Assembling a Portfolio to Nab a Journalism Job
Kim Hartman
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Here's stage two of the inaugural post.
After you've clearly defined your goals and networked a bit, it's time to assemble a portfolio that reflects those objectives (if you haven't done so already). A standard portfolio consists of a cover letter, resume, references and clips--in that order. 
Supplies
-Black binders (I recommend the 1-inch Premium by Wilson Jones)
-Clear sheets (LOTS)
-Resume paper (Staples or Office Maxx has a wide selection)
-Multiple black print cartridges (you're going to be photocopying A LOT) or lots of change if you're using a copier at a library or an office store
-Computer paper (LOTS)
Cover Letter
Keep it to one page. Use tight, clear sentences. Since it's for a writing position, the cover letter is an indirect way to showcase your writing ability, so write well.
The format for a cover letter typically goes:
First paragraph--State what position you're applying for and make a connection with the newspaper by showing you know their company.
Second paragraph--Your journalism experience
Third paragraph--Why you're a good candidate/skills
Fourth paragraph--Close it out and encourage a follow-up.
Resume
You can put the Objective and Summary first, if you'd like. However, I've heard that it's not good, because you need to get Journalism Experience up there as soon as possible. On mine, I cut those two categories altogether.
Put Education and Awards BELOW Journalism Experience. Remember that you're a professional now (not a student), and you want your experience emphasized instead of your education.
Finally, put Computer Skills and Other Work Experience at the bottom, and the words "References Attached" (center-aligned) as the last line.
References
Make sure your three to five references are either college professors or editors/reporters and list their titles. In addition to contact info, you might want to throw in Relationship and Years Known. Also, don't enclose mailing addresses--they aren't necessary, and they take up unneeded space.
Clips
After you've clearly defined your goals and networked a bit, it's time to assemble a portfolio that reflects those objectives (if you haven't done so already). A standard portfolio consists of a cover letter, resume, references and clips--in that order.
Supplies
-Black binders (I recommend the 1-inch Premium by Wilson Jones)
-Clear sheets (LOTS)
-Resume paper (Staples or Office Maxx has a wide selection)
-Multiple black print cartridges (you're going to be photocopying A LOT) or lots of change if you're using a copier at a library or an office store
-Computer paper (LOTS)
Cover Letter
Keep it to one page. Use tight, clear sentences. Since it's for a writing position, the cover letter is an indirect way to showcase your writing ability, so write well.
The format for a cover letter typically goes:
First paragraph--State what position you're applying for and make a connection with the newspaper by showing you know their company.
Second paragraph--Your journalism experience
Third paragraph--Why you're a good candidate/skills
Fourth paragraph--Close it out and encourage a follow-up.
Resume
You can put the Objective and Summary first, if you'd like. However, I've heard that it's not good, because you need to get Journalism Experience up there as soon as possible. On mine, I cut those two categories altogether.
Put Education and Awards BELOW Journalism Experience. Remember that you're a professional now (not a student), and you want your experience emphasized instead of your education.
Finally, put Computer Skills and Other Work Experience at the bottom, and the words "References Attached" (center-aligned) as the last line.
References
Make sure your three to five references are either college professors or editors/reporters and list their titles. In addition to contact info, you might want to throw in Relationship and Years Known. Also, don't enclose mailing addresses--they aren't necessary, and they take up unneeded space.
Clips