How to Reschedule a Job Interview Professionally (With Email Templates)

Rescheduling doesn't have to tank your chances—here's how to handle it professionally and keep your candidacy on track.

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

5 min read • Originally published April 20, 2020 / Updated March 19, 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.

5 min read • Originally published April 20, 2020 / Updated March 19, 2026

Last updated: January 2026

You filled out the application, aced a phone screening, and scheduled your interview. Then you realize you can’t make it.

What will the hiring manager think? Will this kill your chances? Should you do everything possible to keep the original time, or is it better to reschedule?

The good news: rescheduling a job interview doesn’t have to derail your candidacy. Here’s exactly how to handle it professionally.

Don’t Panic

Hiring managers are people too. They understand that things happen. While you should always try to keep your original appointment, rescheduling isn’t a dealbreaker—as long as you handle it the right way.

Reschedule as Soon as Possible

Once you realize you need to reschedule, contact the hiring manager immediately. The sooner you reach out, the more professional and organized you’ll appear.

Even if you only think something might conflict—you’re waiting to hear back from childcare or trying to move another appointment—it’s better to reschedule now to a date you know works. Waiting until the last minute and giving late notice makes you look unreliable.

Call First

A phone call is the most direct way to reschedule. It’s also more personal when explaining your situation. When you call:

Ask for the hiring manager or recruiter by name
If they’re unavailable, get the name of the person you spoke with
Note the date and time you called
Follow up with an email to confirm

Give a Brief, Honest Reason

While you have a right to privacy, the hiring manager will wonder if your reschedule is a one-time issue or a red flag. Briefly and truthfully explain the situation.

Valid reasons to reschedule:

Illness (yours or a family member’s)
Car trouble or transportation issues
Family emergency
Unavoidable work conflict at your current job
Childcare falling through

Keep the explanation brief—one sentence is enough. The hiring manager doesn’t need your full medical history or a detailed account of your car problems.

Apologize Sincerely

A simple apology goes a long way. Even if the circumstances were completely out of your control, acknowledging the inconvenience shows professionalism and respect for the interviewer’s time.

You don’t need to over-apologize—one sincere “I apologize for any inconvenience” is sufficient.

Suggest Alternative Dates (The Sooner, the Better)

When you reschedule, come prepared with two or three alternative times. This shows initiative and keeps the process moving forward.

Tips for suggesting new dates:

Offer times within the next few days, not weeks
Try to match the same time of day as your original interview
Be flexible—let them know you can adjust if needed
Have your calendar open when you call

Don’t push the interview out two weeks or more—you risk being forgotten or replaced by candidates who interviewed sooner.

Follow Up with Email Confirmation

After your phone call, send a follow-up email that:

Confirms the new interview date and time
Thanks them for accommodating the change
CCs any relevant parties (recruiter, HR coordinator)

This creates a paper trail and ensures everyone is on the same page.

Email Templates for Rescheduling

Follow-Up Email After Calling to Reschedule

Subject: Interview Reschedule Confirmation – [Your Name]

Hello,

I wanted to follow up after my phone call earlier with [NAME OF PERSON YOU SPOKE WITH]. Per our conversation, I will unfortunately be unable to make our scheduled interview due to [BRIEF REASON].

I am available to meet on [DATE/TIME] or [DATE/TIME], or we can discuss another time that works better for you.

Please accept my apology for having to reschedule. I remain very interested in this opportunity and look forward to meeting with you soon.

Best regards,
[YOUR NAME]
[PHONE NUMBER]

Initial Email to Request Rescheduling

If you can’t reach anyone by phone, use this template:

Subject: Request to Reschedule Interview – [Your Name], [Position Title]

Dear [HIRING MANAGER NAME],

I’m writing to let you know that I will unfortunately not be able to keep our interview appointment on [DAY, DATE]. Due to [BRIEF EXPLANATION], I will not be available during that time.

Would you be available to meet on [DATE] or [DATE]? Please let me know if either of those dates work, or if you would prefer another time.

I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. I’m very excited about this opportunity and look forward to meeting with you soon.

Best regards,
[YOUR NAME]
[PHONE NUMBER]

Never Reschedule Twice

While rescheduling once is understandable, rescheduling your rescheduled interview is a serious red flag. At that point, most hiring managers will question your reliability and move on to other candidates.

Once you set the new date, treat it as unmovable. Block your calendar, arrange backup childcare, and give yourself extra travel time. Do whatever it takes to be there.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it bad to reschedule a job interview?

Rescheduling once is generally fine, as long as you give adequate notice, provide a valid reason, and handle it professionally. Most hiring managers understand that life happens. However, rescheduling multiple times or doing so at the last minute can hurt your candidacy.

How much notice should I give when rescheduling an interview?

Give as much notice as possible—ideally 24 to 48 hours or more. If something comes up the morning of, call immediately rather than waiting. Even a few hours’ notice is better than no-showing.

Should I call or email to reschedule an interview?

Call first if possible—it’s more direct and personal. Then follow up with an email to confirm the new date and time in writing. If you can’t reach anyone by phone, email is acceptable, but make sure to send it as early as possible.

What’s a good excuse to reschedule an interview?

Valid reasons include illness, family emergencies, car trouble, unavoidable work conflicts, or childcare issues. Keep your explanation brief and honest. You don’t need to share excessive details—a simple “due to a family emergency” or “due to illness” is sufficient.

Will rescheduling hurt my chances of getting the job?

Not if you handle it professionally. Give adequate notice, apologize sincerely, suggest alternative dates promptly, and absolutely show up for the rescheduled interview. Many successful candidates have had to reschedule at some point.

Topics:

Candidates, Climb the Ladder

Interview Tips

What It Takes to Ace a Video Interview: Tips for Setup, Prep, and Presentation

These tips will ensure your screen time gets you closer to that job

By Brittany Taylor

Brittany Taylor is an enterprise marketing manager and content strategist with over a decade of experience in B2B content marketing, brand building, and ghostwriting, with bylines in SELF, Teen Vogue, and Mediabistro. She currently leads content and branding across multiple brands at HireQuest Inc.

5 min read • Originally published June 2, 2015 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Brittany Taylor

5 min read • Originally published June 2, 2015 / Updated March 19, 2026

Some people are naturally great at job interviews. They pull out their most confident smiles, ensure they’ve got the firm handshake down and practice their best answers to the trickiest of questions.

If it’s a phone interview, they make sure they’ve nailed their most professional yet conversational tone. But if it’s a video interview, things get a bit more complicated. Even the best interviewees among us get a little queasy at the thought of Skyping their way to their next job.

But hey—we’ve got you covered.

Read on for our experts’ best tips for acing the ultimate interview test.

Set yourself up for success.

Sometimes interview opportunities crop up unexpectedly and you’re scrambling to be as prepared as possible for that next-day chat. Still, it pays to set aside the time to research the company and the person you’ll be interviewing with, and to run through your responses—more so, when you’ve got ample notice of an appointment.

