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.

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.

While it might seem easier looking for another job in-house, it can present plenty of awkward situations--what if your boss finds out from an outside source? What if you have to ask your boss for recommendations and she doesn't want to help you? Liz Ryan has some words of advice on the subject at WorldWit.

When I was laid off a few years ago, I, of course, found myself with free time and less money. I got some extra cash from my unemployment checks and from freelancing, but I thought that it would be great to find some part-time work. Easier said than done. Most jobs took up enough time that I would be off unemployment--but were part-timey enough that I certainly didn't want to count them as full-time jobs. I thought dog-walking might be a good solution, until I was told that the agency wanted somebody who could commit for a long time and wouldn't just quit the moment she found a job.

So I went on metafilter and asked--what are some good part-time jobs for extra cash that don't take up a lot of physical or mental energy? Not only good for the unemployed, but also for freelancers who might need a little extra cash come Christmastime (or any other time.)

Here is the entire thread. Some of the most interesting suggestions were:

I've known several people who worked a few hours a week for the local paper inserting those color sales flyers. It was late-night work, but easy and paid okay.

I worked for a bit during my most recent period of unemployment grading standardized tests. If there's a place near you that does this they'll probably advertise in local newspapers and on buses like the one here did. This is seasonal work, though.

Newspapers always want people to deliver the papers. You need a working car and it takes place in the early morning, but the work's hardly what you'd call difficult. I haven't tried this myself, but some of my friends did during high school -- one unexpected bonus is that by 7 AM you're already done, and you can do other things (look for more/different/better jobs?) with the rest of the day.

Find something freelance on Elance- data entry projects can pay well.

I made money in school as a paid subject for advertising and product feedback. Get $100 to go in, listen to three different commercials and tell them which one you liked and why. Also had product tasting. One was for beer. Got $100 and all the beer I wanted to drink in an hour.

Art school model. Good money just to stand there. Although some times without clothes. Some schools do not allow nude models and you can just wear a one-piece swimsuit.

If you can type well and are good with Word and Excel, there are lots of temp agencies. I'm a floater in a large law firm. There's no easier work, and the pay is very good.

Making a resume that includes clips, mini-projects like freelance proofreading and editing and stringing, plus various expertises, certifications and skills can be daunting. How can you represent pages and pages of work on one page? Moira Allen at Writing-World has some tips on putting together your writing resume.

Susan Kirkland sent me this article from eWeek.com that has tips on how to improve your resume. It's written for techie people but a lot of the advice can apply to anyone, including--gasp--writers.

Nothing makes a Monday feel a little bit sweeter than being allowed--nay, encouraged--to curse in a blog post. Stanley Bing, author of 100 Bullshit Jobs...And How to Get Them shares which media jobs were made for bullshit artist4s:

Media critic
Hey, if you can get somebody to publish your random thoughts on stuff that everybody has thoughts on, you're really getting somewhere. This is to be distinguished from media reporters; as I will outline below, the job of reporting is far too lowdown in bullshit potential to be all that alluring for the truly ambitious.

Blogger
Bad money, but if you're nasty enough, lots of power. Try to establish yourself as someone qualified to rattle on for screen after screen with no reporting involved. Several years ago, when I was writing for Esquire, I determined very early on that those who had to report on their subject 1) took a long time to do it, 2) had to talk to a lot of people they wouldn't normally be interested in, and 3) worked too hard for their money. Consequently, I determined pretty much from the get-go to do nothing but spin out a fine blend of hostility, speculation and wind as long as a publisher would let me. I'd like to think that was an early adopter of the zeitgeist that now runs much of the Internet that matters

Ha ha. Bing sure showed those bloggers a thing or two. Wait...

More here.

"First, yes, these are all real. They've been collected over a few years. Second, with one or two exceptions, these items are from native English speakers. Third, in order to give you the real effect, we haven't corrected capitalization, spelling, punctuation, or grammar." (via Biospace)