How to Get a Newspaper Job

Many will read your words daily when you have gained a niche.

If you want to be a journalist, have always dreamed of being a reporter and have studied English or journalism, a newspaper job may be just what you need. Although numerous cutbacks have occurred in the newspaper industry, jobs are still available. To find one for yourself, pursuing a multifaceted strategy will eventually succeed if you remain persistent.

Things You'll Need

• Determination
• Internet
• Journalism, English or related degree or experience

Instructions

1. Make sure you have the right credentials. Many newspapers require a bachelor’s degree in English or journalism, though some will accept associate's degrees or relevant experience such as working on a school newspaper staff. If necessary, though, return to school, take extra classes or gain volunteer experience.

2. Go online and check media job boards, which are plentiful. Journalismjobs.com is one of several established industry sites that regularly posts jobs of all kinds across the country. You can search by industry, profession and state. Journalists commonly relocate several times in their careers and it can be an advantage to be flexible and apply everywhere.

3. Check your local city paper's website for employment. Pick out which papers you would love to write for and check their sites for reporter or editor openings. Even if nothing is posted, you can call the human resources department to inquire about a job or email your resume to the managing editor if a job opens.

4. Write freelance articles for local publications or consider working part-time at a local newspaper as you await a full-time opportunity. Often, internships and part-time positions can become full-time staff positions.

5. Use your computer skills to your advantage. Online writing is the journalism of the future; thus, if you write a blog or work for a website, be sure to include links on your resume. Also, mention any computer or design programs with which you are familiar. If you can upload pages to a website or do web editing, this is a great advantage. If you are adept at online work, you will find these skills a great asset that puts you ahead of many journalists.

Tips & Warnings

• Be persistent and flexible. Journalism often requires entry-level reporters to take night or weekend shifts and put in a lot of grunt work before getting to the more fun roles such as daytime feature writing. Be flexible and work hard and you will be able to advance.

• Journalism may seem glamorous from the outside but often requires long hours working on mundane articles for low pay. However, the excitement of investigative articles, features and other interesting stories, plus the freedom and fun of writing, can be great rewards. Plus, if you persist, you can advance to better hours and pay.

References

• ASNE: Tips on Finding Your First Newspaper Job or Internship

Resources

• Journalism Jobs job listings