7 Ways to Overcome Writer’s Block Fast

Proven techniques to get unstuck and start writing again—whether you have five minutes or five hours.

Aja Frost is a growth marketing leader who has spent nearly a decade at HubSpot building and scaling the company's growth engine across SEO, AEO, content, and product-led acquisition. She is also the co-founder of Platonic Love, a media brand with a bestselling Substack newsletter.

6 min read • Originally published July 3, 2017 / Updated April 6, 2026

By Aja Frost

6 min read • Originally published July 3, 2017 / Updated April 6, 2026

Nothing is more terrifying to writers than writer’s block—especially when you’re on a deadline. It’s always hardest to find the right words when you need them the most.

The good news: if you’re currently stuck (or suspect you will be sometime soon), these seven techniques can help you break through. You’ll make your deadline—and the next one, and the one after that.

1. Relax Your Mind (Yes, That Includes a Glass of Wine)

When you’re struggling to find the right words—or any words at all—relaxation might be exactly what you need.

Research shows that humans are more creative when we’re relaxed. A study from the University of Illinois at Chicago found that people are 30% more likely to find unexpected solutions when their inhibitions are lowered. A separate experiment pitted two groups of ad executives against each other—one drinking water, the other drinking alcohol. The relaxed group produced four out of the five best ideas, as judged by an independent panel.

Whether you choose wine, a warm bath, meditation, or a short nap, the goal is the same: quiet your inner critic so the ideas can flow. Just remember Hemingway’s advice: write relaxed, edit sharp.

2. Work on Something Else

Not feeling your current topic? Give your brain a change of pace by working on something completely different.

This technique is especially helpful if you’ve got another piece you’re eager to write. Maybe you’re in the middle of an article for work, but can’t stop thinking about an essay for your personal blog. Give yourself permission to write the essay first. Once it’s out of your system, you’ll find it much easier to tackle the original assignment.

If you’re just plain stuck, turn to a more practical project: send emails, organize your files, go for a walk, or even clean. After a break, you’ll return recharged and ready to write.

3. Make an Outline

Figuring out the direction of your piece as you write often leads to dead ends. When you’re struggling to figure out where to go next, take a step back.

First, outline the sections you’ve already written. Then think about what would logically follow. Seeing your structure on paper often reveals the obvious next step.

If you’re still stuck, describe what you have so far to a friend or editor and ask what they’d expect to read next. An outside perspective can quickly clarify your path forward.

4. Talk It Out

If writing were as easy as speaking, everyone would do it. But here’s a trick: turn on your voice recorder and pretend you’re explaining your piece to a friend.

Describe your premise, your main points, and the details you want to include. Speaking aloud engages different parts of your brain, and you’ll typically generate a few new ideas in the process. Transcribe the best parts, and you’re back in business.

No friend available? Talk to yourself, your pet, or even record a voice memo on your phone.

5. Use a Distraction-Free Writing App

Many writers struggle because they edit as they write, tweaking the same sentence over and over. When you can’t get in the zone, try switching to a focused writing app.

Minimalist options:

iA Writer — Clean, distraction-free interface for focused writing
Google Docs in full-screen mode — Simple and accessible
Your phone’s Notes app — Sometimes the simplest tool works best

More intense options:

Freewriting timers — Set a 10-minute timer and write without stopping, no matter what comes out
Word count goals — Commit to writing 500 words before you’re allowed to edit anything

The key is removing the temptation to edit before you’ve finished drafting.

6. Change Your Environment

A new setting can work wonders for creativity. If you’re at home, grab your laptop and head to a coffee shop, library, or coworking space. Research shows that spending time in nature has a significant positive impact on creative thinking.

You can also switch mediums. If you’re typing on a computer, try writing longhand in a notebook. The physical act of handwriting engages your brain differently and can help unlock new ideas.

Even something as simple as opening a fresh document can help. A blank page sometimes feels less intimidating than a half-finished draft you’ve been staring at for hours.

7. Force Yourself to Write (Badly)

Sometimes you try every technique in the book—and you’re still stuck. In these situations, the best solution is to sit down and force yourself to write. Give yourself explicit permission to write badly.

Your only goal is quantity, not quality. Don’t worry about word choice, structure, or whether any of it makes sense. Just keep your fingers moving.

Most of what you write in the first few minutes probably won’t be usable. But most writers find their rhythm somewhere in the middle. Once you’ve broken through the block, you can go back and delete or revise the rough parts.

Remember: a bad first draft is infinitely better than a blank page.

Need a change of pace? Browse freelance writing jobs on Mediabistro.

FAQs About Writer’s Block

What causes writer’s block?

Writer’s block is typically caused by perfectionism, fear of failure, burnout, a lack of clarity about what to write, or external pressure, such as tight deadlines. Sometimes it’s simply mental fatigue—your brain needs rest before it can produce creative work again.

How long does writer’s block last?

Writer’s block can last anywhere from a few minutes to several months, depending on the underlying cause. For most deadline-driven blocks, the techniques above can help you break through within an hour or two. Chronic writer’s block may require addressing deeper issues like burnout or anxiety.

Is writer’s block real?

Yes, writer’s block is real—though some argue it’s better described as creative resistance or fear. Whatever you call it, the experience of being unable to write despite wanting or needing to is well-documented among writers of all levels.

How do professional writers overcome writer’s block?

Professional writers use many techniques: setting daily word count goals, writing at the same time each day, using outlines, allowing themselves to write bad first drafts, changing environments, and taking breaks to recharge. Many also rely on deadlines (external or self-imposed) to push through resistance.

Should you push through writer’s block or take a break?

Both strategies work depending on the situation. If you have a deadline, forcing yourself to write (even badly) is often necessary. If you have time, stepping away to rest, exercise, or work on something else can help you return refreshed with new ideas.

Can changing your environment help with writer’s block?

Yes. Research shows that new environments—especially natural settings—can boost creativity. Even small changes like moving to a different room, going to a coffee shop, or switching from typing to handwriting can help break a creative block.

Topics:

Climb the Ladder, Skills & Expertise

Career Transition

How to Change Careers in Media Without Starting Over

You can transition from reporter to publicist or producer to social media manager. Here's how to leverage what you already bring to the table.

By Jennifer Pullinger

7 min read • Originally published January 24, 2016 / Updated April 6, 2026

By Jennifer Pullinger

7 min read • Originally published January 24, 2016 / Updated April 6, 2026

Are you a reporter thinking about becoming a publicist? A radio producer who wants to reinvent themselves as a social media strategist? The big question: Is it possible to transition to a different career in media without paying your dues all over again?

The answer is yes, according to the career experts we talked to. You’ll likely need to brush up on your skills in certain areas, but you can take what you already offer as a media professional and parlay it into a new opportunity.

1. Research Your Dream Job Description

Say you’re in magazine editing but want to move into email marketing. Do your skills translate? Start by looking at a sample of email marketing manager job descriptions.

Ask yourself if you’ve done any of what’s described so you can evaluate how practical your transition will be. Better yet, pick the brains of those who already have the job you want.

“You really have to do your homework and talk to people who made it there. That’s part of your research process,” says Allison Hemming, president of The Hired Guns, a top interim creative talent agency in Manhattan. Look for “similar trajectories” of careers that you can model yours after.

“Ask around! Is it something where you can enter in and be super-industrious, or do you really need to go get training and start at the bottom? And then manage your own expectations accordingly,” Hemming says.

Pro tip: Spending time with people in your target role can provide valuable insider information that gives you a leg up on how to position yourself for the job you want.

Hemming notes that if your skills truly are lacking or you’re looking to do a complete career change, you might have to start at a lower level. That can actually benefit you because you won’t miss out on skills that serve as building blocks for your career.

“When undergoing a career change, it’s actually quite difficult to do a straight lateral move, particularly in this economy. So don’t obsess about having to start at the bottom. More often than not, you will end up coming in a rung or two lower. Stop thinking of this as a complete downside. There are things that you may still need to learn,” Hemming says.

2. Optimize Your Resume with Transferable Keywords

Approach your career transition like an SEO specialist would approach a website: strategically highlight the keywords that matter most for your target role.

Sharon Jautz has spent more than 30 years working in human resources for the media industry. Now director of talent acquisition at SANDOW, she learned this lesson firsthand during her own job search.

“I got rid of my objective or my summary at the top, and I used keywords that can fall into any industry: career-coaching, crisis management, and managing compensation structures. So then it became, ‘Oh, she can do that!,’ and less on ‘Oh, she worked for these companies,'” Jautz says.

For example, if you’re a radio reporter who wants to be a television news director, highlight your “news chops.” Emphasize your relationships with newsmakers and your ability to manage a crew. These skills are critical to both radio and television news.

How to identify transferable keywords:

List skills from your current role that apply to your target job
Review job descriptions for common terms and requirements
Replace industry-specific jargon with broader professional language
Focus on achievements that demonstrate universal competencies

A word of caution: The job market is competitive, especially if you lack concrete experience in your target sector.

“The problem is, in this quirky, kooky, wacky job market, you don’t have to really overthink these things. If you don’t have broadcast experience, you don’t have broadcast experience. There are plenty of people with broadcast experience out there. So this is a tough time to be rethinking your strategy,” says Jautz.

3. Think Like an Entrepreneur

If you don’t have hard-core skills in your target area, other attributes like being highly organized and creative can be just as important.

“If you are a quick learner, if you have an intellectual curiosity, that’s more important than experience,” says Michelle Madhok, founder and CEO of SheFinds Media.

