Jobs

A reader sent in the below question to me a long time ago (if you’re out there, reader, I’m sorry that it took so long to get this answered!):

I’m used to sending queries and clips. I need to submit a resume for a writing gig but I don’t know what it should look like-should it leave out my current non-writing 9-5? Thanks!

Part of the reason why it took me so long to get back is that I was trying to find a good resource to answer the question. I ended up talking to Keith Gurtzweiler who is a Recruiting Manager for Library Associates (he had written into mb in response to this piece on cover letters.) He was kind enough to share his advice:

My philosophy for resume writing is one of inclusion of information balanced against emphasis, i.e. emphasize what’s important and de-emphasize what’s not important. I’m not sure what your reader’s exact specialty is, but we know she [he] is a writer. A writer should have a resume tailored to all writing activities, and she can find a way of including her current 9-5 job as well. In her situation I would compose a more functional-style resume that includes a Summary of Qualifications, in which all information, accomplishments, skills, and so forth are listed in abbreviated form right at the top of the resume. From there she could have Selected Projects or something, maybe Writing Assignments or whatnot. (Not being a writer, I’m not sure of the most appropriate terminology.) In this second section she can list particulars of different projects she’s done. In another section Education, as one would expect. In another section Writing-Related Experience (listing jobs/gigs/etc.) and in yet another Other Experience, in which she lists very briefly just Job Title, Employer Organization, and Dates. In this way, her current positions are being addressed honestly, but without drawing attention away from her writing credentials. Publications, Awards, Professional Associations may also be sections she would want to include, if appropriate. I hope this helps

If you’re like me and you have a day job, you get to look forward to performance evaluations, which are neither fun nor as awful as I think they’ll be (except for setting my ‘goals’ for the next year. I hate that.) If feel that you deserve more than just high marks, though, Lifehacker has some tips on how to turn that evaluation into a possible raise.

College students–it’s never too early to start keeping an eye out for various intern opportunites. I just came across these two helpful articles from the Stony Brook Independent: How to Land a Media Internship, and How to Not be a Good Intern (aka “How to Be a Bad Intern”)

The most obvious yet important tip comes from Stacey Halio, the News 12 internship coordinator. “Don’t lie,” Halio said. “I know that sounds simple, but we’ve had an intern who just lied about everything. Not only did she lie about the amount of time she spent in the office, she was just a pathological liar.”
Halio also advised interns not to read while on the job. “I know this sounds silly, but you should always take the initiative and see what can be done to help your supervisor or anyone else instead of turning to a book,” she said.

I hope that today’s students know that but I know that’s wishful thinking. Read more here.

Taffy Brodesser-Akner, West coast director of education at mediabistro.com, has a problem:

Recently, I tried to fill several positions, from paid intern to journalism instructor, and I understood why most people (even the ones with great resumes) aren’t getting interview calls: Cover letters, for the most part, tend to arrive in my inbox as sloppy cut-and-paste jobs that not only get my name wrong, my company’s name wrong, and the job position wrong, but also don’t give me information that helps me decide who is worth inviting for an interview. It’s not that my standards are outrageously high — what I want from a cover letter are just a few key assurances: that I’m dealing with a professional; that the candidate has experience relevant to the job, even if it doesn’t appear on their resume; and, most importantly, that the applicant can follow any instructions included within my original job ad. After all, if you can’t follow directions during the application process, why would I assume you’ll follow my directions later on?

Don’t worry, though: Taffy gives you tips on how to craft a cover letter that will catch her eye–in a good way.

Applying for a job in advertising (or anything else?) Take a lesson from the also-rans who apply to Killian advertising and make sure that your cover letters don’t look like these.

Have you ever applied for a job online and got the feeling that you pretty much just tossed your resume to the wind? Well, you kinda did. The Chicago Tribune has a sort of depressing story on how if you’re applying for a job via a site or email, you might just be SOL even if you’re completely qualified–unless you know someone.

When a writer is applying for a full-time job and HR wants clips, then the writer in question simply presents copies of work that he or she has published. What about an editor, though? How can an editor prove his or her editing prowess? It’s not exactly as easy as turning in a clip and saying “Look how well-edited this is.” I asked the readers of the mb bulletin boards for their suggestions and here are a few:

In the past, I’ve generally submitted clips of articles I’ve edited accompanied by a description of what exactly I did. But I do have a hard time finding the right words to describe everything: often I feel like my accompanying description makes it sound like the whole thing was very easy, instead of, say, a demanding multi-week project. So far I’ve just assumed that hirers, since they’re in the business, will understand the time involved in things like, “conceiving” an idea for a feature, “assigning and editing” copy and “collaborating with art” to come up with a design scheme and photography possibilities.

