My first proper blog (the one before was more of an intro). I aim to focus on the difficulties of getting work in the journalism industry. I am a journalist, at least for the last 8 months I have been, but it’s not been an easy career kick off and I still don’t have a permanent job. A first class Broadcast Journalism degree yes, but not a permanent industry related job. That’s one thing I have learned, qualifications count for little in this industry, it’s who you….
Ah so you thought I was going to rattle that old chestnut out did you? Well I’m not, although contacts are important there’s one thing, which outweighs that and qualifications combined…and that ladies and gentlemen is … experience.
Because of my ‘vast amount of experience for one so young’ (that’s what I write on my CV) I have managed to walk out of Uni into a freelance journalist role at a BBC regional radio station. It’s great, I enjoy it. It’s hard work, the moneys okay but more importantly I’m gaining more and more of that big E word which is so valuable.
But the special ‘E’ hasn’t got me anywhere in terms of a permanent job. It hasn’t got me an interview for anything worthwhile, by that I mean paid, its got me nowhere near London and it certainly hasn’t got me a look in for TV positions. The only thing I have learned from this everlasting application process is how to take rejection: ‘Due to such a high interest in this post we are unable to respond as to why you where not suitable for this role. We will keep your records….’ BLAH BLAH. That’s the point in which I stop reading - so I’m not going to make you endure the pain in which I have become so familiar.
I’m fast losing confidence in Journalism. I’m actually thinking about continuing my mums business, recruitment. I’m half way to be successful there already, not only do I have experience in that field (so valuable apparently) I can now fully recite the generic response that I have become so accustomed. I therefore have no doubt I will be proficient in telling people they’re not good enough to work for my company. In a sick way I think I will gain a lot of satisfaction in doing that. Unlike most employers I will be different in my response, I will tell them straight. I will give them everything I want in a rejection email:
‘Sorry talented graduate, in answering all 29 application questions, you have displayed you are more than capable for this role. Your experience is vast (for one so young) and your qualifications are beyond all expectations. However I regret to inform you that the job you were desperate for has actually gone to Sarah from the office next door. She was made redundant from the company a couple of weeks ago. Despite dropping out of school at 16 she has 20 years of experience with us, and the Directors who are solely responsible for hiring feel she is the most suitable candidate for the job. Your record will not be held on file, this is a pointless procedure as opportunities at this company are limited and you my friend have missed out on this once in a life time chance to Sexy Sarah! If you’re suspicious why she was awarded the job over you, then I suggest you contact the three male directors who had a great time ‘interviewing’ the former underwear model.
Finally, in the space of 5 minutes (it was 15 actually but I want you to think I’m a talented writer) I have decided that I will apply to a few more journalist jobs. I forgot that I still have a secret weapon in my armoury, she got me good GCSE’s, great A-Levels, helped me with my degree and she’s offered me a job in her business, yes Mummy to the rescue. With her (a recruitment specialist) “assisting” me with my cover letters I can’t go wrong. We’ll soon see….
