watch this

Along with a spiffy new design, the Folio: website now offers videos. There's some great stuff, including this one with Esquire's EIC David Granger.

cubicle-land

Ok, this isn't specifically magazine-related, and it won't do much to help your career, but I find it amusing. Wired has posted the results of its search for the saddest cubicle ever.

your work is worth something

A friend sent me the link to this video in which science fiction writer Harlan Ellison talks about not getting paid for his work. He's speaking of Hollywood, but it's the same in magazines: When amateurs (and newbies) so readily give up their writing for free, people stop wanting to pay, even for first-rate work from professionals.

make your schoolwork work for you

If you're currently in J-school, it's a good idea to parlay as many of your assignments into published work as you can. As one NYU student writes on Media Bistro, journalists are "not journalists if they don't publish, if they don't engage with the world outside the classroom." Don't wait until you leave school to engage. Some instructors serve up assignments that require pitching your story to an existing publication, but even if yours doesn't, look for such an opportunity where you can. That way you'll at least get some experience pitching, and may even end up with a few clippings.

for the love of money

In case you didn't know it already, being in this business isn't about money. Check out this article posted on the Canadian Journalism Project website. Jeff Gaulin (of journalism job board website jefgaulin.com) answers the classic question of whether there's money to be made as a journalist, plus offers up a few tips on how to find work.

(Thanks to David Hayes for posting the article on the Toronto Freelance Editors and Writers listserve.)

clip art

Every time you apply for a job, you have to include writing samples along with your resume and cover letter. But how many, and which ones? My favourite number is three: It shows a nice range without being overwhelming to the potential employer. The clips should be as closely related to the publication as possible – include a health article for a health magazine, a home decor story for a home decor magazine. Aim for a balance of long-form, service, well feature and upfront pieces. If the content isn't related to the magazine you're applying to, the format should be.

ed2010 happy hour

Ed2010 (Ed-twenty-ten) is a social networking group of young magazine editors, of which I'm the Toronto Chapter Host. The group is based in New York and has city chapters across the States. It's basically a peer mentoring organization, whose goal it is to help young magazine editors reach their dream jobs. Every few months we get together for a Happy Hour to drink, share industry gossip and meet others in the biz.

The next Ed2010 Toronto Happy Hour will be at 6:30 pm on Tues., Nov. 27th in the Conservatory (second floor) at the Duke of York, 39 Prince Arthur Ave. It's steps from the Bedford Rd. exit of the St. George subway station.

not getting the interview?

Maybe it's your cover letter. Your resume tells potential employers what your qualifications are, but it's your cover letter that tells them why you're the right person for the job. Here's my secret formula for a killer cover letter. It's worked for me, and one colleague of mine has gotten an interview for every job she's applied to by using this method.

the opening paragraph
Keep your first paragraph brief. Let the potential employer know what position you're applying to and where you heard about it. This is the place to name drop if someone they know recommended that you apply. Complete the paragraph with an overarching statement about how you're the ideal candidate, without going into details – this sentence is merely a set-up for what's to follow.

the body
Choose two or three key traits or skills that are valuable to the position: Do you function well under stress? Are you adept at meeting tight deadlines? Do you have a knack for packaging stories? Write one short paragraph for each, using a specific example from your past to illustrate each point, with the purpose to draw parallels to the position you're applying to. Don't rehash your resume.

the final paragraph
Conclude by asking for the opportunity to discuss further how you can help them (i.e. ask for the interview). Thank them for their time and consideration, then promise to follow up.

Overall, be direct and concise, and use active language. Most importantly, don't lose sight of the fact that it's all about them – how will you solve their problems? They just don't care that this is a great opportunity for you. They want to know how you're going to help them.

Oh, and it better be the best damn piece of work you've ever written.

just ask for it

I'm slightly ashamed to admit it (I'm anti self-help industry), but right now I'm reading a book called Women Don't Ask by Linda Babcock and Sara Laschever. The take-away advice: Ask for what you want. If you want your internship to turn into a full-time job, ask for it. If you want a raise, ask for it. If you want that plumb assignment, ask for it. People are not mind-readers; don't expect them to know your career goals and don't beat around the bush or merely hint at what you want. Ask for it.

ed's makeover

If you haven't seen it yet, check out Ed2010's new website. It's full of useful career advice, including articles like this one on cover-letter writing. The site also features a message board for talking with other editors.