How to Pitch Marie Claire: A Freelancer’s Guide

This esteemed glossy wants smart, edgy coverage of the issues that matter most to women

Janelle Harris is a multimedia producer, director, and founder of Harris Two Productions with decades of experience in non-fiction storytelling for networks including Bravo, Discovery, and A&E. A Howard University graduate, she specializes in amplifying diverse voices across television, film, and digital media.

5 min read • Originally published April 20, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Janelle Harris

@thegirlcanwrite

Janelle Harris is a multimedia producer, director, and founder of Harris Two Productions with decades of experience in non-fiction storytelling for networks including Bravo, Discovery, and A&E. A Howard University graduate, she specializes in amplifying diverse voices across television, film, and digital media.

5 min read • Originally published April 20, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

Circulation: 950,000 (total readership: 3.8 million)
Frequency: Monthly
Special issues: Fashion-and-beauty issues are published in fall and spring

Background: If it matters to women, it matters to Marie Claire. Its roots are in France, where an original version was founded in 1937 to celebrate women’s beauty and fashion. The U.S. edition launched in New York City under Hearst’s empire of publications, and more than half a century later, its pages reflect the allure, honesty and stories of womanhood.

Because Marie Claire is more than a pretty face, editors describe it as the fashion magazine with character, substance and depth for women with a point of view and a sense of humor. Each issue is edited for sexy, stylish, confident readers who aren’t afraid to make intelligence a part of their wardrobe.

The result is content that includes the latest in both aspirational and accessible fashion, the best in beauty and health, career advice from inspiring female role models, reflections on love and modern relationships, and issues important to women around the world.

The mag is now published in 26 countries and read by more than 15 million global devotees. It’s also an ideal platform for forward-thinking freelancers to sell relevant, well-crafted story ideas.

What to pitch: Timely stories about international women doing interesting, important things are in demand for the “News Feed” section of the mag. Past issues have spotlighted Eric Garner’s daughter, Erica Garner; #GamerGate target Anita Sarkeesian; Michelle Knight, one of the Cleveland kidnapping victims; and Ai-jen Poo, director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance.

“News Feed” has also featured writeups on: a new law in Ohio that is training hairdressers to crack down on trafficking; women fighting to raise the legal age of marriage in Malawi; the end of Western-style divorce in Afghanistan; and an all-female ski film. All of these stories began as pitches from freelance writers.

In a similar, news-related vein, editors are looking for long-form, reported features and investigations; real-life survival or adventure stories; and trend pieces that touch on what’s happening in the zeitgeist.

Beauty pitches are also welcome. Editors are always interested in new ways to cover styling as well as first-person essays on beauty experiences tied to a specific trend or news hook (think: experiential “I tried it” stories).

The “@Peak” section, covering health and wellness, is also a good place for pitches. Writers have covered the increasing number of women who find spirituality through their fitness classes; the diet trend of food combining; and revamping your social-media feeds to ease anxiety.

Inside “@Peak” are Marie Claire’s “Love & Sex” essays, which editors describe as nuanced, literary, complicated, emotionally deft narratives that delve into women’s tangled psychological and social lives. They’ve published personal essays about drama-free sex with friends; texting relationships that go nowhere IRL; a threesome that brought the writer closer to her best friend; and a woman who used Tinder to explore Eastern Europe.

Editors’ advice to freelancers: the strongest pitches include a concise and thoughtful summary of your idea and how it connects to a section in the magazine or—if it’s an idea for a feature—a relevant news angle with pictures and ages of the women you propose to write about.

What not to pitch: Timeliness is a major consideration for editors, who say they often get good ideas for print that aren’t pitched far enough in advance and have to either be rejected or scheduled for the Web.

Be mindful of the lead time—issues are slated three or four months out—and avoid pitching an idea that’s too small in scope or doesn’t fit any of Marie Claire’s specific sections. If you can’t figure out where it should go, an editor probably won’t either.

Online opportunities: The bulk of MarieClaire.com’s stories are covered by online staff, but editors do consider compelling, first-person experiential stories, opinion pieces, personal essays and features from freelancers.

Percentage of freelance content published: 30 percent
Percentage of freelance pitches accepted: 10 percent

Recent stories pitched and published: “Pleasure in a Pill?” an in-depth investigation into why all attempts at finding a female equivalent to Viagra have stalled; “Living in Limbo: The Women of Jordan’s Zaatari Refugee Camp,” a profile of the Syrian women making new lives for themselves in refugee camps in Jordan; and “The Ride of Their Lives,” an adventure story about an all-female road rally in the Moroccan Sahara, are all successful examples of story ideas that got the green light.

What publicists should pitch: Editors are interested in stories about fashion, beauty, politics, women in the news and human rights around the world. Please take note of the lead time when considering story ideas and pitches. They matter.

Etiquette: Email a brief but standout idea targeted to a specific section of the magazine, making sure to include a news peg and any info on media coverage the story has gotten already. In doing so, of course, show that you’ve done your homework and understand Marie Claire’s coverage.

