Job hunting in the media: How to find your next role

Job hunting in the media is hugely challenigng. As well as looking for a full time role, many media professionals are looking for contract work, part time roles, shifts or new clients. It is a constant juggle, whether you are looking for a job after redundancy, looking to move because you are unhappy or looking to move because you want more responsibility, challenge and seniority.

A glance at LinkedIn can make things feel overwhelming. The same goes for chatter in Facebook groups and on forums, where media professionals and journalists might lament the job hunting process. Of course, sharing your experiences is part of the process, but reading other people’s comments can send you into a spiral of negativity.

Job hunting in the media industry is a mixture of online listings, jobs newsletters and spotting posts on groups and in communities. In The Freelance Media Network we have a dedicated jobs space, where we share everything from contracts and full time roles to shout outs from editors and business owners who are looking for either freelance support or someone to work on a contract basis.

While you browse the listings - wherever you browse them - there are other actions you can take to be proactive in your job search.

Here’s what we recommend":

Update your CV and cover letter so they’re ready to send

Many people only update their CV and cover letter when they see a job they want to apply for. I’d encourage you to have a CV that is ready to send - so when one of those ‘shout outs’ happens, you are in a position to send it immediately rather than having to update it in a panic. The same goes for your cover letter - have a draft with all your key skills and experience ready to use.

Make sure your CV really shouts about your experience - use keywords for your industry and for roles you’re applying for. Add in any specific programs or software you use, and skills such as SEO or CMS. It can be easy to just ‘fling’ your CV over or press ‘easy apply’ but regularly tweaking your CV means it is always as up-to-date and focused as it can be.

Be proactive on LinkedIn

The majority of jobs listings that are shared in The Freelance Media Network are spotted on LinkedIn. It’s a big resource - and you need to be active and search proactively.

That means no more scrolling - instead, spend your precious time updating your profile. Be proud and shout loud about what you do and what you know.

Make sure your picture, banner, bio and ‘about’ are up to date. Add all recent relevant articles to ‘featured’. Ask for recommendations - everyone from a colleague or editor to an expert you’ve used in a feature.

Search for jobs using keywords, rather than just looking at suggestions. Also, connect with editors and those in the talent teams at publishing companies. They often post roles first. Follow companies and brands you want to work for and be brave - introduce yourself!

Look for the role on the company website and apply there if you can

It can be very easy to click ‘easy apply’ and think that your application is done. But it’s risky - and, dare we say it, a little lazy. Many jobs on LinkedIn do have ‘easy apply’ but many often have an ‘apply’ button which takes you to the website for the job listing. If that’s not the case, our advice is to look up the company website, go to their vacancies and see if you can find the role there. That way you are applying at the source, and not relying on algorithms to make sure your CV finds its way to the recruiter.

Do some follow-up research and connecting

Once you’ve applied for the role, you could look for people who work there, or are in the HR/Talent team, and connect with them on LinkedIn. Say that you’ve applied for a particular role. Follow the company on LinkedIn and social media, too. That way you’ll keep on top of their content, which will give you something to share and talk about when you hopefully land that interview!

If you’re looking for a role, a contract, part-time work or new clients, come and join us in The Freelance Media Network where you’ll find like-minded media professionals, who are there to cheer you on, as well as jobs listings and shout outs from editors. Come and join us and get up to 50% off until the end of September. Use FMNFOUNDERMONTHLY for a 50% discount off your first month, and FMNFOUNDERANNUAL for 20% off your first year. We can’t wait to meet you!