Q: I've got a quick question for you.

So, about four months ago, I signed onto the Spanish-English companion paper to a major metro. I work out of the metro's capital bureau alongside reporters from the metro. Well, a couple days ago, some openings came up at the metro and one of the people I work with at the bureau, (from the major metro) recommended me to his boss for one of those spots.

I'm supposed to drop off some clips and a résumé to the metro this week and I was wondering if I should tailor the approach any different from a regular application. Any advice?

Inside candidate

A: Yes, tailor your approach.

You might be considered an internal candidate and, as such, should have an advantage if you're doing good work, and it sounds as though you are.

If you write a cover letter that makes you sound like an outsider, the editors may think you're being formal or too distant. Mention the people who has passed your name along to show the editors you know what is giong on.

Given that you have been in your present job just four months, reaffirm your interest in advancing within the company. Make it sound like a transition rather than an early departure and move.