Q: I currently work for a 22,000-circulation daily in a major metro region. The paper is small with low pay and little growth opportunity. It's award-winning and has great management. I've learned a lot, but I'm ready to move on.
I regularly scoop the competition and I've developed major stories that went national and international. I've only worked for one paper in my career, but received a number of awards and two unsolicited job offers from competitors. One initially called me in to interview for assistant city editor, then offered me a reporting spot. I turned both offers down - despite significant salary increases - because I wasn't comfortable with the management.
Now I want to make the move to a larger paper with a good reputation. Is it unreasonable for me to aim for papers with 100,000 circulation or more. There's a 50,000-circulation paper on the east coast. Is that a better option for me?
Thanks for your help,
California reporter
A: Generally, I'd tell you to shoot for 50,000. Doubling the circulation size is not bad. But your resume looks good and I think a larger paper could do well with you.
But you won't know till you try. Try both.
