Finding your confidence & job applications
Podcast, journo tips and tricks
From Katie B…
This week has been full of busy, from sending job applications to reading more -February is turning out to be a really busy month! Writing job applications has been an interesting experience for me - I feel more confident! Balancing a full time job and a podcast has made me find and value myself - who knew it would take a global pandemic!
In other news…it was -7 degrees this morning! The streets are full of snow while the sun is shining! I’ve been taking each day as it comes. We will get there and things do happen for a reason. Believe in yourself because you can do this!
I am so proud of Katie W for this amazing article on The Breakdown too!…
From Katie W…
NOBODY WARNED ME ABOUT THE FREELANCE STRESS! This week has been my first week properly freelancing. With shift work for The Breakdown, pitching articles, writing articles for publications and trying to find time to edit the podcast has been a challenge! Last week I took days off to rest and regretted it. Working through the weekend, work had piled up with editors replying bang on 9am on Monday morning.
Eating properly, getting dressed, putting my makeup on, walking and self care helped and after a few days of working through things slowly, I’m finally starting to feel like myself again. The deadlines haven’t passed yet so there’s still time to bring it back!
Question of the week
How to network in a pandemic?
Katie W: In the before times we would be able to meet for a coffee with other journalists, possible mentors and possible interviewees - now its all online. Don’t let that put you off because its now so normal to send an email, DM or tweet to connect with people.
As for tips for how to network, flattery goes a long way. Tell the person you’re speaking to that you really liked their work (and actually read/listen/watch it) and that you would like to discuss it with them. You can then ask for advice or feedback!
This can all be done on email or even a virtual coffee on Zoom (other software is available!). My advice would be to judge whether a DM or email is most appropriate. I personally wouldn’t use Instagram to network as many people use that for personal use rather than work. If you think the person is more established in the industry then I would maybe comment on a Twitter thread and then follow up with an email as a way of ‘putting yourself out there’ to get noticed.
In my experience, the majority of people are so helpful and are happy to help out. Remember they have been in your position at some point too!
Got a Question of the Week for us? Drop it in the comment box and we’ll get answering in the next newsletter.
NN Reacts - what we love:
Katie B: York Uni History graduate, enthusiastic reader and writer Olivia Clements recently created a community library in Bishopston (Bristol) for people to visit, borrow, swap out and enjoy some much needed escapism through books. This news made me smile this week - what a wonderful idea!
Katie W: I don’t know what I love more, the fact that the lawyer says “I think it’s a filter” or that the attorney has to clarify, “I’m not a cat”; which is exactly what a cat would say!
Who to follow
Alethea Farline is a MA journalism student, who hosts a radio show called ‘In Her Shoes’ which focuses on a new womxn's issue each week.
Harry Williamson recently won ‘best journalist winner’ at SPARC Scotland - *congrats*! Harry is a journalist and deputy editor of Brig Newspaper.
Sakshi Udavant is a freelance journalist and content writer, who is so kind and helpful - a proper good egg to follow!
Matt Taylor is a journalist based in Manchester/Cardiff and writes about music/tv and film.
Song of the Week
Katie W:
Katie B:
Journo Jobs and Opps
With the start of a new month, freelance call outs have kept on coming! Unless stated otherwise, everything is paid.
FREELANCE: Moya Lothian-Mclean is looking for new writers of colour for Gal-Dem magazine as they are now working with writers from all marginalised genders. Particularly keen to work with trans women of colour.
FREELANCE: Hattie Gladwell at The Breakdown is seeking home and interior pitches for March but they have to be linked to mental health. They pay £80 for 700 words.
FREELANCE: Solutions focused journalism publication, Footprint are accepting pitches. They focus on ways to help the planet and sustainability.
FREELANCE: Political mag, Briarpatch are accepting pitches for an “intervention into an urgent conversation, a lead on a story that mainstream media won't touch or a profile of an awe-inspiring grassroots group”.
SCOTLAND: Part-time magazine editorial role for experienced journalist in Scotland for Quantum Communications.
SCOTLAND: Taste Magazine is looking for a Food and Drink Editor! It doesn’t specify location so it looks like it will be a WFH set up but they only want Scottish candidates.
ABERDEEN: DC Thomson are looking for Head of Comment for their branch in Aberdeen; you’ll be working on the Press and Journal paper.
EDINBURGH: This one is quite PR heavy but if you have 2-3 years experience, Taste are looking for a Communications Consultant. The owner is Radio Scotland’s very own Stephen Jardine.
CARLISLE AND KENDAL: Newsquest Media Group are looking for two multimedia reporters to join its talented team in Cumbria. Local community reporting, evening and weekend work, driving license is essential.
MANCHESTER: Cordant People are looking for a Content Writer with experience in writing for a B2B audience. It says entry level!
CHADDERTON: Mantra Learning would like a Digital Marketing Copywriter. The job was posted two weeks ago but it looks like they are still accepting applications.
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