Lucky breaks, being in the right place at the right time, and creating opportunities for yourself can all get your career transition on track. Take it from Madhok, who seized an opportunity to make a transition without starting over.

In 1995, Madhok was at CBS Broadcasting working in the entertainment marketing division when she was asked to take the lead on CBS.com. “They said, ‘Do you do Internet?’ And I said, ‘I have an AOL account.’ And they said, ‘You are in charge of CBS.com,'” recalls Madhok.

After working at CBS for a few more years, she moved to AOL where she created one of the most highly trafficked online women’s channels on the web. In 2004, she founded SheFinds.com.

The key takeaway: You can get a break if you keep your eyes open and are ready to seize opportunities. It also helps to know how to create quality content. Being a good writer or editor, or having a sense of what information people want, holds currency wherever you take your media career.

4. Immerse Yourself Online

Looking to move into digital media but you’ve never blogged, produced a podcast, or managed a Google Ads campaign? The good news: it’s easy to get experience on your own.

Ways to build digital skills:

Take online courses in your target area
Start a blog or newsletter in your area of expertise
Build a social media following around a topic you know well
Produce content that showcases your abilities
Use LinkedIn and Twitter to research employers and job openings

“You sort of want to infiltrate the field before you actually join it. So when you do start talking to people about what you want, and you start going on interviews, you can talk like you are already an insider and a colleague rather than somebody who’s making a career change,” says Lindsey Pollak, author of Becoming the Boss.

“People also appreciate that you are so passionate about it that by the time you’re actually ready to make the move, you’ve already kind of become part of that area.”

5. Make the Leap

If you’re having a hard time making the leap without demonstrable experience, Pollak says you can get some through volunteer work or by helping friends.

“People who start up styling businesses started by going into the closets of their friends. People who wanted to go into cosmetology would do the makeup of all of their friends before they got hired,” she says.

Once you have that experience, show off your results. Talk about everything in terms of what you accomplished.

“So rather than saying, ‘Volunteered to do PR for an organization,’ you want to say something like, ‘Wrote one press release a month for nonprofit organization and generated 50 media hits,'” says Pollak.

If you’re a high performer and can communicate that well, you’ll be on your way to making the jump from one media career to another.

Fast-track your transition: One of the best ways to speed up your career change is by learning a new skill. Mediabistro offers courses in today’s most in-demand areas like social media marketing, email marketing, and content marketing. Browse all courses.

Ready to explore new opportunities? Browse open positions on the Mediabistro job board.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change careers in media without starting at entry level?

Yes, though you may need to come in a rung or two lower than your current level. The key is to identify transferable skills and position yourself strategically. Research your target role, optimize your resume with relevant keywords, and build experience through side projects or volunteer work.

What are the most common career transitions in media?

Common transitions include journalist to PR/communications, producer to social media manager, editor to content strategist, and broadcast reporter to corporate video producer. These transitions work well because the core skills (storytelling, deadline management, content creation) transfer across roles.

How do I make a career change from journalism?

Journalists have highly transferable skills: research, writing, interviewing, working under a deadline, and storytelling. Highlight these in your resume using keywords that apply to your target industry. Consider roles in PR, content marketing, corporate communications, or brand journalism where your newsroom experience is valued.

Do I need additional training to switch careers in media?

It depends on your target role. Talk to people who have the job you want to understand the required skills. If there are gaps, you can fill them through online courses, self-directed learning, or hands-on projects. Some transitions require formal training, while others just need demonstrated experience.

How long does a media career change typically take?

Career transitions can take anywhere from a few months to a year or more, depending on how different your target role is from your current one. Building new skills, expanding your network, and gaining relevant experience all take time. Start positioning yourself for the change while you’re still employed.

Topics:

Be Inspired, Career Transition

Climb the Ladder

5 Skills You Need to Work at a Startup

What it really takes to succeed in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

By Scouted

Scouted was a hiring marketplace that matched candidates to roles based on potential, serving clients from high-growth startups to Fortune 500 companies.

6 min read • Originally published November 1, 2019 / Updated April 6, 2026

By Scouted

Scouted was a hiring marketplace that matched candidates to roles based on potential, serving clients from high-growth startups to Fortune 500 companies.

6 min read • Originally published November 1, 2019 / Updated April 6, 2026

If you’re a professional seeking a new job, there’s a good chance you’ve considered working for a startup. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Business Formation Statistics, hundreds of thousands of new businesses are formed in the U.S. each year—and startups continue to be a major source of job growth.

Unlike more established companies that might have rigid hierarchies or slower career progression, startups offer the opportunity to learn quickly and advance your career in a short period. However, they also require significantly more adaptability and a unique blend of technical and soft skills.

If you have your heart set on working for a startup, here are the five skills you need to succeed.

1. Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence—the ability to express your own emotions and understand those of others in a healthy way—involves managing stress, active listening, demonstrating empathy, and reading body language. While emotional intelligence is valued in any workplace, it’s especially critical in startup environments, where you’re less likely to be siloed in one department or to work with the same people all the time.

Depending on your role and the size of the company, you might be interacting with senior leadership, clients, sales prospects, and coworkers across different departments—sometimes all in the same day. Knowing how to exercise emotional intelligence with each of these diverse audiences is essential to maintaining a harmonious (and productive) work environment.

2. Analytical Thinking

In many entry-level roles at established companies, employees have clearly defined tasks and may not be involved in strategic decision-making. But at a startup, you could be given much more responsibility much faster. This is where analytical thinking comes into play.

Analytical thinking means working with data or synthesizing information to reach important insights, solve problems, and make key decisions. This could involve planning a product launch, expanding to a new market, or optimizing internal processes to improve productivity. At smaller, newer companies, every decision carries significant weight—so strong analytical skills are non-negotiable.

That said, you’ll also need to avoid “analysis paralysis“—spending too much time researching or thinking about a problem without taking timely action. A few ways to avoid this include setting deadlines for decisions, seeking feedback from colleagues to incorporate diverse perspectives, and creating a rubric to evaluate choices.

3. Adaptability

Working for a startup requires adaptability, patience, and resilience. Especially in the early stages, startups may not always have a clear direction. A company that began as an app might expand into physical retail, or a SaaS platform with a single core offering might completely overhaul its product suite or pricing model.

Any of these changes can trickle down and affect your role—whether you’re in sales, marketing, customer service, finance, or product development. You’ll need to pivot according to new directions, even if it means starting from scratch on a project you just finished.

Growth at a startup can also be inconsistent, often coming in short bursts or accelerating rapidly after an influx of venture capital. Your workload may spike dramatically. There may also be slow periods. Your team could contract or expand with little warning. Setbacks happen. If you thrive on predictability, a startup environment may feel chaotic—but if you’re energized by change, it can be exhilarating.

4. Being a Self-Starter

As a startup goes through its growing pains, you’ll need to be proactive—both in moving the company forward and in taking charge of your own career development.

Compared to established organizations, you may not have much of an onboarding process at a startup. You might experience “trial by fire.” Since startups are often short-staffed, you’ll likely wear many hats and be exposed to multiple aspects of the business. For example, even if your primary job is in content marketing, you may also find yourself doing market research, supporting sales, and running events.

You may also have to lead and manage yourself if your supervisor is responsible for many different parts of the business—or if your only “boss” is the CEO. If you prefer having a clearly delineated role in a highly specific field, a startup may not be the best fit. But if you’re excited by variety and autonomy, you’ll thrive.

5. Managing Up

Startups are known for being less rigidly hierarchical than established companies, so the lines between junior and senior staff can be blurry. Part of your job is making your boss’s job easier—and giving them direction on how they can help you, too.

This is the essence of “managing up”: adapting to your boss’s preferred methods of management, decision-making, and communication. It can also mean leveraging your unique skills to assist your boss and the company as a whole. For example, if you’re skilled in a project management tool that would improve workflows, suggest it, or take initiative in implementing it.

Being proactive and communicative with your boss regularly, such as through weekly one-on-one meetings, helps you stay aligned and learn how to work together most effectively.

Is a Startup Right for You?

Working for a startup offers exciting opportunities, especially for early-career professionals. Those who develop these five skills will not only make a positive impact on the company but also gain experience that’s valuable for higher-level positions—whether at that startup or elsewhere.

If you’re ready to make the leap, brush up on these skills and start exploring startup opportunities in your field. And if you want to build your skill set before diving in, check out Mediabistro’s online courses to sharpen your marketing, writing, and professional development skills.

FAQs: Working at a Startup

Q: What skills do you need to work at a startup?

A: The most important skills for startup success are emotional intelligence, analytical thinking, adaptability, being a self-starter, and managing up. Unlike corporate environments with defined roles and processes, startups require employees who can wear multiple hats, make decisions with limited information, and thrive amid constant change.

Q: Is working at a startup right for me?

A: A startup is a good fit if you enjoy variety, autonomy, and fast-paced environments. You’ll likely have more responsibility earlier in your career, but you’ll also face more uncertainty—inconsistent workloads, shifting priorities, and less structured onboarding. If you prefer stability, clear processes, and well-defined roles, a more established company may be a better match.

Q: How is working at a startup different from working at a corporate job?

A: At a startup, you’ll typically have more access to leadership, broader responsibilities, and faster career progression. However, you may also face less job security, fewer resources, and a less structured work environment. Corporate jobs tend to offer more stability, clearer career paths, and established processes—but can feel slower-paced and more siloed.

Q: What are the pros and cons of working at a startup?

