1. Study the Job Ad
Tailor your media resume to the company's needs. Too often, experienced candidates apply for their "dream job," which may not be what a media outlet is seeking. A critical mistake is to submit unrelated clips, such as your feature stories for a newspaper looking for an investigative reporter or clips of anchoring when a TV station is looking for a reporter, producer or videographer.That's a sure way to end up in the trash pile. Figure out how to market the skills and experience you have so that you're the perfect candidate.
2. Look at the Years of Experience Required
Take note of how much experience is needed. If you have two years working in the media, save yourself and the editor or news director the trouble of applying for a job that requires five years of experience.On the other hand, if you see that this amount of experience is "preferred," go for it. You'll have to knock someone's socks off, but you won't get the job if you don't apply.
3. Follow the No Phone Calls Rule
The "no phone calls" request should be taken seriously. It's tempting to show an editor or news director that you're a go-getter, but by calling, you are showing that you can't follow simple directions. You may eliminate yourself from the running.Sometimes more leeway is allowed for emails. But if the job listing says don't do it, then don't.
4. Research the Company
Part of understanding the job opening is understanding your potential workplace. Do your research. Find out the company which owns it and the city where it's located.You need to know if the publication or station prides itself on fast-paced breaking news or long, investigative reports. Some media entities are owned by companies that take a traditional approach to journalism, while others are more cutting-edge.
An online-only news site may ask you to write multiple news stories in a shorter format than a traditional newspaper. A TV station in Minneapolis or Philadelphia likely has a much different on-air product than one in Miami or Los Angeles. The background you have on the station will help you customize your resume materials to the specific opening.
5. Learn About Your Potential Boss
Search to find out more about the editor or news director. Even if you don't know this person, you may have both worked at the same publication or station, the same city or for the same company at one time. Reference that in your media cover letter.If the editor or news director was recently hired or is part of a rebuilding effort, you can work in a line mentioning that in your cover letter. This shows you have done your homework and aren't just mass-mailing the same materials to every station in America.
The extra legwork you do now will increase your chances of impressing your future boss. Repeat these steps for each job you're applying for and you'll have the job you want in no time.
