Monday, March 23, 2009
Magazine Publishing: Ad Pages Down for the Biggies
In "Ad Blues: Major Mag Publishers Endured Tough Winter," Eris Sass writes in Media Daily News:
Everybody knows it's been a rough couple of years for big magazine publishers--and it's only getting rougher, according to TNS Media Intelligence's Group Publishers' report for January-February, which totals up the ad pages for the industry's top players. That means double-digit drops almost across the board--and we're not talking low double-digits either. Read the entire thing.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Expert advice: long blogs
Always write short for the web? Andrew Romano, senior writer for Newsweek.com, says that's bad advice. "I wrote really long blog posts and ignored that advice," he said. "When you do a blog, you have to do what you're passionate about. Readers didn't mind going beyond two paragraphs."
Romano was quoted during Min's Best of the Web awards, where his Stumper was honored as Best Consumer Blog.
Romano was quoted during Min's Best of the Web awards, where his Stumper was honored as Best Consumer Blog.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
DEAR PEP: Do I Shelve My Ethics to Get a Job?
The job search has been painfully slow, but I finally got a request for an in-person interview (up until now they've all been phone interviews first). In the job listing, the company describes itself as an "advertising-driven b-to-b publisher." Could be a red flag, or it could be their way of saying they do custom publishing (right?). I can't find anything about them elsewhere on the web so I checked the Mediabistro forums, where the consensus seemed to be that they're a vanity publishing company where editors spend a lot of time interviewing potential cover story companies and then solicit their vendor lists for advertising purposes. Another person said they only pay freelancers 16 cents a word. This kind of thing drove me nuts on one of my trade mags, as you may remember. But even then, the publisher only asked that I make a list of any of the equipment manufacturers I saw during plant tours. He then, of course, would go to those companies and try to get ads.
So, knowing this going in, would it be kosher to ask about their practices during an interview? And if I ended up working there, is it unethical to assuage my guilt by using the economy and unemployment as an excuse? I'm not worried about the company being on my resume in the future -- I'm sure journalism recruiters understand that in times like this, people have to take what they have to do to be employed. What say you? I can always job hunt again if I'm unhappy there.
Some friends have recommended going for it anyway and if it turns out being what I think it is, just leapfrog elsewhere. But I promised myself that since I was miserable where I was, my next job would have to be a good one, and not to accept the first thing that came along. But who can afford that...COBRA's expensive! On the other hand, the bad economy could make the sales staff more ruthless and aggressive in terms of selling editorial. And if you tried to fight it, you'd be the first to go in layoffs. So. I still don't know! — On the Hunt for Magazine Employment
DEAR HUNT: This is a tricky one.
First, of course it is kosher to ask about their practices during the interview. Interviews have several functions. When we are on the job search, we often think only of what we can do to impress the employer. In fact, we also need to be doing significant research to see if this is a place where we could be comfortable and thrive, a place that would not only benefit from our talents, but help build them.
You need to know if you can do the job they ask. That’s a different issue from whether you should do the job. Can you see yourself doing this work? Do you see yourself meeting the company’s overall goals? If not, you might have to pragmatically turn it down, as you don’t see yourself succeeding there.
The hardest part of this situation, of course, is the risk to your ethics of needing to work. I worry that this economy can give unethical employers the license to take advantage of employees, asking them to do too much, to do work that is ethically iffy, to accept the normally unacceptable.
That’s why I start with a pragmatic answer. If this job requires you to be an advertising broker, you might simply not be able to do that.
I am seriously uneasy about anybody ever taking a job just because they need the work. I see that as a failure waiting to happen. Yes, the opportunities right now might seem highly limited, but look for the long term. Will this job help you get where you want when the sun again shines on the economy (and it will), or will it hinder you from achieving your ultimate goals?
Look at this as a marriage. Would you jump at marrying that jerk you met in a bar just because you’re tired of being single? I seriously hope not. Nor would you stay in an abusive relationship. Working at Barnes and Noble and freelancing on the side is better than working full-time at a job that hurts you.
