Resume thread...

I would just touch on the good work, but otherwise be run of the mill. If they know you and you try to play that up, it will just make it sound like, Hey hire me because you already know my credentials, and I already do good work for you. Can come off the wrong way.
they already know you, so you saying it won't be much of an influence. Let your work speak for yourself, and let them decide if the work you've already done is good enough.

 

At the risk of sounding like a dick, and I know that is possible: if you know these people, why would you want to write a letter like everyone else?

Cite specific examples, talk about the community, kick ass.

You go girl.

 

Totally agreed.

Seriously - the worst advice you could get is to be "run of the mill" if you're trying to get the job. Capitalize on anything that sets you apart from the crowd. Your connection to the paper is a great asset -- use it.

 

I'm glad I read the first three posts before going to the reply. If I saw that at the end of a sentence on a cover letter, I'd already be looking for the next letter.

 

Don't assume because they know you that you don't have to put in the same effort as you would for another job. I'd say pretend they don't know you and try to floor the editor.

 

Good advice there. But don't disregard the connection you have with them. Don't coast, but let 'em know what you've done with them before. It sounds like your first encounter was problematic, but reasonably so. They might be more comfortable brining in someone who at least has a little experience with them.

 

This is the sort of the point I was trying to make. Because if they haven't approached you about the job or if you inquired and they said send a resume, then you obviously still need to floor them. If you use the "You already know me and my work approach" it's too easy to let THAT do your talking, instead of your work, while another candidate blows them away with his portfolio and resume. Not saying you shouldn't use the connection --- you should. I am saying if to approach that angle cautiously, remind them, then Wow them.

 

Be specific. If they are looking for someone who can be a photographer and a writer, make sure you emphasize that in your resume. It's not something I would recommend, you'll work yourself to death without getting much in return. But if they are looking for someone who can work strictly as a writer, highlight that in your resume. If they are looking for someone who can write, edit and shoot, highlight those areas of your experience. Try to make your talents fit the job they are looking to fill.

 

Why should anyone want to hire a pain in the ass? Get over that first, then apply for a job.

 

My piece of advice: The fact you have what sounds like a positive track record is a good thing, but put forth as much -- if not more -- effort in trying to get the job.

When I was hiring for a full-time reporter position, one of our freelance photogs applied for the job. I gave him a courtesy interview because of that fact, but his clips package was weak and his resume wasn't what I was looking for. He came to the interview in shirt and tie ... and jeans. Needless to say, he didn't make it past the first round.

I found out later he was upset that I didn't consider him for the full-time job, so much so that I never got a photo from him again. Suited me just fine because he sucked HARD as a photog. Hell, I take better photos than he does and I'm not a photog.

 

Assume there might have been legal/policy reasons for giving him an interview, but if he was such a bad photographer, why the hell's he still taking pictures for the paper? Sounds like a little managing needs to be done.

 

He was the only backup to our regular staff photog. If she goes on vacation or down to deal with her elderly parents, it's either him or a lot of file art. Otherwise, it'd be me grabbing the office's digital camera and giving it my best shot.

Trust me, I wasn't shedding any tears when he stopped taking assignments from me. I consider it addition by subtraction.