Joe Grimm's News Jobs Café: Ask the recruiter

How to Spin a Career Change?

Q: I have been in the newspaper industry for just under 10 years and have always believed in the media and believed it would perform well for several more generations.  Over the last year I have watched as that passion has dwindled and my faith that we will still be around in 10 more years.

I could go into details as to why but I will spare everyone that debate.  My question is this; I obviously need to look at a career change as I my passion is gone, how would you suggest I "spin" this career change?  I am afraid if I cite my true reason many will ask the obvious question will I lose passion in this as well.

Thanks

Ed

A: You clearly realize you can't get a new job if you seem mopey.

So, figure out what you'd like to be doing down the road and think of the interim jobs between what you're doing now and where you'd like to wind up.

This takes work. You will have to go to school on yourself and on a range of possible jobs. I have just finished reading a book that could help. It is called "Breaking the Bamboo Ceiling" by career coach Jane Hyun. We met and interviewed this past week. Her book is obviously written for Asian-American people, but it has  solid advice for anyone and a nice set of career-assessment tools that could help you.

When you go interviewing, we want you focused on what you are climbing for, not complaining about what you have been through. If you are building toward a new career, there should be no need to spin anything.

Rough Crossing for Foreign Journalist?

Q: I read your column every day and I think you give excellent advice, so I'm hoping you can help me with my situation.

I'm a British journalist engaged to a New Yorker. We plan to get married as soon as my visa comes through, which our attorney says is likely to take between three and nine months. I'm excited about my wedding and the opportunities the move may present for my career but I'm a little worried about whether U.S. editors will recognize my qualifications, the variation in writing styles between English and American newspapers and how I will cope without a sound knowledge of media law and the political system in my new country.

Your column and the U.S. job adverts I've read give me the impression that the preferred route onto a newspaper there is via a journalism degree. I have a degree, but not in journalism, which doesn't matter much here. U.K. editors prefer that candidates take an intensive six-month journalism course after they graduate, which trains them in law, politics, news writing and shorthand (useful as audio recording devices are not allowed in our courts). Then, after 18 months to two years on the job, trainee reporters take a final set of exams known as the NCE. Those who pass are considered qualified senior reporters.

This is the stage I am at now. I have just passed the finals, have about two years' experience and have produced some strong clips, which have won me a couple of awards. For the last six months or so, I have been reading several U.S. papers on the internet each day and have totally fallen in love with the idea of working for a well-respected alternative weekly with a circulation of 260,000. This would be a step up for me as it is my larger than the paper I currently work for but what really appeals to me is its strong reputation for investigative journalism, which is my passion. A few days ago, I found out the editor is advertising for staff reporters. I feel I can't let this opportunity pass me by, but how can I apply when I can't be specific about when I can start?

My second dilemma concerns how to present my credentials to U.S. editors. I'm assuming that they will have little or no knowledge of our training system. Should I provide some explanation of it on my resume or save this for the interview?

Thirdly, the tabloid writing style on my paper here is very different to the more narrative, in-depth coverage of the paper I want to work for. I'm worried this will put me at a disadvantage. While I have been trying to expand my understanding of U.S. politics and intend to take classes in media law once I arrive, I am also concerned that my lack of knowledge in these areas could be hazardous during my first couple of months there.

My resume looks pretty good on this side of the pond but I’m worried that my hard work may get lost in translation. I’m prepared to do whatever it takes to overcome the quite considerable obstacles this move will present and would very much appreciate your advice on the best way to go about it.

A: First off, let's not try to apply for this immediate opening. Your situation is too complicated in the short term for you to be of any interest. More openings will come along. You may find, once yo gethere and talk to your target paper, that you will need to get into another publication that they hire from. It could be that your experience just isn't yet what they desire.

You seem to have a good understanding of your obstacles. Moving to the highly competitive New York market is another.

I am not sure that you need to go back to school to, in effect, get recertified under U.S. instructors. You do need to study up on media law here and taking a class or two or three is a good idea. You also need to make sure that everything you write -- including every letter and e-mail -- is in a style that will be acceptable to editors in the States. Maybe you should recruit an American to give those a once-over, at least initially.

It could be that no American newspaper will get really interested in you until the visa issue is settled. Then, your experience should carry you. You may have to concisely explain on your resume the training you received, but the fact is that journalists do get hired here without journalism degrees and sometimes without having completed any degree at all.

Keep positioning yourself, expand your search options and plan a great wedding. 

Time to Quit My Job?

Q: My editor is a real fascist. She micro-manages everything I do. She never admits when she's wrong or when she makes mistakes. Rather, she places the blame on other people.

Working with her has become the worst. The other day, she handed me a story assignment at 4 p.m. She'd been sitting on it all day and wait to the last minute to give it to me. When I showed obvious signs of dissatisfaction, she told our top editor that I don't like to work hard.

Speaking to the woman is like speaking to a brick wall. She never listens or considers intelligent suggestions. My biggest annoyance is that she edits my writing so that it fits her style. That doesn't seem right. If she doesn't like the way I writer, why did she hire me?

Once, she sat down and had a one-on-one meeting with me. She said I shouldn't complain about working 10-hour days. She looked at my time sheet and said, "You haven't even been working that much over time. I see you only worked nine hours OT last week."

I wanted to pull my hair out and scream.

As you can see, I'm all over the place with this letter. I guess my question is: When is enough enough. At what point do I declare mutiny and rebel, quit, walk out or get fired?

Edward

A: Once upon a time, I was unhappy (though not as unhappy as you are) with the way some things were going for me and Becky Baybrook, then on the human resources team with Knight Ridder, told me that when things get bad, we have three choices:

• Change the situation
• Get used to it
• Get out.

I though the advice was a little harsh, but it works.

It sounds as though your situation is not going to change. Mutinies are good for fantasies, but they almost never work. The top boss clearly listens more to your editor than to you. So, changing the situation is not an option.

Anyone who calls his editor a fascist and who is thinking about pulling hair -- his own or the editor's -- is not going to get used to the situation.

You're at Option Three: Time to go.

Be in charge of that process. Get your resume and work samples together, get them out and start interviewing.

Leave on your own terms and your own timing. Try not to get fired. It doesn't sound as though there would be much severence for you, and that will raise questions when you interview.

When you walk out the door, don't slam it. Remember, this is not a situation you can change -- that is why you're leaving -- so hurling a few insults back over your shoulder won't change anything. It might make you feel better, but they will fall on deaf ears. It's not worth your effort. Just find a good job and move onto it without investing any more emotion in the one you'll be leaving.

Note: "Ask the Recruiter" has moved to Poynter's new Career Center. The new home is here. Remember to change your bookmark.

Freelancing in the Majors to a Job at 50,000?

Q: I spent three years as a beat reporter at a pair of small newspapers, picking up a statewide award for my reporting at one point, before taking up work as a freelancer at a major American newspaper.

My writing has improved, but I'm eager to get back into a newsroom and, most of all, to find a mentor. It looks like a small newspaper (circulation 50,000) with a decent reputation is about to offer me a job. I like the editors at the paper - they seem ambitious - but I wonder if I should hold out for a bigger paper at this point.

