Training

Thinking about getting trained? You've got some options. You could do an undergraduate program in journalism. You could do an undergrad degree in something else (something related, like communications, or something off the wall, too) and then take a postgraduate program, such as a Masters, or a fast-track course. You could sign up for a NUJ training course. Or you could do it all online.

Given those options, this list is no where near exhaustive. Please comment or email me (jjobslondon @ hotmail.com) if you know of any I've missed, or if you've done any of these courses and can offer some inside information. Also check the Guardian's Media Directory 2005 for a very massive list, or see the list at Prospects.

Undergraduate Programs

University of Westminster - University in North London with BA programs in Media Studies - Journalism, Media Studies - TV and Radio, and Medical Journalism. Also has MA programs, see below.

Postgraduate Programs

City University - Based in London. Well-respected. Divide their home students and foreign students, however, which I don't think much of. Also have an MSC/MA in electronic publishing.

Goldsmiths - I went here, to be totally upfront. A good program, and small, so you'll get lots of personal attention (if you want it).

University of Westminster - Has MA programs in Journalism, Media Management, Journalism Studies, Photo Journalism and Communications, as well as a diploma program.

University of the Arts, London/London College of Communications - Has an MA/Diploma in Journalism.

London Met - Has an MA in Professional Writing, which includes journalism training.

Joint/Other degree programs

Queen Mary's - Joint Contemporary History undergrad degree with journalism side done by City. Sounds very cool. Takes three years.

NUJ - National Union of Journalist training site.

Non-Degree training

Press Gazette - The NUJ's publication lists some upcoming training programs, including MAs but also shorter classes, including City's three-day investigative journalism program.

BBC Training and Development - Online courses for free, and face-to-face courses for (often very large) sums. Mostly focused on broadcasting, but some useful stuff here.

Insight into Journalism days - The Guardian runs one-day seminar things four times a year which feature discussions with their journalists and time spent on page making techniques. Email work.experience@guardian.co.uk with "insight into journalism" in your subject line for more details.

Company openings

Why go through recruiters or listings when you can go right to the source? Many companies list their job openings on their own websites. Alternatively, send in CVs and samples in unsolicited. You never know when a job is going to open up; they may as well have you on file...

Magazine houses -- the big ones

Future Publishing - Home to ten+ magazines, including Total Film, and all the fancy websites that go with them. Located in London, Bath and Manchester. You can upload your resume for them to consider for future job openings, set up a job alert via email and check out their work experience and freelance details.

Emap - The makers of FHM and many other magazines. Big company. Usually have a few jobs up, in London and across the UK. Also check out their findamediajob.co.uk site for postings in Australia and work experience details.

Haymarket - Produce consumer, commerical and medical magazines... dozens and dozens of them. On all sorts of crazy topics from cars to gardens to nursing.

IPC - This firm boasts Horse & Hound and Wallpaper -- how's that for diverse? Just moved into shiny new offices, too.

National Magazines Company - NatMags has lots of listings and encourages people to apply on spec (ie, at random). You might know them from women's glossies like Good Housekeeping and Cosmo, but they publish a lot of different titles. Check out their work experience details here.

Dennis Publishing - Another big magazine publishing company which publishes gambling, computer and car titles, as well as a little mag called Maxim. Good place to work -- I should know.

BBC Worldwide - Magazine arm of BBC, with postings -- you guessed it -- worldwide. Also see the BBC's site and their work experience details.

Hachette Filipacchi - The makers of Elle, Red and Psychologies -- this is mecca for women's mags -- post their jobs here. They also have contact information for work experience on their site under "recruitment".

Centaur Media - Publishers of Marketing Week and New Media Age.

Incisive Media - This business/financial publisher is frequently on the lookout for reporters and subeditors.

Informa - Publishing house which specializes in academic and business publishing. They often have openings and do work experience placements.



Smaller Publishing Houses
They may not boast seven storey buildings and consumer glossies, but B2Bs, contractors and smaller publishing houses could be a great first job. Most of these places will advertise their jobs externally, but these links could be useful if you're sending out on-spec CVs or just wanting to see what else is out there.

Brooklands Publishing - Based in Surrey, they are the people behind A Place In The Sun and also do airline magazines.

H.Bauer - This magazine firm is the one responsible for, among others, Take A Break!

John Brown Publishing - They make things like Sky Magazine, commercial advertising type magazines which are very, very glossy. They also take students for work experience (check to see if they need anyone) and have a form for freelancers.

Mediamark - Small team of contract publishers, with a super cute website.

Redwood Publishing - They don't seem to list jobs, but do seem welcome to on-spec cvs and recent grads.

River Publishing - Makers of Sunday Times Travel magazine, among other shiny mags. Link leads to the front page of their flash site; click contacts and then vacancies from there.

The Economist Group - The people who put out the Economist.

Time Out - The London listings bible's job listings...

Cedar - They publish some very glossy mags, including BA inflight stuff, and accept CVs on-spec.

Redactive - Publish mostly contract magazines.

SPG Media - Publish B2Bs.

