Job hunt questions for upcoming grads

Impressive that you've held that job while still in college, recent grad.

 

If I was hiring for an SE, I'd want to see that they were competent in the basics of writing, editing and design. (For editing: submit a before-and-after piece with the writer's name deleted or blacked out).

But to be in an SE position you need to demonstrate more: Are you organized? Good time management? Can you handle the administrative tasks that come with leading a department? Can you coach your employees? Do you know how and what to delegate if you need to?

Point out any administrative responsibilities your current SE has given you, examples of your organization or time management, and be thinking of anecdotes and situations that demonstrate how you can solve problems and manage people.

 

got an interview monday at a six-day a week 20k paper for a full-time reporter position.

what questions should i be expected to answer/ask during the interview?

 

This is my first post, and I must say - God Bless this forum!

Now on to the question at hand: I will be graduating in August. I am doing my summer internship with a paper of around 80k. Tons of my stuff are front page, center piece stuff. My boss is awesome - we really click.

He has asked me about the date that my internship ends... and that is it. I want to see where I stand on getting hired after graduation. Should I approach him on where I stand with the company in August? If so, HOW do I approach the situation? It's not even July yet; and my internship ends Aug 8.

Any advice?

 

Nope, don't ask him anything. Just walk out of there without a job.

Sorry for the sarcasm, but it bests illustrates my point.

As for how, just ask him. Sooner the better. It's an obvious, expected question.

 

"Hey boss, is there any interest in keeping me around when I graduate? I'd really like to start paying off my school loans."

Maybe not the second sentence, but if your boss is as cool as you say then it really shouldn't be hard to approach him. But you have to start asking the question now.

It's an ugly situation right now in newspapers so get an answer as early as you can from your best bet. If he says it's doubtful then you need to get the resumes out or start looking at law school.

 

"Hey, boss, I'm wondering if you expect to be hiring for a full-time position at the end of the summer. I've really enjoyed my time here and if there's an opening, I'd like to make sure I'm on your radar."

Don't have this conversation an hour before deadline. Do have this conversation at the beginning of a shift or during some downtime for both of you.

DO NOT, and I repeat, DO NOT allow yourself to be talked into a few more months of internship "just in case something opens up." Because nothing will open up. It's a line they will feed you to string you along, cheaply, for as long as they can. If they're not going to make a move at the time they're losing an intern, they're not going to make a move. And you need to find yourself full-time employment.

 

Oh I can't do another few more months of internship. I currently am still working part time at a grocery store. It has been my first and only job - since 2001. It pays extremely good. I just wanted to get out of the retail business. I do have a "safety" net in that. A lot of people jaw's drop when they look at my resume and see I have had only "1" Job for the past 7-8 years...all with different levels of management and responsibilities from inventory control to store pricing.

 

Is the grocery store hiring?

 

Haha! Sadly yes.

 

I'm crossthreading, but it sounds like you have your stuff in order. It sounds like you made the most of the experience you have and a lot of papers are looking for kids right out of school right now.

 

Really? Fresh noobs with pens? Every job opening I have read stated the "3-5 years experience" quota... Should I still apply? I haven't seen one opening that says "We Welcome Fresh Graduates..."