Resume Question

[taller hack]

Long time lurker, first time poster.

I'm updating my resume and was wondering if it is good to include the events I have covered, because some of them are high profile, or if employers don't care.

Any advice from anyone would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[John]

I wouldn't put events on my resume, but I'd probably include some clips from big events.

 

[Norman Stansfield]

I wouldn't put events on my resume, but I'd probably include some clips from big events.

Seconded.

 

[Batman]

Thirded. But what about mentioning them in the cover letter?

 

[Trey Beamon]

Agree on all fronts. Mention said events in the cover letter, and include the clips if they're decent.

 

[Jersey_Shore]

Thirded. But what about mentioning them in the cover letter?

I'd say the best way to do it is to show it in the clips, if they are solid. Unless there's something about the coverage of the big event that you want to show off in the cover letter.

 

[joe_schmoe]

Okay, since no one else is really tearing this up (come on guys, where that's ole SportsJournalists.com rip the question spirirt?), I'll play:

I wouldn't even send a resume. Just send your clips with a post-it note that says "Call me, you know you need me."

 

[Batman]

Okay, since no one else is really tearing this up (come on guys, where that's ole SportsJournalists.com rip the question spirirt?), I'll play:

I wouldn't even send a resume. Just send your clips with a post-it note that says "Call me, you know you need me."

Or maybe just slip the SE a fiver with a note that says "Put my desk where I can see the ladies."

 

[Desk_dude]

Your resume could include a few major achievements, such as: Organized the all-area team, including writing the copy.

 

[SEWnSO]

Okay, since no one else is really tearing this up (come on guys, where that's ole SportsJournalists.com rip the question spirirt?), I'll play:

I wouldn't even send a resume. Just send your clips with a post-it note that says "Call me, you know you need me."

Or maybe just slip the SE a fiver with a note that says "Put my desk where I can see the ladies."

But, wait, there are no desks!

 

[thegrifter]

Thirded. But what about mentioning them in the cover letter?

I'd say the best way to do it is to show it in the clips, if they are solid. Unless there's something about the coverage of the big event that you want to show off in the cover letter.

Here's the thing about big events. Covering them doesn't make you a great reporter. I know a guy at a very small daily who writes worse than George W runs the country. Yet, he brags about covering an all-star game or pga tourney or whatever. big deal. unless you have solid great clips from the event, it doesn't matter.
just attending premier events isn't enough, it's what you do when you're there and what you take away from them.

 

[editthis]

I somewhat disagree. If you've covered many major events for years and two or three major metros, obviously, you are doing something right.

 

[Gold]

Good points on both sides...

I might say add the events if you can show you did something special with the coverage.

One of the best things about resumes was something I read by Robert Half, who gave great advice on the subject. He used the example of a major league infielder. The bad resume would say something like, field ground balls, catch pop flies, participate in double plays, go to bat when it is my turn.

the good resume would say something like... Played nine years in the major leagues, was named to three all-star teams, won the Golden Glove twice and helped our team make the playoffs three years and the World Series one year.

So if you can show something special about your coverage, put it in your resume.

 

[leo1]

Good points on both sides...

I might say add the events if you can show you did something special with the coverage. 

One of the best things about resumes was something I read by Robert Half, who gave great advice on the subject.  He used the example of a major league infielder.  The bad resume would say something like, field ground balls, catch pop flies, participate in double plays, go to bat when it is my turn.

the good resume would say something like... Played nine years in the major leagues, was named to three all-star teams, won the Golden Glove twice and helped our team make the playoffs three years and the World Series one year.

So if you can show something special about your coverage, put it in your resume.

good advice, but funny to think about someone actually putting "fielded ground balls, caught pop flies, hit balls, ran bases, etc." on a resume. i'm sure it's happened though.

 

[Gold]

Good points on both sides...

I might say add the events if you can show you did something special with the coverage.

One of the best things about resumes was something I read by Robert Half, who gave great advice on the subject. He used the example of a major league infielder. The bad resume would say something like, field ground balls, catch pop flies, participate in double plays, go to bat when it is my turn.

the good resume would say something like... Played nine years in the major leagues, was named to three all-star teams, won the Golden Glove twice and helped our team make the playoffs three years and the World Series one year.

So if you can show something special about your coverage, put it in your resume.

good advice, but funny to think about someone actually putting "fielded ground balls, caught pop flies, hit balls, ran bases, etc." on a resume. i'm sure it's happened though.

Half was exaggerating to make a point. And it does happen (maybe not to that extent) because people list what their duties are rather than their accomplishments.

 

[thegrifter]

i think Gold was showing example of the boring resume that reads, covered football games, wrote features, attended media day regularly

 

[Gold]

i think Gold was showing example of the boring resume that reads, covered football games, wrote features, attended media day regularly

you got it, amigo

 

[donaugust]

The bad resume would say something like, field ground balls, catch pop flies, participate in double plays, go to bat when it is my turn.

Unfortunately, "participate in double plays" was what he did at bat. :)

 

[clutchcargo]

Professional resumes are all about experience, achievements and references.

Listing the events you have covered is great for impressing your pals and relatives, but SE's couldn't care less.