That said, your interview might demonstrate that all those things you read on the Internet are wrong (Imagine that happening!) and the place looks good. But ask the hard questions, don’t settle for glib answers, and talk to as many employees as possible. Ask about payment to writers. Sixteen cents a word is a huge red flag. Definitely check that one out.
Don’t play Mike Wallace—remain professional and polite, but remember your reportorial skills. Look at their products. Do you want your name on their masthead? Do you think they have promise and offer you an opportunity? These are the questions you ask no matter the economy.
So, knowing this going in, would it be kosher to ask about their practices during an interview? And if I ended up working there, is it unethical to assuage my guilt by using the economy and unemployment as an excuse? I'm not worried about the company being on my resume in the future -- I'm sure journalism recruiters understand that in times like this, people have to take what they have to do to be employed. What say you? I can always job hunt again if I'm unhappy there.
Some friends have recommended going for it anyway and if it turns out being what I think it is, just leapfrog elsewhere. But I promised myself that since I was miserable where I was, my next job would have to be a good one, and not to accept the first thing that came along. But who can afford that...COBRA's expensive! On the other hand, the bad economy could make the sales staff more ruthless and aggressive in terms of selling editorial. And if you tried to fight it, you'd be the first to go in layoffs. So. I still don't know! — On the Hunt for Magazine Employment
DEAR HUNT: This is a tricky one.
First, of course it is kosher to ask about their practices during the interview. Interviews have several functions. When we are on the job search, we often think only of what we can do to impress the employer. In fact, we also need to be doing significant research to see if this is a place where we could be comfortable and thrive, a place that would not only benefit from our talents, but help build them.
You need to know if you can do the job they ask. That’s a different issue from whether you should do the job. Can you see yourself doing this work? Do you see yourself meeting the company’s overall goals? If not, you might have to pragmatically turn it down, as you don’t see yourself succeeding there.
The hardest part of this situation, of course, is the risk to your ethics of needing to work. I worry that this economy can give unethical employers the license to take advantage of employees, asking them to do too much, to do work that is ethically iffy, to accept the normally unacceptable.
That’s why I start with a pragmatic answer. If this job requires you to be an advertising broker, you might simply not be able to do that.
The ethical answer, as usual, is more slippery. What happens if you think this could work, but it makes you uneasy? My answer there is that it will not work. I think you can stretch your morals only so far before they break and something important within you breaks along the way. The implications of this are that you not only hurt your moral standing in your own eyes, but you become a lesser employee for ethical publishers.
I am seriously uneasy about anybody ever taking a job just because they need the work. I see that as a failure waiting to happen. Yes, the opportunities right now might seem highly limited, but look for the long term. Will this job help you get where you want when the sun again shines on the economy (and it will), or will it hinder you from achieving your ultimate goals?
Look at this as a marriage. Would you jump at marrying that jerk you met in a bar just because you’re tired of being single? I seriously hope not. Nor would you stay in an abusive relationship. Working at Barnes and Noble and freelancing on the side is better than working full-time at a job that hurts you.
That said, your interview might demonstrate that all those things you read on the Internet are wrong (Imagine that happening!) and the place looks good. But ask the hard questions, don’t settle for glib answers, and talk to as many employees as possible. Ask about payment to writers. Sixteen cents a word is a huge red flag. Definitely check that one out.
Don’t play Mike Wallace—remain professional and polite, but remember your reportorial skills. Look at their products. Do you want your name on their masthead? Do you think they have promise and offer you an opportunity? These are the questions you ask no matter the economy.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Advice on the Application Letter
Job hunters, here's some good advice on cover letters from The New York Times job coach. It covers how to organize, write, and even attach the letter. Its focus is on electronic applications, which are quickly becoming the norm.
Having just chaired a search committee, it is apparent to me that folks at all levels need to take letters more seriously.
