Ask the Recruiter

Q. I am about to graduate with a degree in journalism. I hope to work at a newspaper and am wondering how to go about my job search.

I would like to stay where I am, but none of the area newspapers or publications are hiring, according to their Web sites. Is it OK to just find out who does the hiring and send each of them my resume along with a cover letter and some clips even though there are not listed openings?

I am currently a correspondent for a local paper, but it is temporary and I am hoping to find something more permanent.

Thank you,

Shelley

A. It is always OK to send an unsolicited application. You just never know. Some jobs are filled without ever being advertised, so waiting for the ads is not an effective strategy.

Your problem will be a lack of response. When editors are not hiring, they are less interested in looking at applications and might just let them pile up.

Given that your main interest is in the paper close to where you live, I would try to get in for an informational visit. You want to get in to set yourself apart from the other applicants. Being nearby gives you an advantage. Use it.

As your area is limited by geography, expand it by type of media. Do not confine yourself to a small area or to just newspapers. You need to have more options.

In April, I wrote a JobsPage article about informational interviews -- what they are, what to ask and what to avoid. You might find it helpful.

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