Q. I am a soon-to-be graduate with a bachelor of arts in broadcast journalism. I am in the process of applying for jobs around the area where I would like to begin my career.
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If there are stations in the actual city I would like to move to but they do not advertise an open reporter position, should I still send them a cover letter, resume and resume tape? The city is in a larger market so although my chances are slim considering I am entry-level, I would at least like to give it a shot.
Do you suggest this or advise against it? If so, how do I address the issue in the cover letter?
MaddisonA. Apply.
Many openings get filled without ever getting posted. In those situations, waiting will never get you hired.
As you feel that you are not yet qualified to work at these stations, try to set up a visit for an informational interview. You want to get in, meet people, find out what their requirements are and where they hire from. Tell the people there that you have a long-term interest in their station and want to make the moves that will qualify you. Do not try to morph an informational interview into a job interview. This will not go down well. If a news director wants to turn an informational interview into something bigger, that's great. But to do so yourself would change the circumstances that let you in the door in the first place.
Of course, follow your visit with a thank-you note, saying what you learned and what you will do as a result of what you learned. And follow up again after you have done it. Maintain the connection and expand it to other people.
Coming Monday: He's anxious about whether his new job as a medical copy editor in Korea will prevent him from achieving his goal of returning to the United States as a reporter.