Am I likely to improve as I'd like at a small paper? Will my resume look odd if I go from a large paper (albeit as a freelancer) to a small one? Is the job market so forbidding these days that I should take what I can get?

Flummoxed Freelancer

A: That 50,000 paper could be a good base to build from.

Compared to the place where you're freelancing, 50,000 seems small, but it is mid-size, at worst.

The 100 largest dailies in the U.S. are roughly those above 100,000 circulation. The next 100 are roughly between 50,000 and 100,000. After those 200, there are almost 1,300 more. So, 50,000 is not quite circulation and professional Siberia, especially if you have had a chance to check the place out and have found it to be ambitious and inveted in people's growth.

Most of the work will be up to you, of course, but I would expect that, given your major-metro experience, you should be able to advance quickly. Good work on some significant stories could pop you up above 100,000 in a few years.

I would not be dissuaded by the 50,000 circulation.

Note: "Ask the Recruiter" has moved to Poynter's new Career Center. The new home is here. Remember to change your bookmark.

How to Balance Baby and Job Search?

Q: I can't tell you how much I appreciate your blog, but in particular, the answers you provide to the questions dealing with balances between family and work. I will soon be in the same boat as others.

My wife and I are expecting our first child in May, and I'm very excited about it. I'm also very worried about what will happen with my career because of it. Here are the issues I'm fighting:

1. I've been at the same small daily for six years, and it's basically an 8-5 job with evening events (sports) several nights a week. I think it's time for someone else to take a turn. I'd love to advance to a larger, morning paper whether it's nearby or not (for me, location has only a few limitations). As you've mentioned before, a 3-11 shift seems ideal for raising kids at a young age. I also want to be a good father and actually see the baby.
2. My wife's family lives nearby (which is both good and bad), so change doesn't come easily.

What do you suggest I do? I know you're not a relationship expert, but you've had experiences with this sort of thing, or at least some of it. It's troubling because I do have personal and professional goals for myself, but am afraid I'll be pigeonholed and I'll be stuck in a job that is no longer challenging or rewarding. Am I doomed? The next place I go, if it's anywhere, I want to stay for a long time. I'm almost 30, and I would like to settle down, but this seems like the wrong place at the right time.

Thanks,

Chad

A: Congratulations on the baby-to-be!

Now, let's stop talking about doom.

You have about six months before the baby arrives, so let's get busy and try to make a move while it is convenient. If nothing develops, settle down for a while, let the baby come and meet everyone and then pick up your job search again.

I don't see why the arrival of the baby should have a major negative affect on your career or your mobility.

Stop worrying, dust off your resume and paint that nursery!

Balancing work and family can be challenging, but it is not impossible.

Note: "Ask the Recruiter" has moved to Poynter's new Career Center. The new home is here. Remember to change your bookmark.

To a Smaller Paper but a Better Locale?

Q: I am in a small predicament. I am currently working at a daily newspaper on the east coast after graduating college in May. I really enjoy my job, but the area where I am at is not so desirable and is about eight hours away from my hometown.

I've recently come across a job offer at a weekly newspaper close to my hometown, which I think would make me happier because of the location alone.

1) Does going from a 10K-circulation daily in a rural area to a 7K-circulation twice-weekly 30 minutes away from a city look like I'm taking a step down, even though I'd rather be in the area of the smaller paper?

And 2) As I said, I just graduated in May -- what does searching for another job this soon make me look like? I am not a scatter-brained person who can't make up her mind, I'm just honestly not happy with the location I am at.

Thanks for your help.

Kristen

A: Sit tight.

Leaving a job after seven months will not look good to prospective employers -- unless you plan to stay at your next newspaper for three years or more to show some stability.

And moving to a smaller newspaper that published less frequently will not help create a rising career arc, either.

Persist.

Ideally, we'll see you move to a better area as well as a better job. While this move might take care of what sounds like loneliness, homesickness or cultural deprivation, it will come at the cost of some career mobility.

Make more visits home or to other cities to keep your sanity, but also steel yourself for putting in about another year getting great at the job you have -- and then using that success to make a move that makes sense for you professionally and personally.

Note: "Ask the Recruiter" has moved to Poynter's new Career Center. The new home is here. Remember to change your bookmark.

Would an Employment Gap Hurt Me?

Q: I'm a 26-year-old reporter who has been working at a 30,000-circulation daily newspaper for the past 2 1/2 years. I've been considering quitting my job to teach English as a second language in Europe. I plan to freelance while there.

My question is: If freelancing doesn't pan out and I return to the states looking for newspaper work, would the move to Europe hurt my chances landing a job?

Sincerely,

Cory

A: Probably.

That's not to say you shouldn't go.

But you should go knowing that if you leave a daily here and are not engaged in any sort of journalism there, you will have at least three hurdles to clear:

• Your clips will be old.
• You will have to explain why you quit journalism and why you want to come back.
• Your journalistic growth will have gone into a state of suspended animation and you will not have much more to commend you to employers than you had when you left. The best your chances would be is just the same as they were before you moved overseas.

That said, the chance to live and work in Europe may be too great for you to pass up and this may be the best time in your life to do it. To have it all, don't make the move until you have nailed down a journalism job or some dependable clients for your freelancing.

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

Move to a Job with a Faster Pace?

Q: I graduated from one of those "marquee" J-schools in the summer, and after three months surfing my parents' couch, I landed a job at a well-respected trade newspaper in a very, very big city. Given the state of the newspaper business, I was getting a lot of very polite "please keep in touch" emails from metro editors. So when presented with a solid job offer (and the chance to get off my parents' couch) I jumped at it.

The location is great (top three market), the pay is excellent for someone just out of school (around $40k), and my colleagues are cheerful and willing to lend a hand to the new kid. There's only one problem: I hate it.

Although we're a daily paper, we're also a trade pub, and the editors don't want spot news. They like features and analysis. It is not unusual for a reporter to spend a week on a single story. I find the pace to be mind-numbingly slow. I love to jump at a breaking story. I have a hard time dragging myself out of bed in the morning to go to work.

I'm also afraid that working at a trade daily is not exactly a stepping stone on my way to my ultimate goal: a job at a wire service or on a metro desk. I took this job because it was a solid paycheck at a newspaper. But have I taken detour that is leading away from an eventual daily hard news reporting gig? Should I just suck it up and be thankful that during this hiring crunch I have a job at all?

Thanks,

Restless

A: Yes, you are going to have to suck it up a little. Recalling those three months on the couch will help.

But you have to get out of this place where you hate to go to work. That can kill a career. It's pretty clear that you have taken a job at a place that has the wrong culture and that you did it for some good reasons, not knowing entirely what to look for. But let's get a new job in 2007.

Work with your editors to try to change the metabolism in your little corner of the newsroom. Tell them what you're looking for, volunteer for or pitch every potential breaking-news article and run, run, run. I wouldn't be surprised if they hired you, in part, for your go-getter attitude. Max it out.

Make this job work and you'll get the experience and clips you need to get the next job, which you will no doubt make sure has a culture that is more favorable to you.

Will My Old Boss Dump on Me?