I also wrote about how to write a letter of application in an earlier post.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
New Media Tools for Journalists--What I Learned
"Google is the new resume; your URL is the new business card," said Andy Drish as we began talking about blogs. Andy and Mike Sansone of Converstations.com were part of the A Journalist's Guide to New Media workshop at Drake University February 28, 2009. Earlier, Nathan Wright of Lava.row and Chris Snider of the Des Moines Register offered insight on this rapidly evolving field, including these points:
Google.docs can help keep documents organized online. I work on three computers, so I can put all my documents together in cyberspace. I suppose they're safe unless cyberspace crashes.
Registering your blog at technorati.com can help you get more readers.
www.helpareporter.com is a clearing house that connects reporters and sources. Not sure of this one. I am unconvinced that this is the way to find experts for my health articles.
If your pix are on something like Flickr.com, you can edit them online are picnik.com or photoshop.com. Wonder why Photo Shop is free here?
Pageflakes is a great way to organize all your information.
You can use Simplynoise.com to add white noise on your computer in a noisy office. Cool.
Rememberthemilk.com helps you make personal lists and, presumably, follow them.
Google.docs can help keep documents organized online. I work on three computers, so I can put all my documents together in cyberspace. I suppose they're safe unless cyberspace crashes.
Registering your blog at technorati.com can help you get more readers.
www.helpareporter.com is a clearing house that connects reporters and sources. Not sure of this one. I am unconvinced that this is the way to find experts for my health articles.
If your pix are on something like Flickr.com, you can edit them online are picnik.com or photoshop.com. Wonder why Photo Shop is free here?
Pageflakes is a great way to organize all your information.
You can use Simplynoise.com to add white noise on your computer in a noisy office. Cool.
Rememberthemilk.com helps you make personal lists and, presumably, follow them.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
CJR to Study Print Magazines' Web Cousins
“It’s like the Wild West out there. Each magazine is making it up as it goes along, and nobody knows what anybody else is doing:” Victor Navasky, chairman of the Columbia Journalism Review (CJR).
Navasky has announced that CJR is undertaking a major study to analyze print magazines' online practices and develop best-practice guidelines. Read the story here.
The survey will include:
• Who manages the site's editorial focus — the editor of the print magazine, or the editor of the Web site?
• Free material — how much content is given away for free, and how much is behind a paywall?
• Which magazines include materials from the print magazine completely and which add new material?
• By what percentage?
Navasky has announced that CJR is undertaking a major study to analyze print magazines' online practices and develop best-practice guidelines. Read the story here.
The survey will include:
• Who manages the site's editorial focus — the editor of the print magazine, or the editor of the Web site?
• Free material — how much content is given away for free, and how much is behind a paywall?
• Which magazines include materials from the print magazine completely and which add new material?
• By what percentage?
Monday, February 23, 2009
The Magazine Industry is Alive and Well...at Least Some Parts of It
Magazines are dying? Tell that to these start-ups that are testing the media waters in mid-recession.
The newest display in the E.T. Meredith Center for Magazine Studies features these 2009 premiere issues, plus samples of 2008 start-ups:
PREMIERE ISSUES
BEST YOU: This magazine premiered with the February/March 2009 issue. It offers a healthy road to health, including “Beautiful Skin the Fast and Natural Way” and “Better Sex Tonight.” Natural Cosmo?
BLACK HEALTH: The December 2008 premiere issue says “Yes You Can! Avoid Weight Gain this Holiday Season.” Plus the standard anti-aging secrets and how to avoid weight gain.
SANDRA LEE SEMI-HOMEMADE: So, what does the “semi” mean here? Cooking with mixes but adding your own style, ala the Food Network’s Sandra Lee. We have the February/March 2009 premiere.
ORGANIC BEAUTY. February 2009 is the magazine’s premier issue, with the tagline: “green. natural. ecofriendly.” Olivia Wilde, from TV’s “House” is the cover model, offering “Natural Beauty Secrets.” No advice on dealing on air with a crazy man, apparently.
