“I’m new to this industry and I’m keen to land a job. How do I get my foot in the the door.” I’m asked often about this and so I thought it might be helpful if I share a few points here for consideration…
Even if you’re looking for a job as an employee, think like a business. How are you marketing yourself? Are you making calls to people? If so, are you sending a follow-up letter or fact sheet via email or snail mail to the prospective client/employer?
What about the unique benefits you are offering to an employer or client?
Always sell yourself on benefits. Remember: what you are selling and what people are buying are often two very different things. You sell a service, but the reason that someone might hire you could be because you’re saving them some time. It’s also possible that they’re going to hire you because you’re more knowledgeable about a subject than others. There are plenty of reasons. Figure out what sets you apart and write it down.
How about credentials? You might want to consider joining the Editors’ Association of Canada. That’s a good resource for business, not to mention
the fact that it is an organization of peers. Portfolio is key. You need to figure out a way to snag a break as far as writing is concerned.
Don’t wait for someone to give you a job so you can prove you have the chops. This is 2008! Anyone can publish anywhere. Pick a topic you are passionate about and write about it. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.