A: Pros: Rapid learning, diverse responsibilities, direct impact on the company, less bureaucracy, potential equity upside, and faster career growth. Cons: Job instability, longer hours, fewer benefits (especially early-stage), ambiguous roles, and high-pressure decision-making. The right choice depends on your career goals, risk tolerance, and work style.

Q: Do I need technical skills to work at a startup?

A: It depends on the role. While engineering and product roles require technical skills, many startup positions—marketing, sales, operations, customer success, and HR—prioritize soft skills such as communication, adaptability, and problem-solving. That said, being comfortable with technology and willing to learn new tools quickly is valuable in any startup role.

Topics:

Candidates, Climb the Ladder

Job Search

How Soon Is Too Soon to Look for a New Job?

Career experts weigh in on the minimum time to stay at a job, when it's okay to leave early, and how to explain short stints to future employers.

By John Lombard

John Lombard is a content strategist and writer with over a decade of experience creating interactive and video content for brands like Apple, IBM, and Samsung. He previously worked at Mediabistro and now serves as a Client Strategist at Ceros.

6 min read • Originally published April 11, 2016 / Updated April 6, 2026

By John Lombard

6 min read • Originally published April 11, 2016 / Updated April 6, 2026

The New Job Dilemma

You’ve just started a new job. A few weeks or months in, you realize it’s not the right fit. Now you’re wondering: is it too soon to start looking for something else?

The old rule said you should stay at a job for at least a year before starting your job search. But younger workers are switching jobs more frequently than previous generations, often chasing better pay or new opportunities.

And even though leaving early might hurt your reputation, studies show that 86 percent of workers say the risk of damaging their resume wouldn’t outweigh their decision to move on if the job isn’t right.

But is there a way to find the right job for you while maintaining a strong professional reputation? We asked Alex Twersky, career expert and Mediabistro’s own resume and cover letter writer, for guidance. His short answer: it depends.

Consider Your Reputation

Will looking for a new job brand you as a job hopper? And is that necessarily bad?

The answer is nuanced. While job hopping can boost your career if done strategically, Twersky warns that someone who routinely spends less than a year at jobs “might be seen as lacking follow-through and hence might be a risky investment for an employer.”

“If you bail on jobs soon after you’ve only just begun being productive in the role,” says Twersky, “you may be perceived as someone who eats all the frosting off the cake”—the formal training, the ramp-up period, all the time and money the company invested in you—”leaving your employer with a big cleanup job.”

How Long Should You Stay?

“The rule of thumb for minimum tenure before bailing on a job is one year,” Twersky advises.

However, if you’re truly miserable, “you may want to mount a search sooner than your one-year anniversary.”

If you can stick it out, two years is even better. “Spending two years at your job before making a switch shows a base level of commitment and seeing things through,” Twersky says.

The general guidelines:

Less than 6 months: Raises significant red flags—only leave this early for serious reasons
6-12 months: Acceptable if you have a good explanation
1 year: The minimum recommended tenure
2+ years: Shows commitment and is ideal before transitioning

When It’s Okay to Leave Early

While the one-year rule is a useful guideline, there are legitimate reasons to leave sooner:

The job was misrepresented. The role, responsibilities, or company culture are significantly different from what was described during the hiring process.
Toxic work environment. Harassment, unethical behavior, or a hostile workplace justify leaving quickly.
Company instability. Layoffs, financial trouble, or leadership chaos signal it’s time to go.
Health concerns. If the job is affecting your mental or physical health, prioritize your well-being.
Major life changes. Relocation, family needs, or other personal circumstances may require a move.
An exceptional opportunity. Sometimes, a once-in-a-career opportunity comes along that you can’t pass up.

One short stint on your resume usually isn’t a dealbreaker. A pattern of short stints is what raises concerns.

How to Explain a Short Tenure

When interviewing for future jobs, expect to be asked why you left your last position. Twersky recommends having a “compelling and non-confrontational reason for leaving,” such as:

Following your interests or passions
Changing sector or industry focus
Relocating for personal reasons
Seeking growth opportunities not available at the current company
Discovering the role wasn’t what was initially described

Complete Your Projects First

If you’re working on a defined project, it’s often better to stay and complete it. This allows you to clearly define your contributions and measurable outcomes.

“Then, when asked why you are leaving your previous role,” says Twersky, “you can point to the arc of completion and positive outcome associated with your main charge, and proudly say you’re ready for the next challenge.”

What Not to Say

Avoid badmouthing your employer, complaining about coworkers, or being vague. Even if the situation was genuinely difficult, frame your departure positively and focus on what you’re looking for rather than what you’re running from.

Key Takeaways

One year minimum is the general rule of thumb before leaving a job
Two years is even better and shows commitment
Exceptions exist for toxic environments, misrepresented roles, and major life changes
One short stint won’t ruin your resume; a pattern will
Have a clear explanation ready for interviews that’s positive and non-confrontational
Complete projects when possible so you can point to concrete accomplishments

Ready to look for your next job? Check out our job board.

FAQs About Job Search Timing

How soon is too soon to look for a new job?

The general rule is to stay at least one year before looking for a new job. However, if the role was misrepresented, the environment is toxic, or you’re genuinely miserable, it may be appropriate to start searching sooner. One short tenure on your resume is usually acceptable if you have a good explanation.

Is 6 months too soon to leave a job?

Six months is on the shorter side and may raise questions, but it’s not automatically disqualifying. If you have a legitimate reason—such as the job being significantly different from what was described or a toxic work environment—most employers will understand. Be prepared to explain it clearly in interviews.

Will leaving a job early hurt my resume?

One short stint usually won’t hurt you, especially if you have a reasonable explanation. What raises red flags is a pattern of short tenures. If you have multiple jobs lasting less than a year, employers may question your commitment and whether you’ll stick around if hired.

How do I explain leaving a job after a short time?

Have a concise, non-confrontational explanation ready. Focus on positive reasons, such as following your interests, seeking growth opportunities, or discovering that the role wasn’t the right fit. Avoid badmouthing your employer. If possible, highlight accomplishments you achieved despite your short tenure.

Is it okay to job hop in your 20s?

Job hopping is more widely accepted among younger workers who are still figuring out their career paths. Employers often expect some exploration in your 20s. However, even then, staying at least a year at most positions is advisable. Strategic job changes with clear reasons are different from erratic jumping.

Should I stay at a job I hate for the resume?

Not necessarily. Your mental health and well-being matter. However, if you can tolerate the job and there’s a project you can complete or a milestone you can reach, it may be worth staying a bit longer. Weigh the cost of staying against the benefit of a cleaner resume, and make the decision that’s right for your situation.

How long should you stay at your first job out of college?

One to two years is a good target for your first job. This gives you time to learn, contribute meaningfully, and build foundational skills. Leaving your first role too quickly can make it harder to demonstrate your commitment and follow-through.

When is the best time of year to look for a new job?

January and February are traditionally strong months for job searching, as companies have new budgets and hiring plans. September and October are also active after the summer slowdowns. Avoid major holiday periods (late November through December) when hiring often pauses.

Topics:

Get Hired, Job Search

Get a Media Job

Journalism Jobs in 2026: Where the Work Is and How to Get It

The industry is shrinking in some places and growing in others. Here's what the job market actually looks like.

By Mediabistro

The Mediabistro editorial team draws on 25 years of media industry expertise to cover jobs, careers, and trends shaping the industry.

10 min read • Originally published March 11, 2026 / Updated April 6, 2026

By Mediabistro

The Mediabistro editorial team draws on 25 years of media industry expertise to cover jobs, careers, and trends shaping the industry.

10 min read • Originally published March 11, 2026 / Updated April 6, 2026

Journalism isn’t dying. But it is changing faster than most career guidance keeps up with. Newsroom employment at newspapers fell by more than half from 2008 to 2020, according to Pew Research Center. Meanwhile, digital-native outlets, newsletters, podcasts, and brand journalism teams have absorbed many of those roles, often with different titles, different skill requirements, and different pay structures.

The result is a job market that looks bleak if you’re only searching for “reporter, daily newspaper” and surprisingly healthy if you broaden your definition of journalism work. Media industry job boards consistently list hundreds of journalism-adjacent roles that traditional job searches miss entirely.

That tension between decline and growth defines the profession right now. A Reuters Institute survey of 280 digital leaders from 51 countries found that only 38% are confident about journalism’s overall prospects, down 22 points from 2022. But 53% say they’re confident about their own organization’s business. The gap tells you something: the industry is struggling, but individual outlets that adapt are finding a path forward.

Here’s what the journalism job landscape actually looks like in 2026, where the opportunities are, and how to position yourself for them.

The State of Journalism Jobs in 2026

Let’s start with the honest picture. Local newspaper jobs continue to shrink. The advertising model that sustained print journalism for a century has been replaced by digital advertising that flows primarily to Google and Meta. Papers that haven’t found a subscription or membership model are still cutting staff.

But that’s only part of the story. Several sectors of journalism are actively growing:

Newsletter and independent journalism. Platforms like Substack, Beehiiv, and Ghost have enabled hundreds of journalists to build sustainable independent publications. Some of the highest-profile journalists in the country now run their own newsletters with six-figure subscriber bases. Publishers are paying attention: the Reuters Institute’s 2026 trends report notes that even legacy outlets like the Financial Times are launching on Substack to reach new audiences and test new formats.

Nonprofit and foundation-funded newsrooms. ProPublica, The Marshall Project, CalMatters, and dozens of local investigative outlets are funded by philanthropy rather than advertising. These organizations are hiring, and they tend to offer competitive salaries with better work-life balance than legacy outlets.

