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Applying for a job- how many links to stories to send

Discussion in 'Journalism topics only' started by Sue, May 7, 2012.

  1. Sue

    Sue New Member

    Had same job for 9 years since college. Haven't applied for anything. How many links should one send in an e-mail to a hiring editor? Is it OK to send one from five years ago or keep them all recent (last year or so)? Thanks for any help
     
    Sue, May 7, 2012
    #1
  2. JRoyal

    JRoyal Well-Known Member

    I haven't hired someone for a writing gig, but I'd say 5-8 links with a good mix of features, gamers and breaking news, and if it's more than a year or two old, it better be frigging amazing.
     
    JRoyal, May 7, 2012
    #2
  3. imjustagirl

    imjustagirl Active Member

    The only change to that, IMO, is if the job is outside of your current responsibilities. If you've been only a blogger for two years, but you have some great long-form features and the job is for a long-form feature writer, then put some in there.

    Otherwise, if you just <i>like</i> them better, then no.
     
    imjustagirl, May 7, 2012
    #3
  4. Sue

    Sue New Member

    Thanks
     
    Sue, May 7, 2012
    #4
  5. Moderator1

    Moderator1 Moderator Staff Member

    Any more than five, you're bogging someone down. You ought to be able to show your ability and range with five clips. Make sure the clips show your ability to do the job. I once had someone send five columns for a beat writing job. They were fine columns, quite good. I wasn't looking to hire a columnist.

    Even if it is for a job you haven't done before, you need to have something that shows you are able to do the job. Lots of competition out there and your faith in your ability is not enough to separate you from the pack.

    If something you did five years ago still sends out, send it. But don't send a whole collection that dated. Like the clips themselves, there should be a good mix.
     
    Moderator1, May 8, 2012
    #5
  6. Devin

    Devin Member

    In an unrelated matter, if one hasn't heard from a company within a few weeks after applying for a position, is wise to send your resume and work samples again?
     
    Devin, May 8, 2012
    #6
  7. Ace

    Ace Well-Known Member

    I don't want a link. I'd rather have a word document or a pdf.

    How do you know that the link isn't down when the editor finally gets around to looking at it?
     
    Ace, May 8, 2012
    #7
  8. JPsT

    JPsT Member

    I had an experience where I messed up on the formatting of my links, making them unreachable. Luckily, the editor let me know, and I was able to get him some working links.

    With that said, that was totally my mistake. I absolutely hated getting a million attachments when I was going through others' clips. I think if your work is on a reputable site that doesn't regularly experience down time, links are the way to go.
     
    JPsT, May 8, 2012
    #8
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