1. THE JOB HUNT:
HOW WE LANDED 'COOL
GIGS’
It’s challenging to find a job, not to mention a job in
journalism. But it can happen if you become proactive
and prepare with these tips

2. Lynn Walsh
Investigative producer at WPTV in West Palm
Beach, Florida.
Head of SPJ Generation J Committee
@LWalsh

3. NOW WHAT???

4. 1. Create an
Amazing Resume

5. WRITING EXPERIENCE
Real Simple, Time Inc., Copywriter
Women’s national magazine, New York, N.Y., 2/11 – Present
· Writes copy for monthly print and digital advertorials, promos,
eblasts, events, video scripts and products.
EDUCATION · Edits and fact-checks copy and design for several magazine
M.A. English (Creative Writing), pages per month.
University of Rhode Island, 2009 · Collaborates with designers in creative studio to conceptualize
B.A. Theater, University of Texas and execute layouts and high-impact spreads for print.
at Austin, 2001 · Writes social media posts for Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.
B.S. Radio-TV-Film, University of
Texas at Austin, 2001 Newport Mercury, Contributing Entertainment Writer
Weekly entertainment newsmagazine, Newport, R.I., 9/10 – Present
RELATED EXPERIENCE · Writes one to three monthly features about entertainment, arts,
Heart Truth Red Dress Fashion pop culture, fashion, theater, music and books on tight deadlines.
Show, Celebrity Assistant, · Interviews high-profile celebrities, including notables from
New York, N.Y., 2/11 & 2/12 American Idol, Project Runway, Lost, SNL and The Office.
Roger Williams University,
Public Affairs Specialist, NewportPatch.com, Online Writer and Columnist
Bristol, R.I., 7/07 – 8/08 AOL-owned news website, Newport, R.I., 9/10 – 12/10
· Wrote event/fashion news and photographed street fashion.
Newport International Film · Posted stories and photo galleries using the site’s CMS.
Festival, Travel Director,
Newport, R.I., 5/07 – 6/07
Newport Mercury, Senior Staff Writer
Bambino International English Weekly entertainment newsmagazine, Newport, R.I., 1/09 – 9/10
School, English Teacher, · Wrote two to three features and news stories per week about
Fujisawa, Japan, 10/05 – 3/07 entertainment, fashion, beauty, music, film, community and arts.
KXAN-TV, Traffic Assistant, NBC, · Reviewed Rhode Island theater as the paper’s lead theater critic.
Austin, Texas, 7/03 – 12/03 · Performed associate editor duties: proofed galleys, edited and
fact-checked freelancer stories and coordinated photo shoots.
Texas Association of
· Pulled merchandise, wrote credits and styled fashion shoots.
Broadcasters, Administrative,
Austin, Texas, 10/02 – 7/03 · Posted stories and photos on NewportRI.com.
Mandalay Sports Rhode Island Home & Design, Contributing Writer
Entertainment, Administrative, Monthly magazine, Providence, R.I., 12/08 – 9/11
Los Angeles, Calif., 8/01 – 11/01 · Wrote monthly features about home, décor and travel.
Mandalay Pictures, Intern,
Hollywood, Calif., 5/00 – 8/00 Corpus Christi Caller-Times, Features Reporter
Daily newspaper, Corpus Christi, Texas, 5/04 – 3/05
AFFILIATIONS · Wrote a weekly column about antiques, weekly “Sunday Homes”
Society of Professional cover stories and health articles for monthly “Mi Vida” magazine.
Journalists, Generation J · Wrote a range of entertainment features and breaking news.
Committee, 3/09 – Present · Won “Best Teamwork in the Newsroom” award.
NY Press Club, 9/11 – Present
The Daily Texan, Entertainment Reporter
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS UT-Austin daily newspaper, Austin, Texas, 5/02 – 1/03
“Newbie in the Newsroom,” · Reviewed Austin’s theater scene, concerts and films.
College Media Association
Conference, NYC, 3/12 Texas Civil Engineer Magazine, Editor/Communications Coordinator
Quarterly association publication, Austin, Texas, 5/02 – 9/02
“College Journalists: 14 Things · Edited, designed layout, managed production and wrote news.
To Do Before You Graduate,”
Salve Regina University, WFAA-TV “Good Morning Texas!” Studio Intern
Newport, R.I., 11/11 Live morning show for ABC affiliate, Dallas, Texas, 5/98 – 8/98
· Wrote script copy and researched topics for live segments.
SKILLS
Photoshop, WordPress, Social
Media, CMS, SEO, Basic HTML, Freelance Credits: Military Spouse, Quill, SO Rhode Island, South
Video, Slideshows, Mac, County Independent, The Tusculum Review, South Kingstown Patch.
On-Camera, Google Analytics, Edited a full-length novel.
Studied Spanish & French.
New York, N.Y.  817-657-9176  @trendyjenny  jnbsullivan@gmail.com  jennifernicolesullivan.com

7. Please, No Nic Cage Photos…

8. 2. Create an Amazing
Online Portfolio

9. www.jennifernicolesullivan.com

10. www.lynnkwalsh.com

11. 3. Get LinkedIn

14. 4. Print Business Cards

17. 5. Maintain
Professional Social
Media Accounts

20. 6. Google Yourself
(and have someone
Google you)

25. 7. Dress for the Job
You Want

26. No Thank You

27. Save it for the weekend

28. Interview Attire

29. NEWSROOM ATTIRE

30. 8. Give a Great
Interview

31. Smile and Relax

32. 9. Send a Thank You
Message
(immediately!)

33. 10. Network
(in person)

34. Speed Networking

35. 11. Request Meetings

36. 12. Join Groups
(like SPJ & RTDNA)

37. 13. ABC:
Always Be Creating

39. 14. Keep Learning

41. 15. Read & Watch As
Much As You Can