Audio and video journalism. Podcast networks and streaming platforms need journalists who can report, write, and produce across formats. NPR, Vox Media, The New York Times Audio, and Spotify’s editorial division all hire journalists with multimedia skills. Video is a particular growth area: over three-quarters of news executives surveyed by Reuters Institute said investing more in video is a priority, driven by the reality that YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram Reels are where younger audiences get their news.

Brand journalism and content marketing. Companies hire former journalists to produce editorial content for their blogs, newsletters, and thought leadership platforms. The pay is often better than traditional media, though the editorial independence is different. If you can live with that trade-off, these roles are plentiful.

Creator-journalist roles. This is new territory that barely existed a few years ago. News organizations are hiring creators to run social media accounts, produce vertical video, and build audiences on platforms. The Daily Mail launched a unit of about 60 young creators. CNN is building a creator-focused brand out of a new studio in Doha. According to Nieman Lab’s Predictions for Journalism 2026, this trend is accelerating, with three-quarters of publishers saying they plan to get their journalists to behave more like creators this year.

The Big Picture: The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 4% decline for reporters and correspondents through 2032. That’s slower than average, but it doesn’t capture the growth in adjacent roles (content strategist, newsletter editor, podcast producer, vertical video journalist) that use journalism skills daily.

Types of Journalism Jobs

Reporter / Correspondent

The core journalism role. Reporters research stories, conduct interviews, attend events, and produce written or multimedia content under deadline pressure. Beat reporters specialize in areas like politics, business, technology, health, or entertainment. General assignment reporters cover whatever comes in. Both require strong news judgment and the ability to work fast.

Editor

Editors assign stories, shape coverage, review and improve copy, manage freelancers, and make decisions about what gets published. In digital newsrooms, editors also handle headlines, social media promotion, SEO optimization, and audience analytics. The role has gotten more technical over the past decade. With publishers shifting strategy toward more distinctive, analysis-driven content and away from commodity general news, editors who can guide that shift are in demand.

Investigative Journalist

Long-form, deep-dive reporting on complex issues. Investigative roles typically exist at larger outlets, nonprofit newsrooms, and specialized investigative collaboratives. The work cycle is longer (weeks or months per story rather than days), and the skill requirements include data analysis, document review, and often FOIA expertise.

Multimedia / Digital Journalist

The hybrid role that many newsrooms now prefer. Multimedia journalists shoot video, record audio, take photos, and write, often for the same story. Local TV stations, digital outlets, and national publications all hire for this skill set. If you can produce a written story, a 90-second video package, and social media clips from a single assignment, you’re in high demand.

What Editors Are Looking For: “Newsrooms are looking for journalists who possess audience fluency and can package information in different formats accordingly,” says Himanshu Agarwal, co-founder of Zenius, a remote hiring company. “Editors want to work with journalists who understand how a story travels on TikTok, YouTube, newsletters and online searches to shape distribution.” He adds that source validation, OSINT techniques and transparent reporting are increasingly prioritized, driven by the widespread online use of AI-generated content.

Data Journalist

Combines reporting with data analysis, visualization, and sometimes programming. Data journalists at outlets like The Washington Post, FiveThirtyEight, and Reuters use Python, R, SQL, and tools such as Tableau to uncover and tell stories hidden in datasets. This specialization commands higher salaries than traditional reporting roles.

Newsletter Editor / Writer

A role that barely existed a decade ago but is now one of the fastest-growing journalism positions. Newsletter editors curate, write, and grow email-based publications. Companies, media outlets, and independent publishers all hire for this role. Strong writing, audience development skills, and an understanding of email metrics are essential.

Vertical Video Journalist

An emerging role driven by the dominance of short-form video on TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels. Some newsrooms are building dedicated teams for this format. The New York Times added a curated vertical video feed to its app. The Washington Post is following suit. If you can tell a news story in 60 seconds of vertical video with on-screen text and a strong hook, this is a growing niche worth watching.

Journalism Salaries in 2026

Role	Salary Range	Notes
Entry-Level Reporter	$35,000 – $50,000	Local papers, digital startups
Mid-Level Reporter / Correspondent	$50,000 – $85,000	Regional or national outlets
Senior Editor	$70,000 – $130,000	National publications, major digital outlets
Data Journalist	$60,000 – $110,000	Premium for Python/SQL skills
Multimedia Journalist	$40,000 – $75,000	TV stations, digital newsrooms
Brand Journalist / Content	$60,000 – $100,000	Corporate, tech, finance sectors
Newsletter Editor	$50,000 – $90,000	Media companies, independent publishers

Geography still matters, though less than it used to. New York, Washington DC, and Los Angeles remain the highest-paying markets for journalism. But remote work has opened up roles at national outlets to candidates anywhere in the country, and many nonprofit newsrooms are fully distributed.

Where to Find Journalism Jobs

General job boards bury journalism roles under thousands of unrelated listings. Specialized platforms are where the industry actually hires.

Mediabistro has been a go-to for media industry professionals for over 25 years. The listings skew toward established media companies, publishers, and agencies, making it a strong choice for mid-career journalists looking for their next newsroom or editorial role.

JournalismJobs.com is another longstanding resource, particularly strong for newspaper and broadcast positions. Careers at outlets directly shouldn’t be overlooked either. Most major publications (NYT, WSJ, Washington Post, CNN, Vox Media) post jobs on their own careers pages before they hit aggregators.

For nonprofit journalism, check INN (Institute for Nonprofit News) job listings and the careers sections of outlets funded by foundations like Knight, MacArthur, and the Lenfest Institute.

Networking remains the single most effective way to find journalism work. Join organizations like SPJ, ONA, NABJ, NAHJ, or AAJA. Attend their conferences. The hallway conversations at ONA or NICAR have launched more journalism careers than any job board.

How to Break Into Journalism

Start publishing immediately. You don’t need permission to be a journalist. Start a newsletter, a blog, or a local news project. Cover your school board, your city council, your neighborhood. Editors want to see published work, and they don’t care whether it appeared in the Times or on your Substack.

Pitch freelance stories. Most publications accept freelance pitches. Study the outlet’s recent coverage, find a gap, and send a concise pitch to the right editor. Strong pitching skills are the single most marketable ability for early-career journalists.

Learn multimedia skills. The more formats you can work in, the more employable you are. Take a mobile journalism course. Learn basic video editing in Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve. Record and edit audio. These skills don’t replace good writing, but they make good writers more hireable. Vertical video in particular is worth learning right now, as publishers are investing heavily in short-form content for social platforms.

Build a beat. Generalists struggle to get hired. Specialists get recruited. Pick a subject area you’re genuinely curious about and go deep. Read everything. Develop sources. Become the person editors think of when that topic comes up.

Learn basic AI tools. Newsrooms are increasingly using AI for transcription, research, data analysis, and content packaging. You don’t need to be an engineer, but familiarity with tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and basic data workflows will set you apart from candidates who haven’t kept up. Almost all major newsrooms are integrating AI into their operations, and comfort with these tools is quickly becoming a baseline expectation.

Consider adjacent paths. If you want to do journalism but need to pay rent, roles in communications, content marketing, or newsletter editing use the same skills and often pay better. Many journalists move between traditional and brand journalism throughout their careers. There’s no shame in it, and the skills transfer both directions.

Pro Tip: Before applying for any journalism role, read at least a week’s worth of that outlet’s coverage. In your cover letter, reference a specific story they published and explain what you would have added or done differently. This demonstrates news judgment, which is what editors are actually evaluating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is journalism a good career in 2026?

It depends on what you value. If you want high starting salaries and job stability, journalism is harder than fields like tech or finance. If you want meaningful work, intellectual stimulation, and the ability to hold power accountable, journalism delivers in ways few other careers can. The people who thrive in journalism are the ones who can’t imagine doing anything else.

Do I need a journalism degree?

Helpful but not required. Many working journalists studied English, political science, history, or other liberal arts. What matters more than your degree is your published work, your source network, and your ability to find and tell stories. A journalism program can accelerate that, but it’s not the only path.

What’s the biggest mistake new journalists make?

Applying for jobs without published clips. Even two or three well-reported stories on a personal blog or newsletter give you something to show. Editors won’t take a chance on someone with no track record.

How is AI changing journalism jobs?

AI is reshaping the work without eliminating it. Newsrooms are using AI for transcription, headline generation, metadata tagging, and research assistance. The Reuters Institute found that 97% of publishers now consider back-end AI automation important to their business. But two-thirds of news executives say AI hasn’t reduced headcount. The bigger shift is in the skills expected of new hires: comfort with AI tools, data literacy, and the ability to work across multiple formats are becoming standard expectations alongside traditional reporting ability.

Are there remote journalism jobs?

It depends on the role. “2020-22 was the period of peak remote experimentation, but remote work has become more role-dependent in 2026,” says Agarwal. Local reporting roles are mostly hybrid or on-field, since editors prefer journalists to be physically present to cover local stories. But specialists like data reporters and investigative researchers are more likely to work remotely. National digital outlets, newsletter companies, and nonprofit newsrooms also continue to hire remote reporters and editors. Agarwal notes that many global newsrooms are now building distributed teams, with reporters from multiple countries collaborating asynchronously.

What about the creator economy? Is that journalism?

