My cousin, a top-notch editor, shares how she got her job!

My cousin is the magnificent editor of a top fitness magazine. She and I regularly confide in one another about our writing lives. Recently she was given an enormous raise due to the blood, sweat and tears she put into reviving this magazine. Within five years, I expect she'll be making about a six-figure income. So, I had to ask her what steps she took to acquire such a promising job. She was generous enough to share her response:

“I got my first editorial job the same way you are going about things - I first volunteered my time for free so I could gain clips. I then started at the bottom level as an editorial assistant. Right after I'd graduated with my masters I went to work at the Boston Herald as an editorial assistant in the news room. It was a good experience for me and got me accustomed to writing under pressure even when I ‘wasn't in the mood,’ so to speak.

One of the best ways to turn a part-time job into a full-time one is to become invaluable to your boss. Do extra tasks that he / she needs and display an ability to anticipate his / her needs (always being careful to never outshine them - but to add to their reputation by being their support system). Learn as much as you can about how each aspect of the industry works. Accept that in order to move up you will most probably need to move on - as people who become dependent on you often have their own motives for keeping a good employee in a lower-level position. Let's face it, it is convenient for them and it is a hassle to train someone new. They must be given a benefit for promoting you.

I got very lucky when I landed at Fancy Publications as they had so many magazines under one roof. The opportunity for promotion into a better position at a different magazine at the same company was there. When I applied for the job I was very careful to let my current boss know what I was doing and why. I told him specifically that it was a career move only and that I loved working for him. He was actually a great teacher.

One of the best ways you can make yourself valuable is by building on your computer skills. Take classes in graphic design [Photoshop and Quark classes, etc]. Offer them the opportunity to have an article written AND designed for a low price. This gives you better, more valuable clips and gives them a chance to save time and money. Always look to where you can give an employer an added value. When you approach a job interview you need to trouble shoot and see what their needs are. Often they will hint at these or tell you outright. Then you need to show them hiring you will fill that need.

When I started at my publication, I knew right off they were dealing with a very large number of problems and that I needed a plan of attack to alleviate my boss' stress. Not only were they having some labor relations problems with their pre-press, photographers, writers and ad sales staff because the previous editor was confrontational, they were having quality control issues and budget problems on the magazine. I made a step by step plan on how to solve these problems and gave my boss daily updates on what I was doing without being asked to. In those updates I outlined my plans on what I would do and NEVER asked that he do anything or participate at all - just give me clearance to do what needed to be done. Employers want you to come to them with solutions, not problems.When something does go wrong and you have to approach them- brainstorm several options on how it can be handled so that you are not just dumping a problem in their lap. People want others who will solve their problems for them and not add to their work load.

And when you become valuable the perk to you is that you get to show a little attitude and be yourself. I thank God every day that my boss puts up with me locking him out, telling him to stop being such a pest and let me get some work done. Few would tolerate it - but the fact is, I get them results and that is my safety net. At this point I am so heavily entrenched in the company they would have a hard time if I left and they are aware of this.”

RELEVANT LINKS

1) Boston Herald Jobs: http://www.jobfind.com/ (Type "Boston Herald")

2) Fancy Publications Jobs: http://www.animalnetwork.com/corporate/Employment.asp

3) Computer Courses: http://www.suite101.com/suiteu/school.cfm/15911