Two weeks ago we skyped with Kara McGrath, the web editorial assistant at Seventeen Magazine, who had lots of great advice for us!
A day in the life of a web editorial assistant:
- Kara covers fashion and beauty for the web
- She writes, makes slideshows, pitches ideas to the site director and works really closely with the interns
- Kara also helps out with social media and the beauty blog
- She says she's basically on the computer and writing all day long, which she loves
What really impresses her:
- Someone who's always pitching ideas
- Do something before your editor asks for it
- Never turn in subpar work: "If you don’t think it’s amazing, don’t turn it in. You’ll probably have to do it again anyways or not get assigned a new project."
- Don't be creepy or awkward with your editor--ask them about their weekend
- Being friendly: "I like interns who seem like someone I could hang out with after work."
Web/Print differences:
- Writing for web has a shorter lead time than print
- The magazine shoots everything, but for the web they often ask companies for product images
- As news changes you can go back and change the article online
- The most important part of web writing is search engine optimization--how your pieces rank on google
Resumes and Cover letters:
- Kara says she's really impressed by resumes that were cleary made in inDesign
- You stand out if you have your own logo
- In cover letters--make it obvious that you've read the site and try to write in the voice of the magazine
- Six sentences total is fine for a cover letter
On what she loves about working at Seventeen:
- It's so fun, I love our readers! But if they don’t like what you said about Harry Styles, they will tell you!"
- "I love that they’re so passionate about everything."
- "Teen girls are online all the time, and they're always interacting with us."
- "They're way more willing to try new (fashion and beauty) stuff."
- "We literally find girls on the street (to model)."
Informational interviews:
- The editor in chief is probably not going to sit and talk with you, try for the editors, assistant editors and editorial assistants
- Most people are happy to meet with you if you give them enough advanced notice and are very courteous
- Be as flexible as you can and give as much advanced notice as you can
- You might have to follow up
- Don't say "So can I have a job?"--seems like you're using them
- Ask for advice, what they like about their job, etc.--people love talking about themselves
- Consider doing an informational interview with HR so they keep you in mind
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