And when it comes to interviewing with the help of technology, it’s essential to test the audio and video as far in advance as you can to avoid any glitches that might interrupt the actual interview.

Most of the time, you don’t need any special equipment, as long as your computer has a functional microphone and webcam. However, do consider wearing headphones to cut out on background noise, and test the clarity, volume and connection strength of your equipment by video calling a friend or two beforehand.

To set the scene appropriately, pick a backdrop that isn’t cluttered or busy, advises Daniel Waas, director of marketing for GoToMeeting. If you’re interviewing from your bedroom, for example, make darn sure your bed is made (if it’s in view) and hide your teddy bears or framed pictures of you on spring break for the duration of the call.

Dress as if you were interviewing in person, from head to toe. Trust us, it will help you feel more professional if you swap your sweatpants for slacks. And check the lighting. If you sit with a lamp or a window behind you, it’ll cast an unflattering shadow over your face.

Cut out distractions.

Want to make it onto an interviewer’s worst-ever list? Easy: Keep the door to distraction wide open, says career coach Kolby Goodman, founder of The Job Huntr, whose most awkward interview moment is one for the dogs. “The interviewee had an unruly dog that kept barking and coming into the room,” he shares. “The individual kept having to pause the conversation and take the dog back outside.”

To prevent such intrusions, pick a spot you can control. You want a small room (to eliminate echoes) that you can close off. During a test call with a friend, observe how loud your A.C. unit or overhead fan is, and adjust accordingly. And ask anyone you share your space with to avoid disturbing you and keep the volume down during your interview timeslot.

Of course, no matter how much effort you put into making your side of the interview totally zen, stuff happens. When it does, the best thing you can do it laugh, apologize and quickly move on. Waas says he’s had his own embarrassing moment while hiring for a role.

“I have three framed art posters in my office and I had used double-sided tape to hang them,” he recalls. “In one of my last interviews [of the day], one of the pictures came crashing down right behind me.” Both he and the candidate shook it off, and, he adds, “It even ended up having a positive impact on the interview. The candidate was more at ease afterwards and the conversation benefitted from that.” Phew!

Troubleshoot like a pro.

Having technical difficulties? First, ditch WiFi in favor of an ethernet connection, suggests Josh Tolan, CEO of Spark Hire, a video-interviewing platform. Then, close out of any programs that are using the Internet—this means shutting them down completely.

Also be aware of any other people who might be using your connection. For example, if your roommate is on a Netflix binge, Tolan says, it’ll slow down your Internet, making it difficult for your interviewer to see and hear you. When you have an awesome job opportunity on the line, you’ll want to avoid at all costs a “Can you hear me now?” situation.

If the worst happens, and the video call is a no-go, advises Goodman: “Make sure you have a direct phone number of the person you are interviewing with. That way you can immediately reach out and try to remedy the situation.” Resist the urge to hit “reply” on your email chain and pick up your phone instead.

“Treat the technical issue as if your car broke down on the way to the interview,” adds Goodman. “Explain the situation and see when you can reschedule.” Finally, he says, “make sure, above all else, the second interview goes smoothly. Many employers can understand one issue, but two in a row is hard to swallow.”

Treat this like an in-person interview.

During a phone interview, you have the luxury of checking your notes and having your interviewer be none the wiser. For a video interview, though, you need to be just as prepared as you would be for an in-person interview. That way, you can take advantage of visual cues, says Robert Hosking, executive director of staffing service OfficeTeam.

Use the opportunity to maximize your body language, expressing your enthusiasm and passion for past projects and future possibilities rather than shifting your eyes to reference materials or hunching over your desk, which are both less-than-confident moves.

To truly hit it out of the park, you want to make a connection. “While it’s tempting to look at the screen [when answering questions], you should actually look at the camera, so it appears you’re speaking directly to the employer,” says Hosking.

And focus on the screen, rather than the inset image of yourself, while your interviewer is speaking. Be sure to smile, gesture with your hands and loosen up. This is an interview, not The Inquisition.

So open up your laptop, answer the call and repeat after us: “Yes I can.”

Looking to hone those skills to perfection? Consider getting the help of a pro. Mediabistro’s Career Services offer everything from a mock interview to several sessions of career counseling to tackle interview and networking skills, career transition and more.

Topics:

Get Hired, Interview Tips

Career Transition

The Beginner’s Guide to Freelance Writing: How to Start and Land Your First Jobs

How to break into the freelancing game

By Amanda Layman Low

@AmandaLaymanLow

Amanda Layman is a B2B tech content writer and strategist with over 15 years of experience creating content for startups and enterprise brands. She founded Tigris, a content agency serving leading tech companies, and authored The New Freelance: A Book for Writers.

5 min read • Originally published January 28, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Amanda Layman Low

@AmandaLaymanLow

5 min read • Originally published January 28, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

So, you want to be a freelance writer, huh? It looks really glamorous with little-known writers getting a bajillion views for their work on Huffington Post, or gaining overnight success with a single viral article or hilarious concept.

Freelance writing appears to be a quick and easy way to write about whatever you want for whoever you want, all from the comfort of your own home.

Wrong.

Freelancing is tough. I’ve done it for just three years now, and I’ve endured late payments, broken contracts and nail-biting periods of time with little or no food in the fridge. So, if you really want to do this, better be prepared.

Here are four things you absolutely must do before you even think of putting fingers to keypad.

1. Get Organized

With pitches going out and (hopefully) payments coming in, freelance writing can become a juggling act if you’re lacking an organization system.

For a rookie, here are the barest bones of an effective organization system: a calendar, a submissions log and a way to track your income. Your own system should make sense to you.

For example, I pin story ideas on a bulletin board so I can physically examine them, but I use Excel spreadsheets to track submission statuses, invoices and payments.

C. Hope Clark, creator of FundsForWriters.com, uses a hard copy calendar and organizes the rest using Excel spreadsheets. “I keep 13 queries outstanding at all times, whether editors, magazines, contests or [for a] copywriting gig,” she says. “When I receive a rejection, I stop and usually submit a rejected piece to another market and send a new piece to the editor that rejected me.”

Jodi Doff, essayist and blogger at OnlyTheJodi.com, uses the writer’s tracking system on Duotrope.com, along with a Google Drive spreadsheet with different tabs and timelines.

“Each spreadsheet is sortable by a number of filters such as deadline, payment, contacts etc. There is nothing on paper at all. It’s very geeky, and it makes me very happy,” she says.

Personally, I like to use Google Drive to store my finished pieces. Though no technology is infallible, it’s wise to back up your work on multiple platforms.

Computers get viruses, hard drives crash or your toddler may develop an insatiable curiosity as to what happens when she submerges your flash drive in the toilet. Be prepared!

2. Research and Read

In my opinion, the difference between a casual writer and a professional (read: income-earning) is all in the research.

It’s no coincidence that the moment I started making money writing was shortly after I started examining the market for paying publications and decided to pitch only those with which I was somewhat familiar.

You don’t have to be an avid reader of every publication you pitch, but you should submit a story with confidence that your piece will fit the tone and mission of that publication.