CULTURE. All about cheese—seriously—this magazine’s tagline is “the word on cheese.” The premiere issue, Winter 08, covers cheese desserts, Irish cheese arisans and San Franciso’s cheese trail.
2008 STARTS:
THE AMERICAN DOG: Hey, people love their animals and will spend their limited resources to make sure Bowser is in good shape. We have the Winter, 2009 issue, with—of course—President Obama on the cover holding a hypoallergenic pup.
BEER: We might have cut down on martinis, but cut out beer—never! We have the March/April 2009 issue, which is the magazine’s 9th. It features beer reviews, with a cover story on the “Irish Twins:” Guinness and Beamish. Mmmmmmm. Beer…..
FOOD NETWORK MAGAZINE. This publication offers you the chance to “Cook Like a Star,” with ideas from the network’s Bobby Flay, Sandra Lee and Guy Fieri. We have the February/March 2009 issue.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Doublecheck Before You Click
"The rush to post is no excuse for jettisoning journalistic standards:" The American Journalism Review.
The editor and publisher of the American Journalism Review, Rem Rieder, has a timely essay on how the impulse to publish online now can hurt journalistic standards, especially accuracy. "The Internet, like newspapers and television and radio, is a platform. It is a very exciting platform. But that's all it is. Journalism remains journalism, no matter how it is disseminated. Standards matter. Accuracy matters. Context matters," Rieder says. Read it here.
On a side note, I misspelled Rieder's name in my original draft of this. Yoi!
America is Tweeting
In December 2008, 11 percent of online American adults reported using Twitter or another service that allowed them to share updates about themselves or to see the updates of others, according to research from the Pew Research Center. The was a consistent increase from previous months: In November 2008, 9 percent of internet users used Twitter or updated their status online and in May 2008, the figure was 6 percent. Could be an effect of the economy, with folks networking online. Read the entire piece here.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Vibe Cuts Costs Without Cutting People
Here's a way to attack a slowing magazine economy while keeping your staff intact. In addition to being humane, it's good long-term planning—your staff remains on board and ready for a rebound.
Vibe is:
• reducing frequency from monthly to 10 times yearly;
• reducing the rate base from 800,000 to 600,000;
• implementing a four-day work week at 10-15-percent lower pay so that all employees can keep their jobs.
Good for Vibe!
Vibe is:
• reducing frequency from monthly to 10 times yearly;
• reducing the rate base from 800,000 to 600,000;
• implementing a four-day work week at 10-15-percent lower pay so that all employees can keep their jobs.
Good for Vibe!
A Journalist's Guide to New Media Conference at Drake
A Journalist’s Guide to New Media
February 28, 2009
Meredith Hall, Room 104, Drake University
Sponsored by the Drake University School of Journalism and Mass Communication and the E.T. Meredith Center for Magazine Studies
New and evolving media tools have changed how journalists research, network with other professionals and clients, and even manage job searches. This one-day workshop shows how to use tools such as RSS feeds, Twitter, blogs, wikis, Facebook, Linked In, and Google alerts to get a job, improve your journalistic skills, expand your freelance opportunities and, most important, become a better communicator.
Cost: $50, includes coffee reception and lunch. Pay at the door. Checks payable to Drake University
To register: Contact Shari Tenney in the Drake School of Journalism and Mass Communication, shari.tenney@drake.edu or 271-3194. Limited number of seats available.
For more information: Contact Patricia Prijatel, director, E.T. Meredith Center for Magazine Studies, patricia.prijatel@drake.edu
8-9:30: Coffee Reception
8:30-10:30: Your New Media Tool Kit: Chris Snider, Des Moines Register
30 online tools every journalist and professional communicator needs to know about.
10:30-12:30: Using the Tools: Chris Snider, Des Moines Register
A hands-on workshop on efficiently using and organizing online information with RSS Feeds, Google Alerts, and other online tools
12:30-1: Lunch break
1-3: Social Media: Nathan Wright of Lava Row
A hands-on workshop on getting the most out of social media—Twitter, wikis, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Using the tools to link effectively with clients, other professionals, and potential employers.
