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Getting your first job

Tips to help you take your first crucial steps

Choosing the right course

Our research tells us that - increasingly - magazine publishing houses are recruiting graduates. We also know that applications to work in the industry far exceed the number of positions available.

So whatever you do, don't waste your time on a course that the industry doesn't rate! Check the track record of your course before you sign up. Where are last year's graduates working now? How much contact does the course have with the industry? Have the tutors got the relevant experience? Does the course encourage industry input and guest speakers to help keep it up-to-date with new developments?

Start with work experience:

Without an understanding of the job you want to do and some raw talent you won't go far, and work experience is an excellent way to get a foot in the industry door.

- Start by thinking about the sort of brands that interest you. Have your pastimes and hobbies helped you build up a specialist knowledge that may be useful on a particular magazine? How are you going to compete with other work experience applicants. What sets you apart? Do you have specialist knowledge or skills which may prove invaluable to a busy team?

- Apply in writing with your CV. If you are a journalist or designer, send some examples of your work and a covering letter. If you're on a specialist course, ask your tutor for a letter explaining how the placement will be useful.

-Placements on the big brands are in huge demand and are filled months in advance. Apply early to increase the chance of getting a slot when you want it.

- Identify what you hope to learn while you're on the placement and discuss this with the person arranging your time with the company.

- Do some homework in preparation for your visit - you'll get more from the experience if you arrive armed with knowledge of the title and the people who work there. Be professional, punctual, prepared and positive! If you perform well, you'll be remembered when it comes to filling vacancies on the title. Use your time to observe how the magazine functions as a whole, not just in the area you hope to work in.

- Although work placements are normally voluntary and unpaid, some companies will offer travel and subsistence. Don't forget to ask.

- Make yourself indispensable, even if it is by doing lots of admin. If you perform well and wherever necessary you may be remembered when it comes to filling vacancies.

- If everyone else on the team takes their turn making the tea, take your turn too. Good tea/coffess etiquette is always appreciated (and shows you're a team player who's not above helping out with menial tasks).

- Journalists should show enthusiasm by asking if you can do some writing, published work is pure gold when it comes to applying for paid employment and building your portfolio.

-Use your time to observe how the company functions as a whole, not just in the area you hope to work in.

- At the end of the placement, ask for feedback on your performance and identify the areas where you have performed well and the aspects of the job you need to work at. Don't forget to drop a line to thank whoever organised your work experience, and always keep a note of contacts you make for future reference.

PTC provides comprehensive work experience guidelines for employers and students. Go to the work experience page for more information.

Applying for that longed for first job

Five ways to kill your job application stone dead

Five ways to get your application into the top two per cent

1. "Dear Sir or Madam..."

In three words - possibly two - you have managed to indicate you can't be bothered to find out who to talk to. Some journalist you are.

2. "Please give me some work; I'll do anything..."

Don't kid yourself that this is a helpful approach. All you're offering is a headache. Better to know what you want and what you can offer.

3. "I am convinced I can be of value to your organisation..."

Variation on 2 above. If you have relevant experience or talent, you'll need to prove it. If you haven't, save your breath.

4. "If only I can meet you, I feel sure you will be persuaded..."

If you were half the communicator you claim to be, the first two lines of your letter would have done the trick.

5. "Having completed my media studies degree I seek a position in publishing..."

Be specific. How does your degree equip you to work in the industry and in what role? If you can't take the time to sell yourself to your potential employers, why would they take the time to consider your application?

And don't - whatever you do - send a standard letter and general CV.

1. Just what is it that you want to do?

Get in touch with where your heart lies but let your head do some guiding too. Discuss your ambitions, and how realistic they sound, with your friends. Don't go for anything you don't feel passionate about but remember that the best way to get to your ultimate goal is to build up experience and knowledge first.

2. Pick your target magazine(s) and publisher(s), find out as much as you can, and you'll look like a solution, not a problem:

"Dear Toby,

I couldn't help noticing that Sue, your features editor, is going on holiday next month. Could I come in and sit at her desk? I'll ring 100 readers and get a vox pop on that controversial badger-baiting article you published last month..."

3. Be yourself

Magazines are a constantly evolving product; apart from basic qualities like honesty, enthusiasm, teamwork and creativity, editors are not looking for identikit applicants. So be you.

4. Lose the fluff

If you're made of the right stuff, a 200 word letter, a few cuttings and a magazine critique are enough to prove it. Tailor your CV to the job in question (if there is one), or at least to the magazine/publisher (if there isn't). Your interests, wit and charm are as relevant as your qualifications.

5. Check the basics

In an editor's dream you write like an angel; have a rock solid, news and features based qualification; and have been passionate about the subject since you were knee-high to a grasshopper. In practice, any two of these three will probably get you an interview.

The same applies for other roles. Check out the job ad or (if you're lucky enough to see it before you apply) the job description. Find out what they are looking for, make sure you're a good match and write your application to the job.

Interview techniques

- What to wear? The media industry is generally quite casual, but it would depend onthe role you are going for. If in doubt, wear a suit.

- Be focused, if you are convinced this is the perfect job for you, your employer will be too.

- If you know you are likely to get anxious, try and develop some calming methods such as deep breathing and visualisation.

- Preparation is everything. If you've done your homework about the company, you should avoid any unpleasant surprises.

- Think about your body language - practice a firm handshake, sit up straight in your chair, don't fidget. Make sure you look attentive and interested. Try and keep natural eye contact, it's not a staring competition!

- Think about your talents and accomplishments in advance, don't be afraid to voice these, but remember, nobody wants a smug egotist in their team.

- Convey that you want the job so that you can learn from it and be a valued asset to the business.

- Never lie, you'll be caught out in the end. And do you really want a job you're not honestly cut out to do?

- The employer obviously liked what they saw on your CV enough to to offer you an interview. Be confident - you deserve to be there.

PTC: the lead body for best practice in training and development and people management for the magazine publishing industry.