It’s complicated, and increasingly relevant. News organizations are actively hiring creators and partnering with independent journalists who have built audiences on YouTube, TikTok, and Substack. Some of these roles look like traditional journalism with a different distribution model. Others lean more toward commentary and opinion. If you can combine real reporting skills with the ability to build an audience on social platforms, you’re positioned for a part of the industry that’s growing fast.

Looking for journalism jobs? Browse current media and journalism openings on Mediabistro.

Topics:

Get a Media Job

Career Transition

Goodbye Email When Leaving a Job: 7 Rules, a Template & What NOT to Say

How to say farewell to coworkers without burning any bridges

By Kristen Fischer

Kristen Fischer is a freelance writer, journalist, and copywriter with over 20 years of experience, currently serving as a health writer for AARP with previous staff roles at WebMD and WW. Her work has appeared in Prevention, Healthline, Woman's Day, Parade, and Writer's Digest, and she is the author of four books.

7 min read • Originally published March 4, 2016 / Updated April 6, 2026

By Kristen Fischer

7 min read • Originally published March 4, 2016 / Updated April 6, 2026

In this article: Should You Send a Goodbye Email? | 4 Dos | 3 Don’ts | Email Template | FAQs

Whether you’ve accepted another position or are leaving voluntarily, you want to go out on a positive note—even if you’re not feeling great about the company. A thoughtful goodbye email leaves colleagues with a positive final impression and keeps your professional network intact.

But what exactly should you say? Who should receive it? When should you send it? Here are seven rules for saying goodbye when leaving your job, plus a template you can customize.

Should You Send a Goodbye Email When Leaving a Job?

Yes. Saying nothing can leave just as sour an impression as saying the wrong thing.

“Send a goodbye email to recognize you are leaving, and appreciate the experience you had there and the relationships you built,” says Carrie Stack, a certified life coach and founder of the Say Yes Institute. “People will remember that, and you never know who you will cross paths with again. Taking the high road always pays off.”

The media and professional world may seem large, but it’s surprisingly small. Being professional is essential to ending on a positive note—and keeping doors open for the future.

What to Do When Leaving Your Job

1. Write a Professional Message

Acknowledging your departure with class and grace matters. Your goodbye email should be warm but professional, thanking colleagues for the experience and relationships you’ve built during your time there.

“The goal is to not sound petty, small, or mean,” explains Catharine Bramkamp, author of Don’t Write Like You Talk. “You want to be the good guy, you want to be the confident one. You want the company to be really sorry they couldn’t keep you around.”

2. Gather Contacts for Future Networking

“Separate close professional relationships that you have nurtured from everything else and provide your forwarding information only to those in your professional relationship circle,” says Milan P. Yager, president and CEO of the National Association of Professional Employer Organizations.

For coworkers you’ve built real relationships with, email them separately with your personal contact information—your personal email address or phone number. Stay connected on LinkedIn. Just because you no longer work together doesn’t mean you can’t maintain relationships outside the office.

3. Send the Message at the Right Time

Douglas Hardy, former general manager and editor of Monster Careers, offers this guidance:

Want a clean, quick exit? Send the email on your last day
Want handshakes and hugs? Send it a few days before you leave

A good rule of thumb: don’t let a weekend pass between your announcement and your departure.

4. Make Peace with Your Experience

Most people don’t always leave a job with the most positive experience. But what speaks volumes about your professionalism—regardless of how you feel about your employer—is how you go out.

“It is better to resist the temptation to use this last email message as a way to vent or to criticize,” warns Dr. Janet Civitelli, a workplace psychologist. “I recommend keeping the email positive and professional no matter what the circumstances surrounding the exit.”

What NOT to Do When Leaving Your Job

5. Don’t Trash Your Company on Social Media

Whether your experience was good or bad, never publicly discuss your job or company negatively on social media. Everything you post online can follow you forever, and potential employers won’t think highly of someone who uses the internet to put down a former employer.

Excited about your new job? Don’t post about it until you’ve given your two weeks’ notice and your company is well aware you’re leaving. You don’t want to burn bridges—especially on Twitter or LinkedIn.

6. Don’t Go Into Details About Why You’re Leaving

Your goodbye email should be friendly but vague about your reasons for departing. Donna Flagg, workplace expert and author of Surviving Dreaded Conversations, says mentioning a relocation is harmless, but otherwise, leave the reasons alone.

Keep it simple: “I’m moving on to a new opportunity” is sufficient.

7. Don’t Violate Your Company’s Email Policy

Sandra E. Lamb, author of How to Write It, says farewell emails to close contacts should go to their personal email accounts. Many organizations have strict email policies that can create problems.

Hardy recommends letting your supervisor know you plan to tell colleagues about your departure, especially if you’re using company email. “If there’s any problem with the company email policy about this, it’s up to your manager to let you know,” he notes.

Goodbye Email Template

Here’s a template you can customize for your own farewell message:

Subject: Thank You and Farewell

Hi everyone,

I wanted to let you know that [today is my last day / Friday will be my last day] at [Company Name]. I’ve accepted a new opportunity and am excited about the next chapter, but I’ll truly miss working with this team.

Thank you for [specific positive memory or general appreciation—e.g., “making the past three years such a great experience” or “your support on the XYZ project”]. I’ve learned so much here and am grateful for the relationships we’ve built.

I’d love to stay in touch! You can reach me at [personal email] or connect with me on LinkedIn.

Wishing you and the team continued success.

Best,
[Your Name]

For Closer Colleagues (Separate Email)

Subject: Staying in Touch

Hey [Name],

As you may have heard, I’m leaving [Company Name]—my last day is [date]. I wanted to reach out personally because working with you has been one of the highlights of my time here.

I’d really like to stay connected. Here’s my personal info:
Email: [personal email]
Phone: [phone number]
LinkedIn: [URL]

Let’s grab coffee sometime soon!

Best,
[Your Name]

Quick Reference: Goodbye Email Dos and Don’ts

Do	Don’t
Keep it positive and professional	Vent about problems or bad experiences
Thank colleagues for specific experiences	Go into detail about why you’re leaving
Share personal contact info with close colleagues	Trash the company on social media
Check with your manager before sending	Violate company email policies
Send at the right time (last day or a few days before)	Announce your new job before giving notice

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I send a goodbye email when leaving my job?

Yes. A brief, professional farewell email leaves colleagues with a positive impression and keeps your professional network intact. Saying nothing can leave just as negative an impression as saying the wrong thing.

When should I send my goodbye email?

If you want a quick, clean exit, send it on your last day. If you’d like time for handshakes and conversations, send it a few days before you leave. Don’t let a weekend pass between your announcement and departure.

How do I tell my coworkers I’m leaving?

For most colleagues, a general farewell email works well. For closer work friends, send a separate, more personal message with your contact information. Always tell your manager first before announcing to the broader team.

What should I say in a goodbye email?

Keep it brief and positive. Thank colleagues for specific experiences or general support, mention that you’re moving on to a new opportunity (without excessive detail), and share your personal contact information for those who want to stay in touch.

What should I NOT say in a goodbye email?

Don’t vent about negative experiences, criticize management, or go into detail about why you’re leaving. Even if your experience wasn’t great, keep the tone positive—you never know when you’ll cross paths with these people again.

Should I use my work email or personal email?

Use your work email for the general farewell announcement (with your manager’s approval). For close colleagues you want to stay connected with, follow up by email with your contact details.

No one said goodbye when I left my last job—is that normal?

Unfortunately, it happens more often than you’d think, especially in remote or hybrid workplaces. Don’t take it personally—people get busy, and your departure may have coincided with a hectic period. Focus on the relationships that matter and reach out directly to colleagues you want to stay connected with.

Can I post about my new job on social media?

Wait until you’ve given notice and your current company is fully aware you’re leaving. Announcing a new job before your employer knows you’re departing can damage your professional reputation and burn bridges.

Looking for your next opportunity? Browse open positions on Mediabistro’s job board.

Topics:

Be Inspired, Career Transition, Get a Media Job

Advice From the Pros

When Working for Free Can Actually Pay Off

A practical framework for deciding whether unpaid work is a smart career investment or a waste of your time.

By John Lombard

6 min read • Originally published March 9, 2016 / Updated April 6, 2026

By John Lombard

6 min read • Originally published March 9, 2016 / Updated April 6, 2026

You want to get paid what you’re worth. That makes sense. But sometimes turning down unpaid work can be more detrimental to your career than you’d think—and sometimes accepting it is a mistake.

The difference comes down to whether the opportunity builds your value and increases your exposure, or simply exploits your time. Here’s how to tell the difference.

When Working for Free Can Make Sense

Unpaid work isn’t inherently good or bad—it depends entirely on what you get in return. Consider working for free when:

You’re building a portfolio from scratch — If you have no clips, no samples, and no experience, strategic free work can give you something to show
You’re changing careers — Pro bono projects in your target field can help you gain skills and credibility
The exposure is genuinely valuable — A byline in a major publication or work for a high-profile client can open doors
You’ll learn skills you can’t get elsewhere — Working under an expert mentor or on sophisticated projects
It’s a clear path to paid work — Internships or trial projects with a realistic chance of becoming paid positions
You’re unemployed and networking — Volunteering keeps your skills sharp and puts you in front of potential employers

Gary Vaynerchuk on Strategic Free Work

Gary Vaynerchuk—entrepreneur, author, and founder of VaynerMedia—has built a career on hustle and strategic thinking. In his book #AskGaryVee: One Entrepreneur’s Take on Leadership, Social Media, and Self-Awareness, he addresses when working for free makes sense.