Lead time: Three to four months
Pay rate: $2 a word
Payment schedule: Upon approval of the edited story
Kill fee: 25 percent
Rights purchased: Varies

Contact info:
Marie Claire
300 West 57th Street
New York, NY 10019
www.marieclaire.com
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest
Email format: FirstInitialLastName@Hearst.com

View the Marie Claire masthead

Direct pitches to the appropriate editor:
Senior News and Culture Editor Neha Prakash: NEHA dot PRAKASH at HEARST dot COM

Executive beauty Editor Tammy Cohen: TAMMY dot COHEN at HEARST dot COM

Beauty and Health Editor Taylore Glynn: TGLYNN at HEARST dot COM

Fashion Editor Joseph Errico: JOSEPH dot ERRICO at HEARST dot COM

EDITOR’S NOTE: Though we’ve updated this article recently, the speed at which things move in media means things may have already changed since then. Please email us if you notice any outdated info.

Topics:

Go Freelance, How to Pitch

How to Pitch

How to Successfully Pitch Parenting Publications as a Freelancer

If you enjoy writing about the joys and challenges of parenting, we’ve got homes for your pitches

By Marcelle Soviero

6 min read • Originally published April 21, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Marcelle Soviero

6 min read • Originally published April 21, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

Whether you’re a first-time mom, a mother of school-age kids, or the parent of children that have already flown the coop, you’ve got parenting tales. And there are plenty of parenting publications that are looking for brilliant and original ideas from freelance contributors on the highs and lows of raising children—and everything in between. Here are seven markets that want your pitches.

1. Babble.com

Though all things baby and baby-rearing take center stage on Babble, the site has evolved into more of a lifestyle outlet since its 2006 launch and now covers love and relationships, fashion, health, wellness, entertainment, travel, tech, work and money.

What to pitch: Parenting confessions, advice, and tricks that work for you; unique family traditions; and funny and relatable stories. “We also look for timely responses to news or pop culture through a parenting lens, and approachable lifestyle content that appeals to parents,” says Andrea Roxas, Babble’s manager of content strategy.

Length: 1,200 words max

Pay: From $100 to $750 and up, depending on length and depth of reporting

Direct pitches to: SUBMISSIONS at BABBLE dot COM

Roxas’ advice: Include in your pitch a suggested title for the piece, a one- to two-sentence summary, a draft of your lede, the article outline and the takeaway. Also follow these three tips:

Be original. The top reason we’ll pass on a pitch is because it’s already been covered on the site or is an idea that’s been done many times before.
Know your audience. We do recognize and appreciate when a writer tailors his or her pitch to Babble.
Be yourself. Show your personality! Babble is a community built on the voices of our writers, and your pitch is our first impression of what your voice could bring to the site.

2. Brain, Child: The Magazine for Thinking Mothers

Brain, Child, founded in 2000, is a literary magazine devoted to the universal theme of motherhood. Its mission is to showcase a variety of voices and perspectives on parenting, and foster a forum for its readers and writers to share interesting viewpoints on being a mother and other women-related topics.

What to pitch: Personal essays, fiction, feature stories, op-eds, debates and book reviews that reflect on all aspects of mothering babies, children and teenagers. Upon acceptance, writers will be assigned an editor and will work directly with that editor through the editing and publication process.

Length: 750 to 4,500 words

Pay: Competitive

Direct pitches to: Preferred method of sending pitches is via this submissions form.

Editors’ advice: Get to know our magazine. We look for deep, thought-provoking pieces on motherhood—not how-tos or top-10 lists. We appreciate insightful pieces with descriptive and vivid details and scenes, tension, and/or a central question.

3. Grown & Flown

Grown & Flown focuses exclusively on parenting teens, college kids and young adults. It delves into some of the most challenging and rewarding years of parenthood. Readers are parents of 15- to 25-year-olds, and they are looking for a community of interests.

What to pitch: Personal essays, humorous reflections, research-driven stories and the occasional book review. Editors are very open to featuring new writers with a fresh take on parenting older children.

Length: 500 to 1,500 words

Pay: Competitive

Direct pitches to: Cofounders Mary Dell Harrington and Lisa Endlich Heffernan via GROWNANDFLOWN at GMAIL dot COM

Editors’ advice: The best parenting pieces tell a personal story yet make a universal point. They leave readers nodding their head in recognition and in possession of new insights for their own lives. Whatever issue, triumph, struggle or joy you’ve had in parenting teens and college kids, other parents have had similar experiences.

4. Literary Mama

Literary Mama is a monthly publication that features writing by mothers on the complexities and many faces of motherhood. “We have a great team of editors who get a personal thrill knowing we are a place for both emerging and established writers, and encourage both to submit their work to us,” says editor in chief Maria Scala.

What to pitch: The publications seeks top-notch fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction. Editors also accept column contributions, book reviews, profiles of mother writers and artists, guest blogs, and original photography to complement the written work.

Length: Varies

Pay: N/A

Direct pitches to: For columns, LMCOLUMNS at LITERARYMAMA dot COM; for essays/nonfiction, LMNONFICTION at LITERARYMAMA dot COM

Scala’s advice: We’re attracted to well-crafted work that reflects the full experience of parenting—the hard parts and the joyous—as well as writing that expresses something familiar in an unusual way, or makes us consider something brand new.

5. Mamalode

Mamalode is a multiplatform media company for parents that includes a website that’s updated daily and 22 print editions, a digital collection of which can be downloaded to your iPad. Content is gutsy, honest and authentic.

What to pitch: Mamalode accepts short pieces for the “Because I Said So” section of the print magazine, and first-person essays for print and digital. Contributors may also pitch videos, podcast content and photo stories. When pitching topics, keep in mind the brand was founded on stories that made the reader say, “Oh, me too!”