Q: When checking with a previous employer's human resources department, what questions can a potential employer legally ask? What information can a human resources department legally release? If an individual was terminated from his or her previous job, can/does the human resources department provide the specific reason for termination? Finally, if a potential hire received unemployment compensation from his or her previous employer, does this send any kind of "message" to a potential employer? Any advice you can provide would be helpful.

Julie

A: The burden you're alluding to is on ex-employers. Giving references can be a real danger zone for them. Basically, they don't want to say anything negative that can get them sued for wrecking someone's chances to get a job.

To keep themselves out of trouble, many companies have a policy that forbids managers from giving anything other than employment stop and start dates.

This policy is not always helpful to job-seekers. Think of the person who did a good job, but can't get anyone to say anything favorable about them.

Some employers might be squirrelly about hring someone who collected unemployment, but their feelings could change depending on the reason why that happened. I'd be surprised if another employer tells anyone that you collected it and I would drop my teeth if they told them why.

The biggest challenge for you, I think, will be handing the inevitable questions about why you left that job.

 

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

From PR to Journalism?

Q: I currently work in PR and am looking to go to journalism school.  I've always thought PR is a good segue into journalism, given the shared goals of concise communication and necessary writing skills required by both fields, not to mention the fact that PR professionals work with the media often.

But one admissions counselor expressed some concern with my current profession.  Though she wouldn't say why would PR be looked upon differently than other professions that are not directly related to journalism? How might I combat this sentiment?

Alex

A: Her reservations may have to do with bigger issues than mere skills.

We journalists can be holier-than-thou when it comes to the pursuit of truth and justice. I think you've just been out-holied.

This admissions counselot -- and many editors -- may wonder if you can strike an impartial balance and pursue the real story after working to shade or spin stories.

The goal of pure objectivity remains just that. Journalists now talk about being fair, balanced and complete.

If you want to make the move to journalism, go for it. We certainly see a lot of journalists go  into PR. But be aware that you will encounter some editors who have the same reservations you have just seen in this admissions counselor.

It will take time and work, but you can develop the proofs that you are pursuing truth with as much vigor as the journalists you now hope to join.

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

From Weekly to Teaching?

Q: For the past year, I have been working for a small weekly as a feature writer. I don't necessarily dislike my job, but it does get stale at times. The community where I work is very wealthy, so I do get to attend galas, fundraisers, etc. — which can be fun — but I really feel like I need to be doing something more worthwhile with my time. Also, the pay is terrible (around $20K per year) and the newsroom is not exactly brimming with optimism.

I'm in my mid-20s and recently got married... Because my husband owns a business in our city, I can't pick up and move (and there are very few publications where we live). I had success as a student journalist and always thought I'd do something with writing, but basically, I can't decide if journalism is truly the right career path for me. For one thing (and I'm truly no 1950s-era woman), I don't know how much career-ladder-climbing I could see myself doing because I plan on staying home (but continuing to write!) when I have children in a couple of years.

Also, I enjoy writing features, but it doesn't feel like I am making a difference in the world if that's what I do 24/7; and unfortunately, I dislike the urgency and hard-nosed reporting that goes with newswriting ...

So, I'm thinking of becoming a journalism/English teacher and freelance writer. However, it's kind of a scary career leap after all of the time and effort I put into landing my first journalism job, and I'm afraid I might regret it later. Any advice or guidance is much appreciated!

Caroline

A: You seem to have ideas about what you'd like to do next, but are afraid to make a big leap. So, make a little one -- and look before you leap.

You can freelance or dabble in teaching at a local community college or perhaps as a volunteer advisor at a local school's newspaper.

Once you know more about the possibilities, you can take a leap that won't seem so scary.

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

Quit My Demoralizing Job?

Q: Currently, I cover the top beat (city hall) at a 100,000 circ. local paper in Southern California.  I came here two months ago from a respected, 300,000 circ. paper in the same region.  My intention was to stay at the larger paper and work my way up (I was a "tweener" who divided my time writing for both the daily and a weekly edition). But out of the blue, I got a call from the smaller paper, which asked me to apply for the city hall post.  Since my goal was to become a daily reporter and since the beat seemed interesting and challenging, I took it.

Things have been rough at the new paper.  Despite its big-city location and 100,000 circ., the owner does not invest in the newsroom.  We are extremely short staffed, and we have virtually no resources. (We didn't even have the internet until a couple of years ago!)  The editors are inexperienced, underpaid, and overworked, as are most of the reporters.

Before accepting the job, I was aware of this scenario.  But I figured the beat and the daily experience were worth the move.  I do enjoy covering city hall, and I do well as a daily reporter. But I am not growing here.  There is virtually no editing, and the little editing that I get often times makes my stories worse. I don't have time to do longer, investigative, or enterprise stories because there is no time. Since we're very understaffed I sometimes have to cover stories well outside of my beat.  Plus, I think the quality of the paper's writing and coverage is awful, which demoralizes me.

I've been thinking about my next move.  Ideally, I'd like to work for a daily newspaper in Manhattan. I'm also considering J-school to study new media to place myself in a better place in this field. (I don't have a journalism background.)  But I'm wondering if new media reporters actually report and write their own stories and have opportunities to do longer, public service stories, or if they just write headlines and edit. I've heard mixed reviews.

So my questions are: Should I get a J-degree?  Or should I stay at this paper and apply to NY papers in about a year?

Sara

A: You've got a lot of things going on here. My initial reaction is worry that a resignation after just two months is going to throw a kink into your career. It sounds as though you consider this to be your first real daily-newspaper job and I would fight hard to keep my place and move ahead.

You're smart to look at new media and wise to be wary of getting pigeon-holed on the production side when what you really seem to like is street reporting. Shade your learning toward the news-gathering end of new media. That means some digital photo and audio, blogging and instant updates. Learn on the job. Don;t wait until you get accepted into a grad program.

I'm sure you've already thought about studying new-media reporting in a Manhattan master's program. Try to hold it together until you can take the next solid step. You've worked too hard to lose your traction.

Use your mentors to keep your morale up. You'll make it.

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

Journalism to Public Relations?

Q: Thanks for your blog! You give great advice. Here's a question for you:

How hard is it to return to journalism once you leave it for public relations?

I've been at my current position -- reporter for one of the state's largest dailies -- ever since I graduated from college six years ago. for six years. I have done good work there, winning several awards. I also adore my co-workers. But everything else about the job is a problem: pay, benefits, hours, management's decisions and lack of respect for employees. I'd like to make a change and stay in journalism, but there are only three large dailies in my state.  The other two are owned by conglomerates, and they simply move in reporters from their other newspapers when openings occur.

I recently interviewed for a PR position at a local college. It's part-time, with a good chance of quickly turning full time  if that's what I want. It sounds interesting, challenging and fun ...  and though I haven't discussed salary details yet, I'm sure the paycheck will be a step up for me. I'd like to try something new, and keep up my clips by freelancing. But if I do this and then decide I want to go back to reporting in a year or five years or 10, will I be able to? Or will I be shunned as a sellout?

Lindsey

A: You will face two problems in returning to journalism after a journey into public relations. The first will be the one you anticipate: reservations about your commitment.

The second will be that journalism is embarking on such widespread changes in the leap to online that your skills could quickly become outdated.

