1/5) Budding Journalists: I know many of you are thinking about applying to future jobs and opportunities. Here are a few quick tips as you prepare your résumé, cover letter and work samples.

2/5) Résumé: Have a functional design. Be efficient with words and be as specific as you can.

Okay: Worked at X News

Better: Covered crime and courts at X News

Best: Series of crime and courts stories at X News had this impact…

(Oh, and triple-check everything.)

3/5) Cover Letter: Expound on what you didn’t have time or space to cover in your résumé. Focus on your motivations and approach, describe your growth. Give examples. Be specific.

(Oh, and triple-check everything.)

4/5) Work Samples: Consider work that highlights your range. See how your clips/samples match up with where you are applying. Explain nuances in your work (ex: your role in 2 bylined stories).

And make sure clips are legible. Don’t just send links, esp if links have paywalls.

5/5) Pay attention to application instructions. Good luck! And remember: Building careers often take as much patience as ambition.