When to start sending resumes

[True Son]

I'm a journalism student and will be graduating in May. When is an appropriate time to start sending out resumes? And what method would you recommend for who you send them to? As many places as possible whether they list an opening or not? Only places with openings? Etc...

 

[hockeybeat]

I'm a journalism student and will be graduating in May. When is an appropriate time to start sending out resumes? And what method would you recommend for who you send them to? As many places as possible whether they list an opening or not? Only places with openings? Etc...

Now would be a good time.

 

[deskslave]

This used to be stickied at the top of the page, though I guess it was unstickied once graduation season passed. In any event, there's some useful information in it.

http://www.sportsjournalists.com/forum/threads/54622/

 

[Rumpleforeskin]

Yesterday.

I took a while to send out resumes. Don't make that mistake (among others).

 

[HejiraHenry]

Yesterday.

At least as far as the time frame is concerned, this is the correct answer about beginning the job search effort. You should have started yesterday.

But is sending out resumes the right answer? What do you even have on a resume at this point? I dunno.

 

[Stitch]

Build contacts right now. Talk with editors where you are interning for advice. It won't hurt sending out resumes, but don't expect to hear anything back until March.

 

[NQLBLQ]

Make contacts. Don't worry so much about applying places yet. Talk to the local editor, talk to the nearest metro editor, hang out at bars and talk to the writers.

Use their expertise.

As for applying for an opening in December if you don't graduate until May - chances are they want someone right now and you won't be contacted. Just remember that. I'm not saying don;t apply, just don't get discouraged if you don't hear back.

Hell I started my job search a year ago (graduated in August) and I'm still unemployed

 

[BYH]

Never.

Change your major and do something else.

 

[DanOregon]

Chances are, you'll be able to meet with or talk on the phone with an editor-type at a paper you would like to work at. They are so tired of cutting staff and reconfiguring their work force that meeting with young journalists is about the best part of their job right now.
You won't be able to get a job at a paper you want to work at, but the editor-type you talk with probably knows someone at a paper a few notches down the ladder who will give you a chance if you'll work for peanuts and bust your ass. Do well at the scrub paper and you can use the contact that got you to the scrub paper to get you a better deal after you've proven yourself.

 

[wisportswriter]

15-20 years ago.

 

[TheSportsPredictor]

I'd wait two or three more rounds of layoffs.

 

[Tom Petty]

15-20 years ago.

wow. solid. as. hell.

 

[playthrough]

Never.

Change your major and do something else.

If you don't have something better to offer, move along. I get sick of this answer on every thread started by a young'un trying to break in and looking for our advice. The doom and gloom is obvious everywhere else on this board, you can post there.

Resumes are important, but include clips and keep sending new ones every few months. If you're lucky, you'll find an editor who takes an interest and will follow your development.

 

[Tom Petty]

Never.

Change your major and do something else.

If you don't have something better to offer, move along. I get sick of this answer on every thread started by a young'un trying to break in and looking for our advice. The doom and gloom is obvious everywhere else on this board, you can post there.

Resumes are important, but include clips and keep sending new ones every few months. If you're lucky, you'll find an editor who takes an interest and will follow your development.

bull****, through. you're in this business. you know its impending fate.

why don't you just tell the kid to be a journo and a firewalker?

i'm not trying to pick a fight, but i'd sure rather have someone be honest with me than lie.

 

[playthrough]

Sure, but True Son isn't going to get anything from those posts. They're cheap and tend to lure more of the same. I'm all for honesty, if you think the guy shouldn't waste a cent on postage for resumes and needs to explore other alternatives, be my guest and explain. But he's graduating in May -- probably a little late for that change of major.

 

[Tom Petty]

Sure, but True Son isn't going to get anything from those posts. They're cheap and tend to lure more of the same. I'm all for honesty, if you think the guy shouldn't waste a cent on postage for resumes and needs to explore other alternatives, be my guest and explain. But he's graduating in May -- probably a little late for that change of major.

through - i don't think it's too late to use the degree and find a job in another field that isn't dying ... or at least think of grad school.

 

[BYH]

Sorry Playthrough. But while my post may have been filled with snark, Tom gets to the bottom line of it: It's NOT too late to look for something else or think of grad school.

I just cannot recommend this field to anybody. Ever. The only advice I can give is to get out before you get in, b/c you can't get your heart broken if you never get in.

 

[playthrough]

Fair enough. Just say so. Obviously some j-school grads will get hired by papers, but the collective mindset of many hoping for a newspaper job clearly needs adjustment. I hope guidance offices are helping prospective grads find other avenues to sell their skills.

 

[BYH]

I agree completely.

Sorry for the snark.

 

[Ace]

No matter how newspapers evolve, there is still a market for writers and editors. But True Son is coming into the business at an uncertain time.

Broaden your skills as much as you can and good luck.