It’s not about you, it’s about them: Write and submit with the intention of making the magazine/website/newsletter better.

Here are just a few publications you should read to keep up with the industry:

Depending on your genre and interests, there are many more resources available to you. For example, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators offers worlds of information specific to the children’s market.

And don’t underestimate the value of word-of-mouth: All the veteran writers I spoke with said they learned about new opportunities through casual conversations with friends and acquaintances. Don’t be afraid to tell others what you do for a living.

3. Make Connections

The old school Rolodex may be slipping into extinction, but the act of making contacts in the literary world is evergreen.

There are a million ways to create and maintain professional relationships: social media, writer’s conferences, organizations and local groups, workshops and college courses.

Help other writers out: If you discover a new culinary magazine searching for writers, alert your foodie friend. Your colleagues will remember and return the favor in the future (and if they’re of the mindset that more for you means less for them, it’s not worth it to maintain the relationship anyway).

Don’t burn bridges and remember to keep in touch with editors you’ve worked with in the past. Like any other industry, editorial jobs get shuffled around, and when Jane C. Editor goes to work for a new magazine, you could be on your way to an assignment simply because you’ve already fostered a relationship with her.

So how do you build relationships with writers and editors? When relevant, I like to mention briefly in my pitch letters what I enjoy about their publication.

Be professional before you get personal: Turn in assignments as early as possible, respond promptly and succinctly to emails, and unless you’ve just lost your fingers in a freak chainsaw accident, don’t make excuses.

And for the love of Shakespeare, always use proper grammar and punctuation.

4. Flesh Out Ideas Before Pitching

The worst thing you can do, in my opinion, is send a sloppy pitch letter or poorly edited piece to your dream publication.

This isn’t to say you shouldn’t challenge yourself to pitch venerated publications, especially if you’re very familiar with what they publish.

But it’s much easier to build your body of work, get some help editing your pitch or story and then submit to The New Yorker than to fire off a submission at two in the morning on a wine-induced whim.

Create a strong first impression rather than spending time and energy recovering from a bad one: Before pitching a publication, Clark said she studies the masthead to find out who does what. She also looks for “archives of articles… I will also glance at the advertising in the publication or online to get a strong feel of the readership.”

Dominick also reviews the content of a publication thoroughly before submitting. “I look for circulation data and demographics on their audience/readership. I look at Alexa rankings for online opportunities.”

Again, the more time you spend getting organized and studying the market now, the more time you’ll have later to actually be creative and write.

My own piece of advice for rookies? Don’t quit your day job—or have a spouse, partner, roommate or really well-trained pet who can bring in some income, too.

Topics:

Go Freelance, Journalism Advice

Skills & Expertise

5 Bad Writing Habits That Hurt Your Career (And How to Fix Them)

Poor writing practices are easy to form and hard to break. Here's how to identify and eliminate the habits slowing you down.

By Aja Frost

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.

5 min read • Originally published November 14, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Aja Frost

5 min read • Originally published November 14, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

Last updated: January 2026

Like most bad habits, poor writing practices are easy to form and hard to break. Unlike other bad habits, writing-related ones can have a major impact on your career (or your bottom line if you’re a freelancer). If you want to become a better writer, it’s time to stamp out these unproductive patterns.

1. Neglecting to Read

Writing for a living without regularly picking up new books, articles, or other content is like being a professional chef who never tastes anyone else’s food. To hone your skills, you need to sample what’s out there.

Exposing yourself to great writing helps you find new rhetorical techniques, strategies, and effective turns of phrase. It also sharpens your “ear” for rhythm and flow.

Nothing makes or breaks a piece like good rhythm. You might have compelling ideas and interesting quotes, but clunky sentences or poorly constructed paragraphs will doom your work. It’s nearly impossible to learn rhythm by taking a course or reading a manual. Most writers acquire this skill by absorbing as much writing as they can.

Quick fix: Set a goal to read for 20 to 30 minutes each day. Mix formats: books, longform journalism, newsletters, and writing in your niche. Pay attention to sentence structure, pacing, and how writers transition between ideas.

2. Jumping In Without an Outline

It’s tempting to dive right into your work without outlining first, especially if you’re a freelancer. Time equals money: The more writing you can do, the more you’ll make.

But cutting corners up front almost always slows you down in later stages. Without an outline to keep you focused and on-topic, you’re likely to lose your train of thought, get stuck in particular sections, write too much in some parts and too little in others, and fail to fully develop your points.

Even if you dread outlining, try to spend 15 to 45 minutes on it for each project, depending on its length, complexity, and type.

3. Editing While You Write

Many writers get stuck in the weeds while drafting. A sentence sounds off, so you pause and rewrite it. Changing that sentence messes with the flow of the paragraph, meaning you need to rewrite four more sentences. Next thing you know, 20 minutes have gone by and you haven’t made any progress.

It’s hard, but refrain from editing until you’ve finished your first draft. You’ll find it much easier to fix both macro and micro problems when you know what the entire piece looks like. Plus, you’ll finish your initial writing much faster, giving you more time for editing later.

Tools that can help:

Distraction-free writing apps that hide your previous text until you’re done drafting
Timed writing sprints where you commit to writing continuously for 25 minutes
Voice-to-text dictation which forces you to keep moving forward

4. Skipping a Writing Routine

What do Joan Didion, Kurt Vonnegut, Ray Bradbury, and Ernest Hemingway have in common (besides being supremely talented)? Each of these writers had their own highly specific creative routines.

They’re not alone. Most successful writers work the same way every day. Simone de Beauvoir, for example, used to have a cup of tea, write from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., take a break to see friends, and then write from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Establishing a routine has a couple of benefits. First, it allows you to transition from everyday life into a creative mood. Second, a routine makes it more difficult to procrastinate or let other obligations get in the way. When you’re committed to writing one hour before work each day, you’re far more likely to actually get that writing time in.

How to build your routine:

Identify the activities, settings, and times of day that make you most productive
Note when you have an easier time focusing (after exercise, with coffee, in the morning)
Weave those elements into a consistent daily or weekly schedule
Protect that time and treat it as non-negotiable

5. Reacting Poorly to Negative Feedback

No one enjoys receiving negative feedback. Writers often have a particularly hard time with constructive criticism because writing feels so personal. But becoming defensive or emotional when an editor or manager critiques your work will hurt your career in more ways than one.

This reaction damages your professional image. If people believe you can’t accept edits, they’re usually hesitant to rehire you or recommend you to others.

You’ll also lose the opportunity to improve. Chances are, the feedback you’re getting is valid, so paying attention and incorporating it into this piece as well as future pieces will help you grow as a writer.

The takeaway: Recognize the value of negative feedback. Remember that you are not your work. These comments aren’t personal attacks on your character. They’re opportunities to improve your craft.

Looking to put your improved writing skills to work? Browse open positions on the Mediabistro job board.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common bad writing habits?

