A job-hunting recommendation
I'm starting to get letters from college seniors looking for reporting jobs upon their graduation in May. The cover letters are written just like the books and, presumably, faculty advisers teach. They tell me the job they want, how they're perfect for it and why.
What would really grab my attention? A letter that suggests the applicant knows who I am. Mention a blog post about what I look for in applicants. Refer to a local journalism issue. Take issue with a larger issue involving the business.
Do something that suggests that you took enough time to research us. These days it isn't hard to do from anywhere in the world. Google my name and newspaper and you'll find out enough to go on.
One other suggestion: A cover letter without any reference to digital skills? Probably won't get you noticed.
Comments (3)
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I told my students the same thing this semester.
LinkedIn is especially useful in finding the names of hiring managers, which are much more valuable to job-seekers than sending resumes to HR.
Posted on December 22, 2008 4:19 PM
Not that we'll be hiring in May. I'd hate to be looking for a journalism job these days. Or any job, actually.
Posted on December 22, 2008 5:08 PM
Newspaper hiring has been subjective and faulty for many, many years.
Misleading applicants into thinking this won't be the case now is hardly helpful.
Posted on January 6, 2009 12:59 AM