Length: For print, under 1,500 words; for digital, 500 to 1,000 words

Pay: Varies

Direct pitches to: Managing editor Victoria Grenz via Mamalode’s submissions platform

CEO Elke Govertsen’s advice: Write your heart out. Mamalode is a safe place, a smart place and kind of like downloading with your best friend. Your writing should be full of guts, heart and truth.

6. The Washington Post On Parenting

The blog of The Washington Post lifestyle section focuses on issues and ideas shaping parenting today.

What to pitch: Reported pieces and personal essays

Length: 900 to 1,200 words

Pay: From $100

Direct pitches to: On Parenting editor Amy Joyce via this submissions platform

Joyce’s advice: If something has been on your mind, and you haven’t seen the idea or topic other places, send it. I’m looking for something that will surprise me, make me think in a different way, give me an “aha!” moment, make me laugh, or simply be a beautifully written piece. Also keep in mind there is a good lag time between when I accept something and when it goes up, so be patient.

7. Working Mother

Working Mother is a magazine that celebrates working moms while solving or illuminating a problem unique to its readers or their children and families.

What to pitch: Columns that are open to freelancers include “IMHO” (serious and humorous personal essays) and “My Money” (“The Real Cost of…”). Feature pitches should specifically relate to the working mom—her work, family, personal well-being or a mixture of these. Features are also assigned to fit special issues (100 Best Companies, Best Companies for Multicultural Women, NAFE 50 Top Companies for Executive Women and 50 Best Law Firms for Women). For the website, editors are looking for succinct essays, service articles and listicles.

For more detailed pitching tips, see How To Pitch: Working Mother.

Length: For columns, 500 to 600 words; features, 1,000 to 2,000 words; online articles, 500 to 700 words

Pay: For print, from $1 a word; for online, from $200

Direct pitches to: Editor Quinn Fish:QUINN dot FISH at WORKINGMOTHER dot COM; for all other pieces, executive editor Barbara Turvett, BARBARA dot TURVETT at WORKINGMOTHER dot COM

Turvett’s advice: It’s very important that pitched ideas are filtered through the lens of the working mom. Think fresh, even edgy. Please go deep into our print and online content to get a clear sense of what we are doing. Keep pitches tight, tell us why you are the one who should write it, and include links to your work.

Also check out these parenting publications:

How To Pitch: Mom.me

How To Pitch: Parents

How To Pitch: Parents.com

Topics:

Go Freelance, How to Pitch

Networking

How to Get the Most Out of Any Industry Conference

All it takes is a little planning, participation and follow-through

By Covey Eonyak Son

4 min read • Originally published April 25, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Covey Eonyak Son

4 min read • Originally published April 25, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

As you step onto the conference floor, your time off work might feel more like vacation than work. But if you spend all your time kicking back, you’ll certainly miss out on opportunities, whether it’s a lead on a job opening or new networking connections.

Remember: You’re there to learn from others in your field and come out a more skilled and marketable talent. You won’t get your (or your company’s) money’s worth if all of your time is spent at the hotel bar. Here are five ways to make the most of your next conference, starting before you even get there.

1. Pitch the Conference to Your Boss.

Some events cost hundreds, even thousands of dollars just to get in the door (not to mention the travel and lodging expenses). The bill may be daunting, but don’t get discouraged: With the right pitch, you may just get your boss to pay for you and your colleagues to attend.

Make sure to let your boss know how the company can benefit from sending employees to a conference. You and your fellow conference goers could learn valuable skills or find creative ways to tackle your job. You might even come back refreshed and with newfound energy to apply what you’ve learned from the conference.

“We always tell employers, ‘When your employees come back from this conference, they’ll be ready to get to work and really enthusiastic from getting the adrenaline shot of being around their own people,’” says Tenessa Gemelke, director of events and marketing at Brain Traffic. “It’s a really good feeling.”

The benefits of employee development is far from a one-way street, says Alec Levenson, a senior research scientist at the University of Southern California’s Center for Effective Organization. One potential benefit for a company sending employees to a conference is the potential of better retention, Levenson explains, by giving employees a chance to further cultivate their skills.

“Even with the most challenging work, once you’ve mastered it and have done it years on end, many people will reach a point where the idea of being able to grow and do something different can be very attractive,” Levenson says. “(Development) is one potential part of the toolkit a company can use to give people the opportunity to grow and challenge themselves.”

2. Do Your Homework.

Don’t make the mistake of trying to figure out where to go next as you exit a session. Chart your course ahead of time and figure out what topics you’d like to spend time diving into.

“It’s really worth educating yourself about the speaker and about the talk,” says Gemelke, who organizes Confab Events at Brain Traffic. “Somebody could be a great speaker, but if they’re talking about something that has no value to you, that could be time spent doing something else.”

Some sessions just might be more worth your time than others. You might not get much out of a talk on search-engine optimization if you’re already comfortable with the subject and it’s not one of your core duties at work. Instead, suggests Gemelke, try seeking out a session about something new to you, or a subject about which you want to know more.

3. Go for Quality Over Quantity.

Most conferences will have hundreds of people angling for new contacts or even potential clients. With so many people around, a wide-net approach may not be the best way to make a lasting impression. Instead, take your time and focus on one-on-one meetings or small group activities, which can be more memorable.