The most common bad writing habits include skipping the outline, editing while drafting, neglecting to read other writers’ work, failing to establish a consistent routine, and reacting defensively to feedback. These habits slow down your writing process and limit your growth.

How can I become a faster writer?

To write faster, create an outline before you start, resist the urge to edit while drafting, and establish a consistent writing routine. Separating the drafting and editing phases allows you to move through each stage more efficiently.

Why is reading important for writers?

Reading exposes you to different writing styles, sentence structures, and storytelling techniques. It also helps you develop an intuitive sense of rhythm and flow that’s difficult to learn any other way. Most professional writers read extensively in their genre and beyond.

How do I handle criticism of my writing?

Separate yourself from your work. Feedback on your writing is about the piece, not about you as a person. Take time to process the comments before responding, look for valid points you can apply, and remember that constructive criticism helps you grow as a writer.

Should I outline before writing?

Yes. Outlining saves time in the long run by keeping you focused and preventing structural problems. Even a brief 15-minute outline helps you organize your thoughts, identify gaps in your argument, and write more efficiently.

Topics:

Be Inspired, Productivity

Interview Tips

How to Describe Yourself in an Interview: 15 Example Answers That Impress

Sample responses to "How would you describe yourself?" that highlight your strengths without sounding generic.

By Ken Sundheim

5 min read • Originally published August 1, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Ken Sundheim

5 min read • Originally published August 1, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

Last updated: January 2026

In this article: Why This Question Matters | 15 Example Answers | Tips for Your Response | FAQs

In almost every job interview, the interviewer will ask some version of “How would you describe yourself?” While this question should be anticipated and practiced, many job seekers overlook its importance and fail to prepare a thoughtful answer.

The key is to be honest and authentic. Use the examples below as inspiration, but always phrase your answer in your own words—authenticity matters more than polish.

Why “Describe Yourself” Is Such an Important Question

This question typically comes early in the interview and sets the tone for everything that follows. Your answer reveals:

Your self-awareness and emotional intelligence
What you consider your most valuable qualities
How well you understand the role you’re applying for
Whether your values align with the company culture

A strong answer connects your personal qualities to what the employer needs. A weak answer sounds generic or rehearsed.

15 Ways to Describe Yourself in an Interview

These examples work especially well for sales and business development roles, but the principles apply to any position. Choose one or two that genuinely reflect who you are.

1. Results-Driven

“I’m confident in my ability to produce results. While I always prepare for challenges, I do the work necessary to ensure the best possible outcome.”

2. Performance-Oriented

“I want to be judged by my individual performance and rewarded based on my execution. I thrive when there are clear metrics for success.”

3. Ambitious and Aligned

“I look for companies with strong leadership and a clear vision—organizations that recognize and reward high performers. I want my success tied to the company’s success.”

4. Committed to Growth

“I’m someone who consistently invests in my own development, even when it’s not required by my job. I’ve found that learning—both directly and indirectly related to my work—makes me better at what I do.”

5. Goal-Oriented

“I’m modest but hardworking. I set firm goals for myself, define clear benchmarks, and then take the necessary steps to achieve them.”

6. Customer-Focused

“I have a consultative approach—I focus on understanding what clients actually need, not just what they say they want. I ask questions to uncover the real requirements, then deliver solutions that meet them.”

7. Self-Starter

“I’m positive and proactive. I don’t need to be micromanaged. When given a task, I figure out the best approach and execute autonomously.”

8. Natural Leader

“I’m someone who takes control of situations rather than letting situations control me. I stay calm under pressure and help others do the same.”

9. Determined

“I have an unwavering resolve to succeed—both in my own career and in making the companies I work for more competitive. I don’t give up when things get difficult.”

10. Pragmatic Problem-Solver

“I need to produce results. I meet challenges head-on rather than hoping they’ll resolve themselves. I’m optimistic but realistic about what needs to be done.”

11. High Achiever

“I consistently exceed expectations. I’m not satisfied with just meeting the bar—I want to raise it.”

12. Accountable

“I take full responsibility for my actions. When things go wrong, I don’t look for someone to blame—I look at what I can do better next time. Pointing fingers solves nothing.”

13. Decisive

“I make decisions and commit to them. I’m willing to do whatever is necessary to produce the best long-term results, even when it’s difficult in the short term.”

14. Team-Oriented

“I’m committed to building something larger than myself. I put the team’s success ahead of personal recognition because I know that’s how the best results happen.”

15. Principled

“I’m mature, candid, and I operate with integrity. I work every day to improve myself and my skills—becoming better at what I do is a lifelong commitment.”

Tips for Answering “How Would You Describe Yourself?”

Be Specific, Not Generic

Anyone can say they’re “hardworking” or “a team player.” What makes you different? Back up your descriptor with a brief example or specific context.

Match the Role

Choose qualities that align with what the job requires. A sales role might call for “results-driven,” while a collaborative creative role might call for “team-oriented.”

Keep It Concise

This isn’t your life story. Pick one or two qualities, explain them briefly, and let the interviewer ask follow-up questions if they want more detail.

Practice Out Loud

Your answer should sound natural, not memorized. Practice saying it aloud until it feels comfortable and conversational.

Ready to put your interview skills to the test? Browse open positions on Mediabistro.

About the author: Ken Sundheim is the CEO of KAS Placement, a sales and marketing recruiting firm specializing in staffing business development and marketing professionals. This article was originally published by the American Marketing Association.

FAQs on Describing Yourself in a Job Interview

How should I prepare for “How would you describe yourself?”

Anticipate this question and practice your answer in advance. Focus on being honest and authentic, and tailor your response to highlight qualities relevant to the specific job you’re applying for.

Why is authenticity important when describing myself?

Authenticity ensures your answers are genuine and reflect your true personality and capabilities. Interviewers can usually tell when someone is reciting a rehearsed script versus speaking from experience.

How many qualities should I mention?

Stick to one or two main qualities. It’s better to go deeper on fewer points than to rattle off a list that sounds like a resume. You can always mention additional qualities if the interviewer asks follow-up questions.

What’s the difference between “describe yourself” and “tell me about yourself”?

“Tell me about yourself” typically calls for a brief career narrative—where you’ve been and where you’re headed. “Describe yourself” focuses more on your personality traits, work style, and professional values.

What qualities are important to highlight for a sales role?

Key qualities include being results-driven, customer-focused, self-motivated, resilient, goal-oriented, and accountable. Emphasize your track record of meeting or exceeding targets.

What if I’m an introvert—can I still describe myself positively?

Absolutely. Introverts often excel at deep focus, thoughtful analysis, and one-on-one relationships. You might describe yourself as “reflective,” “detail-oriented,” or “someone who builds strong individual relationships.”

Should I mention weaknesses when describing myself?

Not in response to this question. Save weaknesses for when they’re specifically asked about. “Describe yourself” is your opportunity to highlight strengths.

How long should my answer be?

Aim for 30-60 seconds. Long enough to be substantive, short enough to keep the interviewer engaged. If they want more detail, they’ll ask.

Can I use the same answer for every interview?

