How to Get College Newspaper Jobs

Some college newspapers can pay you quite well. Other newspapers won’t pay you in anything, except maybe a gift certificate. Still, a college newspaper job is a foot in the door for a journalist. This piece outlines what you can do to get that dream job of writing for your local college paper, and getting paid for it.

Things You'll Need

• Resume
• <br>Basic writing ability
• <br>Good work ethic

Instructions

1. Get the words right. There is a general rule in journalism that you always get the names right. It applies to the first step of this guide. This means that you can’t misspell a bunch of words in your query, or that you can say the name wrong. Getting the name right means being polite and cordial. If you can get the names and words right, you are read for your initial query.

2. Get the query right. The newspaper business works much like the rest of the world—people want to see you in person. However, a good query and a meeting can put you leagues ahead of other writers applying at the college paper.

3. Showcase your skills. If you want to write for the entertainment section, write something related. The same is the case for news or sports. Editors want to see you can write well. Whenever I received a piece as an editor I almost always read it. If I liked the writing, that writer received a call or an email. This showcases your talents. Many who want to be newspaper writers don’t even know what a complete sentence or headline is.

4. Study the newspaper. Understand its writing style and the topics generally discussed. If the editors liked your initial query, you can get the job by explaining what you liked in the paper, and what you could bring to the table.

5. Apply in person. It could be the beginning of a newspaper career. Bring your resume in and explain to the editors what you would like to do.

Tips & Warnings

• Read other newspapers too looking for ideas. There is no such thing as stealing in journalism unless you plagiarize completely.

• <br>Usually editor jobs will be taken. However, there are more staff writer positions than editing positions. It can be a stepping stone to an editor position.