Ask the Recruiter

Q. I have done my bachelor's in graphic design from abroad and I worked for two years in advertising, during which time I did article writing for an advertising and marketing magazine and found that I enjoyed journalism and wanted to pursue it as a career.

After moving to Detroit, I decided to do my master's in journalism so that I would have the right skills before I pursue it as a career. My teachers and the students around me say that my degree in graphic design would help me immensely because journalists these days must be "versatile."

Could you tell me how to highlight this in my resume to give me that edge when I apply for part-time journalism jobs and internships? Right now, my resume just states my work experience in advertising.

Thank you,

Shehla

A. Quick, while you can, get some more journalism onto your resume. The part-time jobs and internships you're seeking will help you, so you are on the right track. If you can add any journalism experience -- that is, journalism outside the classroom -- that can top the work section of your resume. Then, journalism will top the academic as well as the experience sections. Even some work with a campus publication could help.

I would also use an objective line to describe your desired transition. I generally don't think objective lines are helpful, but in this case, one would be. You might write something like: "I have transitioned into journalism, bringing in a degree in graphic design and two years of experience reporting and writing for a marketing magazine."

Look for jobs where graphic design will be part of the journalism you do, rather than throwing that unique and valuable experience out the window. Look for jobs that would allow you to report and create graphics or be a graphics reporter.

I'd like to hear from you. E-mail your career questions to joe.grimm@gmail.com. I'll send you an answer soon.

Coming Wednesday: Join me and Poynter's Colleen Eddy for a live chat on Wednesday, Dec. 2, that will help you learn how to make the best use of your skills and contacts during job searches.