Your core answer can stay similar, but you should tailor it to each role. Emphasize the qualities most relevant to that specific job and company culture.

What should I avoid saying?

Avoid clichés without substance (“I’m a people person”), negative framing (“I’m not very patient, but…”), and anything that sounds arrogant rather than confident. Also, avoid qualities irrelevant to the job.

Topics:

Get Hired, Interview Tips

Journalism Advice

Setting Your Freelance Writing Rate: 4 Key Factors to Consider

Seasoned freelancers give tips on how to value your work

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.

5 min read • Originally published June 15, 2015 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Kristen Fischer

5 min read • Originally published June 15, 2015 / Updated March 19, 2026

In the world of freelancing, one price doesn’t fit all jobs. That’s the beauty—and curse—of being a contractor.

Coming up with a fee can be challenging. Do you charge different amounts depending on the client or publication? How exactly do you figure out what a client wants, so you don’t wind up spending more time on a project and earning less as a result?

Here are a few things every self-employed professional should keep in mind when setting your freelance writing rate.

1. Your experience

First, it helps to get a ballpark of where you stand. Several factors go into setting your rate, such as where you live and how much experience you have.

In the magazine arena where most publications pay per word, it’s typically only the experienced writers who have bargaining power.

Those just starting out may want to work for less than the going rate in order to build clips. Kate Silver, a Chicago-based freelance writer who has penned articles for Men’s Health and Spirit, isn’t a newbie but says she can be “amenable” to a lower rate if the piece involves less research than usual.

Aubre Andrus, a writer from Chicago who creates marketing collateral and has written for National Geographic Traveler and FamilyFun, says she sets a salary goal for herself and calculates her hourly rate from there.

For her, the fact that she isn’t working on income-generating tasks 40 hours a week was a determining factor.

“This rate helps me devise my per-project fee and helps me decide if a project is worth my time,” explains Andrus. That, along with tracking her monthly earnings, has helped her stay on target to attain her salary goal.

Catey Hill, a California-based author and reporter who writes for DowJones, says she uses both a project and hourly fee system. Once you have a gist of your rate, you can see how it compares to market rates; then, use it to devise lump-sum fees and per-word rates.

2. The venue

Depending on what outlet you write for, the pay structure will differ. In general, magazines pay freelance writers per word, and larger, national pubs usually have bigger budgets to work with than online outlets or startups.

In copywriting, it’s standard to accept a project fee or an hourly rate, but working on site could net you an hourly fee. Meanwhile, proofreading typically pays less than copywriting and freelance magazine writing.

According to the Freelance Industry Report, 18.7 percent of copywriters earn from $50 to $59 an hour, 16.5 percent make $70 to $79 and 17.3 percent make anywhere from $100 to $150 per hour.

At least 46.2 percent of editors and copyeditors fell between the $20 and $39 an hour range. In freelance writing, 19.3 percent made $50 to $59 an hour, 10.1 percent made $20 to $29 an hour and only 12.2 percent earned $100 to $150 an hour.

Based on this information and your own market research, you can come up with a rate that you feel good about. You can always raise it over time as you build up more experience.

In knowing how different writing venues pay, you can save a lot of time and aggravation: For example, don’t even think of pitching an article at an hourly rate.

3. Your time

Whether you charge hourly or by the project, painting an accurate picture of what the project entails is key. Many copywriters find that clients aren’t always sure what they want for a website or brochure, while publication editors typically outline goals before they assign the piece.

To give a good estimate, you need to know how efficiently you work, and you can only do that by practicing.

“With project-based payment, you need to make sure that you are very clear on the assignment, so you don’t end up pricing your services too low,” Hill says.

Hill has had situations where an hourly-billed project took longer than expected. Instead of asking for more money, she honored her original quote. That seems to be the consensus in the freelance world, which is why it is so vital to master the guesstimating game.

That happened to Andrus when she underestimated the time it would take to copy edit a novel. “I sat on the couch all day and read it from start to finish in one sitting,” she recalls.

She didn’t charge the client extra for her mishap, but it taught her a lesson about the importance of assessing her time.

To gauge your own time, try an online tracker like Toggl or a stopwatch to see how long it takes you to complete certain tasks.

4. The scope of the work

You have to know, specifically, how much work is involved to establish your rate, no matter how you charge.

Emily Suess, a blogger and copywriter from Indiana who has freelanced for nearly a decade, says she asks clients in-depth questions to determine the scope of a project.

For instance, how long each blog post should be, what the lead time is, who provides topics and if she will need to use search engine optimization techniques on the content.

“When the client makes a request for something that lies outside of the initial scope, I let them know immediately and offer to prepare a quote for those additional services,” Suess notes.

Seasoned copywriters, journalists and editors learn to identify potential obstacles early and to ask clients if they foresee those situations arising.

If the client can’t give you specifics, think about situations that took longer than expected in the past and let him know that you will charge extra if those incidents occur with this project. For example, how many interviews will you need to conduct?

Are you expected to meet on site with a client or interviewee? How many rounds of revisions are typical?

Like other journalists, Silver says revisions are part of the fee you accept when you write for a publication.

In the magazine business, you don’t tell an editor how many revisions you’ll include as you would with a copywriting client; magazine editors expect that you will revise the work as many times as they see fit.

So, if multiple revisions of that website or promotional copy concern you, include at least one round of revisions in the initial fee and bill hourly for any additional rewrites that may be needed.

With magazine and online outlets, simply ask upfront how many revisions a typical piece goes through before you agree to the assignment.

In the end, it’s good to be mindful of what you want to earn, but don’t drive yourself crazy if you don’t always make that specific amount.

Your freelance writing rate will change (and hopefully, grow) as you move forward in your career.

Topics:

Go Freelance, Journalism Advice

Resumes & Cover Letters

10 Creative Ways to Make Your Resume Stand Out (Real Examples From Pros)

How to give a cookie-cutter resume a fresh twist

By Joel Schwartzberg

Joel Schwartzberg is a workplace communications coach, speechwriter, and bestselling author whose books include "Get to the Point!" and "The Language of Leadership," with articles published in Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, and Newsweek. He brings over two decades of senior communications and editorial leadership experience at organizations including the ASPCA, PBS, and Time Inc.

5 min read • Originally published March 3, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Joel Schwartzberg

5 min read • Originally published March 3, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

You’ve spit-and-polished your resume to a fare-thee-well, but can you make it stand out from the rest? How can you tweak your resume so it’s so unforgettable, the hiring manager not only has to call, but she also recalls your resume years after the fact?

Below, 9 professionals and 1 student share the unique, creative tacks they took that elevated their resumes—and helped them land jobs.

Follow their leads at your own risk—and possibly your own gain.

1. Add a Little Special Something

Julia Zangwill says the resume she sent to TV Land Digital for a designer position did not have a typical header. Instead, it led with this: “WHAT MAKES ME SPECIAL (besides what my grandma would say) by Julia Zangwill.”

