How to Get a Reporting Job With a Newspaper
Get some experience at your college newspaper., If you're not in college, look for other opportunities to generate a stack of "clips" or writing samples: newsletters, local magazines, etc. , Try to write a wide variety of stories -- breaking or...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Get some experience at your college newspaper.
Most are looking for new writers and editors.
Your first assignments probably will be short "briefs," but you may be asked to cover breaking news or important meetings. -
Step 2: If you're not in college
, See what types of stories you like best, but make sure you develop a varied set of clips that show you're versatile. , The only way you'll get better is to make mistakes and learn to avoid them in the future.
If possible, sit down with your editor as she goes through your story to see what she likes and what she doesn't. , You'll need these when you apply for jobs. ,, Many papers hire college, even high school students during the summer.
You'll probably get stuck writing obituaries or compiling box scores for the sports page, but you'll have your foot in the door. , Don't limit yourself to just one or two papers in your hometown, and don't pigeon-hole yourself into just one or two beats at the start of your career.
The more flexible you are in terms of location and beat, the more opportunities you'll have. -
Step 3: look for other opportunities to generate a stack of "clips" or writing samples: newsletters
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Step 4: local magazines
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Step 5: Try to write a wide variety of stories -- breaking or "spot" news
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Step 6: public safety (aka the "cops" beat)
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Step 7: political/government coverage
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Step 8: feature pieces
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Step 9: sports
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Step 10: business
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Step 11: film reviews
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Step 12: Ask for feedback from your editor and
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Step 13: even better
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Step 14: a journalism professor or writing teacher.
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Step 15: Keep numerous copies of your best stories.
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Step 16: It helps to know how to shoot photos
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Step 17: write blog's
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Step 18: create audio reports and do other multi-media tasks since the reporter of the 21st century is expected to provide information across a variety of platforms.
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Step 19: Search for internships and part-time jobs with professional newspapers.
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Step 20: Cast a wide net when you start to apply for full-time jobs at newspapers.
Detailed Guide
Most are looking for new writers and editors.
Your first assignments probably will be short "briefs," but you may be asked to cover breaking news or important meetings.
, See what types of stories you like best, but make sure you develop a varied set of clips that show you're versatile. , The only way you'll get better is to make mistakes and learn to avoid them in the future.
If possible, sit down with your editor as she goes through your story to see what she likes and what she doesn't. , You'll need these when you apply for jobs. ,, Many papers hire college, even high school students during the summer.
You'll probably get stuck writing obituaries or compiling box scores for the sports page, but you'll have your foot in the door. , Don't limit yourself to just one or two papers in your hometown, and don't pigeon-hole yourself into just one or two beats at the start of your career.
The more flexible you are in terms of location and beat, the more opportunities you'll have.
About the Author
Jennifer Mendoza
Committed to making practical skills accessible and understandable for everyone.
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