3-3:15: Break
3:15-5:00: Blogging: Mike Sansone, converstations.com
A hands-on workshop on creating your own blog.
February 28, 2009
Meredith Hall, Room 104, Drake University
Sponsored by the Drake University School of Journalism and Mass Communication and the E.T. Meredith Center for Magazine Studies
New and evolving media tools have changed how journalists research, network with other professionals and clients, and even manage job searches. This one-day workshop shows how to use tools such as RSS feeds, Twitter, blogs, wikis, Facebook, Linked In, and Google alerts to get a job, improve your journalistic skills, expand your freelance opportunities and, most important, become a better communicator.
Cost: $50, includes coffee reception and lunch. Pay at the door. Checks payable to Drake University
To register: Contact Shari Tenney in the Drake School of Journalism and Mass Communication, shari.tenney@drake.edu or 271-3194. Limited number of seats available.
For more information: Contact Patricia Prijatel, director, E.T. Meredith Center for Magazine Studies, patricia.prijatel@drake.edu
8-9:30: Coffee Reception
8:30-10:30: Your New Media Tool Kit: Chris Snider, Des Moines Register
30 online tools every journalist and professional communicator needs to know about.
10:30-12:30: Using the Tools: Chris Snider, Des Moines Register
A hands-on workshop on efficiently using and organizing online information with RSS Feeds, Google Alerts, and other online tools
12:30-1: Lunch break
1-3: Social Media: Nathan Wright of Lava Row
A hands-on workshop on getting the most out of social media—Twitter, wikis, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Using the tools to link effectively with clients, other professionals, and potential employers.
3-3:15: Break
3:15-5:00: Blogging: Mike Sansone, converstations.com
A hands-on workshop on creating your own blog.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
DEAR PEP: How do I explain being laid off?
DEAR PEP:
I just found out that I got laid off a couple of hours ago. And here’s my question: I'd been applying for other jobs since November because of my "Devil Wears Prada" boss. One of those companies is a health care industry custom publishing company in town. Had a really, really good phone interview and completed an editing test way before it was due. I told them my current company was kind of on shaky ground and that I was conflicted about all the ad-driven editorial. I emailed them Friday morning, before I found out about our layoffs, under the premise of seeing whether they needed references, etc. They wrote back saying they were still in the interviewing process (if I was out of the running, I figured they might not reply).
The company was going to be hiring several editors and told me they wanted to fill the positions ASAP because they're growing quickly,etc. Would it help or hinder if I emailed them to tell them about the layoffs? Being that I'm local and available immediately, would that work in my favor? Or might they think I'm less competent since I was laid off (even though they knew that there is turmoil within my company)? —Among the newly unemployed
Dear Among: Given that you just emailed them on Friday, I would leave them alone for a while. You already expressed your interest, did well in interviews, and they know you are local and the benefits that means. And, yes, their reply that they are still in the process likely means you are still in the running. I would be aggressive in the pursuit of other opportunities,though. Sadly, right now this is a buyer's market.
Lots of great people have been laid off and most employers understand that, so being out of a job right now really does not mean what it once did. And, when it is time to talk with a potential employer about your status, simply say, "I was one of 25 laid off at Bonehead Publishing." Don't apologize or overexplain. It's a fact, not a fault.
DEAR PEP: Thanks. I've been thinking of starting an unemployment blog (there's shockingly few of them it seems) for recently laid off writers, or creatives of any stripe.
A friend and I have often compared the job-seeking process to dating books like "The Rules" and "He's Just Not That Into You." You have to seem interested, but not TOO interested, which leaves you playing hard-to-get. And if the first interview is like the first date, you
have to make a good impression, but you can't pester your date/HR person in following it up. And sometimes you have to do what I just did, which was find somebody to talk me out of sending another email (or text or phone call in the dating realm). Then, getting laid off is the equivalent of getting divorced -- once you're back out there
looking, you've got baggage to disguise.