It was a creative (and gutsy) move, but one that paid off. “The headline in Julia’s resume made it stand out from the others I was reviewing at the time; it showed a creativity and sense of humor that is important in our business,” says Jennifer Larkin, Sr. Director digital multi-platform experiences at TV Land. “And I still remember it three years later!”

Zangwill got the interview and the job (though her grandma probably expected as much all along).

2. Drop Names, Not Internships

While most people omit internships from their resumes once they’ve had a few real jobs, Jacki Garfinkel, senior director of social media at Nickelodeon, kept one in there: an internship with the Montel Williams show.

“I get asked about it on every single interview,” says Garfinkel. “I’ve even been told I was brought in for the interview strictly because of the Montel mention.”

It makes me wonder how effective a Montel Williams show reference works on Montel Williams’ resume.

3. Share Your Handiwork

Even with experience from Nickelodeon and Scholastic on his resume, Jed Weissberg, SVP of product and strategy at Mobiquity Networks, still makes room for another gig: puppetry.

“People are intrigued by it,” says Weissberg. “It’s almost always the first thing they ask about.” And when there’s an emergency in the office, who doesn’t start looking for the nearest puppeteer?

4. Face the Music

Simon Tam, a former marketing manager for Oregon’s “I Have a Dream” Foundation, put his dance rock band The Slants on his resume not to show off his musical chops, but to emphasize his marketing skills.

“I had been applying for marketing positions and, when they researched my band and saw how much brand exposure we had and how successful our marketing was, I quickly stood out,” Tam says.

5. Give an Answer in the Form of a Question

Bonnie Zaben, COO of executive search firm AC Lion, included experience as a Jeopardy! contestant on her resume.

“Lots of interviewers noticed and asked me about it,” says Zaben. “Most were friendly conversations about the experience, the selection process and Alex Trebek’s personality—it was a great conversation starter.”

But it also gave Zaben insight into her interviewers. One intrigued potential employer spent most of the interview aggressively quizzing her, leaving Zaben with an important impression.

“If this is how he conducts his interviews, then this is not someone I want to work with,” she says. “I waited until the 30-minute mark, made my excuses and never looked back.”

6. Put Your Best Numbers Forward

Nathan Hirst, a product manager with BlenderBottle Company, realized after six months of job searching that prospective employers valued statements of impact over job descriptions.

“Instead of putting something generic like ‘managed PPC accounts,’ I put things like ‘increased PPC ROI by 125 percent,’” explains Hirst, who says the change “made all the difference” in his job search (though there’s no exact percentage on that yet).

7. Play with Fire

Teague Hopkins, who runs a Web strategy group under his own name, says the one job he made sure to put on his resume was the hottest one he had: running a fire-dancing troupe.

“Without fail, I was asked about fire dancing in every single interview,” Hopkins says. “It was a great way to showcase my individuality and give me an entrance to talk about my leadership experiences.”

No wonder companies warmed up to him.

8. Drop Your Objectives

Wayne State University information officer Rasheda Williams says the best thing she did to her resume was not an addition, but an omission: dumping the “objective.”

“To me, listing an objective is pointless and it seems to limit the possibilities of you actually being considered,” Williams says. “If you’re applying for a position, then it’s assumed that your objective is to get the position!”

Williams instead uses that area to list her qualifications, which gave her “bragging rights and another chance to really shine.”

9. Humor Them

When Rebecca Maguire transitioned from stay-at-home mom to PR professional, she didn’t run away from her eight years of domestic work; she used it to showcase her humor—and some equivalent experience at the same time.

Maguire’s resume roles include “head of household management,” “director of preschool education,” CFO, head chef, housekeeper, chauffeur, nurse, zookeeper, gardener, personal shopper, stylist, groomer, social secretary and party planner.

“This ultimately led to the landing of my dream job,” Maguire says, “and I now run my own firm. When in doubt, humor always works!”

10. Rely on Your Peers

As an honors junior at Park University, Andi Enns had no fewer than six internships under her belt. The one thing that makes her resume stand out, she says, is a section called “peer review.”

The section contains the four most popular words her classmates suggested when she asked them to describe her: Determined. Intelligent. Strong. Entertaining.

At the four interviews Andi had for marketing and design positions, “every interviewer mentioned it,” Andi says. Considering two of the interviews led to offers, Andi could add one more word that describes her: Successful.

If you’d like your resume to stand out even more, consider getting the help of a pro. Mediabistro’s Career Services offer everything from a quick resume edit to several sessions of career counseling to tackle your CV, networking skills, career transition and more.

Topics:

Get a Media Job, Get Hired, Resumes & Cover Letters

Career Transition

6 Tips for Submitting Freelance Writing Clips That Win Assignments

How to put your best work forward

By Meena Thiruvengadam

5 min read • Originally published October 15, 2015 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Meena Thiruvengadam

5 min read • Originally published October 15, 2015 / Updated March 19, 2026

For journalists looking for freelance or full-time work, making a good first impression is all about the clips. Often requested before a story is assigned, clips are simply your writing samples or published articles.

But how do you know which articles—and how many—to send? And how can you wield your power with the pen (or keyboard) if no one will give you that first byline?

Fear not, freelancer. If you’re new to the biz or simply trying to break into that dream publication, there are some tried and true steps all writers can take to put their best clips forward.

1. Lead with your best work

Instead of trying to show the diversity of your writing or the most famous person you’ve interviewed, only highlight the very best pieces in your portfolio.

This isn’t the time to build to a crescendo of editorial greatness. Editors are pressed for time, so give them the goods quickly.

“I’m looking for several things in a clip,” says Thomas Mucha, editor of GlobalPost, an online international news site. “First, of course, is overall excellence, accuracy organization, a logical structure, good sourcing, top notch reporting, etc.”

Beyond that, Mucha says he looks for clips written with verve, wit and style and pieces that are smart, engaging and logical.

He also says he likes pieces that can pull him through until the end, making him feel as if he was in good hands during the entire read.

2. Pick clips that fit your pitch

Think about it this way: If you were looking for a decorator to renovate your bedroom, would you hire the person who’s only done kitchens? Didn’t think so.

So, if you’re pitching a travel story, send a link to your story on “The Real Miami: The Best Reasons to Leave South Beach.” If your idea is to interview an up and coming ingénue, send a blog post you wrote for Indie Wire.

“For new writers especially, I’m looking for clips that show you’ve done this type of story before,” says Jeremy Saum, executive editor for Afar.

However, not having a clip on that specific topic doesn’t mean you should automatically count yourself out for assignments in a new genre.

“If you have an idea for how to approach a topic and can show a great interest in it, then your lack of clips might not disqualify you,” says Christy Karras, a veteran freelance writer and former editor of Yahoo!’s Visit Britain pages.

When she’s pitching a story on a new topic, freelance journalist Angela Shah, who has written for Time, Forbes Asia and The New York Times, says she sends clips that illustrate her ability to write the type of story she’s pitching.

“When pitching a story about an Olympian in Afghanistan, I sent the editor clips of profiles I’d written,” she says. “While I haven’t written a sports story in a long time, I have written about individuals, their struggles doing work they loved and their hopes for success in their profession.”