Aim for smaller crowds; some conferences, like Confab, might schedule more intimate networking events, like happy hour or small group dinners.

“Having a real conversation with people is always a much better way to be remembered,” she says. “Making that one-on-one connection with people is more valuable than a rapid-fire approach with your name on a card.”

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Stand Out.

When you’re competing with so many others to make a connection, try going beyond the small talk and make an impression.

The key is to not sit idle, and engage with the sessions and the conversations instead, Gemelke says. Ask questions at the end of talks. Follow the conversation on Twitter and take part in the discussions. If you have a great idea or feedback, don’t be shy to put yourself out there.

5. Follow Up.

What happens at the conference shouldn’t always have to stay there. Follow up with the connections you’ve made and connect with them on social media.

If you’ve missed a session, it’s worth reaching out to the speaker or the event coordinators. The presentation might not be posted publicly, but a conference like Confab might share the slides with an attendee, Gemelke says.

And don’t forget to boast to your boss and coworkers about your experience. Share with them the new things you learned and the connections you’ve made. These success stories could help transform the way your company does business, and shore up your chances of going to another conference in the future.

Topics:

Climb the Ladder, Networking

Job Search

What Employers Really Want to See in New Graduates

Honing a skill and being tech-forward are just a couple traits that will help you break in

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.

2 min read • Originally published April 25, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

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.

2 min read • Originally published April 25, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

If you’re new to the job market and seeking your first “real” job, you’re probably wondering: What exactly do employers want in entry-level hires?

That’s probably especially true if you’re just getting out of college; those years on campus probably filled you with book knowledge and plenty of high hopes for the future, but very little idea of what abilities the people you’ll be working for want you to have.

Here’s a crash course on what employers desire in new grads, and how you can give it to them, straight from Jeffrey J. Selingo’s hot-off-the-presses book There Is Life After College.

1. Be a ‘Learning Animal’

Unlike the task-based routines of your college career, such as due dates and tests, the working world is a lot more unstructured with “competing priorities and decisions that need to be made on the fly,” writes Selingo. Employers are looking for candidates who are flexible about how they learn, who have ideas and who actually get stuff done.

“We need people who are creative, curious, whose brains are wired to constantly ask what’s next,” says a Hollywood executive that Selingo quotes. “What we need are learning animals.”

2. Master One Skill

Although in the past employers may have sought out well-rounded jacks-of-all-trades, Selingo reports employers are now searching for candidates who have truly mastered one skill.

“We want to see that they have a passion,” says Adam Ward, Pinterest’s head of recruiting, in a quote in Selingo’s book, “and they show proficiency and go deep in it.”

Find entry-level content-marketing jobs

3. Be Digitally Active

Even though you’re considered a “tech native,” employers want more than just the passive appreciation of tech and data from new candidates. Rather than simply understanding the what behind machines and programs, it’s important you understand the how and why.

This means learning some basic coding and having an understanding of data and analytics. Learning programming today is similar to learning a second language last century, write Selingo: “You might not become proficient enough to move overseas, but you could get by if you traveled to a particular country.”

4. Embrace Ambiguity

As you break into the workforce, you’ll quickly learn that the tasks you’re given may not be as clearly defined as an assignment in a class. Employers seek out candidates who can navigate the areas in between work tasks, taking on things that weren’t asked of them in order to get the job done.

“Excelling at any job is about doing the things you weren’t asked to do,” says Mary Egan, founder of Seattle–based startup Gatheredtable in a quote in Selingo’s book. “The more you can do to clear off your boss’s plate and free up his or her days, the more valuable you become to the organization.”

Topics:

Get Hired, Job Search

Networking

How to Ask for a Job Referral Without Being Awkward

Tap your network—the right way—so you can land 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.

4 min read • Originally published April 26, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

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.

4 min read • Originally published April 26, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

If you’re looking for a new job, the best way to get noticed isn’t show-off-y tactics like video resumes or sending gifts to hiring managers. Nope, to get yourself to the top of the pile at your company of choice, it helps most to know somebody on the inside. You need an employee referral.

An “in” at your dream company probably isn’t conveniently waiting around in the wings. You have to make that connection from scratch. That means asking people you already know to introduce you to the folks they know…without coming across as sleazy, desperate or out of touch.

That’s a tall order, but no worries. We tapped two pros who are constantly peppered with referral requests to give us three quick steps to getting referrals on the up-and-up.

Lay the Groundwork

Your network has never been more important than it is now. For those who are relatively new to the workforce, it’s especially important to develop a system of contacts you can call on when you need to.

Ted Leonhardt, a career coach who focuses on helping creatives and professionals land their dream jobs, has ideas for how, exactly, you can do that. “Volunteer for a professional association in your field, tap your college alumni networks and be sure to identify and reach out to the connectors in your field,” he says. Connectors are people who either have enormous networks or love helping others get ahead.

But it’s not enough to have 500 contacts on LinkedIn, either. You need to keep your relationships with the folks you’ve worked with, and those who can help you move up in your industry, fresh and relevant. If you’ve just made a new connection, don’t immediately ask that person for a favor.

Dirk Spencer, a recruitment adviser and author of Resume Psychology, suggests meeting them on their own turf, whether that’s on social media platforms like Twitter or LinkedIn, at professional association events, or at local happy hours for people in your industry.

