U of Florida beat writer, Tampa Tribune

It happens naturally if you're covering a pro or college beat. You can call it "networking," I suppose. Others call it "making friends."

 

Backing up what ACCguy said...

My first job: I had interned there and even though they didn't have any openings, I applied there. They found out someone was leaving in December and they hired me six months early. No job was ever posted.

My second job: I met the SE in a press box, chatted him up and gave him my card when I left. He called me a few weeks later, brought me in and hired me. The job was posted a week after I'd accepted the position.

My third job, I knew the SE and he called me when his beat writer quit. The job was posted, but nobody else was brought in, even though an internal candidate got what most thought was a courtesy interview...

This business is all about networking and if you hear of even a rumored opening (make sure you have it from a reliable source) at least email the SE to show your interest. More than likely they'll be impressed that you showed initiative.

Would you really want to hire a reporter who only applied for jobs that are posted. I'm guessing the guys who do that are the ones who write all of their stories off press conferences and press releases.

 

I e-mailed last week and got a reply the same night. Then I e-mailed a few clips I have scanned on my computer this afternoon and snail mailed a few more. She didn't seem to have a problem with that.

 

Amen. Let's concentrate on this job and not all the people that think the world revolves around them.

 

Well now, a little bit chippy in here.

Has anyone been hired for this Florida gig?

 

It got posted last week. It won't happen that quickly.

 

You're hired!

 

Over-under here for applicants in the 200 range?

 

Double that.

 

Funny, but every job I've gotten was one that had been advertised. I have had several phone interviews with papers I had sent clips, though.

 

It's best to ignore dribble like that awriter. I know I did.