Ask the Recruiter

I love your column. I have learned so much.

You frequently suggest job seekers "make contacts" in cities where they'd like to work. Pardon the cliché, but it seems easier said than done.

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How would you recommend we make contacts at papers in our target cities?

Are you merely talking about identifying human resources professionals at newspapers?

Thanks,

Laura

You're right, of course. This takes a lot of work.

Here's what I mean: If you are aiming to work in particular companies, begin studying them. Figure out which people are in the hiring positions. The offers generally will not come from human resources, who may serve as screeners, but from editors in the newsroom.

Joe Grimm

Write them. Tell them about yourself and your long-term plan. Show them your work. Ask what you need to do to become qualified. Try to establish a dialogue by updating them on your progress -- especially if you achieve goals they set for you.

If you can visit that city, schedule it so you can also visit the paper. Get in to see the hiring editors and some of the people around them. Expand your circle of contacts there and work with them, too.

It starts with a little thing like a letter.

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Coming Friday: New to a small town, this reporter/photographer wonders whether it is OK to work for the local paper as well as the big one across the river.

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