Career question

(I've decided I don't want this on here any longer. Thanks, all, for the advice.)

 

Do it.

Just know that the grass isn't always greener, and big papers are often just as dysfunctional as any BFE rag you "should" be working at for your first full-time job.

 

Whatever you do, don't call yourself a long shot. If I'm reading an applicant that admits he's a long shot, the application probably ends up in the recycling bin.

Apply just like everyone else. Confidence is usually thought of as a good thing in most if not all cases.

 

But thanks for the reply.

 

I'd say it depends.

Are you Santa Clara, Richmond, Coppin State or Hampton?
Are the people above you Arizona, Syracuse, South Carolina and Iowa State?

If so, go for it.

But if you are up against a bunch of Duke's and North Carolina's ...

 

I think you've got a legit shot despite your inexperience.

Just make sure you keep Fizer out of the paint, and don't give him any easy ones.

 

Without giving away the job opening, can you provide us with a few details?

For instance ...

Is it a 50,000 circ paper? 100,000? 250,000+?
It it more Florida Gators or Middle Tennessee?
It it even college at all?

 

(Though you are a master of metaphor, clearly. I'd hire you as my Metaphorer-in-Chief.)

 

Dangit! Fair enough.

I'll be expecting a PM any minute, though ... ;D

 

I wish you luck and nothing but incredible success (I'm a risk-taker by nature), but also question your sanity to apply for a newspaper job. Not being an a-hole, just a realist.

 

Clarify please.. this is a "big" job at the paper where you already work?

If so, you have absolutely nothing to lose going for it.

Do you really need a cover letter? To your own boss?

Oh, and never, ever worry about what people might think of you being too cocky at a young age. I'm old. I think you're all a bunch of cocky little bastards. And some of you are damn good enough to back it up!

 

In the simpliest terms, all they can say is no.

Someone else on here said it, and I agree that the grass is not always greener, even in a larger market, especially with the way papers are slicing staff. If you're new and the cuts come, guess who's first on the list?