When You’re Unemployed

If you’ve been job searching without success, Vaynerchuk argues that pro bono work beats sitting idle:

“Don’t want to work for free? Well, it seems to me that if you’ve been struggling to get a job for three or four months, it’s a lot more productive than sitting around doing nothing. I mean, who’s paying you to do that?

Take a pro bono half day in a place where you can pick up skills, network, learn your craft, and get an employer’s attention (or at least guilt her into recommending you to someone else). Unless you are literally sending out résumés and interviewing eighteen hours straight per day, you’ve got time to volunteer your professional talent somewhere. Find a place where you think you can make doors open, and put your skills into action.”

When You’re Changing Careers

For career changers, Vaynerchuk sees free work as a way to gain experience and mentorship:

“The best way to become something is to do the work required to become something. Sell, sell, sell. Figure out what it takes to provide value. Learn how to communicate your value proposition. Engage with your customers. Find mentors.

Go work for free and under people who can show you the ropes and serve as that point of contact when you need it. Learn the hustle and taste the game. Put yourself in the position to win.”

5 Questions to Ask Before Working for Free

Before accepting unpaid work, honestly evaluate the opportunity:

1. What specifically will I gain?

Can you name the concrete benefits? Portfolio pieces, industry contacts, specific skills, mentorship, a foot in the door at a target company? Vague promises of “exposure” aren’t enough.

2. Is this a one-time project or ongoing exploitation?

A single strategic project is different from an indefinite unpaid arrangement. Set clear boundaries on scope and timeline.

3. Can I afford it?

Be honest about your financial situation. Free work only makes sense if you can sustain it without compromising your basic needs.

4. Would they pay someone else for this?

If the company has the budget to pay for the work but chooses not to, that’s a red flag. If they genuinely can’t afford it (nonprofits, startups, passion projects), the calculus is different.

5. Is there a realistic path to paid work?

Has the company hired from its volunteer or intern pool before? Is this a trial period with a clear evaluation point? Or is “potential for future opportunities” just a way to get free labor?

When to Say No to Unpaid Work

Not all free work is strategic. Walk away when:

You already have experience — If you have a solid portfolio and track record, you shouldn’t need to work for free
The “exposure” isn’t real — A small audience, no byline, or hidden credit provides little value
It’s a profitable company — Businesses that can afford to pay but choose not to are exploiting you
There’s no clear end point — Open-ended unpaid arrangements rarely convert to paid work
You’re replacing paid workers — If the role would normally be compensated, you’re devaluing the entire field
It compromises your finances — You can’t build a career if you can’t pay your rent
Your gut says no — If something feels exploitative, trust that instinct

How to Structure Unpaid Work Strategically

If you decide to work for free, protect yourself:

Set Clear Boundaries

Define the scope, timeline, and deliverables upfront. “I’ll write three blog posts over two weeks” is better than “I’ll help with content.”

Get Something in Writing

Even informal agreements should be documented. Include what you’ll deliver, what you’ll receive (credit, portfolio rights, reference), and when the arrangement ends.

Negotiate Non-Monetary Compensation

If they can’t pay cash, ask for:

A strong LinkedIn recommendation
Introduction to specific contacts
First right of refusal for future paid work
Credit or byline in prominent placement
Access to training, tools, or events

Set a Review Point

Agree to evaluate the arrangement after a set period. If it’s not delivering value, end it professionally.

Ready to find paid opportunities? Browse jobs on Mediabistro.

FAQs About Working for Free

Should I ever work for free?

It depends on your situation. Strategic unpaid work can make sense early in your career, when changing fields, or when the opportunity offers genuine value (skills, mentorship, connections, portfolio pieces). It rarely makes sense if you’re experienced, if the company can afford to pay, or if the “exposure” isn’t meaningful.

Is working for free legal?

It depends on the arrangement. Unpaid internships at for-profit companies must meet specific Department of Labor criteria to be legal. Volunteer work for nonprofits is generally allowed. Freelance “spec work” exists in a gray area. When in doubt, research the laws in your jurisdiction.

How long should I work for free?

Set a clear end date before you begin. A single project, a two-week trial, or a semester-long internship are reasonable. Open-ended unpaid arrangements rarely benefit the worker and should be avoided.

Will working for free hurt my earning potential?

It can if you’re not strategic. Working for free when you should be paid devalues your skills and sets a precedent. But targeted pro bono work that builds your portfolio or gets you in the door at a dream company can ultimately increase your earning potential.

How do I say no to unpaid work requests?

Be professional and direct: “Thank you for thinking of me, but I’m not able to take on unpaid projects at this time. I’d be happy to discuss a paid arrangement if your budget allows.” You don’t owe anyone a lengthy explanation.

Is “exposure” ever actually valuable?

Sometimes—but be skeptical. Exposure is valuable when it reaches your target audience, includes proper credit, and comes from a respected source. “Exposure” from a small blog, an uncredited project, or a company outside your industry is rarely worth your time.

Should I work for free for a nonprofit?

Nonprofits are one of the more defensible places to volunteer your professional skills. The cause matters, they often genuinely lack budget, and the work can be meaningful. Just make sure it’s truly volunteer work and not a way to avoid paying for positions that should be compensated.

Topics:

Advice From the Pros, Be Inspired

Advice From the Pros

Video Producer Career Guide: What They Do, Skills, Salary & Expert Advice

NORTHBOUND Executive Producer Miriam Naggar shares insider tips for breaking into video production and building a successful career.

By Ayana Young

Ayana Young is a communications and PR strategist with 15+ years of experience spanning media relations, lifestyle brands, professional sports, and publishing.

6 min read • Originally published July 31, 2017 / Updated April 6, 2026

By Ayana Young

Ayana Young is a communications and PR strategist with 15+ years of experience spanning media relations, lifestyle brands, professional sports, and publishing.

6 min read • Originally published July 31, 2017 / Updated April 6, 2026

We live in a golden age of TV and video content, with increasing jobs and opportunities in the world of production. The video production industry continues to expand across streaming platforms, social media, and corporate communications, creating diverse career paths for aspiring producers.

Meet Miriam Naggar, who successfully climbed the video production ladder to become Executive Producer of her own company. Armed with a BA in Communication and Media Studies from American University, she transitioned from NYC theater to advertising agencies, and now runs NORTHBOUND, her own video production company.

We spoke with Miriam about breaking into the industry, essential video producer skills, and advice she’d give her younger self.

Vital Stats
Name: Miriam Naggar
Company: NORTHBOUND
Title: Executive Producer
Social: @northboundfilm
Location: New York, NY
Education: American University

What Does a Video Producer Do?

The video producer oversees the budget, process, and logistics of video projects from concept to completion.

“On a typical day, you’ll find me casting for a short film or commercial, meeting with clients to describe shot-lists and treatments, checking out potential filming locations, hiring crew, or doing interviews on set for behind-the-scenes content,” Naggar explains.

Key video producer responsibilities include:

Budget management and cost control
Casting talent and hiring crew
Location scouting and securing permits
Client communication and project updates
Timeline management and scheduling
Quality control and post-production oversight

“It’s always unpredictable, challenging, and fun. I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

Breaking Into Video Production

Naggar’s journey into video production was organic rather than planned. “I’ve always loved film, so when working at advertising agencies, I naturally gravitated towards television and content projects.”

Her career progression demonstrates a common path in the industry:

Start in adjacent fields: Theater, advertising, or media roles
Seek video opportunities: Volunteer for video projects within your current role
Build internal departments: Help create video production capabilities
Develop expertise: Focus exclusively on video projects
Consider entrepreneurship: Launch your own production company

“At my last agency, I helped start a video production department so I could work on more video projects. Once I started, there was no looking back.”

Essential Skills for Video Producers

According to Naggar, successful producers need both technical knowledge and interpersonal skills:

“A good producer is curious about people and how things come together. Part of being a producer is learning what talents people have to offer and creating a network of artists and craftspeople with various skills.”

Technical Skills	Soft Skills
Budget management	Communication
Scheduling software	Problem-solving
Equipment knowledge	Leadership
Post-production basics	Networking

From Agency Life to Entrepreneurship

The transition from stable employment to entrepreneurship requires careful consideration. “I had worked full-time consistently since college graduation. The idea of leaving stability is constantly nerve-wracking and terrifying,” Naggar admits.

“I don’t think I would have made this decision if the possibilities didn’t excite and exhilarate me so much. It’s a big risk! But well worth it.”

About NORTHBOUND

NORTHBOUND is a creative production company based in New York City. “We’re smart, nimble, and collaborative, and deeply invested in the power of cinematic storytelling. We love the hustle and hard work, and it’s important that the people we work with enjoy the process every step of the way.”

The company was co-founded with director Christopher Hawthorne, whom Naggar met while creating a video production department at their previous agency. “His clear and consistent vision always delivers exemplary work, and his leadership inspires everyone. I think we work well together because we yell and laugh when we need to.”

Find your first (or next) video job on Mediabistro.

Career Advice for Aspiring Producers

Naggar emphasizes the importance of asking for help and building relationships:

“One of my early mentors asked me: ‘When you go to the grocery store, are you the type of person who searches for what you need? Or do you ask for help before looking?’ Over the years, I’ve learned that there is no shame in asking for help.”

Notable Projects and Achievements

Naggar has produced content for major clients, including NBCUniversal and Calvin Klein. One project she’s particularly proud of is an unofficial music video for Chance the Rapper’s “All We Got,” partnering with Dance Theater of Harlem performers.

