correspondent covering Friday night high school football games. My ultimate career goal is to cover sports, mainly football and basketball. Living in the Tampa Bay area and having two of the best papers in the country hasn't hurt my desire either!

My questions are sort of directed toward how you feel about certain job choices. For example, you mention tweeners on your website, but it's hard to find those for the winter/spring time because they usually start in the fall. I can't do the fall ones because that will mean I will be jobless until that time. So, in terms of tweeners, should I try and find out if I can get on a paper's tweener programs in the winter time or are they pretty much determined to only do it in the fall?

On the topic of internships, if I have had some experience, should I do another one or go out and get a job-job? I contacted the recruiter at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and explained my situation. She said they did have a winter internship and to go ahead and send in my application. But, once that's over, I'll be in Atlanta with no promise of a job. So, should I just buckle down and try to find a job in a smaller market instead of going for internships at bigger places like the Tribune and also your paper? While I want the experience of learning, I also don't want to have the uncertainty of not having a secure job after three or four months.

Again, I love your JobsPage. I printed all the stuff off about resumes, portfolios, cover letters, everything. I also taught a few people in my resume class about how you said it was important to make sure people wanted you to put them down as references. And I even called my references to remind them so that the 'who gave you my number' thing doesn't happen to me.

Thanks for your site and all your advice. While I'm still a stressed college senior, you make it a little less scary out there!

Tammy

A: Thanks for your kind words.

There are so few tweeners that fit your schedule, I wouldn't bother with it.

I'd go for a good internship -- which seems to be within your grasp -- and I would not worry about where you will love if it ends and they don't hire you. Think of it as an adventure and another step toward your career. If the internship paper hires you, great If not, the internship may set you up for your first job, and that would be great, too.

How important are language skills?

Q: I've decided, perhaps a bit late in the game as a college junior, that journalism is what I want to do with my life. Trouble is, I have not worked for the campus newspaper or secured an internship. Of course, I now plan to do these things as time is running short and I want to make the most of it. Therein lies my question.

Many people at my school study abroad for part of their junior year and say it is a rewarding experience, citing their cross-cultural skills, language skills, and increased self-confidence. But it seems what editors really care about are clips and real journalism experience. A semester abroad could have instead been a semester spent working on the campus newspaper and taking courses in politics, economics, and statistics, areas which seem better suited for a career in journalism than Spanish literature, which is what I would study abroad. I should note that my school, Middlebury College, doesn't offer courses in journalism, but that I am willing to go to graduate school.

So, how valuable are language skills to editors? Is it worth trading a semester of experience on the campus paper and some more appropriate courses for proficiency in Spanish?

Zach

A: Editors put good experience above everything else. That includes high grades, student leadership and language skills.

The best thing you can do to get your career started is to get some experience, first on campus and then in a "real" newsroom. Language skills -- especially in Spanish -- are a big plus, but experience will help you more.

Freelance writing?

Q: Can you give me a little advice on how to start a career as a freelance journalist? I have a degree in English with a writing concentration and have worked in public relations for 8 ½ years. I have done a lot of writing in this capacity for clients –- things from press releases to articles for publication in the trades to marketing-type materials. I love to write and want to make a living as a writer. I’d like to start by writing freelance articles for my local newspaper.

I’m not sure how to get an assignment. Do I contact the managing editor with a letter and samples? Should I write an article and then offer it to the paper? I’d really appreciate any advice you can offer me. I know it won't be easy but I want to try and don't know where to start. Thanks.

Lauren

A: The first step is to find out whether the newspaper uses freelancers. I suggest you call a high-level person, such as the managing editor you've suggested, to ask whether and where the newspaper uses freelancers. If it doesn't use any, there is no point in trying that paper.

Once you find a newspaper with freelance opportunities, read several issues of the paper to find out what it is publishing.

Pay attention to bylines and story credits to see if you can tell which pieces might be by freelancers.

Work up a story idea you can pitch, Call or e-mail the editor in charge of that section with your idea. If you get the go-ahead, learn as much as you can about the editor's needs: Length, deadline, approach -- the works. I would not approach editors with completed pieces. Get as much guidance as you can before writing.

Once you have published one piece with the paper, try to get more and more with the same editor. You want to spend the majority of your time writing, not warming up various newspapers and editors.

