Q: I hope my request for advice isn't repetitive, as I've checked out Ask the Recruiter before and you seem to be a very busy guy!
I will try to keep this brief and reflecting as little desperation as possible.
My college graduation was three years ago. In that time, I have worked as an editorial assistant at the Associated Press New York City headquarters, written internationally published articles on oil prices and the automotive industry, fact-checked and written for national and local magazines and served three magazine internships. In my spare time, I have explored the world of literary journals and published poems and essays in some fairly reputable books.
So why is it that now I can't seem to find a job in magazines? Perhaps because of the competition, perhaps because my resume is largely business journalism-oriented.
I don't know the real answer. But I am getting tired of trying to figure it out. Is it time to give up on New York media and switch over to newspapers?
Thank you so much for your time and attention.
Laura
A: This weakness may be your greatest strength.
I would pitch myself as a business writer and apply to both newspapers and trade publications. Include some small ones in the mix in case you have been applying to magazines where you're just being overshadowed by the competition.
Business journalists are in greater demand than generalists or feature writers.