Make the Ask

Remember, your contacts can’t read your mind. “When I was a young designer at art school and had a baby on the way, I asked my professors for ideas about freelance opportunities and ways to make extra money,” Leonhardt says. “They would never have known that I was interested and needed the referrals had I not had the guts to ask.”

How should you ask for a referral the right way? Here are Spencer’s dos and don’ts:

Open honestly. Start your initial email or face-to-face conversation by getting directly to the point. “I hate to ask, but…” or “Do you have a few minutes to talk about…” are both good options that demonstrate respect for your contact’s time, Spencer says. That show of respect also makes him much more willing to lobby his network for information he doesn’t have himself, Spencer adds.
Come prepared. You should always come into the conversation with companies and specific contacts there already in mind. When your connection says, “Sure, I know a bunch of people at such-and-such agency. Who are you interested in speaking with,” you’ll have answers on the tip of your tongue.
Never make the referrer do your job. Spencer’s biggest “don’t” is asking what he calls the empty question: “Do you have any referrals?” In the digital age, there is no excuse for not doing your own research.

Unfortunately, you can ace the ask and still get a “Sorry, I can’t” from a close connection. Spencer urges you not to take it personally.

“Typically this response happens because they have been burned by a previous referral or the location of the ask is out of place,” he explains. If your referral request is shut down, accept the situation gracefully and pivot the conversation to a safe topic.

Finesse Your Follow-through

Once you’ve made the ask, the two most important things to do are to follow through and follow up, says Leonhardt.

“If someone has agreed to share a contact,” he explains, “it’s your job to follow up with that person. Not only does it show respect for your colleague, but it also shows you have the drive and moxie for the job.”

Once you’ve made contact, report back to the person who did you the favor in the first place. “It’s important to send thank-you notes and keep your contacts apprised of your progress—especially if you land a job or a project based on their referral,” Leonhardt says. “People always remember how you make them feel. You want your contacts to feel good when they think about you.”

That’ll come in handy the next time you need a little help.

Topics:

Climb the Ladder, Networking

Interview Tips

7 Things Hiring Managers Secretly Hate in Interviews

Hiring managers reveal what candidates do that completely ruin their chances of getting hired

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.

3 min read • Originally published April 27, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

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.

3 min read • Originally published April 27, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

You found the perfect job on the boards, and turned in a resume and cover letter awesome enough to land you an interview. But before you meet with the hiring manager, be sure to avoid these too-common interview fails that hiring managers hate.

1. Not Doing Your Homework

Failing to prepare properly for the interview sends red flags to the hiring manager. “If there is one thing that turns off hiring managers,” says Jose Laurel, director of recruitment services at G&A Partners, “it’s meeting with or speaking to a candidate who hasn’t done their homework.”

Make sure you’re prepared by fully researching the company and taking the time to gain a solid grasp on the requirements of the position you’re applying for.

2. Not Having Questions at the Ready

“Questions are a way to demonstrate enthusiasm, interest and knowledge,” says Mitchell Langbert, author and associate professor of business and economics at Brooklyn College. Langbert says when a person doesn’t ask questions in an interview, it shows they’re either unqualified for the position, or they just don’t care.

Langbert says employers want to hire people who are “enthusiastic, committed and knowledgeable about the hiring firm.” Be sure to prepare questions ahead of time that show your knowledge of the field and the company you want to work for.

3. Appearing Desperate

During the interview, there is a clear line between enthusiastic and desperate. “Hiring managers want to see that candidates are motivated and interested in the position,” Laurel says, but cautions that seeming too desperate can make it appear as if you have limited job options.

Even if you really want the job, either because it’s a company you’d love to work for, or you’re unemployed and your reserve funds are dwindling, be careful to come off as too desperate. The best way to avoid appearing desperate is to remember your value and what you can bring to the company. After all, they’re interviewing you for a reason. Rather than the “I’ll take anything” approach to interviewing, try to remain calm and collected, reminding yourself it’s a two-way street (without becoming over-confident, of course).

4. Overly Persistent Follow-ups

One major way to appear desperate is by pestering the hiring manager for information after the interview. “Hiring managers are busy and constant calling and emailing takes up their valuable time,” says Laurel. “The candidate can appear as not being able to follow instructions, or unable to take a hint regarding where they are in the process.”

Langbert advises candidates to be enthusiastic during the interview, to send a thank you note and to follow up if it’s been longer than three weeks since hearing from the company. Other than that, it’s best to wait it out without constantly checking in with the hiring manager. Langbert reminds, “The solution is to be patient rather than pestering.”

Topics:

Get Hired, Interview Tips

Job Search

How Strategic Networking Can Supercharge Your Job Search

#WeekendJobSearch Assignment #6: Download an app, look to LinkedIn, and more

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.

2 min read • Originally published April 29, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

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.

2 min read • Originally published April 29, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

Hey there! Welcome to week 6 of the #WeekendJobSearch, our ongoing series that breaks the whole job-search process into 13 totally doable to-do items.

Last week, we updated your resume, making it application-ready. (Have you given it a spin and put in a few applications already?) This week, we’re all about networking—taking a few small steps toward connecting you with professionals and influencers in your field.

Don’t worry. Networking doesn’t have to be a painful process. Especially this weekend: We’re keeping you right in your comfort zone where there’s very little fear of rejection, or even human interaction. It’s just a matter of taking baby steps right now, preparing you to branch out and grow as a networker.

