You’ve been dreaming of this day for as long as you can remember. The day when you’ll finally be able to write for a living. Now that you’re here, you need to figure out what kind of writing sample to use on your application. There are many different kinds of samples that you can use, so long as you keep the required format, but first, let’s discuss the various types of job applications you’ll need to submit.
Traditional
If you’re applying for a job in journalism, your first port of call should be a general news magazine. Many journalism publications, including The New York Times, still opt for this traditional kind of application. It comes with a cover letter, a few writing samples, and your resume. The format is easy and well-established, and it gives you a good chance of getting a callback.
The downsides are that only certain jobs are available to applicants who’ve gone through this traditional route. If you want to write for a specific publication, you’ll need to tailor your application to fit their guidelines. More importantly, the fact that the application is heavily focused on your written work means that your other accomplishments, such as your awards and degrees, don’t get the attention they deserve. Finally, it doesn’t offer much in the way of creative freedom. If you want to write creatively, you’ll need to find a way to display your work outside of the publication’s journalism department.
Modern
In more recent years, especially as new platforms like LinkedIn have risen to prominence, newspapers have started to adopt new ways of recruiting. Rather than just looking at your written work, they want to see how you present yourself online. The fact that so much of their work is now being consumed digitally makes it even more important to create a good impression. That’s why many places, including The New York Times, have moved towards a more modern approach.
For applicants, this means starting your application with a resume and a few carefully selected links to your digital work. Your resume should contain your objective, the main things you’ve accomplished, and the skills you’ve developed. Make sure to include any interesting articles or blog posts you’ve done and the contacts you’ve made along the way. The links to your digital work can be an invaluable addition to your application as it provides a snapshot of what a potential employer will be reading.
The benefits of a more modern approach are many. First, it gives you the opportunity to showcase your creative side and the various talents you have, not just as a journalist, but as a writer and an influencer. In a more traditional approach, your creative side might get the best of you, and you end up hiding it because you’re worried about appearing too fancy. Second, it allows you to apply to more jobs. Third, it makes you easier to spot by prospective employers. If you’ve gone through the trouble of creating a resume, a digital portfolio is a must.
There’s no right or wrong choice when it comes to the format you should use for your application. What’s important is that you use something that will make the person reading it interested in your application. If you want to write for The New York Times, make sure to use their preferred format. If you’re looking for a more traditional approach, a General News magazine might be the perfect fit. Think outside of the box, and you’ll be able to find a job that suits your qualifications.