Magazine job or weekly?

Q: I just discovered this amazing resource -- thank you for offering such solid advice.

My question is this -- I've been out of college just over a year and am looking for my first journalism job.  My clips are strong, but unfortunately, geared largely towards the feature end and lacking in hard news.

This said, I am faced with two job opportunities:

1. a small-town weekly owned by Tribune
2. an up-and-coming lifestyle magazine in a large metro area.

The pay is roughly the same, but my concern is more long-term  ---- the magazine job seems more interesting at this phase in my life, but I'm afraid once I go that route, it will be near impossible to break into newspapers later in life.  I'm worried that I'll be shutting the door on that possibility, though I'm sure the mag. job will be great experience if I were dead-set on sticking with magazines.

The weekly seems rather slow, but I hope to gain solid reporting skills that I may not receive at the magazine.  But for all I know, I could get lost in the sea of journalists who never really break into anything significant, but at least the chance of working for a magazine wouldn't be completely lost in the future.

What do you think?  Let's face it -- newspaper journalists tend to look down on glossy magazine writers.  Is my fear of closing the door to a possible newspaper career justified?

Anonymous

A: Do you know what concerns me the most? The stability of this magazine. Is it a startup?

How confident are you in its business plan, cash reserves and potential success?

The weekly sounds solid, but I bet you're right about the relative attractions of the work at the two places.

Whichever way you go, you're going to have to clear a time-cycle hurdle to get from weekly paper or monthly magazine to daily newspaper. Good work will help you get over it.

But I would hate to see you pass on a secure job for an iffy one.

Check that out.

No experience?

Q: Is there any way to break into this industry as a college graduate without any experience at or prior to the college level?

Writing has pretty much been my thing since the very beginning.  Unfortunately, I never took the opportunity to join the school newspaper and now regret it.  I had excellent marks in college, graduated a year ago as an English major with a concentration in creative writing, and spent the last year as an assistant English teacher in France.

I just moved to Seattle, thinking I might find some work at the entry level in some copy writing post, or at the very least, as an intern, but things aren't working out as I had hoped.  For one, most of the copy jobs require 3-5 years of experience, and the internships, though incredibly rare, require that I still be in school.

It's a tad frustrating trying to get your feet wet in an empty pool.  Sure, I guess I could go to grad. school for journalism or creative writing, but I hoped I could get some real-world experience in the field of professional writing before taking out that $60,000 loan with only a slightly better chance of finding work upon graduation.  What, in your professional opinion, can I do here?  I have chops but no clips.

G.P.

A: You're starting too large. If the places you've been applying to say they want to see three to five years of experience in their candidates, ask them where they hire from. Ask those places whether you would be a credible candidate. If not, go smaller skill.

While I understand your love of writing, you have to show employers something more than that. They want to see that you can produce. You'll have to find the place that will take you on as you are now. Candidates who have even just school experience will appear to be more accomplished than you, so you'll be starting on the first rung.

Job or internship?

Q: I'm a senior journalism major at Arizona State University, graduating next May.  I work for an alt-weekly paper as a reporter (doing mainly features and event coverage), and starting next semester, I'll also be working on my college paper as a copy editor.

The problem is, I haven't had any internships, per se.  My title at the alt weekly is intern, but its definitely not your traditional internship, and I've been forced to spend my summers working due to monetary concerns.

What I'm wondering is what I should be looking for when I start trying to find jobs. Should I try and get an internship after graduation, then start looking for a full-time job?  Should I be looking at tweeners?  Or should I just be ambitious and apply for full-time jobs right off the bat?

Andrea

A: A post-graduate internship would be good for you. Start applying in October and see what you have by March. If by then you haven't landed a good internship at a daily -- even a small one -- turn your search into a job search.

You can look for extended internships -- tweeners -- at the same time you're looking for internships, as they're deadlines are similar.

I understand the need to earn money; you understand the need to get experience. Look for ways to earn money and do journalism. If you can't use your journalism to earn enough money, try a mix of paid non-journalism work and unpaid reporting experience. Anything you can do to prepare yourself for a real job after graduation -- either immediately or after an internship -- will be good for you.

Getting a job with no experience?

Q: I am a writer by nature, and talent, and desire to be a reporter for local newspapers within my area who are looking for someone to fill this type position. My dilemma?

