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Topic: Entry-level editorial/copyediting opportunities?
| Author | Message |
| Chitownwritergal | Posted – 5/1/2008 12:45:36 AM | show profile | email poster Is it my imagination, or do very few employers in Chicagoland desire taking on recent grads for editorial work? I am graduating soon and have a resume that features solid editorial experience. I took all the steps one ought: had others look over my resume for improved presentation, etc., wrote personalized cover letters and specified low starting pay. I don't even get called in for in-person interviews, most of the time, and I find this frustrating. Should I follow up my submitted applications with phone calls? If so, what should I say? Do I beg for work? I'm qualified. I love editing, proofreading and writing--and I'm good at all these. I learn quickly. I have broadened my search to include diverse fields that include editorial components, but I refuse to accept work as an administrative assistant. Am I just in the wrong city? I don't know how any middle-class woman in her mid-20s can possibly make the move out to New York for what is initially a low-paying job unless she has a trust fund. I know I sound bitter; believe me, I had the sunniest of dispositions until a few days ago, when I looked at my outbox and saw just how many jobs I applied to.... and how many I have not heard back from. |
| fellowwriter | Posted – 5/1/2008 10:57:51 AM | show profile Don't get discouraged -- it's just tough getting the first job. It takes determination/motivation which you obviously have. Give it some time, but don't let up. There are companies out there who are willing to hire recent grads. Check out b2b companies and assistant editor positions. My one suggestion is to never mention your pay scale. That can pigeon-hole you. Companies may be willing to pay you more than you think, but once you offer a lower price, they will obviously take that instead of the hirer price they had in mind. Let them tell you the number and go from there. And, yes, you should always follow-up with a call about a week after they receive your resume. This shows that you are truly interested and it brings your name to the forefront of their minds. Don't forget the follow-up thank you after an interview. Good luck! |
| fellowwriter | Posted – 5/1/2008 10:58:56 AM | show profile Don't get discouraged -- it's just tough getting the first job. It takes determination/motivation which you obviously have. Give it some time, but don't let up. There are companies out there who are willing to hire recent grads. Check out b2b companies and assistant editor positions. My one suggestion is to never mention your pay scale. That can pigeon-hole you. Companies may be willing to pay you more than you think, but once you offer a lower price, they will obviously take that instead of the higher price they had in mind. Let them tell you the number and go from there. And, yes, you should always follow-up with a call about a week after they receive your resume. This shows that you are truly interested and it brings your name to the forefront of their minds. Don't forget the follow-up thank you after an interview. Good luck! |
| junecleaver | Posted – 5/1/2008 12:33:05 PM | show profile I've job hunted in both Chicago and New York, and it's so much tougher in Chicago. There are way fewer jobs, and I've also found, as you mention, that editors can be very unresponsive, both before and after interviews. In New York I found editors would respond to thank-yous or post-interview queries, even if it was with a "thanks, but no thanks." In Chicago, I don't find the same level of professional courtesy. But you should definitely follow up on your applications, even reconnect with the editors every few months. There is eventually turnover in the few editorial jobs here. Good luck. Something will work out; it just may take several months. |
| Chitownwritergal | Posted – 5/1/2008 8:19:25 PM | show profile Thanks. Thank you both for the advice. I'll keep my head up and keep trying! |