Let’s get started.

The #WeekendJobSearch Assignment #6

Get Networking

Don’t worry, we’re not going to send you out to a social mixer this weekend; all the networking you’re doing today happens right in your home (or coffee shop…or bar?). Complete these three steps right now and start becoming a networking master.

1. Download a networking app. Did you know there are apps that pretty much do the networking for you? Yeah—they exist and you should have at least one on your phone. Take Shapr, which presents you with a daily curated list of top contacts in your field. You choose which ones to connect with and which ones to pass on. Think of it like Tinder for professional networking.

2. Sign up for a conference. Not only are they are a great way to stay up-to-date on your area of expertise, conferences are a prime opportunity to score connections with other media professionals. Search out upcoming conferences in your area and sign up for one today.

Lanyard is a great site to find upcoming conferences, and the Lanyard app can help you prep for conference day with info on speakers, talks and more.

3. Follow/connect with five influencers on LinkedIn or Twitter. This one’s easy. Go on Twitter or LinkedIn and find five people in your field who are considered thought leaders. (Not sure where to start? Try LinkedIn’s List of Media Influencers as a point of departure).

Follow at least five now. When your feed starts filling with articles and ideas from these thought leaders, you can then share the information, adding yourself into the conversation. (If you’re feeling ambitious, consider publishing thought-leadership posts yourself. It’s one of a few great ways to use LinkedIn that you may not be using yet.)

And that’s week 6! Next week, we’re going to add a little more power to your network by signing up for industry-specific associations.

Start from the beginning: #WeekendJobSearch Assignment #1

Share your progress on Twitter: #WeekendJobSearch

Topics:

Get Hired, Job Search

Networking

10 Instagram Accounts Every Media Professional Should Follow

Between double-taps on Kim Kardashian West’s latest selfies, add these accounts to your feed to better your own career

By Franny Goldberg

4 min read • Originally published May 2, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Franny Goldberg

4 min read • Originally published May 2, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

How many times a day do you check your Instagram? (If you said less than three, you’re lying. But we digress.) Want to feel a little less guilty about your IG addiction? Start following these 10 Instagram accounts to add some career-fuel to your feed between the #foodporn and puppy accounts.

1. @Adweek

Covering breaking news and trends in media, marketing, advertising and technology, this is the ad industry’s go-to IG account, featuring everything within Adweek’s pages and beyond.

Hit the bio link to read our latest cover feature on how millennial icon, Kylie Jenner, built a sprawling audience – and a booming brand – at age 18. :camera_with_flash:: @maxabadian #Repost @kyliejenner . . . 1 day 2 covers. Thank you @adweek #thepowerofkylie

A photo posted by Adweek (@adweek) on Apr 11, 2016 at 12:43pm PDT

2. @Evachen212

Former Lucky editor in chief turned head of fashion partnerships for Instagram, Eva Chen gives her followers an inside look into everything New York, fashion and Facebook. (Plus, you know you’ve stalked #EvaChenPose on IG.)

According to @ginnynam, this is the nerdiest picture I’ve ever taken (fiddling with the Oculus Gear headset while fake-playing chess at Facebook… I guess she’s right).

A photo posted by Eva Chen (@evachen212) on Mar 30, 2016 at 8:57am PDT

3. @thefatjewish

Josh “The Fat Jewish” Ostrovsky is behind the laugh-out-loud graphics that flood your Instagram feed. And as a marketing or media pro, you know the power of a REALLY good meme, right?

Being unemployed is great because you can eat cereal in your underpants and watch the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills while blowing out billowing vape clouds, but not sick due to the spiraling depression of being poor and judged by your peers! Have fun on the job hunt! (@buzzfeed)

A photo posted by thefatjewish (@thefatjewish) on Feb 18, 2016 at 12:44pm PST

4. @iboommedia

A team of social media specialists, iboommedia helps customers see social media results and build social audiences. Their Instagram account is filled with helpful tips, tricks and stats that any social media marketer could use.

Social Media is the new way to go for your business. Here are 7 helpful tips to get you started! 1) Your profile is the no. 1 thing-First impression is everything. 2)Don’t use your personal page-You need a professional business page. 3) Create Valuable Content-Value is what people are looking for. 4) Be social-If all you do is post and ever engage with your fans, you will never get a huge following. 5) Post more often-The more active you are, the better. 6)Make it about your audience-Who are you talking to? 7) Pick the right platform for your business These tips may sound simple, but they will make all the difference! #iBoomMedia #socialmedia #socialmediamarketing #facebook #twitter #instagram #pinterest #realengagement #realfollowers #reachpeople #morefollowers

A photo posted by IBoom Media (@iboommedia) on Mar 11, 2016 at 2:01pm PST

5. @businessinsider

Click “follow” on Business Insider’s account to receive your daily dose of breaking news, media coverage and office tips and tricks.

Today, Arianna Huffington gives us some #mondaymotivation to jump start our week. Huffington reminds us to never stop pursuing our dreams even if we are fearful. What are your dreams? For more with @ariannahuff visit businessinsider.com/video. #motivationmonday #quote #advice #dreambig #career #pursuit #fear #determination #huffingtonpost #sleeprevolution

A photo posted by Business Insider (@businessinsider) on Apr 4, 2016 at 9:21am PDT

6. @suebzimmerman

Sue Zimmerman and her team help brands find success on Instagram. Her IG profile’s feed is filled with inspiring quotes, a look into their clients and up-to-date info on marketing events, workshops, classes and more.

