5 places to find a job in journalism

In the ongoing final-uni-semester search for a job I've had to find new hunting avenues, but that doesn't mean the connections that got me my first job in grade 10 at Leon's Chinese Restaurant or the Seek > Hospitality > Brisbane search that earned me my first bartending work, aren't still valid means.

1. Experience

 There's no way to get a job in broadcast without interning. There, I said it. But it's true. You need it (invaluable on-the-job learning, contacts, and confidence in your ability) AND your employer needs it. He/She will be broadcasting you to the world (or at least a region somewhere)... they need some guarantee you're not going to bring their reputation into disrepute. 

2. It's not what you know but who you know

Networks in the industry and great contact book are two things that will make your life a lot easier before, during and after you get a job. Industry contacts can tell you where a job is going or might soon become available before anyone else and a great contact book will make your life as a journo a million times easier.

Good talent makes for good stories. Be an engaged in community dialogue and you'll find good stories come to you. If you're not a fan of roaming the streets and taking up conversation with the first person to pass you by, you'll likely be a lot more comfortable to do it online. Be a part of the twitterverse; observe, engage and keep an eye out for stories (usually found in the form of complaints). If you don't have connections, tweet your ideal future boss and workmates and let them know you exist.

This video demonstrates the reach social media has in modern society.

3. Seek/ CareerOne 

Don't dismiss the sites you used to find your first job in retail or at the local bakery. There are thousands of media jobs listed on online job-search sites, just be prepared for your resume and show-reel to fight for attention with hundreds of other applicants'. Try to find other sites specific to your preferred broadcast medium... I browse this site occasionally but it's more for camos than journalists.

4. Internal classifieds

Get a reception job or do promotions for your local radio or TV station, snag yourself a staff log-on and browse internal classifieds. Networks and corporations would rather hire within their current staff-base than outsource, and you won't be competing for recognition with nearly as many people as on job-search websites.

5. Get an online profile

Be it a blog, a LinkedIn, a vimeo - whatever it may be, make your mark online and showcase your talents on there. Use social media to direct your networks to your chosen mediums.


But nobody's perfect, are they? I don't think I've ever actually used by LinkedIn log-in and I'm still working on getting my vimeo up and running. What avenues have you used to try and get a foot in the door? Comment below!