3. Pay attention to voice

The tone of your writing is equally as important as the subject. Editors want to know that you can not only write well, but that you can do so for their publication and audience. Does the mag feature a lot of lists or snarky blurbs?

Then, highlight work where you showed a sense of humor. If the outlet leans to reported pieces, you’ll want to pick clips that are more serious in tone.

Karras explains, “As with any job, you want to show that you know something about the publication in question, so matching your writing samples to the voice of the publication is important. I’ve had people submit samples that read like college papers, which doesn’t work at all for my current travel and lifestyle specialties.”

Front-of-book articles typically require a livelier writer. “You don’t have to have an attitude or be sassy, but your writing has to have a voice and have some life to it,” says Saum.

For features, Saum says he looks for pitches that have depth. “We like to see features that are driven by something bigger than ‘I went here and did this travel story,'” he says.

4. Show off your reporting chops

Remember, you’re not just selling the story idea—you’re selling yourself, too. So, your samples should demonstrate why you’re the best person to write the story and highlight subject matter expertise, reporting skill and creativity.

Karras suggests choosing clips that suggest problem-solving abilities, show new ways to organize information around a theme or make an old topic interesting in a new way. She also recommends using clips that prove you can locate the best possible sources on a topic and smartly synthesize what they have to say.

Shah says she tends to choose stories she believes show off her writing and editing skills.

“That could be a deeply analytical magazine feature on the finances of a major city-state that shows my ability to digest complex information and write about it in an engaging way, it could be a news story on a crackdown in the Gulf that shows an editor how well sourced I am in an environment that might not be very friendly to journalists, or it could be a feature profile that I think displays some narrative chops,” she says.

“It just depends on the message I’d like to get to the individual editor.”

5. Don’t overwhelm your reader

Just because you may have written hundreds of articles relevant to a pitch or position, doesn’t mean you should send them all to your would-be editor. If an editor requests a certain number of clips, meet his or her requirement.

If he or she leaves that decision to you, select two or three of your best and most relevant pieces —no more.

“I send three clips,” Shah says. “Editors have short attention spans; we have to be able to grab them quickly.”

If an editor doesn’t request clips, Karras suggests mentioning in your cover or query letter that you have clips available should he be interested in seeing them.

6. Perfect your delivery

Once you’ve decided how many samples to send, the next step is deciding how to send them. Some publications make their preferences clear on sites like Mediabistro, Writer’s Digest and through their own submission guidelines, which are often available on their websites.

“If the editor specifies, do what the editor tells you to do,” says Karras, who prefers clips sent as Word attachments.

Other editors like links, but don’t expect to win any favor by simply directing the reader to your website. It can be perceived as laziness, and a busy editor may not be willing to spend time perusing your site.

When pitching new editors, Shah suggests getting recommendations from mutual colleagues if possible. “Being able to say that someone they know recommended you goes a long way in gaining their trust in your expertise,” she says.

Topics:

Go Freelance, Journalism Advice

Be Inspired

How Kazeem Famuyide Networked His Way from Intern to Bleacher Report Creative

Sometimes it’s really about who you know

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.

5 min read • Originally published October 30, 2017 / Updated March 19, 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.

5 min read • Originally published October 30, 2017 / Updated March 19, 2026

Vital Stats:

Name: Kazeem Famuyide
Industry:
Digital Content Editorial
Years in Industry: 10
Current Position:
Creative at Bleacher Report
Past Positions:

Writer, No Script with Marshawn Lynch
Founder/Editor-in-Chief, Stashed Magazine
Host of the Flagrant 2 Podcast
Host of Kaz In The Morning on Satori Radio
Senior Editor at Hip-Hop Wired
Online Editor, The Source

Education: SUNY- Purchase College
Social Media:

Twitter: @RealLifeKaz
Instagram: @RealLifeKaz

What was your first real job in media?

I got a job at The Source magazine fresh out of college.

I started out as an intern and was playing basketball for my college at the same time. On a daily basis, I would go from class to basketball practice to The Source, and I wasn’t getting paid.

My first real big break came from a story I did on Drake. I knew some famous people and had relationships with them before they really blew up, like Drake, because he performed at events that I helped put together for my college. After Drake’s second concert him [sic] and I got the chance to kick it. After we spoke I put a story together about him and brought it back to The Source’s editor. From then on they began asking me for content, and after a while I was like “Listen, I’m not giving you this [content] until you guys give me an actual job.”

A few months later I was hired as a staff writer.

You went from intern to editor at The Source magazine—a monthly hip-hop music, politics and culture magazine—in a little under two years and then moved on to create your own publication, The Stashed. How did The Stashed come about?

I was done with people telling me what was hot and what to cover. I believe if you give readers substance, they’ll take it.

So once I got an opportunity, I seized it. One of my good friends at Hip-Hop Wired called and asked me if I had ever met Steve Stoute, which I hadn’t. So she set up an introduction, and once we got to talking it turned out Stoute wanted to create a blog for his marketing agency, Translation. They had been trying to create a blog for a long time, but it didn’t really register to them that nobody wanted to read a blog about a marketing agency. I explained to Stoute, that you had to create a blog in the presence of the marketing agency, but still speak in the spirit of what you want that company to be, and it’ll work. And that’s how The Stashed was born. I had stepped into such a perfect situation there because you’ve got Steve Stoute, one of the most iconic and great minds of this industry, mentoring me, and on the back end I was kind of introducing him to the social media and digital content generation.

What kind of skills or mindset did you need to finally step out and start your own publication?

Self-confidence is key.

I was about three or four years into my career, and still working my way up. However, I was already starting to feel burnt out. I remember someone saying to me, “Man if you had the perfect situation, what would it be?” My response was: “I feel like I could run my own publication better than a lot of these people.”

Outside of your media career, you helped to create the HennyPalooza event series. How did the idea come about?

If it wasn’t for my connections in media, I’m not sure HennyPalooza would have lasted or blown up as much as it has.

HennyPalooza started three years ago as a house party amongst friends for a couple of years. As it got bigger and more people began to come so did our celebrity friends; our first celebrity guest was actor/ singer Mack Wilds, but I think our first big artist was the rapper, Pusha T.

I happened to be kicking it with my good friend, rapper Wale during Howard [University] Homecoming in Washington, D.C. and he mentioned that we should check out Pusha T’s concert. Once Pusha seen [sic] me, he remembered that I had interviewed him a few times and was like “Yo, whatchu doin’ out here?” I told him about Hennypalooza, and he responded “That’s tomorrow? It’s here?” Meanwhile, I’m psyched that he even knew about it and then actually showed up!

Now that you’re at Bleacher Report, and you have your own podcast what is your ultimate career goal?

One of my long-term goals is to be a media mogul.

I want to continue to be an industry playmaker creating controversial, boundary-pushing media. Because I’m not really motivated by money anymore. Pushing a genre or doing something nobody’s done before motivates me. After a while, all that stuff [like money] is going to come, but if you’re not reinventing the wheel every time or reinventing yourself, then you’re not really living up to your full potential.

