Q. For the past several years, I have desired to work at one publication above all others, and I have continually applied to reporting jobs at that company. While I have twice managed to make it to the phone interview stage, this publication has not hired me, and I believe one reason might be that I did not possess the required years of experience.
I finally have the amount of experience and qualifications this company wants, and so I find myself working on my third cover letter to the same contact person as before. The last time I applied was a year ago and the first time was two years ago, so maybe this person doesn't remember me. I don't know if that's good or bad. A couple of questions about this situation:
- Should I mention applying before? Do I want this person to remember me?
- I have written a completely new cover letter, but is it OK to send some of the same clips I sent before because I believe they are among my best? Should I try a completely different batch?
- Should I give up applying to this company if they refuse me once more or should I wait and try yet again once I have more experience under my belt?
Thank you for your help!
Two Strikes and SwingingA. Two big yeses and a small one.
Apply again, mention that this has been a dream of yours for a long time and send some old clips if you must, but I really wish you were bettering them every year.
One of the X factors that editors have a tough time finding and identifying is passion. If you keep applying to the same place, that is one sign that you are passionate about working there. Say so in that new cover letter. And say that you will keep working to get to that publication. Explain that you now have the amount of experience they are looking for, ask to have a conversation if you don't yet have the right kind of experience.
Use this application to recruit a mentor and a coach. That personal connection can be the thing that helps you break down this door.
Looking for questions: What do you wonder about? What's bothering you or what strategies do yo wonder about?
Ask the Recruiter.Coming Thursday: This college senior is heading to a job fair and wonders whether it is necessary to boil her resume down to one page.
