I have recently returned to the United States after working
at a newspaper in Central America for the past two years. I am trying
to enter the job market in Washington, D.C., and want to know the latest
and best ways to apply and send clips via e-mail. I understand that
some editors prefer resumes and clips sent via e-mail, and others
prefer them sent via postal mail. Some associates have therefore
suggested I send my portfolio both ways when I am applying for a job. I
worry that this inundates editors needlessly with my documents. Should
I call the editors and ask what they prefer, if it is not indicated in
the job descriptions?
ASK JOE A
QUESTION
|
To get your question answered on this page, send
it to Joe here. Please include your full name in your message
to Joe. If
you prefer that your surname not be published, please indicate
that. |
|
Also, if I send them via e-mail, I read that I should not send 10
different attachments with my resume, cover letter and clips. I worry
if I just paste my resume in the e-mail text box the format will not
make for clear reading and things like bullets and indentations will
cause chaos in the text on the receiving end. Is this ever a problem?
Is it ever OK to send it as an attachment, for example as a PDF? Also,
in sending my clips, should I put them all in one 20-page document? Is
it best to send the PDF versions or jpg versions of the scanned clips
as they were cut from the print editions? All of this is making me
think I should just stick to regular postal mail, but this isn't even
an option in some cases.
Thank you very much for your time. I am very grateful and impressed that this service is
offered.
Rebecca
You have good instincts.
Of course, editors vary, and your best bet is to ask how they would prefer to receive the material.
Because we still get applications in multiple formats but generally
like to keep applications in just one, we usually go to hard copies
(paper).
I advise against sending e-mails with 20 attachments (Picture the poor
editor opening each one in succession.) or as PDF's (Picture the
editor's poor e-mail basket.). Those methods are convenient for the
job seeker but not for the editor.
In cases where you do not know the editor's preference, send by regular
mail, unless the opening will be short-lived. Then, e-mail a cover
letter and a resume, and ask how the clips should be sent.
