Q. I know one should not submit clips with any mistakes -- even if the problems weren't the reporter's fault. But what if a potential employer doesn't return the favor?

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I've scoped out some papers that would be good matches/starter jobs. They have decently large circulations, solid general assignment positions and good locations. But one lead Web site article has a typo in the first line. Others have style mistakes all over the place. The reporting isn't bad, but the writing is choppy, nut-grafs are indistinct, and some of the composition is just awkward.

I guess it's unfair to expect every single mid-size daily to have the same editing standards as the big leagues. Maybe they could still be good training grounds, I don't know. But part of me says this is a huge red flag, and bodes badly for my work there. So, should I immediately throw out job prospects with sloppy copy? Should I bring up the errors in an interview, or is that rude/a bad idea?

If I should rule these options out, how can I find the diamonds in the rough?

Thanks.

Tables Turned

Joe Grimm

A. Media outlets can't hide very many secrets from people who take the time to look.

Lousy writing, typos, inconsistency -- it sounds bad.

It puts me in mind of a young journalist and guitar player who told me he wanted to work at a great newspaper because "You're only as good as your band." He said you can't bring a bad band up, but a good one will lift you.

Look at the Web sites of other, similarly sized newspapers. Pursue the ones that are best-in-class.

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Coming Tuesday: He would like to move his wide-ranging career from Canada to the U.S. but wonders how to do so.

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