Q: I'm in the beginning stages of applying for a job at another daily. The recruiter sent me a week's worth of papers to critique. What do you say when the paper sucks? Do you lie and just point up the positives? Or do you let loose and hope the editors recognize the paper's challenges and want to improve?
I've already decided I'd shoot myself if I had to write the drivel this paper prints. But, since I'm always up for a challenge, I would consider going there as an editor to raise the paper's standards. Plus, I really want to move to a larger market that puts me within a reasonable driving distance of my hometown. What to do?
Conflicted
A: It sounds as though you'd almost rather withdraw from consideration.
Almost.
Be honest, of course, but frame your criticisms as suggestions. Tell them what you would do or what could be done to improve things. Use phrases like, "This would work better if ...", "This needs ..." and "The paper would be improved with ..."
Show, rather than tell, and see if they want to bring you on.