As you are still in your first job and wondering about a return to journalism even before you leave, I suggest you try one more newspaper first.

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How to Get Back into Journalism?

Q: I've been out a newsroom for five years. In that time, I've learned several of the applications necessary for new media: Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Flash. I've also continued to freelance.

I'd love to get back get back into daily journalism using my new skills, but I don't know how to market myself. My dream job would be to create interactive stories for newspapers or other news sites. I've 20 years experience as a reporter; now folks my age are getting laid off, or bought out.

Any help would be appreciated.

     Afi Scruggs

A: Market yourself as a digital journalist.

You're not behind, you're ahead.

If you find that your experience makes you too pricey for some media outlets' pay ranges for multi-media journalists, you may have to pitch yourself as a potential supervisor or producer.

In either case, I think the rapidly rising demand for your new media skills, in tandem with your journalism experience, will lead to something soon.

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

Don't Editors Appreciate Multiple Skills?

Q: I graduated from J-school a few years ago with a major in journalism, minor in graphic communication. My ultimate goal is working full-time as a newspaper or magazine photographer, or as an editor (who doesn't want to be an editor?).

My first job was at a thrice-weekly newspaper, where I was a beat reporter and took photos (for my own stories and by assignment). My second job, where I'm at now, is as a graphic designer for a magazine. All the while, I've worked as a freelance photographer on the side (everything from family portraits to national magazines). I'm looking to make a move so I would happily take a reporter job or another design/production gig (my current company is unstable), but would prefer a photo dept. position (not seeing many openings).

How do I apply to publications and market all of my skils without seeming like I have no direction or specialty? With the huge number of people wanting to be photographers these days, I don't want to look like another reporter who just has some knowledge of digital cameras (there's nothing wrong with that, but my photography skills are really where I stand out).

My work should speak for itself, but I can't help but wonder if recruiters/editors won't give my photo portfolio a glance when they see that I'm "actually" a reporter or graphic artist. Plus, who is going to hire a candidate as a reporter or designer who eventually wants to be a photographer? All through college I was taught that being multi-talented is the way to go, but now I feel stuck because of it. Any advice?

Thanks,

Sandra

A: You don't know it, but you have a great sense of career timing.

You have become exactly what a lot of newspapers are discovering they need. Market yourself as multi-media, not simply multi-talented. That will help us editors and recruiters get it about you.

So many traditional newsrooms are awakening to the fact that they need reporters who can shoot digital photos, photographers who can capture vided and audio, and journalists who can work on multiple platforms, that the demand for people just like you is growing.

Retool your resume and portfolio, add some online skills to your bag of tricks, give it six months to marinate and let us watch you go.

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

Keep Waiting for Real Copy Editing Job?

Q: I was a Dow Jones intern and discovered I loved copy editing.  The problem is, I have a binder full of reporting clips and very few editing ones.

I recently broke into journalism after getting a master's degree.  Now I've decided I'd rather be a copy editor than a reporter.  I'd love to find a copy editing position at a mid-sized paper but I feel that my one summer of editing will not be enough.

I was offered another copy editing internship at a mid-sized paper but they asked for a long-term commitment (two to three years) at the intern pay-rate without benefits or guarantee of hiring afterward.  I turned it down because I didn't want to be a 28-year-old intern without health insurance a few years from now.  But now I am wondering whether I made the right decision, because my current job has nothing to do with copy editing. Should I quit my job next year and reapply for the long-term commitment?

New York

A: A little patience will get you what you want.

Your desire to be an editor is big, as is the Dow Jones credential. The recommendations of your internship supervisors will count for a lot, too. Those things, plus a letter-perfect cover letter and résumé, will make up for the understandable lack of clips.

Mid-size can be quite a range, but I think the industry's chronic shortage of copy ediutors means that, if you're good and can prove it on a test and in an interview, you'll be able to get something good at a full salary -- with benefits.

Keep looking.

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

 

Bigger Paper or Bigger Job?

Q: I have been at a 30,000-circulation daily newspaper covering local government for about two years and I'm looking to move on.  Is it better to advance one's career at a larger circulation paper doing something similar or to go to a paper of similar or smaller size and take on a more important beat, such as state government?

C.R.

A: Either plan can work. it all depends on your ultimate aims. Decide which is more important to you: to work at a larger paper or to have a more prominent beat. At this juncture, I would pursue the option that more closely matches my long-term aims. If you don’t have a clear preference, concentrate on moving to a larger paper to show a clear upward progression.

From Administration to the Copy Desk?

Break time.  This means I have a few minutes to surf and swim. I found your Web site while searching for 'copy edit entry level'.

Q: How does one make a career change into copy editing from the administrative field?  (This is not a go to college for four years and then jump into an unpaid internship kind of situation).  I am a full-time working adult who is absolutely bored to tears with my current career.

Background: I have over 10 years' experience as an administrative assistant, office manager and administrative facilities coordinator.  Pick a title.  The job title changes with each company but basically mean the same thing.

Fortunately, this title (a catch-all position) often leads to writing projects, such as creating and publishing a Policies and Procedures Manual for a small start-up, creating pages for the company Intranet, writing a training manual for Customer Services workshops, creating and editing the company payroll newsletter and editing contracts, correspondence and media kits.

Cat

A: It is fortunate that you want to be a copy editor.

Reporting candidates need to demonstrate their skills with clippings. Copy editors do not have as many chances to show their work, as few editors care to spend a lot of time with before-and-after work sets.

Instead, copy editors have to demonstrate their abilities with a solid résumé, a clean cover letter and likely an editing test, in addition to the requisite interviews.

I'd go ahead and apply. But first, I'd ask for an opportunity to shadow a local copy editor for a shift so you can get a feel for what the job entails.

From Sales to Journalism?

Q: I've been working in sales for the last few years, but have not been very happy. Recently I lost my job at a promotional marketing company and am hoping to use my layoff as a chance to move to a career that I would find more enjoyable and fulfilling.

I have terrific writing, organization and research skills, as well as a master's degree in history. Not only that, but I have found that I am at my best when I'm working under the pressure of a deadline. I feel like I would not only enjoy a job in print media as a reporter/writer, but I'd be great at it too. Unfortunately I have virtually no experience working as a writer or journalist of any kind.

Are my skills marketable without any experience to back them up? If so do you have any recommendations on how to get my foot in the door?

Missouri

A: Breaking into journalism is a show-and tell proposition. You have to show what you can do, as well as talk about it. At minimum, you'll need half a dozen good stories to show prospective editors. To get to half a dozen good ones, you'll have to write at least 20. Freelancing could get you there. But the starting salary for someone with beginning journalism experience may not match your needs.

A master's degree in journalism would be another route to go, if yo have the time and money, and likely would help you to a larger first paper -- provided you can show those good work samples.

Getting Back into a Newspaper Job?

Q: It's been about two years since I worked at a daily newspaper. Things didn't go too well with the editors, so I quit. I then started a family shortly after that. I've had several interviews with daily and weekly newspapers in the past but I didn't get hired because I didn't have enough experience or because of some other reason.

Currently, I am doing freelance work with a weekly. I've enjoyed it a lot, but I would like a more permanent job with them, if possible. What do you suggest? Should I ask them if they'd hire me full-time or just stick to freelancing with them? Because of family reasons, I cannot leave my area, otherwise I would.

