Here's a general question for the experienced

This seems like common sense to me, but I was wondering something:

How important is the circulation size of a past paper when being considered for a spot at another. I know clips are important, experience, too. But when an editor or management views a resume and letter, will the size of the past publications matter that much?


Thanks.

 

Depends on what you are doing.

If you are at a 40,000 daily and kicking butt on a college beat, that could be better for a college opening than working as a prep writer at a 250,000 circulation paper.

If you are at a 10,000 daily and your clips are all 25-inch game stories and 50-inch advances, you may not get a job covering the NFL.

If you are at an 8,000 daily and broke the story of the coach selling 'roids to his players or whatever, you can write your ticket.

 

How does it work if you are trying to get into the Plain-Dealer?

 

Not so good. I hear that the Parma paper could be the launching pad I need, though.

 

I've heard there's a Moon Over Parma... that true?

 

Some depends on geography as well. If there aren't many medium-sized papers near a large one, for instance, then that big paper might be more inclined to hire from smaller places that know the area.

 

I think the paper's reputation counts for more than its size. A smaller paper that's viewed as a breeder of talent trumps a midsize that does very little. Look at Glens Falls.