Take Time Out to Review Your Writing BEFORE Sending to Employers

Posted on: October 17, 2006

Amy Carr, Managing Editor of Time Out Chicago recently visited our center and reviewed the work of 8 magazine journalism and fiction writing students. For the most part she had positive things to say about the individuals she met with. BUT Amy did mention several areas that can be improved upon. I am going to be blunter than Amy in my articulation of these areas. Please take time out to read the tips below-- if you care about landing a writing job.

Tip 1: If you are a fiction writer by major but budding magazine journalist by desire, please be sure the sample work you send to a potential magazine employer is magazine oriented and worthy. It is also suggested that you send samples that fit the style/market of the publication.

Tip 2: If you plan to send multiple articles via e-mail you should package them in an organized and concise way that is easy for the employer to read. Not preferred: Listing various links to various clips online at various websites. JPEGS are also not advised. This format can often distort text or images making the document unreadable. Preferred: Try a PDF document that bundles your resume and clips into one bouquet of thought provoking text. Amy also mentioned she likes good, old fashion Word documents. Links to a website may be good too as long as the site is easy to navigate. But you should check whether the employer is willing to review a website before sending only a link.

Tip 3: Re-read, have someone else read and check for TYPOS. All I can say about that is that's its "ungood." And if you have typos, your submission (no matter how mind blowing the writing is, much like this blog) will probably be filed in the big circular basket located under the employer's desk.