Thank you.

L.

A: You should definitely get in there and ask the editors whether full-time employment is a possibility. If it is, ask them to help you draw up a blueprint for achieving it.

If not, you'll know what you're dealing with and won't live on false hopes.

Passion for Journalism?

Q: Hi, just found your advice site and am happy I did. I've been out of college for two years with a degree in journalism and have gotten stuck without a full-time job. After college, I was supposed to go to NYU for grad school (the magazine program) but at the last minute, I deferred because I was afraid of the student loan debt and wasn't sure a graduate degree in journalism would be helpful, even though it's a great program.

Then I worked part-time for my local newspaper for a while and eventually took an internship at a magazine. The experience was horrible (the editor liked to swear at people over the intercom system for the whole office to hear) and made me reconsider whether I wanted a career in journalism at all. I decided I wanted to do public relations instead, but other than a fantastic summer job that I keep returning to (publicist for a theater festival), I haven't been able to find anything permanent and full-time in PR either (despite over 15 job interviews).

So now I've been thinking I should consider journalism again. Over the past two years, I've continued to freelance for my local paper writing features, but even they won't hire me full-time. And even if they did, I could make more money working at a convenience store. Some of the time I enjoy writing for the paper, some of the time, I get bored with the stories. I think I really don't like community journalism that well but I think I would like working at a larger paper. How does one break into a larger paper?

Most internships are for current students and it seems like most reporters working at community newspapers get stuck there forever. Because of my pr background, I know some journalists at larger papers, but don't feel comfortable asking them for job advice. One of them actually told me this summer that I should stay in PR anyway...that unless I was really good, I'd spend my life at a community newspaper and the only way to get a good job at a newspaper is to know the right people.

At this point, I just really want a full-time job that pays enough to live on and has health insurance. How do I find that? Should I re-apply to NYU? Would my chances of landing the right job be better with a masters degree from a good j-school (instead of a bachelors degree from a mediocre one)? Or would I be wasting the money on a degree I don't really need? If I don't want to go back to school, are there ways to find a good job at a decent sized paper?

Thanks,

J.S.

A: I don't want to be discouraging, and I also don't want to raise false hope.

My impression is that you don't love journalism enough to be very successful at it. I'd hold off on the college and keep looking until you find a field or a purpose you get so passionate about that you'd go through walls to do it.

If you can find that, fulfillment, money and health benefits will follow. Without the passion, you'll be in a rut -- even with the degree.

Too Soon to Leave Job?

Q: I started my first job in journalsim about two months ago at a respectable 20,000 circ. newspaper. Yesterday, I got a call from an editor at large, metropolitan newspaper asking if I would be interested in a job (I had earlier interviewed for another one that I did not get). Obviously, I would have loved to accept (I consider it a huge honor to even have been considered, because I just graduated from college), but I told the editor I had already taken another job.

When I told some of my co-workers about this, they couldn't believe I turned down the job. They didn't seem to think leaving a job after just two months reason enough to say no to the new one. Were they right? I had always thought skipping out on a job before I had been there atleast a year was frowned upon. Or would this have been an understandable situation, going to a much larger paper? I should mention both newspapers are owned by the same company.

I definitely want to keep in contact with the editor, though, and plan on periodically sending him clips. My question is, how many should I send? One or two, or should I treat it as a mini-job application and send 6-10? Also, should I go ahead and send my best stuff or try to save those clips for if I have to officially re-apply for a job at the newspaper?

Thanks for your help!

T.

A: I disagree with your co-workers.

In fact, I likely would not encourage someone to leave a job they had been working for just two months. It is a bad precedent and can make you look flighty or shifty.

Stay in touch with the editor at the larger paper and continue working to make good on your implied commitment that you would work for more than a couple months. It will take you several months -- maybe as long as a year -- just to get to the point where you know your beat.

After a year, you can start looking. But you don't have to.

It does not sound like this is an issue for you, but be aware that some employers hire people with the stipulation that, if they leave within a year (or two), they have to reimburse moving expenses. That gives us some insight into what editors think is a respectable tenure.

Go for new city or stay?

Q: I graduated college three months ago and got my first job working as a reporter about a month ago at a 21,000-circ. daily. I love it so far and can definitely tell I'll get some good clips here that would enable me to start looking for a job at a bigger newspaper in about a year. However, I'm already being faced with a situation I knew I would come to eventually. My significant other has been given a job offer that's too good to turn down, and he has the option of moving in about a year from now -- but he has to let them know in four months where to. It's a little hard to coordinate a job search within those time constraints, especially because I know most newspapers rarely start looking to fill positions six months ahead of time. So here's my question: What happens if you move for personal reasons and can't find a job in journalism where you're at? Every time I imagine thinking of working in another field, I get sad and depressed. I also have high goals for myself and know that taking a break from journalism can hurt me big time. What can I do to ensure that even if I do have to move to a specific area, thus greatly limiting the number of newspapers I can apply to, I can stay in journalism?

We do have the option of staying where we're at -- it just means I would have to stay on at my current newspaper about two or three years longer than I wanted to. Should I stay and keep the security of a job in journalism, or should I take the plunge and hope I can get another job? (I do have one big bonus on my side -- I have a lot of experience with online reporting.)

Teresa

A: I wish I could give you an easy answer.

It is clear that you love what you're doing, and there's a lot to be said for that. I would get in to see the newspaper in the other city or cities, to get an idea whether the newsroom culture there is as good as the one you're in. See whether there might be more than one paper you could jump too. Ask the editors what you would need to do to move into position there. With that additional information, you'll be better prepared to make a good decision. You like being a reporter. Use your reporting skills to make your choice.

Weekly to daily newpspaper?

Q: I'm 25 and more than a year and a half into my first reporting job. I work at a small (so small we don't even have a website) weekly paper but have always dreamed of moving on to a daily. I worked my butt off in college and reported for the school paper. I was even part of a group of students who won a Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award for stories we wrote that were published all across the state.

I give every story my all and people have always complimented my writing. I've applied to several larger papers and was interviewed by some, but, almost invariably, I have been told they won't hire me because I don't have enough experience. The papers I tried for seemed like the next logical step up from where I am, but I've run into a catch-22: If you don't already have the experience, employers won't allow you to get it.

I've always been passed over by dailies for internships and jobs. How can I ever get a job at a daily if prior daily experience is a requirement? The thing is, I know I can handle anything life throws at me, but I've never discovered the magic words that will convince a prospective employer of that.

Am I just too ambitious and too impatient? Should I wait longer when I feel small-town newspapering has already taught me most everything it can teach me? How do you convince the big guys you are not a lightweight?

Fred

A: I can understand your frustration.

But don't fall into the trap that so many people do: "how can I get experience if no one will give me experience?" What those editors are really telling you -- they should say it -- is that they are hiring more experience people.

This suggests two directions: Keep working and apply later or, better, apply to smaller places where you will be more competitive. It sounds as though you're good, you're just applying within pools of people who have more daily experience than you do. Keep trying, but apply to smaller dailies or dailies in places where you think they'll get less-experienced applicants.

