Ask the Recruiter

Q. First of all, let me thank you for providing years of wonderful journalism job-hunting advice. Any discussion of jobs among my j-school colleagues inevitably includes the phrase "but the Recruiter says ..."

I just graduated from a respected university in a large media market with a master's degree in journalism and public policy.

While in school I made a number of contacts, from a White House correspondent to the editor of a large Northeastern daily. Some of these contacts are through professors who gave me e-mail addresses and recommended I contact these people regarding job opportunities.

How can I best phrase such a letter? I am coming to this person with a professor's recommendation but do not want to appear as if I am grubbing for a job.

Should I request an informational interview? Should I attach my resume? How do I include the professor's recommendation without making myself seem like the second coming of Edward R. Murrow?

Your help is greatly appreciated.

All the best,

Hungry

A. Well, of course, you are looking for a job, though I wouldn't call it grubbing.

Most journalists are pretty plainspoken and have an aversion to B.S. So just lay it on the line: "I am graduating from Such and Such University and Prof. So-and-So recommended I contact you as I begin my job search."

Then, describe what you are looking for and something about yourself.

Finally, "I hope you can help me in some way. whether it be an informational interview, a lead on a job at someplace you respect or a referral to someone else who might be able to help me. I will call you within the week to follow up."

And then do it.

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Coming Monday: A May graduate makes it personal. She asks the recruiter if he would go into newspapers if he were graduating this year.

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