I have written for school and college newspapers, but have no recent clips. Clips are asked for in the ads for reporter jobs. Can I send old college clips dated six years ago? If not, what do you recommend? I graduated from college last year and realize I want to do nothing but write for publication.

Sharron

A: You're in a tough spot.

Actions speak louder than words, and your actions show you haven't done the thing you say you most want to do -- write for publication -- in five years.

Before you can get to square one on a job search, you're going to have to get back into writing for publication. School publications would have been a great way to do that, but you'll now have to try freelancing.

Work with little job experience?

Q: I am looking for a position as a stringer with a small local paper.  With no writing experience and little formal training, I am willing to start with any job so I can generate some clips.  I'm not sure how I should approach my job search.

What strategy would you recommend?

Joe

A: Editors are understandably anxious about giving assignments to writers whose work they don't know. That is doubly true if the writer has little experience or training.

The best strategy is to approach an editor who has the power to accept freelance material with a good story idea. Bring an idea to the table and you could walk away with an assignment.

When to apply for a job?

Q: I am a rising senior at NCA&TSU.  I wanted to know when should I actually begin applying for newspaper jobs?

I have had one editorial internship this past semester and I have a newspaper internship through Black College Wire this summer.  I have also participated in the NABJ Print/Online Short course and I am going to the NABJ job fair in Atlanta.  I also plan to go to the News and Observer Diversity job fair October.  Plus, I will have another internship the spring semester next year because I have to have a internship under the department's supervision before I graduate.

So, I think I am doing OKso far.

I also wanted to ask if it is OK to apply for a job at the newspaper and to apply to their internship program.  Should I try to still get internships after my graduation, or should I just apply for jobs since I will have 3 by time I graduate?  I want to begin my career in copy editing and end up working on the online department of a newspaper. 

Shannon

A: My! You certainly have an ambitious schedule in front of you!

Here's the deal: Usually -- which is more often than sometimes but not as frequent as always -- editors are not filling permanent openings until someone leaves. Internships, on the other hand, may be filled months in advance because they are short-term gigs for a specific season.

This means that you cannot do a good job of applying for jobs until you are much closer to the time of the opening -- and after you may have already accepted an internship for that time.

If you're thinking about a June job, you likely won't get much of a response until April or May. Yet, you may have accepted an internship way back in January.

Your safest bet in hard times is to take an internship, work it hard to see if it can lead to a job interview -- and to start applying for jobs when your internship has about a month to go.

Quit for job with benefits?

Q: I was hired as a reporter at a newspaper on a temporary basis, i.e., I'm full time with no benefits, sick days or paid holidays. I started the job about three months ago with no guarantees, though upper management said they're trying to get the publisher to make me a regular employee.

I love the job, but how long do you think I should stick around with no guarantees of whether I'll ever become "regular"? I asked about it recently, and was told to be patient, that it will happen in time. But, I know that papers -- including this one -- are losing circulation and trying to cut corners. I don't want to wait patiently for months only to learn that they're keeping me on as a temp, I'd rather start looking for new jobs now.

Will patience pay off or am I setting myself up for disappointment?

A.M.

A: Follow your instincts. Look for a regular job. Don't quit the one you're in ... that may be the best shot you have at a job right now and it is providing you with experience, money and fun, but I'd hate to see you get disappointed, too.

If the editors learn of your job search and ask about it, you have the perfect answer: "I like your paper, but I have to have job security and benefits." If they decide to give them to you -- because of a competing offer or because they get around to it, you've lost nothing. Keep working and keep looking.

Becoming a sports writer?

Q: I am a recent college graduate with a degree in English and a minor in Communications who wants to become a sports writer.  I have a few articles that I wrote for a small sports website that are archived online, but I realize since it's not one of the "big boys" as for as online sports content goes, these most likely cannot be counted as clips.

I recently took an internship with a Major League Baseball team in their media relations department, and part of my job is to work with the beat writers on an "as-needed" basis (i.e. if they need certain research about our players, they call me).

My question is this, can these relationships I'm fostering now inside this job be helpful down the road, even though I lack clips and previous "professional" writing experience?  My writing in this job is limited to little blurbs on the game notes that are handed out to the media before the game as well as the notes that are handed out after the game that give facts and information for writers to use in their stories.