 

How big a circulation jump?

Q: I currently work for a 22,000-circulation daily in a major metro region. The paper is small with low pay and little growth opportunity. It's award-winning and has great management. I've learned a lot, but I'm ready to move on.

I regularly scoop the competition and I've developed major stories that went national and international. I've only worked for one paper in my career, but received a number of awards and two unsolicited job offers from competitors. One initially called me in to interview for assistant city editor, then offered me a reporting spot. I turned both offers down - despite significant salary increases - because I wasn't comfortable with the management.

Now I want to make the move to a larger paper with a good reputation. Is it unreasonable for me to aim for papers with 100,000 circulation or more. There's a 50,000-circulation paper on the east coast. Is that a better option for me?

Thanks for your help,

California reporter

A: Generally, I'd tell you to shoot for 50,000. Doubling the circulation size is not bad. But your resume looks good and I think a larger paper could do well with you.

But you won't know till you try. Try both.

Is the newspaper job market bad?

Q: I've been away from the newspaper business for almost nine months. I left it to initially travel to Europe (freelanced for a few magazines and newspapers at the Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy) with the thought that when I returned, because of the extra experience I gained there, I'd find something even better than my previous situation (sports copy editor at a 200,000-plus paper in Los Angeles).

I am interested in moving up to sports editor at a mid-size to 100,000 paper, but so far no luck. I've got 17 years experience in the biz in all facets and I have been a sports editor at a 25,000 circulation paper. Did I just pick a horrible time to take a lengthy break? Seems so to me as even the paper I left, which said they'd take me back, has a hiring freeze. Any thoughts? I'd appreciate any advice you could give me.

Thanks,

SoCal journalist

A: You have it about right. In recent weeks, we have seen buyouts, freezes and layoff announcements at several newspapers and the dissolution of Knight Ridder, formerly the second-largest newspaper company in the country.

It seems that newspapers are beginning to retool themselves for on-line news. I'd get with that. In many ways, copy editors have skills that can translate well to on-line media. You might want to learn some new skills and adjust your career goals for an on-line world.

From PR to newspapers?

Q: I was a reporter at a daily newspaper with a circulation of about 100,000 for seven years. I also interned there. I left the paper two years ago for a public relations job. I am looking at getting back into journalism. I have applied to some papers but nothing yet. I am looking for some guidance. Here are a few questions:

Will papers shy away from me because I left journalism?

What size papers should I apply to?

I've noticed some papers ask applicants to apply online and copy and paste their resume. But clips and cover letters aren't requested. Should you include clips and a cover letter anyway?

A friend suggested I select several papers I would like to work and send my clips, resume and cover letter to the papers' recruiters. Is that a good idea for me considering I haven't been a reporter for two years?

Thanks,

Trying to get back in the game

A: You will have a harder time advancing your career from public relations than you would have had if you had tried to make a move straight from your old newspaper. Some editors may question your commitment, having gone to "the other side."

However, editors like recovered sinners. Have a strong story together about what you learned about PR and how being away has rekindled your passion for journalism. I've seen that work.

Apply to papers about 90,000 and up. Certainly, you haven't forgotten anything you've learned, and you shouldn't have to start over. There may be a slight setback at your return, but a total restart should be unnecessary, seems unfair and might be unaffordable.

I would add a cover letter when applying on-line because you have a story to tell, but I would not send clips, as it sounds like they're old, anyway.

I wouldn't mail out a lot of clips to recruiters until you know they have active openings.. You might not get much of a response, and that can be discouraging. I would try to get to a journalism conference where you could meet some editors and have some conversations.

Reference after a resignation?

Q: I worked two and a half years for publication A and put in yeoman service. I was on a hot beat and I dominated it, but there wasn't anywhere left for me to go at that company. Then I took a risk -- I took a job with publication B (which is much more prestigious) that I thought could lead to something much better in the future.

It didn't: I ended up quitting over an ethical dispute. My editor demanded that I write a story in a way that was contrary to fact. This person told me how I should proceed -- find someone to tell you that thesis x is true, and then write the story around that lede fact.

I actually tried for a month to satiate my editor, but as my previous research had already indicated, the story this person wanted me to write simply wasn't true. This led to an on-again, off-again series of arguments that eventually led to my being given the choice to either force the story or quit my job.

So I quit my job.

I've been a student since then, and have been freelancing to keep my clips fresh. But I'm getting ready to hit the full-time job market and am wondering how this will affect my chances. I officially quit to go back to school (that's what I wrote in my resignation letter), but when a potential employer calls my editor to ask about me, he or she may get another answer and think I'm being dishonest.

I don't mind discussing the matter, but I believe that talking negatively about a past employer for any reason makes someone look unprofessional. Then again, I think employers could think that I did what I should have done given my situation ... this wasn't a scenario where I could have gone over the editor's head. There is also of course the red flag that will go up after an employer realizes I only spent six months at my last full-time job.

How should I address this?

Thanks again for your site. This is a really, really valuable resource.

Grad Student

A: You have good instincts.

It is best to steer away from talking down a former employer. If it comes up, though, it might be to your benefit to show what you're made of -- and to then move on to other questions.

How would it come up?

I sometimes use this question: "Tell me about a time when you had to stand up for what you thought was right, even though others were opposed." That would pretty muc draw the story out and it sounds as though you feel you'd look respectable.

But don't bring it up yourself.

If they ask why you left after six months, use the back-to-school answer. If that flies, move on. If it makes an eyebrow arch, you may have to explain your actions.

As for references, you'll have to use someone from that paper and will want to avoid that particular editor. I can't imagine he'll want to get in a reference discussion, anyway. But a new employer will quite naturally go back to your previous full-time employer, so you'll have to use someone else -- even a colleague.

From teaching to journalism

Q: I have been an elementary school teacher for 16 years. I want to become a full-time newspaper writer, however, I do not possess a journalism degree. Do you think I have a chance of getting hired by a newspaper? I would really like to get hired as a staff writer for the suburban journals in my area. Do you have any advice for me?!

Mary

A: This will be difficult, but not impossible. I've seen it happen before.

Use your 16 years of teaching experience as a chief asset. Pitch yourself as an education writer. You'll likely have to cover a district other than the one you've been teaching in.

You'll need clips to get the job -- lots of them. If you haven't already written for publication, start stringing for area papers. Editors will want some tangible proof that you can do journalism. The J-degree will not be essential, but the skills are.

Good luck!

International student journalist?

Q: I know you're extremely busy but this question is really important, and will affect my future career a great deal. I should have asked you before.

English is not my first language and I don't have U.S. citizenship. I'm an international student from Vietnam. My dream is to cover Vietnam for wire services, such as the AP. But for now, I need a newsroom job in the U.S. and I also can't go back to Vietnam and work as a reporter anyway, due to state regulation.

Under the law, I can work in the U.S. for a year. After 12 months, if the paper still wants me working, it will have to sponsor me for the B-1 or H-1 visa (working visa)

My fear is that small newspapers won't hire me, even if I have the skills, because they don't want to have to go through the whole process of completing paper works. They would rather hire an American.