“Showcasing their talent was very important to me. Everyone involved did this as a passion project, and the sense of collaboration was beautiful. It was liberating to create something just for art’s sake—no agenda, no clients to answer to.”

Advice to Her Younger Self

“I’d tell my younger self to be bolder sooner. I got there after entering my 30s, and I think that’s natural, but I’d say get there faster.”

Additional advice includes:

Be more mindful of work-life balance
Don’t regret working hard in your 20s
Recognize there’s a time and place for everything
Trust the journey and learn from each experience

Staying Current and Motivated

“Keep learning, keep watching. I am self-taught and always learning, so Google is my best friend,” Naggar advises.

Learning Resources

For continuous skill development, Naggar recommends:

Online articles about video production techniques
YouTube tutorials on equipment and software
Industry publications and trade magazines
Podcasts focused on film and video production
Hands-on experience through internships or PA work

Intern or PA for experienced producers. Get on sets whenever possible to observe the production process firsthand.

Consuming Content for Inspiration

“I’ve been a movie and TV junkie since birth—and more recently a podcast junkie. I have a very long list of podcasts, shows, and films that I’m constantly trying to chip away at. It keeps me motivated and engaged to create content of my own.”

Working with Ideal Clients

“My favorite clients are those who love to collaborate and take chances. Clients that trust us and allow creativity to flourish are always happy they did so.”

At NORTHBOUND, the focus is on “crafting beautiful films for beautiful brands,” serving clients who appreciate both simplicity and creativity in their storytelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What education do I need to become a video producer?

While many producers have degrees in communications, film, or media studies, the field values experience and portfolio work over formal education. Hands-on experience through internships, PA work, and personal projects is crucial.

How much do video producers earn?

Video producer salaries vary widely based on location, experience, and project scope. Entry-level positions may start around $35,000-$45,000, while experienced producers can earn $60,000-$100,000+ annually, with freelance rates ranging from $300-$800+ per day.

What’s the biggest challenge facing video producers today?

According to Naggar, “My job is all problem-solving challenges, big and small, navigating logistics and personalities. I’ve learned to treat big challenges the same as small challenges, otherwise nothing would get done.”

Should I start as a freelancer or seek full-time employment?

Most successful producers recommend starting with full-time or contract positions to learn the industry, build networks, and develop skills before transitioning to freelance or entrepreneurial ventures.

How important is networking in video production?

Extremely important. As Naggar notes, “Finding your network and reaching out to them for help on projects is a huge part of finding success in my job.” The industry relies heavily on relationships and referrals.

Ready to advance your video production skills? Find your next opportunity on our job board.

Topics:

Advice From the Pros, Be Inspired

Productivity

8 Side Hustles for Writers and Journalists

From tutoring to social media consulting, here are flexible side gigs that put your writing skills to work—plus advice from journalists who've done them.

By Amanda Ernst

Amanda Ernst Kallet is a senior business development executive currently leading AI partnerships at Meta, where she is a credited contributor to the Llama 3 and SeamlessM4T research publications. She previously held director-level roles at Verizon Media and AOL, and holds an MBA from Columbia Business School.

7 min read • Originally published February 12, 2015 / Updated April 6, 2026

By Amanda Ernst

7 min read • Originally published February 12, 2015 / Updated April 6, 2026

When you think of side jobs for writers, freelance reporting, blogging, and editing come immediately to mind. But beyond the obvious options, there are many other fields where journalists and writers can thrive—either as side gigs or full career transitions.

Here are eight side hustles for writers and journalists, along with advice from professionals who’ve successfully pursued them.

1. Youth Writing Instructor

Freelance writer Ellen Engelke was teaching dance classes at a cultural arts center in Torrance, California, when she noticed the city was looking for a literary arts teacher for children. With just her resume, a writing sample, and a curriculum outline, she secured the gig despite having no prior teaching experience.

Now she teaches several eight-week classes that meet once a week for a few hours. The schedule leaves plenty of time for freelance work.

“It is really fun,” she says. “I have students who are really loyal and they come back over and over. And I was able to branch out and teach a class about knitting and crochet, too.”

How to get the gig: Check your local community arts programs, cultural centers, schools, and community colleges for openings. If there isn’t a class you want to teach, put together a curriculum and pitch it to them.

2. Private Tutor

If you don’t want to create a curriculum for a whole class, you can tutor students privately. Since the SAT includes an essay section, many high schoolers need help with writing skills and test-taking strategies.

You can also offer college entrance essay coaching or help college students and recent grads with resume and cover letter writing.

How to get the gig: Find clients through word of mouth or register with platforms like Wyzant, which handles payments so you don’t have to ask clients directly. You set your own rates—many tutors charge $50 to $200+ per session, depending on the subject.

3. Business Writing Coach

By focusing on professionals who already have established careers, you can turn part-time tutoring into a full-time venture. That’s what Candace Talmadge, owner of Copy-Clinic and a former journalist and publicist, did.

“I spent my years as a journalist mostly as a business reporter,” she explains. “I have a lot of experience writing about business topics and doing PR for businesses, so it was a natural for me.”

Now she works with clients one-on-one through a members-only website, charging a monthly fee for coaching time. She also works with businesses like accounting firms, teaching their employees writing, editing, and research skills.

How to get the gig: Networking is key. Use your existing contacts to find leads, or join organizations whose members might make ideal clients.

4. Publishing Consultant

You know how to pitch, right? So you can coach others through the process—and they’ll pay you for it.

Author and publishing consultant Maryann Reid started her own company, Books & Buzz, after noticing a pattern. “A lot of my friends and people I was meeting at networking events were always asking me how I was able to get an article in Glamour, how I was able to write five novels, and how I was able to get on 20/20. They were willing to pay to improve their skills.”

She developed a niche doing speaking engagements and private coaching about increasing visibility and publishing books.

How to get the gig: You can start a consultancy with as little as $100 in capital, Reid says. Create a homepage, promote your offerings on LinkedIn, and set up speaking engagements to earn income and find clients. “Do it as soon as possible,” she advises. “If you’re working full-time, leverage what contacts and income you have at the moment.”

5. Brand Marketing Consultant

Freelance writer Isha Edwards also works as a brand marketing consultant through her company, EPiC Measures. She says working in marketing gives her “more leverage” and makes her more valuable to potential clients.

“Journalists are a dime a dozen, but when you’re marketing brands for other companies, you have credibility on another level,” she says. “The revenue is more solid, more consistent, and you have more diverse product offerings.”

Edwards does marketing consulting, communications, brand management, strategy, and branded events for both individual and organizational clients.

How to get the gig: Craft a strong pitch so potential clients can see the benefit of hiring you over another consultant or agency.

Working with a brand to develop their social media strategy puts you at the intersection of PR and marketing, and typically requires original content creation and some blogging.

“Journalists have an even bigger opportunity to get into social media now, because there is always something new and more hands are always needed,” says Douglas Marshall, a journalist turned social media manager who has worked with Saks Fifth Avenue and consults for brands like Bond No. 9.

“Journalists are currency in the social media world, probably more than they think they are. Always market yourself as your own brand, have a point of view, know that you are an expert (even if you don’t yet believe it), and people will start asking YOU to work for them rather than you having to find it.”

How to get the gig: Even without brand social media experience, you can land jobs based on your skills. Highlight your personal social media presence, attend social media conferences, research best practices, and come up with a loose strategy to pitch during interviews.

7. Paralegal

A few years after graduating from journalism school, Gaye Weintraub earned her paralegal certification and joined top law firms, where her journalism skills gave her a significant advantage.

“As a paralegal, you do a lot of research and a lot of writing,” she explains. “When attorneys see that you have writing capabilities that others don’t have, they ask you to do more work. I’ve had attorneys ask me to write briefs, and I was hired by a sitting judge to be a research assistant. I was even able to interview potential clients, which most paralegals don’t handle because they don’t have interview skills.”

Though paralegals can work long hours (sometimes 60-80 hour weeks), many receive four weeks of vacation, bonuses, and other benefits. And as Weintraub pointed out, many journalists already work those hours for less pay.

How to get the gig: If you have a bachelor’s degree (which many firms require), you need to complete a paralegal certification program. Weintraub suggests finding one that is ABA-approved. Many online programs take only a few months to complete.

8. Turn Your Passion Into a Side Gig

Former Good Morning America anchor Lisa McRee decided to put the same passion and dedication she brought to reporting into improving her health and that of her family. Her journey led to a website, a video series for Everyday Health, weekly newsletters, and an upcoming book—a whole new career she never anticipated.

“You have to find something that you’re passionate about, because it’s not going to pay your bills out of the gate,” McRee says. “You have to be doing it for your health.”

Whatever you’re passionate about—fitness, cooking, personal finance, travel—your journalism skills can help you build an audience and eventually monetize it.

Quick Comparison: Side Gigs for Writers

Side Gig	Time Commitment	Earning Potential	Startup Needed
Youth Writing Instructor	Part-time (set schedule)	$25-$75/hour	Curriculum outline
Private Tutor	Flexible	$50-$200/session	Minimal
Business Writing Coach	Flexible	$75-$200+/hour	Website, networking
Publishing Consultant	Flexible	Varies widely	~$100 (website)
Brand Marketing Consultant	Project-based	$50-$150+/hour	Portfolio, pitch deck
Social Media Manager	Part-time to full-time	$500-$5,000+/month per client	Strong personal presence
Paralegal	Full-time (career change)	$50,000-$80,000/year	Certification required
Passion Project	Varies	Long-term potential	Time and dedication

Ready to explore new opportunities? Browse jobs on Mediabistro.

