From sj-approval Mon Jul 3 14:52:46 1995 Return-Path: Received: by world.std.com (5.65c/Spike-2.0) id AA27774; Mon, 3 Jul 1995 20:57:04 -0400 Received: from mixcom.mixcom.com by world.std.com (5.65c/Spike-2.0) id AA27765; Mon, 3 Jul 1995 20:57:02 -0400 Received: from qqddqq.mixcom.com by mixcom.mixcom.com (8.6.12/2.2) id TAA25365; Mon, 3 Jul 1995 19:56:35 -0500 Message-Id: <199507040056.TAA25365@mixcom.mixcom.com> Comments: Authenticated sender is From: "Eric K. Meyer" Organization: NewsLink Associates To: sj@world.std.com Date: Mon, 3 Jul 1995 19:52:46 -0500 Subject: Re: Helping Wannabees Priority: normal X-Mailer: Pegasus Mail for Windows (v2.0-WB3) Sender: sj-approval@world.std.com Precedence: bulk Reply-To: sj Excepts from Morris Price's comment, posted at 14:12 on 3 Jul 95: > When applying for a job (work experience, whatever) resist the > temptation to start your letter: Dear Sir/Madam ... use yr > journalistic initiative to find the editor's name; if it's a she, > find her preferred mode of address (Miss, Mrs., Ms., etc). Hint: > Telephone. Wonderful tips. Some others: 1. Write a letter that says in particular how you can help the publication, and demonstrate in it some knowledge of the community or the publication. ("My experiences growing up on a farm give me a head-start in reporting on issues in your mostly agricultural circulation area," etc.) 2. If possible, plan an in-person follow-up visit. When your application is acknowledged (most good publications will at least do that), send a follow-up thank you that mentions how you plan to be in that city on or about some specific date and would like to drop by and get acquainted. ("Thanks for your very kind reply. Although you mentioned that no positions currently are available, I will be in Podunkville next month and would enjoy an opportunity to meet you in person," etc.) 3. Before going to the interview, visit the town library, scan as many back issues of the paper as possible and take a drive around town. In the interview ask open-ended questions about stories you read, things you saw, etc. Make sure the questions aren't stupid. Try them out on the librarian or someone else first. ("I noticed all the renovation going on downtown and read that a professor from the college was leading the effort. Is the college typically so involved in community activities?" etc.) 4. Don't discount publications because they are small or you don't particularly like the city. Some of the best places to gain experience fall into those categories, and because others might be turned off the competition is less intense. You're not committing to a lifetime, you know. ______________________________________________________________________ Eric K. Meyer NEWSLINK ASSOCIATES largest free news list meyer@newslink.org research & consulting http://www.newslink.org ______________________________________________________________________