Bigger newspapers, like the New York Times, do have foreigners work for them. But I'm not good enough for bigger newspapers anyway.The only thing I can add to a newsroom is diversity, which is a lame excuse. However, I have been chosen to some of the programs for student journalists partly because I'm from Vietnam. So, I'm not sure whether it will play a role in my job searching. Or it will prevent me from getting a job in the U.S.

So, I'm facing a dilemma here: can't go back home and work, and can't get a job in the U.S.

I know you have thousand of questions coming in. I really hope you would answer me, maybe not immediately, but in the near future.

Best regards,

Huong

A: You are not alone. I hear almost weekly from journalists in the same situation. In fact, I was talking about this with an editor in Wisconsin just this week. He was frustrated by his inability to land a journalist we both know who he dearly wanted to keep. The U.S. government denied the application and she is working at home in Canada now.

When the market is tight, as it is now, international journalists have an even tougher time. The extra costs and red tape are hard to justify.

One thing that can push them to make the effort is the chance to acquire someone with fluency in a language ot skill they need.

So, a few strategies for international journalists looking to get work visas:

• Become knowledgeable about the process. Get help from an immigration lawyer. If a university encouraged you to come here to go to study, press it to help you with the work visa. (It is a disservice for universities to attract international students without providing this kind of support.)
• Apply to places where your unique qualifications -- a language, most likely -- are in demand.
• Don't be afraid to apply to small newspapers. They are sometimes willing to sponsor, and you're right that larger newspapers are looking for more journalistic experience.
• Don't ask the newspaper to pay your share of the costs on this. After all, American candidates don't come with that extra expense.
• When you take internships or jobs for part of the 12-month practical training period that student visas allow, be sure that the papers you go with are open to sponsoring you. If a newspaper takes you on as a student intern but has no interntion of hiring your or sponsoring you, that costs you months you should be spending to impress a prospective employer.

East Coast job?

Q: recently won a best reporter first place award at a SPJ awards ceremony in a state in the western part of the U.S. I am originally from the eastern part of the country and want to return there. How hard will it be to find a job across the country? How willing will employers be to interview me? Will they frown on doing phone interviews? What should I say in my application to better my chances.

Thanks,

C.P.

A: Congratulations on the award! That can't hurt.

It is probably unwise to move across the country to work in a newsroom you have never even seen, so I would avoid places that might hire on the basis of a phone interview. Go for the in-person interviews.

Is it difficult? Yes. You can improve your odds by being very good and applying to places where you are a competitive candidate. Sometimes that means applying in specialty areas, sometimes that means applying to smaller places. It always means talking with people who are seriously trying to fill live openings.

National weekly to local daily?

Q:I have been at a national weekly in New York City that caters to a specific ethnic group for the past five years, since I have been out of college. I worked my way up from intern to page designer to reporter and when the editor-in-chief left, all the responsibilities went to me. I ended up with the illustrious title of Deputy Editor and my job description was what you can imagine. I have been doing this for a year and now I have had enough. I talked to the publisher about going back to reporting, but told I couldn't for a variety of reasons.

For about a month I have been sending out my résumé and clips, most of which are about a year and a half old. I have applied to reporting jobs, editorial jobs, and even some publishing jobs, and I have not heard anything in return. While I know the search can go like this, I wonder if it is something turning people off.

I know I am writing well-crafted, engaging cover letters, my résumé is pretty to-the-point, and my clips have been edited by the best. Is it my title that is scaring people off? Do I need more clips from other papers?

A good amount of newspeople here in New York know my current publication, and I am looking for a slot at one of the daily tabloids, which my former editor said I am not overshooting for. Could I be deluding myself?

Jill

A: I do not think you are over-reaching, though it is hard to learn anything from silence.

Are you applying for live openings? Applying during a freeze is likely to meet with a cold silence. When papers are not hiring, try to get in for a no-strings informational interview to learn about the place, let them learn about you and position yourself for the eventual thaw. Do not try to distort an informational interview into a job interview.

Another problem may be that you are applying for reporting jobs, running into a stack of competitors with current daily experience. It could be editors who are looking to hire are dismissing you too quickly, categorizing you as a weekly journalist.

Reporters are so much easier to find than editors, I would try this tack:

If you want to be a reporter, apply for those openings when they occur, but make sure that the hiring editors know you are a reporter with managerial experience. This is your advantage. A smart editor will see you as someone who can move into an editing role later -– or someone who can show some leadership as a reporter. It sounds as though you’re sick of being an editor right now, but don’t sweep that possibility completely off the table, as it may be your best bridge to a new job.

From newsletter to newspaper

Q: I am a reporter for a weekly newsletter that almost always quotes people on background -- for example, you might be quoted as "an advice-giving source."

Now, I want to jump into daily journalism (like a 3-year-old wants to jump into a mud puddle). But all of my recent clips seem sort of ... shady, and my previous experience was at a small 5-day. What should I do? Can I include a note on my clips, explaining this unique set of circumstances, or rely on my ancient 5-day clips, or spend my weekends building a stable of bylined freelance clips? Or should I go teach high-school English somewhere, and maybe contribute to journalism from the other end?

Thanks for answering! I am a big fan!

Colleen

A: And your writing makes me a fan of yours. You're funny!

Shady, indeed. And I'd say it is far better to quote an "advice-giving source" than a "dumb-as-dirt source."

I'd use the five-day newspaper clips and freshen them as fast as you can with freelanced stuff.

It doesn't help to submit off-the-mark clips and then a note explaining why they are that way.

Also, be selective about your aim. Apply to live openings and, if you're getting no response, aim smaller.

Tailor pitch for internal move?

Q: I've got a quick question for you.

So, about four months ago, I signed onto the Spanish-English companion paper to a major metro. I work out of the metro's capital bureau alongside reporters from the metro. Well, a couple days ago, some openings came up at the metro and one of the people I work with at the bureau, (from the major metro) recommended me to his boss for one of those spots.

I'm supposed to drop off some clips and a résumé to the metro this week and I was wondering if I should tailor the approach any different from a regular application. Any advice?

Inside candidate

A: Yes, tailor your approach.

You might be considered an internal candidate and, as such, should have an advantage if you're doing good work, and it sounds as though you are.

If you write a cover letter that makes you sound like an outsider, the editors may think you're being formal or too distant. Mention the people who has passed your name along to show the editors you know what is giong on.

Given that you have been in your present job just four months, reaffirm your interest in advancing within the company. Make it sound like a transition rather than an early departure and move.

From public relations to journalism?

Q: In college, I always dreamed of being a writer. I worked for my college paper as both an editor and a staff writer, but somehow after college I ended up at a PR agency. The good? I got to write a lot and really learned to challenge myself as an editor, a researcher and an interviewer. I was also frequently published in national publications. The bad? I hate pitching and media relations. My pieces never received my byline - I was always ghost writing for a client. PR as an industry was not nearly as exciting to me as the only component of it that I could stomach: sitting in front of my laptop for three hours tapping away at something I could really be proud of. After a few years, I felt like a hamster on a wheel.

So I moved on and am now managing marketing and communications at a nonprofit. I did not come here to do this job, I just happened to get promoted from PR girl to manager after my boss left. The older I get, the less I feel like a writer and that college dream of working as a journalist seems lost and unattainable. I'm not 100 percent defeatist, however. I have done a small amount of freelance work and applied (with clips) to a multitude of publications. I'm still working at it, but the "big break" seems like it might end up to just be a big heartbreak.