When you #RespectYourSelfie EVERYTHING comes into place! Who agrees? #repost @sbzteam :||: #theinstagramexpert

A photo posted by The INSTAGRAM Expert is #Sue? (@suebzimmerman) on Feb 19, 2016 at 7:51pm PST

7. @richardbranson

Virgin Group founder and world-renowned entrepreneur Richard Branson fills his Instagram with event photos, adventure shots and insight into his billion-dollar mind.

A photo posted by Richard Branson (@richardbranson) on Feb 29, 2016 at 3:47am PST

8. @prnews

This feed is naturally public-relations heavy, but the funny memes, motivational quotes, industry event photos and media stats would be helpful to any media pro.

Trying to stay up to speed with everything happening at #SXSW? Follow these four hashtags!

A photo posted by @prnews on Mar 11, 2016 at 7:43am PST

9. @360i

This award-winning global digital agency gives its Instagram followers a behind-the-scenes look into its team, its clients, and the industry these professionals thrive in.

360 degrees of awesome. @advertisingage #AListers 4 years straight #proud

A photo posted by 360i (@360i) on Jan 25, 2016 at 11:29am PST

10. @mediabistro

Shameless self-promotion time: We’re on Instagram! Follow our Instagram feed for career advice, contests and giveaways, digital mentorship from media pros, and a deeper dive into the Mediabistro community.

Just because you didn’t get that callback, interview, or promotion you wanted doesn’t mean you won’t. Lucky for you, we’re in the #Lemonade business ??? Head to mediabistro.com for expert #advice on the next steps for your career

A photo posted by Mediabistro (@mediabistro) on Apr 26, 2016 at 3:39pm PDT

Topics:

Climb the Ladder, Networking

How to Pitch

How to Pitch Edible Philly: Freelance Writer’s Guide

This hyperlocal foodie mag savors storytelling that highlights personal connections to Philadelphia

By Andrea Williams

@AndreaWillWrite

Andrea Williams is an author, journalist, and columnist for The Tennessean with over 16 years of experience in journalism and 20 years in copywriting and communications strategy. Her work spans national outlets and high-traffic digital brands.

5 min read • Originally published May 2, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Andrea Williams

@AndreaWillWrite

Andrea Williams is an author, journalist, and columnist for The Tennessean with over 16 years of experience in journalism and 20 years in copywriting and communications strategy. Her work spans national outlets and high-traffic digital brands.

5 min read • Originally published May 2, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

Circulation: 25,000
Frequency: Quarterly
Special issues: None

Background: Philadelphia—and the entire southeastern Pennsylvania region, from downtown Philly to Lancaster and Lehigh Valley—has much more going on in its food scene than famous local cheesesteak joints.

There’s a whole culinary world out there—one that Joy Manning, as editor of Edible Philly—works to document. Since 2013, Edible Community Publications has been publishing the Philadelphia-area mag, one of the newest of its 100-plus titles across the country that each celebrate regional food culture.

It’s that hyperlocal focus that sets it apart from competitors. “We’re kind of the opposite of the big glossy magazines that aim to be so universal,” Manning says.

In Philly, this means using food as a backdrop to discuss important community issues like environmental sustainability. “We have the big farm-to-table movement in the restaurants,” Manning explains. “We also have a huge agriculture theme here; we have people interested in decreasing food waste; and [fighting] hunger—all of that stuff is of interest to us and our readers.”

Manning likes to keep the quarterly Edible Philly evergreen, dishing up content that won’t spoil before readers have a chance to dig in. “We don’t really focus on trends and things that are new,” she says, “and we really like things where the writer of the story has some kind of personal connection with the subject—like a story they can only tell.”

What to pitch: Every issue of Edible Philly is free online. In the archives, you’ll find that coverage spans everything from restaurants to home cooking, markets and shopping to gardening.

There are established departments, and, with a knowledgeable, well-written pitch, each of them is relatively easy to break into. One example is “Road Trips,” which profiles a different neighborhood or town in agricultural Philly.

“If you live in a neighborhood or town that you want to talk about in that column, I’ll assign that without hesitation, particularly if you can show me that you are an insider in that place,” Manning says.

Other pitchable sections include the front-of-book, which features 200-word “snack-size” items that cover some aspect of local food news, events, trends or food artisans and their products.

The features well spotlights 1,500- to 3,000-words pieces on a variety of topics. For example, “Global City” is a column celebrating international food; it can be singularly focused or a roundup of places or personalities with a common theme.

Manning previously ran a roundup of all the West African restaurants in a Philly neighborhood, but any similar stories—say, a new collection of ethnic markets or a gardener growing traditional Cambodian vegetables—are up for grabs as well.

Essays are fair game, too, and at 800 words, the qualifying subjects are as wide-ranging as the writers who pen them.

“One writer wrote an essay about this gouda that was a cheese she had loved in her childhood,” says Manning. “She wrote about how she bought up a few cases before it went off the market and brought the gouda to her father who had Alzheimer’s, and how this gouda made him happy and created a wonderful moment between the two of them.”

What not to pitch: There are no closed sections.

