Comments on: If you have the skills, people will call

By: pat

pat — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:06:28 +0000

@Kyle

I agree that part of it is who you know. That’s part of journalism, no doubt.

That’s another strong reason to have a blog and to have an online presence on sites like Twitter, delicious and facebook. It’s a good way to get your name out there.

With fewer and fewer journalism jobs, people are looking to hire people they know. Employers don’t want to hire unknowns, which is also another important reason to have a digital resume.

By: pat

pat — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 22:02:56 +0000

Well, we’ll know why the Kansas City Star isn’t doing well, because employees like “King Jesus” are too busy leaving inflammatory comments on blogs instead of working.

So, you’re lazy, waste company time and are an idiot. Bravo.

By: King Jesus

King Jesus — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 21:51:13 +0000

Monkeys can blog. You’re living proof. Jesus.

By: Angela Connor

Angela Connor — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:03:07 +0000

I’m with you Pat. The right skill set is crucial. I think of all of the journalists I’ve worked with, (particularly as the multimedia editor at a newspaper) who had so many chances to learn new skills when they weren’t necessarily worried about losing their jobs and imminent cuts. We were doling out training opportunities and not many people jumped on board.
If nothing else, this is also a reminder to people that the best time to gather new skills and take advantage of opportunities is when you are most complacent. When the pressure is off, picking up these skills and heading in a bold new direction is exhilarating.

By: Por conta própria | On your own « O Lago | The Lake

Por conta própria | On your own « O Lago | The Lake — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:19:40 +0000

[...] If you have the skills, people will call [...]

By: Kyle Hansen

Kyle Hansen — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 21:04:23 +0000

Thanks for talking about me

You are exactly right. Every single one of my interviews was a direct result of my experience blogging or editing video. Of course, another key is who you know. Two of the three places I was considering were places that I knew people working there. One of the others was a place that someone I knew recommended.

By: Will

Will — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 18:34:06 +0000

Good advice, and thanks for Kyle’s story. It’s fuel for my fire to get basic Flash knowledge.

I’m always surprised by how many people I know in college who want to be journalists aren’t working on online skills, especially the easier ones to try like blogging. It’s one thing for people who have been working at papers for 30 years not to want to blog, but it’s ridiculous for someone who has grown up with the internet not to try.