Q: I've been one of those weird, yet lucky, people who has never had to interview for a single journalism internship (and I've interned at two major metro dailies and a major metro alt. weekly.) I've always just been offered the positions outright through phone calls or e-mails.

However, it's time for a real job and I'm heading into my first interview on Wednesday at a fairly large mid-size paper. While I have a very good idea of what will happen (and the massive list of questions I have about the place,) I was wondering if I should bring a clip portfolio of some type. If so, how extensive should it be? How far back in my career should I go? Other than clips, should I bring old letters of recommendation? What about print-outs of raw copy?

This paper is much too big for me to have to do design work or shoot photos, but should I bring along anything that shows those skills?

Thanks for any advice you can give.

S

A: Yes, take a portfolio with you, even if you've already sent one.

It may be that your work does not get to everyone you'll meet. It may be that some folks will want to see more, so make it more extensive than the one you've sent in.

Still, be selective. Do not bring in your whole body of work. It would be a shame if someone judged you on your weakest example. I wouldn't bring the raw copy and would maybe bring just one letter of recommendatyion -- and present it only if asked.

For a paper of this size, stay focused on recent work applicable to the job they're trying to fill.

It's too bad that you didn't get interviewe experience on internships, but not so unusual. Internships may be won by mail; jobs seldom are.

Good luck!

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