Hmm...I think I just wrote myself an outline for a self-help book!
Remind me to ask you later how not to burn bridges during a recession.
I just found out that I got laid off a couple of hours ago. And here’s my question: I'd been applying for other jobs since November because of my "Devil Wears Prada" boss. One of those companies is a health care industry custom publishing company in town. Had a really, really good phone interview and completed an editing test way before it was due. I told them my current company was kind of on shaky ground and that I was conflicted about all the ad-driven editorial. I emailed them Friday morning, before I found out about our layoffs, under the premise of seeing whether they needed references, etc. They wrote back saying they were still in the interviewing process (if I was out of the running, I figured they might not reply).
The company was going to be hiring several editors and told me they wanted to fill the positions ASAP because they're growing quickly,etc. Would it help or hinder if I emailed them to tell them about the layoffs? Being that I'm local and available immediately, would that work in my favor? Or might they think I'm less competent since I was laid off (even though they knew that there is turmoil within my company)? —Among the newly unemployed
Dear Among: Given that you just emailed them on Friday, I would leave them alone for a while. You already expressed your interest, did well in interviews, and they know you are local and the benefits that means. And, yes, their reply that they are still in the process likely means you are still in the running. I would be aggressive in the pursuit of other opportunities,though. Sadly, right now this is a buyer's market.
Lots of great people have been laid off and most employers understand that, so being out of a job right now really does not mean what it once did. And, when it is time to talk with a potential employer about your status, simply say, "I was one of 25 laid off at Bonehead Publishing." Don't apologize or overexplain. It's a fact, not a fault.
DEAR PEP: Thanks. I've been thinking of starting an unemployment blog (there's shockingly few of them it seems) for recently laid off writers, or creatives of any stripe.
A friend and I have often compared the job-seeking process to dating books like "The Rules" and "He's Just Not That Into You." You have to seem interested, but not TOO interested, which leaves you playing hard-to-get. And if the first interview is like the first date, you
have to make a good impression, but you can't pester your date/HR person in following it up. And sometimes you have to do what I just did, which was find somebody to talk me out of sending another email (or text or phone call in the dating realm). Then, getting laid off is the equivalent of getting divorced -- once you're back out there
looking, you've got baggage to disguise.
Hmm...I think I just wrote myself an outline for a self-help book!
Remind me to ask you later how not to burn bridges during a recession.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Need a Job? Check out Drake Media Gigs
A note from members of the Drake School of Journalism and Mass Communication Junior National Advisory Council:
Looking for a job? Tips on updating your "new media" skills? An opportunity for professional networking? A chance to help Drake journalism students launch their own careers?
The J-School's Jr. National Advisory Council is excited to announce
Looking for a job? Tips on updating your "new media" skills? An opportunity for professional networking? A chance to help Drake journalism students launch their own careers?
The J-School's Jr. National Advisory Council is excited to announce
www.DrakeMediaGigs.Wordpress.com - a forum where we'll be posting career opportunities submitted by members of the Drake alumni family and of the professional media community.
We realized the need for such a site after discussing the frustrations of both job seekers and alumni with job opportunities. It's clear that Drake professionals are out there looking for talented people to hire - both for internships and full-time positions - but don't have an easy way to announce the openings to the Drake journalism community specifically.
We hope to meet that need.
In addition, we will use the site to post job-hunting tips and links to media career resources, as well as information about job fairs, skills workshops and other tools you can use to jump-start your professional lives.
For example, the SJMC is currently planning a series of workshops on campus this spring, aimed both at graduating seniors and area professionals seeking to ensure they have the skills necessary to compete in this challenging media environment.
If you're interested in hearing about these opportunities, simply sign up to receive updates via e-mail by clicking here.
Or via RSS updates by clicking here.
It's all free and we won't use your e-mail for any purpose other than to send you updates.