I’m still young, I still have all this energy, and I feel like I have so much to give this industry. Between my work ethic, my connections and knack for bringing people together I figure, why not keep going?

Looking back on your career thus far is it fair to say relationship building helped you progress in your career? How important is relationship building?

Yes, for sure it did! I learned early on that relationship building was wildly valuable.

No one wants to work with somebody that is difficult, or they don’t get along with, but everyone would build someone who’s personable and genuine. Not saying that you need to kiss everyone’s butt or anything like that, but networking is extremely valuable in this industry and usually separates you from potential competition.

What advice can you give to an aspiring media professional in regards to interning and then demanding more from a company?

The best advice I received when I was younger was “work for free or work for the full price, never work for cheap.”

I built my name up to the point where people had to start paying me for my services.
I did my best to prove my worth because a lot of the time, a magazine like The Source did not have to pay you because they have a million other writers. Starting out I had no track record, and nothing to lay my hands on. As long as I was getting my byline in the magazine and people were seeing my work, that was good enough for me. It wasn’t until the point where I knew my worth—and I knew I could be something of value—that’s when I finally started making demands.

All of the success I attained in my career was from hard work, networking and just being outgoing. So above all else, just be yourself.

Topics:

Advice From the Pros, Be Inspired

Advice From the Pros

How to Become a Video Producer: Career Tips from Adweek’s John Tejada

An industry pro shares the skills, mindset, and networking strategies that helped him build a successful video production career.

By Valerie Berrios

@valerieberrios

Valerie Berrios is a published author and senior content manager with nearly two decades of experience in digital publishing, including roles at Audible, Disney Streaming, Everyday Health, and Mediabistro. She specializes in content strategy, editorial operations, and international content launches.

5 min read • Originally published September 16, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Valerie Berrios

@valerieberrios

5 min read • Originally published September 16, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

Last updated: January 2026

Getting your foot in the door and climbing the ladder in media can be a challenge: The industry is always changing, career paths can be ambiguous, and the content cycle never stops.

To help you find your way, we talked to John Tejada, video producer at Adweek, who shares real-world insights you can apply to your job search, interviews, and career growth in video production.

About John Tejada: As Adweek’s video producer, John creates and produces video content for Adweek.com. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in broadcasting from Montclair State University and has built his career in New York City. Connect with him on Twitter and LinkedIn.

How He Landed His First Media Job

What was your first job? And your first job in your chosen career?

“The first job I can remember was a stock boy at a small clothing store in Passaic, New Jersey. I was maybe 15 years old and made $20 for one day’s work.

My first post-college job was as the executive assistant to Michael Wolff, the former editorial director of Adweek.”

How did you land that job at Adweek?

“I was an intern at ‘Inside Edition’ my final semester at MSU. I began working closely with the staff there, asking everyone if they needed a hand with anything and everything.

Pretty soon I was assisting a producer regularly. Over the course of my time there I became her go-to intern. Toward the end of my internship, she said she’d keep an eye out for any entry-level jobs.

Roughly a month later she called me with a tip on the executive assistant position at Adweek—she’s the daughter of Michael Wolff.

The interview process was actually quite simple. Initially, I thought the interview went great. Then I didn’t hear back for a couple of weeks, so I thought I bombed it. But eventually I got the offer.”

His Path to Video Production

Is this where you always thought you’d end up?

“My dream job back in high school was to be a music video producer or director because I was always interested in making videos. In 10th grade at Clifton High School, I joined CAST, a TV production program that let us explore video concepts and create videos.”

The Reality of Video Production Work

What about your job gets you excited to jump out of bed every morning? What makes you want to hide under the sheets?

“Just knowing I’m going to be meeting different people every day is exciting. And I love that no two stories are ever the same. You can make your viewers feel a certain way just by the way you shoot a story.

What keeps me in bed: knowing I’ll spend 10 hours editing a two-minute video.”

What’s your favorite thing about working at your company?

“Again, I think meeting new people is awesome. I mean, I got to meet LeVar Burton, Oscar De La Hoya, and Gigi Hadid!”

What’s the biggest misconception people have about your role?

“It’s not all fun and games. A lot of times you spend six hours shooting, and five to eight hours editing to get to a two-minute web video.”

Staying on Top of Industry Trends

How do you stay on top of trends in your field?

“By checking all my social media feeds and joining an invite-only video group on Facebook. I like Instagram a lot right now. It shows you how creative people can get with just a cell phone.”

Who in your field do you follow on social media?

“Hearst Digital and Condé Nast Entertainment are doing interesting work in digital video. I also love Casey Neistat and pretty much everything from VICE.”

What are you reading and watching right now?

“I’m reading a lot of Charles Bukowski these days. He’s brilliant. Also, Fight Club. It’s such an iconic movie, I just had to read the book. As for what I watch, Anthony Bourdain‘s ‘Parts Unknown’ is amazing.”

Essential Skills for Video Producers

What skills should you have when applying for a video producer job?

“You need to be able to go with the flow and not freak out when things don’t go your way. Things happen. People show up late. Thirty-minute interviews get cut to 10 minutes. So you have to be able to adapt, troubleshoot, and be on your toes at all times.”

Key Skills for Video Producers:

Adaptability and flexibility under pressure
Problem-solving and troubleshooting
Time management (balancing long shoots and edits)
Storytelling through visual media
Technical proficiency with cameras and editing software
Strong interpersonal skills for interviews and collaboration

Career Advice for Aspiring Video Producers

What advice would you give someone looking to break into this field?

“Say ‘yes’ to opportunities—even if you’re not 100 percent sure about them. Figure things out on your own. If you can’t, that’s fine. At least you tried first before you asked for help. People will respect that.”

What tips do you have for those seeking mentorships?

“Look at those people who are great at what they do, and who you idolize. Study and learn everything you can from them. Reach out to them. Once you have them as mentors, they will be fountains of knowledge you can tap when you need them. Just don’t get too annoying about it.”

Ready to start your video production career? Check out our job board for openings in digital media, TV, web, and video production, and advertising.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a video producer do?

A video producer oversees the creation of video content from concept to completion. This includes planning shoots, coordinating with talent and crew, directing filming, and managing the editing process. In digital media roles, producers often handle multiple projects simultaneously and may shoot and edit their own content.

How do I get started as a video producer?

Start by gaining experience through internships, as John did at “Inside Edition.” Build relationships with colleagues, volunteer to help with projects, and stay in touch with contacts who can alert you to job openings. A degree in broadcasting, film, or communications provides a strong foundation.

What’s the hardest part of being a video producer?

The time investment can be challenging—a two-minute video may require six hours of shooting and five to eight hours of editing. Video producers must also adapt quickly when plans change, such as when interview times get cut or equipment malfunctions.

How much do video producers make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, producers and directors earn a median salary of around $79,000 per year, though this varies significantly by location, industry, and experience level. Video producers in major media markets like New York City typically earn more.

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