How to Get a TV News Reporter Job

Few occupations are more competitive than television news. It is normal for news directors to have hundreds of applicants for a single job. Getting hired is a matter of persistence and standing out in the crowd. Learn how to get a TV news reporter job.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Resume tapes
• Padded envelopes
• Email
• Telephone

1. Make your resume tape impressive. If your tape is ordinary, you will not be noticed and you will not be hired. The news director should see you as soon he presses the "play" button and you better look spectacular. Your work must be dynamic, energetic and insightful. There are a lot of excellent journalists vying for the same job. You need to get noticed.

2. Package your resume tape to stand out in a pile. The sad fact is many resume tapes and DVD's are never even viewed by news directors. They sit in huge piles and are ignored. A news director needs a reason to pull one out of the pile and take a look. Be sure your tape is adorned with bright colors and large letters spelling out your name. If the news director decides to look at it, it will be easy to find.

3. Make a lot of copies of your resume tape and send them everywhere. Look for job postings and send your tape. Also send them to all the competing stations in that market. Send tapes to places you want to work, even if there are no jobs available. There is a lot of turnover in TV news. If there isn't a job opening right now, chances are there soon will be. The more tapes you have floating around the greater your chances of getting a job.

4. Follow up with emails and telephone calls. Good reporters are persistent. Show them that's what you are.

5. Pursue every job as if it is the single thing you want most in life. Even if you have reservations about a position, don't let that temper your job pitch. The only time you should consider whether you actually want to take a job is after it is offered to you.

6. Knock on their door. If you have a good lead, then offer to visit the station at your own expense. If a news director is even slightly interested in you they will let you visit--as long as it isn't costing them anything. Just say you will be in town and ask if you can come by for a few minutes to meet them in person. A face to face meeting can propel you to the top of the list.

7. Never give up.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are ready to work at the highest level of the industry then it may be time to consider hiring an agent. A good agent can get you access to news executives you have no chance of contacting. They may also be able to negotiate more money and better terms when a contract is discussed.

• Getting a TV news reporter job can take a long time and consume a lot of resources. Be prepared to have plenty of doors slammed in your face. If you can't take rejection while maintaining a positive outlook, then this may not be the occupation for you.

Resources

• Television News Anchor