Ask the Recruiter

Q. I had two interviews for a staff writing job and was then asked to provide references, which I did. I didn't get the job. Am I both within my rights and wise to ask if any of the references had something negative to say about me, and if so, what?

My understanding is that a reference check is the last step before hiring, so it seems that if something tripped up my hiring at that stage it'd behoove me to know what it was so I can either correct it or reconsider who to list as references.

Thanks,

Paul

Q. I keep seeing job postings that ask for things like "knowledge of AP style" and "knowledge of content management systems" -- things I don't currently have listed on my resume, as I had thought of these as a given, rather than as a preferred skill.

Should these things be on your resume? How do you list them without wasting space?

Emma

During this week's career chat, Poynter's Joe Grimm and Colleen Eddy shared tips on how to keep your job search going during the slow hiring season in the upcoming holiday months.

Replay the chat to see what advice they gave.

Q. I am a meteorologist/reporter/entertainment reporter for the Fox affiliate in Mobile, Ala., and I am in the process of relocating to the San Diego area for family. I love my job in Mobile but I don't really have an option for staying. I have been pursuing television work as well as PR work in San Diego.

I have three years of on-air experience, as well as two years of internship experience. I also have extensive experience in Internet storytelling and updating our social Web sites.

So now that you know a little about me, here is my question. I really want to apply for a communications job with the city of San Diego.

However, in reading about the job, I believe they want a little more experience than I have. This is not stopping me from applying because I do believe I could handle the job, but how do I say that to the employer? How do you get an employer to consider you and not throw out your application right away?

Chasity

During a time when the news industry is frantically searching for solutions and new directions, journalists' lives have been disrupted by cutbacks and job changes. Poynter Online wants to help by sharing stories of success seekers. We are offering how-they-did-it snapshots from people who faced employment challenges and found some measure of success.

MIRA LOWE

Age: 40, plus 6 for good luck! 

New job: Editor-in-chief of JET magazine, the world's No. 1 African-American newsweekly, reaching more than 9 million readers. I oversee all aspects of the editorial content, staffing and direction for print and digital platforms.