And remember that we're just getting started, so please be patient while we get the word out and work out any kinks as we get the site off the ground. We're also open to ideas, questions and suggestions - submit those to drakemediagigs@gmail.com.
We realized the need for such a site after discussing the frustrations of both job seekers and alumni with job opportunities. It's clear that Drake professionals are out there looking for talented people to hire - both for internships and full-time positions - but don't have an easy way to announce the openings to the Drake journalism community specifically.
We hope to meet that need.
In addition, we will use the site to post job-hunting tips and links to media career resources, as well as information about job fairs, skills workshops and other tools you can use to jump-start your professional lives.
For example, the SJMC is currently planning a series of workshops on campus this spring, aimed both at graduating seniors and area professionals seeking to ensure they have the skills necessary to compete in this challenging media environment.
If you're interested in hearing about these opportunities, simply sign up to receive updates via e-mail by clicking here.
It's all free and we won't use your e-mail for any purpose other than to send you updates.
And remember that we're just getting started, so please be patient while we get the word out and work out any kinks as we get the site off the ground. We're also open to ideas, questions and suggestions - submit those to drakemediagigs@gmail.com.
DEAR PEP: How Long Should A Resume Be?
DEAR PEP: When, if ever, is it acceptable for one's résumé to make the jump to a second page? I thought this was a career "don't" in most situations, but I'm currently reviewing résumés for an open position in my company and am surprised by how many two-page résumés I'm seeing! And from people who've been out in the "real world" for less time than I have. Has the standard changed? -Alum who is actually hiring people
Dear Hiring Alum: Yes, the rule had been to keep it to one page and that is still the ideal, but because people move around so much now--sometimes whether they want to or not--you can no longer always get all the job details on one page. Still, employers are in a hurry and more overworked than ever, so don't waste time with filler information. Some tips:
• Get to the point. Include only relevant experience and skills. If you are on your second job, cut the fact that you edited the college magazine.
• There is no need to explain what you did on specific jobs, unless it is unique to the position. An editorial assistant needs no explanation unless you also managed photo shoots or wrote major features. In general, you just need: Employer, job title, dates you were there.
• Full addresses of employers is no longer needed. Just include the city.
• Keep the type size readable. It's better to go to a second page than to cut your type down to 9 pt. Some faces, though, fit more words, so experiment. For example, Garamond goes almost 20 percent farther than Arial. ( I typed an 8-word sentence in both faces at 12 pt. The Arial line was two words longer than the Garamond. Go ahead and critique my math.)
• Don't list references. Say only "references available upon request."
• Your accompanying letter is a vital supplement. This is where you fill in the gaps, add perspective, detail, and personality. Check my post on writing a letter of application.
• Don't take up precious space with an overblown logo for yourself. Make it comprehensive, clear, and readable.
Dear Hiring Alum: Yes, the rule had been to keep it to one page and that is still the ideal, but because people move around so much now--sometimes whether they want to or not--you can no longer always get all the job details on one page. Still, employers are in a hurry and more overworked than ever, so don't waste time with filler information. Some tips:
• Get to the point. Include only relevant experience and skills. If you are on your second job, cut the fact that you edited the college magazine.
• There is no need to explain what you did on specific jobs, unless it is unique to the position. An editorial assistant needs no explanation unless you also managed photo shoots or wrote major features. In general, you just need: Employer, job title, dates you were there.
• Full addresses of employers is no longer needed. Just include the city.
• Keep the type size readable. It's better to go to a second page than to cut your type down to 9 pt. Some faces, though, fit more words, so experiment. For example, Garamond goes almost 20 percent farther than Arial. ( I typed an 8-word sentence in both faces at 12 pt. The Arial line was two words longer than the Garamond. Go ahead and critique my math.)
• Don't list references. Say only "references available upon request."
• Your accompanying letter is a vital supplement. This is where you fill in the gaps, add perspective, detail, and personality. Check my post on writing a letter of application.
• Don't take up precious space with an overblown logo for yourself. Make it comprehensive, clear, and readable.
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