“I ask if they would like to see a Word doc I have edited using the tracking feature (which I do for my clients anyway). Tracking is great, because it can end up looking like red ink was spilled all over the place. Do this with a shoddy document — fix the heck out of it. I also have samples of the magazines I have proofed and fixed in my portfolio. These clients are very generous references because they love what I do for them as well. On your resume, in the summary up top (which replaces the old-fashioned objective) specify your skills — spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc. And don’t be like my friend, who submitted a cover letter via email that said she had great spellling skills. (I’m not making that up),” says Jackie Larson.

I have “before” and “after” scans (into pdfs) of work I’ve done… I either print out and bring along, or e-mail as pdf attachments. Two pages – easy to see the editing scribs.
With the portfolios I’ve seen and in having mine critiqued lately, there seems to be a trend of providing a synopsis on the sample. So maybe a small text box if your sample is in Word or a label affixed to a sheet protector which describes what the project entailed–”this article came in with run-on sentences, over the word length and poor punctuation. I was able to cut the length and reduce errors to more closely fit the original assignment.”
I think before and after is good. I use excerpts of the worst offenders, along with some full (but short) stories showing what was submitted to me and what came out. I keep all originals and post-edited work so I can cherry pick the ones that most reflect my contribution to the final copy. Fortunately I work with ESL reporters, so the editing really shows up in the final copy compared to the original. I imagine it can be difficult to show one’s contribution to the copy when working with highly talented and experienced writers. But I suppose if you’re surrounded by a lot of talent, you’re probably working at a publication that speaks for itself on your resume.
Offering to edit something, or editing something that has already been published (if you can find something in the target pub that makes you say to yourself: “I could have done a better job”) has worked for me in the past.

More thoughts here.

Conundrum: you’re applying for a new job and need references, but you weren’t teacher’s pet at your last job. How do you ask for a reference that doesn’t unfairly torpedo your chances for the new gig? Get some advice here at WorldWIT.

This company of online community destinations for multicultural audiences reaches out to those who’ll thrive while contributing to team efforts, writes Rebecca Fox, who chats with Rochelle Wilson, Senior director of human resources:

What should a cover letter look like? Do you have any particular pet peeves when it comes to these? What’s the surest way of discerning oneself as a candidate via the cover letter?
Cover letters should be short and sweet. NO TYPOS!! Tell us the value proposition for your candidacy versus any other candidate. Make a credible case and we will see you. Also, where did you find the opportunity? In addition to our employee referral program, we have data upon which we rely to determine where we should find talent by department and discipline.
What should a resume look like?
A resume needs to be easy on the eyes. We don’t have time, or the inclination, to dig for pertinent information; bullet points, please. It should contain the month AND the year that you worked someplace. For those who submit resumes through their web site or URL, then make sure it doesn’t take an eternity for the page to load.

Funny how the excitement of a new job can be quickly cut by the prospect of actually applying to said job. If you really enjoy updating your resume and putting together a cover letter, you’re a sickie.
Speaking of cover letters, I was wondering how large they loom when it comes to writers applying for writerly jobs. Let’s assume, for the moment, that you can write a good cover letter. “Good” includes proper format, no spelling errors, any relevant information not in your resume and good reasons why you’re perfect for this particular job.
If you have those skills, how much further does a writer need to take his cover letter? Should the cover letter pretty much serve as an additional clip, dazzling the hiring manager with witty turns of phrase, great punch lines and an amazing lead?
I asked hiring managers and those with job application experience on Ask Metafilter. The impression I get is that, again, a solid cover letter can never ever do you harm. A bad cover letter can. But should you break your neck writing a cover letter that in and of itself sets you apart from the crowd?
While the jury is still out, it seems that while hopefully you are setting yourself apart from the crowd, it might not be the best use of your time to gussy up your cover letter with gimmicks and jokes.
Show that you understand the job you’re applying for. Prove that you’re a competent human being and demonstrate that you’re right for the job. But before you start sweating over whether your letter should be clear and competent versus a real ‘zinger,’ keep in mind that many hiring managers simply toss their letters and only look at resumes. That’s no excuse, again, not to put forth the effort to prove you’re a prefessional in your letter–but this isn’t your college application essay. A few parting thoughts from those who weighed in at Ask MeFi:
“Attempts to come off as brilliant are as likely to misfire as to impress, especially if brilliance doesn’t come naturally (requires excessive sweat.”
and
“A great resume with a minimal cover letter would probably beat a bad resume with a great cover letter (depends how bad and how great).”
Oh, and Craig’s List, of all places, offers good advice on writing good cover letters should you need it.