I really would like to become a writer and didn't come to this realization until it was just about too late in college (long story and this e-mail is long enough as it is). Basically, what I'm asking is how are relationships useful in getting a job in the industry and how do recruiters and editors look upon someone like me, an intern coming in from a professional sports team, when it comes time to hire someone for the staff? I'm willing to start as low as possible in order to get my foot in the door and I realize that even the best writers sometimes start out covering local sewage committee meetings.

Jonathan

A: Here's how I look at things: You have this opportunity or -- what? This seems to be the only avenue open to you right now, so make the most of it.

Let's be smart about things. Do not use your job with the baseball team to circulate your résumé, but use your opportunity to brush elbows with professional sports writers as an opportunity to show them what you can do and to learn how they got started and to eventually learn how you can find out about openings at their newspapers. I should think that, if you knock yourself out getting good material for them, you'll earn a reputation as someone who hustles and you'll not only find out about openings, but also have some good references.

You will not compete as well for a sportswriting job as someone who is already doing it, but your willingness to start small may help you move from this job to the one you want.

Be smart about this. Employers understandably do not want their staffers job-shopping on company time. Be cool about it.

Catch 22 in job search?

Q: I'm still pretty pretty fresh out of college and have been working for a group of business-to-business trade publications and free-lancing small features on the side for the past year. While all of the trade pubs. are monthly, I work for several different magazines so the deadlines are weekly and often daily.

Before that, I've put in about 1 1/2 to 2 years (cumulatively) reporting at a small-town weekly, editing a campus newspaper and reporting for a weekly alternative newspaper.

Altogether, I have reporting experience, I can definitely adapt to new situations and I feel that my resume is fairly decent for someone who only graduated a year and a half ago. I've had to do everything from long-form features and 300-word hard news pieces, and I've got a good assortment of clips.

Here's the problem: I'd like to score an entry level position with a daily, but I've been told once before that I absolutely need daily experience before they'll consider anyone. Thus, the old Catch 22. I live in a mid-sized city with several daily papers in the metro area, so I know there are options, but I don't have the option of moving all over the country to find a job at some Bumblesticks Weekly Gazette.

Any advice on how can I convert reporting for a group of business magazines, a handful of freelance clips and some older time at weeklies into something attractive to a daily newspaper? Is there a point when a whole lot of non-daily work can reach critical mass for a daily paper to take a look at someone? Should I move to Bumblesticks?

M.L.

A: I'm sure it is frustrating to be told that you can't get a job at a daily ... until you work at a daily. Of course, that is nonsense. What these editors mean is that they won't hire you at their dailies until you work at someone else's first. Your experience is probably less competitive than the experience of other people in their candidate pool.

One smart next step would be to ask these editors where some of their more recent hires came from. I have to believe they came from papers somewhere in between your metro area and Bumblesticks.

As good as your experience may be, if the editors are insisting on daily experience, you need to get it. Find that in-between paper.

What if I have no clips?

Q: I just graduated with a degree in English.  I have writing and editing skills, but no previous experience. How do I find internships/jobs without clips? Is it alright to write up some pieces that have never been published and submit them? I'd love to enter into the field of journalism, but I'm not sure how.

Lidya

A: Clips must be published work. The word clips comes from the idea that they have been "clipped" from a newspaper or magazine. Today, clips can come from Nexis or Websites -- but they still must have been published.

You'll have to freelance to get those clips. Without them, I doubt you can get an internship or a job as a writer, as all the qualified competitors will have them.

If, however, you pursue editing opportunities, you may be able to get somewhere with letter-perfect application materials and good performance on a test. (Your application should not contain the word "alright".)

Career path for new grads?

Q: I graduated from college a month ago with a print journalism degree, and spent my last semester conducting research in Argentina for my anthropology minor. I've worked as an editor of my college daily, interned at a large metro weekly and daily, and spent six months covering cops at The Boston Globe as part of its extended student program.

Here's my problem, (or, ahem, problems): With the newspaper business the way it is right now, I am at a complete loss for where to even begin looking. I know all the websites and the jobsearch engines, but realistically, I also know that every other unemployed and more-qualified reporter is also looking at them. I have looked into tweener programs and found one I had a good shot at, but I returned from abroad to find out the paper had been forced to lay off all its current interns, and I'm afraid this is a recurring theme.

