How to Find a Media Job in New York

New York is often considered the city of opportunity for media jobs. Many major media powerhouses are headquartered in Manhattan but the competition is steep since many qualified candidates apply for each position.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

1. Perfect your résumé. Highlight all your media experience including freelance and internship work.

2. Define your boundaries. Media can include a number of sub-industries including movies, television, journalism, radio, photography and advertising. Honing in on your particular interests will help you weed through job listings.

3. Conduct online research. Many sites exist featuring media job opportunities. Try Monster (www.monster.com), CraigsList (www.craigslist.org), mediabistro (www.mediabistro.com), Ed2010 (www.ed2010.com) and Journalism Jobs (www.journalismjobs.com).

4. Ask friends or family members in the industry for contacts. Setting up informational interviews might lead to job opportunities in the future.

5. Draft a cover letter. Show your creativity and passion for the industry while remaining professional and in control of the writing.

6. Apply to each and every job that appeals to you. At the very worst, you don’t accept an interview request.

Tips & Warnings

• Be proactive. It is very rare that a good job will fall into your lap. Fight for what you want and be prepared to get dirty.
• Consider freelance or internship work while on the hunt for a full time job. You might also try a temp agency.
• Don’t burn any bridges. If you receive an offer for a job you don’t want, be honest about why you are turning down the position. Stay on good terms with the hiring manager so she remembers you if a better fitting position becomes available.

Resources

• www.craigslist.org
• www.mediabistro.com

[kimlucatorto]

on 7/25/2009 A great resource for getting your first media job and/or internship is: www.HungryGrad.com