FAQs About Side Gigs for Writers

What are the best side hustles for writers?

The best side hustles for writers include tutoring, freelance editing, content writing, social media management, copywriting, business writing coaching, and publishing consulting. The right choice depends on your skills, interests, and how much time you can commit.

How much can writers earn from side gigs?

Earnings vary widely. Private tutors charge $50-$200 per session. Social media managers can earn $ 500 to $5,000 per month per client. Consultants often charge $ 75 to $200 per hour. The key is to specialize and position yourself as an expert.

Can journalists transition to marketing careers?

Yes, journalists have highly transferable marketing skills—strong writing, research, storytelling, interviewing, deadline management, and an understanding of audiences. Many journalists successfully transition to content marketing, brand strategy, PR, and social media management.

Do I need certifications to tutor or coach?

For general tutoring and writing coaching, certifications aren’t typically required—your experience and writing samples demonstrate your expertise. However, some roles, like paralegal work, do require formal certification. For tutoring platforms, you may need to pass their vetting process.

How do I find clients for writing side gigs?

Start with your existing network—former colleagues, sources, and professional contacts. Use LinkedIn to showcase your expertise. Join relevant professional organizations. Register with platforms like Wyzant (for tutoring) or freelance marketplaces. Speaking engagements and content marketing can also attract clients over time.

Is it realistic to start a side gig while working full-time?

Yes, most of these gigs offer flexibility. Tutoring, coaching, and consulting can be scheduled around your full-time job. The key is to set boundaries and be realistic about your capacity. Many people start with one or two clients and grow gradually.

Topics:

Be Inspired, Productivity

Climb the Ladder

How to Withdraw a Job Application: Email Templates & Examples for Every Situation

Professional scripts for withdrawing gracefully at any stage of the hiring process

By Scouted

Scouted was a hiring marketplace that matched candidates to roles based on potential, serving clients from high-growth startups to Fortune 500 companies.

7 min read • Originally published January 30, 2026 / Updated April 6, 2026

By Scouted

Scouted was a hiring marketplace that matched candidates to roles based on potential, serving clients from high-growth startups to Fortune 500 companies.

7 min read • Originally published January 30, 2026 / Updated April 6, 2026

Whether you’ve accepted another offer, realized the role isn’t right for you, or have personal circumstances that changed your plans, knowing how to withdraw a job application professionally is an essential career skill. Done right, a withdrawal email takes just a few minutes to write and keeps your professional reputation intact.

This guide covers when and how to withdraw your application at every stage of the hiring process, plus ready-to-use email templates you can customize for your situation.

1. Reasons to Withdraw a Job Application

Candidates withdraw from job applications all the time. Common reasons include:

Accepted another offer – You received an offer from your preferred company
Role isn’t a good fit – After interviewing, you realized the position doesn’t match your skills or goals
Company culture concerns – Red flags emerged during the interview process
Personal circumstances – Relocation, family matters, health issues, or other life changes
Career direction change – You’ve decided to pursue a different path
Salary/benefits mismatch – The compensation doesn’t meet your requirements

The good news: if you handle it with respect and promptness, withdrawing your application won’t have negative consequences for your career.

2. When to Withdraw Your Application

The short answer: as soon as you know you don’t want the job.

Promptly informing an employer that you’re no longer interested allows them to focus on other candidates. If you’ve accepted a job offer elsewhere, withdraw outstanding applications from other companies immediately.

This is why it helps to stay organized during your job search by using a spreadsheet to track which companies you’ve applied to and your stage in each process.

3. How to Withdraw Your Application

The method depends on where you are in the hiring process:

Stage	How to Withdraw
Applied, but no interview yet	Log in to the application portal and select “withdraw application,” or send a brief email to HR
Working with a recruiter	Notify your recruiter directly—they’ll handle the rest
After interviewing	Send a personalized email to the hiring manager or your main contact
After receiving an offer	Send a thoughtful email to the hiring manager, and consider a phone call first

A brief, professional email is always the best approach—it leaves no room for ambiguity and demonstrates your professionalism even as you exit the process.

4. Email Templates for Withdrawing Your Application

Below are ready-to-use templates for different withdrawal scenarios. Customize the bracketed sections with your specific details.

Template 1: General Withdrawal Email (After Interview)

Subject: [Your Name] – Withdrawal from [Position Title] Candidacy

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

Thank you for taking the time to interview me for the [Position Title] role at [Company Name]. I enjoyed learning more about the team and [something specific from the interview].

After careful consideration, I have decided to withdraw my application. [Optional: brief reason such as “I have accepted a position at another company” or “I’ve decided to pursue a different direction.”]

Thank you again for your time and consideration. I wish you and the team continued success.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Template 2: Withdrawal Due to Accepting Another Offer

Subject: Withdrawing My Application – [Your Name]

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I wanted to reach out to let you know that I’ve accepted another position and would like to withdraw my application for [Position Title].

I genuinely appreciated the opportunity to interview with [Company Name] and learn about your team’s work on [specific project or detail]. It was a difficult decision, as I was impressed by the company culture and mission.

Thank you for the time you invested in my candidacy. I hope our paths cross again in the future.

Best,
[Your Name]

Template 3: Withdrawal Due to Personal Reasons

Subject: [Your Name] – Application Withdrawal for [Position Title]

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

Thank you so much for considering me for the [Position Title] position at [Company Name]. I’ve truly enjoyed our conversations and learning about the role.

Unfortunately, due to personal circumstances, I need to withdraw my application at this time. This was not an easy decision, and I hope you understand.

I have great respect for [Company Name] and would welcome the opportunity to reconnect in the future should circumstances change. Thank you again for your understanding.

Warm regards,
[Your Name]

Template 4: Withdrawal Before Interview (Brief)

Subject: Withdrawal of Application – [Your Name], [Position Title]

Dear [Recruiter/HR Contact],

I am writing to withdraw my application for the [Position Title] position. After further consideration, I have decided to pursue other opportunities that more closely align with my career goals.

Thank you for considering my application. I wish you success in finding the right candidate.

Best,
[Your Name]

Template 5: Withdrawal – Role Not a Good Fit

Subject: [Your Name] – Withdrawing from Consideration

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the [Position Title] role. I appreciated learning more about the position and the team at [Company Name].

After reflecting on our conversation, I’ve concluded that the role isn’t the right fit for my skills and career objectives at this time. I want to be upfront rather than continue in a process that wouldn’t be the best match for either of us.

I have great respect for [Company Name] and wish you success in finding the ideal candidate.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

5. Withdrawing After Receiving (or Accepting) an Offer

Declining a Job Offer

If you’ve received an offer but wish to decline, use a template similar to those above. You may also want to express interest in staying connected, especially if you’re in the same industry and may cross paths again.

Withdrawing After Accepting an Offer

This should be a last resort. According to a Robert Half survey, 28% of workers have reneged on a job offer, usually because a better opportunity came along.

If you must withdraw after accepting:

Act immediately – The sooner you notify them, the better
Call first – A phone call before your email shows more respect
Be honest but brief – Explain your circumstances without over-explaining
Apologize sincerely – Acknowledge the inconvenience you’re causing
Check your contract – Ensure you won’t breach any signed agreements

6. Tips for Withdrawing Without Burning Bridges

Be prompt – Don’t leave employers waiting
Keep it professional – Even if the interview revealed red flags, stay positive
Be brief – You don’t owe a detailed explanation
Express gratitude – Thank them for their time and consideration
Leave the door open – You never know when paths might cross again

7. Final Tip: Only Apply to Jobs You Actually Want

To reduce the likelihood of needing to withdraw, do your research upfront. Go on informational interviews, read company reviews, and honestly assess each job description before applying. Ask yourself: Can I see myself performing these duties every day?

Frequently Asked Questions

When is it appropriate to withdraw a job application?

Withdraw your application as soon as you decide the position isn’t right for you—whether due to accepting another offer, realizing the role doesn’t align with your goals, or personal reasons. Promptly informing the employer allows them to focus on other candidates.

How do I withdraw my application if I haven’t been interviewed yet?

If you’re early in the process, you can often withdraw directly through the company’s application portal. Alternatively, send a brief email to HR or your recruiter notifying them of your decision.

What’s the best way to withdraw after an interview?

Send a personalized email to your main contact (usually the hiring manager or recruiter) explaining your decision. Keep it professional, concise, and express gratitude for the opportunity.

What should I include in a withdrawal email?

Thank the hiring manager for their time, briefly state that you’re withdrawing (with an optional reason), and maintain a positive tone. You don’t need to go into extensive detail.

Can I withdraw after receiving a job offer?

Yes. Use a polite, thankful email similar to the templates above. Consider adding a line about staying in touch if you’d like to maintain the professional relationship.

What if I need to withdraw after accepting an offer?

This should be a last resort. Handle it with maximum professionalism: call first, then follow up in writing. Explain your circumstances honestly, apologize for the inconvenience, and ensure you’re not breaching any signed contracts.

Will withdrawing hurt my career?

Candidates regularly withdraw from applications without negative consequences—as long as you handle it respectfully and promptly. Maintain a professional tone to preserve your reputation in your industry.

How can I avoid needing to withdraw in the future?

Research companies thoroughly before applying. Use informational interviews and review sites to ensure positions align with your career goals and values before you enter the hiring process.

Currently job searching? Browse open positions on Mediabistro’s job board.

Topics:

Candidates, Climb the Ladder