Can someone with strong writing skills and an innate desire to start over as a journalist make the jump from a life of PR and marketing to the world of journalism? How do potential employers perceive someone like me?

Any suggestions?

Stuck

A: This is certainly no consolation, but you've become the victim of decisions made by other people to satisfy their employment needs of the moment. Now, you've decided to take command of your career and steer it back on course.

You have some challenges. One is your lack of journalistic experience compared to other candidates. Another is the inevitable questions you'll get about your commitment to journalism. While editors may look more favorably on someone who does PR work for a non-profit, they'll still have reservations about your motivation and the standards you're accustomed to meeting. A third challenge is that you may be looking at a pay cut.

By all means, increase your freelance work and add clients who might be potential employers. Be frank with them about the career change you're trying to engineer. If an editor says that freelancing is unlikely to lead to anything there, try to replace that client with one more likely to sign you on. Spend as much time as yuo can with the most likely prospects, letting them see your character and work habits.

Journalism job in the UK

Q: My girlfriend is graduating in journalism (from San Francisco State University) and moving to join me here in the United Kingdom; your site is an amazing resource but we are hoping we can find something similar for U.K. work. Do you know of any useful sites online? She is primarily interested in work along the lines of copy-editing, proofreading even, but at this point we'll take whatever we can get, including internships.

She doesn't have "paid work experience" but does have a couple of years in reporter and copy-editor positions for the college newspaper, and has also done some freelance proofreading.

Bruno

A: Is there anyone who can help Bruno and his girlfriend with a Website or some advice on immigrating to the U.K. or breaking into markets there?

What kind of visa would she need? At what level should she try to break in?

Too soon to change jobs?

Q: I'm five years out of college. I did everything wrong as an undergrad -- no internships, no networking, no journalism experience beyond the school paper. Since then, I think I've done a pretty good job building my career. I started out at a free suburban weekly for about 8 months, spent two years at a paid-twice weekly, worked for a year and a half at a small (20,000 circ.) daily, and a few months ago I started working at a paper at the very bottom of the top-200 circulation list.

Along the way I've done some great work, winning a good number of state and regional journalism awards. I was second place candidate for a job at a 220,000 circ. paper just before I got my current job, and the editor there has kept in touch and told me she'd seriously consider me if another opening came along.

I'm ambitious and eager to advance. I'm also tired of moving and changing jobs so frequently. Even with a supportive significant other, it's draining. If I could land at a paper with circulation over 200,000, in a decent city and with motivated colleagues, I think I'd want to stick around for a long time. I'd still harbor dreams of making it to the big time, but I can wait until I'm in my late 30s or beyond in exchange for stability and some time to really delve into knowing a beat well.

Here's where I'd appreciate some advice. When do you think it would be appropriate to start putting out feelers again? Is a year at my new paper long enough? Or do you think I need to stick it out longer to prove myself, after going through so many smaller papers so quickly?

A fan

A: For someone who thinks she did everything wrong in college, you seem to have done everything right since then.

You have a very traditional career track showing clear, progressive improvements. I'd keep doing what you're doing.

Is a year long enough? I'd say, probably not. It seems to take about a year to learn a beat or an office environment. You don't really start reaping the benefits of all that you've learned until you at least get into that second year.

I'd stay beyond a year. If you just can't, or if something too good comes along, make sure that the next move you make will be to a place where you can definitely stay for a couple years. If you stack up too many short-term stays, you will look to some editors like a job-hopper who will be in and out in a minute.

Non-journalism job?

Q: What jobs are out there for people who have journalism degrees and journalism experience that aren't journalism positions that we can get just to pay the bills until journalism positions start to become available? Right now I'm unable to afford even basic necessities so I'm getting a bit desperate.

B.B.

A: If you must take an interim job until one opens up in journalism -- which is understandable -- try to get one that hones your skills. Those might include working for newsletters or Websites or doing some information gathering or editing.

From web to newspapers?

Q: How do I go about "breaking into" print journalism from the much lower paying web journalism field?

B.B.

A: Moving from web work to newspaper work might not be as difficult as you think, giving that newspapers are doing more and more online. That is fuzzing the distinction.

Homesickness and job?

Q: I've been reading your news jobs blog, and I have to say I love it!

Here's my situation: I'm a 2005 graduate of the University of Alabama's journalism program. I took a copy editing position at my hometown suburban daily in Georgia, but stayed for only three months. I then moved down here to south Florida with my boyfriend because I got a really sweet job offer to copy edit and lay out a daily newsletter. I've now been here for nine months.

Now, because of south Florida's high cost of living and homesickness, I want to get closer to my friends and family in a more affordable area, and I want to get back into newspapers. But I'm afraid that some of the positions I'm looking at ( i.e., features editor at a 6-day daily in Alabama) are a major step down in terms of pay. I'm also afraid that some of the papers I'm applying to for copy editor positions won't consider me because I'm not currently in newspapers.

So any advice for a girl looking to get back into copy editing?

Kristen

A: The good news is that copy editors -- especially with design skills -- are in demand.

I can't gauge your homesickness or bank account, but I can tell you that a three-month job followed by a nine-monther outside of newspapers absolutely must be followed by something that shows some stability. If your next job is less than two years, your resume will make it look as though you don't know what you want and employers will assume, with some justification, that you won't stay long in your next job, either.

I think you can get this next job, but the one after that will depend on how long you stay with this new one. Look at the money issue carefully.

If you make a move, make one that can stick. I hope you make it back.

Sued over acceptance letter?

Q: What if you've signed an acceptance letter with one paper, but a much larger paper (one you've been wanting to join) offers you a position before you start with the first paper?

Is it OK to tell the first paper you changed your mind? Could you be sued?

Thanks for all the great help!

I.M. Confused

A: A friend once told me, "just because you can do something doesn't mean you should." I have not heard of a newspaper suing someone for breach of contract in this sort of situation, but it sounds as though that's what you'd be doing. You might not get sued, but breaking a signed agreement is bound to give you a bad name with that newspaper and others that hear about it.

I wouldn't want candidates to break signed job acceptances any more than I would want newspapers to break signed offer letters.

Tough as it may be, I think you have to keep your word, tell the larger paper what is going on and plan to join the staff there later. If that's the route you go, check that letter for a clause that holds you liable for moving costs if you leave within a year or two. The fact that this newspaper went to the trouble to have you sign an agreement -- most just do it verbally -- tells me that the editors there may have had bad experiences in the past.

Keeping your job?

OK, so you've got a new job. Now, let's keep it!

A new book by Milo and Thuy Sendell, "Sink or Swim: New Job, New Boss, 12 Weeks to Get it Right," looks at the retention issue from the most important perspective: the employee's. After all, who gets hurt most when a new job doesn't work out? The authors outline five strategies for:

• Goal setting
• Time management
• Knowledge management
• Teamwork

You can read something about the strategies -- and the advice they give employers -- in the article they wrote for the Electronic Recruiting Exchange.

It never hurts to see tings from the boss' perspective.