I know the traditional route is to suck-up my urban lifestyle and put in time at a small-town paper until I can work my way up. But what keeps flashing through my mind when I think about this is that while I know journalism is what I ultimately want to do, I also know that metro newspaper reporting isn't. I am tempted to move to New York City and try to find anything in the media field -- whether it be an editorial assistant at a magazine or communications for a nonprofit -- with the hope of returning to school for a masters in international politics and ultimately writing from abroad.

Am I being overzealous in thinking it may be possible to skip over the traditional small-town paper stint? Do editors look down on candidates who try to pass over that that with further education and experience internationally? And most-importantly, what, in this day and age, is your advice for recent college-grads trying to break into this industry?

A: Truth to tell, Jessica, it doesn't sound to me like you're committed enough to domestic reporting to make a good run through some other newspapers on your way to your ultimate goal.

That can be OK, but editors will want to see how you report and write. Don't mess with editorial assistantships (even if they're in New York), as they will prove nothing about your journalism.

You need to report and write. If you can't see yourself doing it outside of urban areas, then you will have to find something in the more competitive urban markets. (As I recall, that's where we came in.) If you just have to stay in the Big City, go for the jobs that will let you write, but be aware that the competition is more difficult there. One solution may be to target niche, trade and on-line publications, as the lines are likely long at general-interest newspapers and magazines.

As for most college grads, the successful ones keep looking until they get something in the States and then work their way from there.

Too old to be a foreign correspondent?

Q: I have a college degree in journalism, but instead pursued a career in social work and received a graduate degree in that field and have done everything from child welfare to working with the homeless in New York City. I did some freelance writing for community newspapers while working as a social worker but stopped in 1997.

Since 1997 I have been working for the U.S. military as a social worker, first in Japan and now in Germany. I would like to start freelancing again. However, I am interested in eventually leaving social work and writing full time.

My questions are: 1) I am 53 years old (but feel 20) and would I be hired due to my age? 2) Do you think the Associated Press, or a newspaper or magazine with an overseas bureau would hire me in an entry level position for me to work overseas, or would I have to start at a weekly or small daily?

Susan

A: Your age is not even an issue at this point. The issue is that you do not have nearly the experience you need to break in as a foreign correspondent.

While you have doubtless learned tons in your travels and your experiences, the primary questions editors will have are:

• Can she do journalism?
• Can she apply all that she has learned to journalism? (One of your sole advantages is if those experiences can be applied to journalism in a way that makes you valuable and unique.)
• Does she have a journalistic commitment? Where did it come from? Why has she not really acted on it until now?

Those questions will come first. And remember, the position you are thinking of is coveted. There is a long line of people who have been working in journalism for years, trying to get an overseas posting. Some of them will not make it, despite years of hard work domestically. It would take tremendous journalistic skill for you to jump to the front of the line. Your recent work hasn't demonstrated that and working your way up through weeklies seems likely to take too long.

If you're serious about overseas reporting, I would see about freelancing, which is also somewhat crowded. If you can get some freelance work, you'll be building the experience you need as you do the work you're wanting to do.

Law school to journalism?

Q: I graduated in May with degrees in political science and journalism. I had worked at a large independent college daily for two and a half years as a reporter up to managing editor. I also did internships at a non-profit Web site, a thrice-weekly Capitol Hill newspaper and a non-profit journalism organization. Along the way I became interested in media law topics, applied to law school and just finished my first semester.

Now, however, I want to go back to journalism. I find little rewarding in law school and can hardly bring myself to apply for summer legal jobs as I don't think I would want to do most of them. I plan to leave law school at the end of the year and would greatly appreciate any tips you have on getting back into journalism, preferably as a reporter at a daily newspaper.I would rather be a journalist with an interest in legal issues (media law and covering public affairs/courts) than a regretful lawyer who likes to read newspapers.

I know I need to start sending out packets to paper, but my news clips are getting older. My more recent work is more on specialty topics or from the opinions page of my college paper. (I hadn't written much for news for my college paper since the first semester of my junior year.) I am concerned also about how to explain my situation.  I don't want it to seem like I sat around for a year nor do I want to appear wishy-washy about journalism.

Leaving the law

A: You have n