Online opportunities: None at this time

What publicists should pitch: Because of publishing frequency as well as a desire to remain grounded in local, under-the-radar storytelling, Manning is careful to avoid regurgitating the same stories that are running in local blogs and newspapers.

If you’re thinking about sending the same pitch you sent to one of those outlets—don’t. “I would really love it if publicists read the magazine and were sensitive to our way of doing things,” she explains. “We like to tell the untold story.”

Percentage of freelance content published: 90 percent
Percentage of freelance pitches accepted: 30 percent

Recent freelance story pitched and published: In the winter 2015 issue, Manning ran a story called “Culture Club,” about the rebirth of a local brand of cultured butter.

“It had a distinct, compelling main character who was on a quest,” says Manning on why she liked the pitch. “The subtext is ‘one chef’s quest for another taste of the best butter.’ He had bought this butter as a younger person and always remembered it, and when it vanished, he made it his business to find out where that butter went and how to get it back.”

Etiquette: Sending over a well-written pitch with your idea is a given, but it’s also important to show what makes you knowledgeable about the region.

If you don’t live in the area, do you have family that you visit regularly? A summer home? Did you attend a local college?

For Manning, these details are just as important as the story itself. “I really like people to have a connection,” she says. “Edible readers know our local voice, and it’s really community-driven.”

Lead time: Six months to a year, but Manning does like to hear from people with great, seasonal stories she can photograph now to publish next year.
Pay rate: $50 for a short story to $375 for a feature. And while Manning acknowledges that some titles pay much more, she notes that establishing a relationship can bring much more work in the future.
Payment schedule: On publication
Kill fee: None. “I can tell you, though, I don’t kill stories,” Manning says.
Rights purchased: First rights. Once published, all rights revert to the writer.

Contact info:
Edible Philly
3401 Grays Ferry Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19146
(215) 933-9266
ediblephilly.com
Twitter | Facebook
Email format: FirstName@ediblephilly.com

View the Edible Philly masthead

Direct all pitches to:
EDIBLEPHILLYPITCHES at GMAIL dot COM

EDITOR’S NOTE: Though we’ve updated this article recently, the speed at which things move in media means things may have already changed since then. Please email us if you notice any outdated info.

Topics:

Go Freelance, How to Pitch

Skills & Expertise

Top Marketing Experts You Should Follow on Twitter Right Now

Get your marketing career on the right track by following the musings of these industry pros

By Molly Folse

@MollyFolse

Molly Folse is a marketing leader with 20 years of experience in content strategy and social media, currently serving as Director of Content and Creative at Protective Life. She has led award-winning content and digital campaigns across financial services, higher education, travel, and consumer brands.

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

By Molly Folse

@MollyFolse

Molly Folse is a marketing leader with 20 years of experience in content strategy and social media, currently serving as Director of Content and Creative at Protective Life. She has led award-winning content and digital campaigns across financial services, higher education, travel, and consumer brands.

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

Twitter is great for keeping up with celebrity gossip. But it’s even better for staying up to date with the latest industry trends.

Be sure to keep these marketing stars on your radar.

Neil Patel
@neilpatel

Follow popular columnist and founder of KISSmetrics for inspirational quotes and links to his latest blog posts and webinars on digital marketing.

Michael A. Stelzner
@Mike_Stelzner

As the founder of Social Media Examiner, Stelzner regularly shares social media insights with his followers.

Jay Baer
@jaybaer

Jay Baer is president of Convince and Convert, an influencer marketing, customer experience, content marketing and social media service. According to a Leadtail.com study, he’s “the most re-tweeted person in the world among digital marketers.”

Rand Fishkin
@randfish

Moz founder Rand Fishkin puts out 30 to 40 tweets each week on marketing, SEO, technology and startups.

Ann Handley
@MarketingProfs

This head of content at MarketingProfs and author of Everybody Writes is waging war on mediocrity in content marketing. Follow her to make sure you don’t get caught in the crossfire.

Dharmesh Shah
@dharmesh

HubSpot’s founder doesn’t just tweet about inbound marketing and startups. His followers enjoy the entrepreneur’s humorous observations and conversations with other thought leaders.

Joe Pulizzi
@JoePulizzi

Want to stay up to date on all things content marketing? Content Marketing Institute founder and industry leader Joe Pulizzi is your guy.

Kim Garst
@kimgarst

A Forbes Top 10 social media influencer, Kim Garst shares her expertise in social media selling and lead generation.

Topics:

Climb the Ladder, Skills & Expertise

1. Babble.com

2. Brain, Child: The Magazine for Thinking Mothers

3. Grown & Flown

4. Literary Mama

5. Mamalode

6. The Washington Post On Parenting

7. Working Mother

Also check out these parenting publications:

1. Pitch the Conference to Your Boss.

2. Do Your Homework.

3. Go for Quality Over Quantity.

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Stand Out.

5. Follow Up.

1. Be a ‘Learning Animal’

2. Master One Skill

3. Be Digitally Active

4. Embrace Ambiguity

Lay the Groundwork

Make the Ask

Finesse Your Follow-through

The #WeekendJobSearch Assignment #6

1. @Adweek

2. @Evachen212

3. @thefatjewish

4. @iboommedia

5. @businessinsider

6. @suebzimmerman

7. @richardbranson

8. @prnews

9. @360i

10. @mediabistro

Lisa Palmer