Newspapers

London24 - No jobs listed here, but there is a good list of local London newspapers, perfect for unsolicited attempts

JournalismUK - Has links -- but no jobs! -- to all major UK newspapers as well as many local and regional ones. Handy resource.

Daily Mail/General Trust - Many jobs for publications within the Daily Mail/GT empire.

Johnstons Press - Publisher of local newspapers and websites.

The Independent - The lefty newspaper puts its posts here.

The Art Newspaper - A newspaper. About art. Go figure.


Newswires

AFX - Business newswire, often looking for staff.

Bloomberg - Well-known business newswire, often looking for staff across Europe. If you speak German, they'll love you.

Press Association - Another well-known business news agency, based in Victoria.


Other/Multiformat

BBC - You pay for them (or maybe not...) so why not get something (else) back from them? Jobs in TV and radio, as well as their many publications. Can search for work experience and internships here, too.

Archant - They print magazines and some 85 community newspapers. Not all are in London, obviously. But they do have a few job listings...

Newsquest - UK publishers who print magazines, newspapers and specialist publications. Very diverse, so the jobs are diverse too.

MacMillian - Educational publishers who produce Nature magazine. Good for those with a science background. Usually a few job openings available.

Reed Business Information - If you want a job in financial journalism, here's a place to start. But lets face it, if you want a job in financial journalism, you'll have no trouble finding one... They also own New Scientist and some other journals...

Websters - They make encyclopedias and do a lot of web stuff. Seem to have ties with MSN. They also run a yearly wine-writing competition for young people.

Am I missing any? Let me know... jjobslondon[at]hotmail[dot]com. Last updated June 18/07.

Recruitment agencies

Recruitment agencies might seem like a sketchy way to get a job, but signing up for one could mean you get offered jobs that haven't been posted elsewhere. And, the good folks at whichever agenc(ies) you choose will tailor the possibilities to your qualifications. On the flip side, they may not take you on, if your skills aren't up to the level they think they need.

You will likely need to interview with the agency before even finding out the name of the company you've applied for. They post many of their jobs on listing sites and job search sites, as well as their own sites, which are detailed below.

I tend to not put agency jobs on the main blog, because they often don't name the employer and because you'd need to sign up with the company to apply. But if you're looking for a job -- and quick! -- these are great places to start.

PFJ - Phee Farrer Jones, or something like that. They have a good base of listings with some pretty major companies, if that's what you're looking for. They also have an email service, but you must be registered to get it.

Reilly People - Located in Covent Garden, this agency lets you either search their job postings or register yourself so companies can search for you. Handy, that.

The Media Network (TMN) - This site posts openings without the company name, so you'll need to register. You can also upload a CV. More upper-level jobs than entry-level, but some good second or third jobs. Very cute website, too.

Recruit Media - While their website isn't very flashy, it is very useful. All their jobs are listed on one page, making a quick scroll very easy. A wide variety of jobs here.

Media Contacts - Lots of jobs displayed in an easy to use format. Divided out into different areas and job level -- pretty handy.

Inspired Selection - Usually 50-odd jobs in the Editorial section; there're also jobs here for admin, sales and marketing, among others.

Media Types - Under their Editorial/Publishing section, they had ten or so positions, across the UK.

Work Station - Not a large number of job postings under their editorial tag, but a few designer and art positions, too.

Formula Won - While they do have a decent selection, many of the postings in their Graduates section tend to be of the Sales variety. They've made their website look much prettier however, so kudos to them.

Purple - You'll never guess what colour this site is. Anyway, lots of good postings, in the 20k range especially. Usually a few subeditor positions, too.

Pathfinders - The Media Employer of the Year (2006)! Who knew? Seem to offer good support for graduates and temporary workers. But, the word "sales" is everywhere...

Folio - Specialize in subs, both permanent and freelance. There are no job listings here -- they seem to list on Guardian Jobs, tho -- but you can send them your CV and sign up for their freelancers database.

KP Publishing - They post a lot of their jobs in the Guardian, but you can also register your details with them on their website.

Career Moves - A more general recruitment agency, they have jobs in broadcasting and publishing among others.

Am I missing any? Let me know... jjobslondon[at]hotmail[dot]com. Last updated June 18/07.

Job Listing sites

These sites all post job openings for other companies. Most are updated daily.

Guardian Jobs - Mecca for UK journalism jobs. Has hundreds of postings at any given time, and thankfully features a search function. Many of these jobs can be found in Monday's Media section, but jobs are listed online daily. You can also set up to have an email sent to you every day or week with new jobs. Worth a look but keep in mind that most job searches are looking here too, so competition can be fierce.

Journalism.co.uk - Usually has several dozen jobs, from entry level to features editor in Dubai. The website itself has some very good information for journalists, whether you're searching for jobs or not.

Gorkana - Amazing journalism site. And, you no longer need to register.

SourceThatJob - Like Gorkana, but not quite as good.

Press Gazette's Jobs4Journalists - The newspaper for journalists, Press Gazzette also has a job listings page, which has moved onto it's own address after they got bought out last year.

Hold the Front Page - At any given time, has dozens of excellent jobs at regional papers. London-based positions pop up now and then. They now have an RSS feed.

MediaUK - Tons of jobs in print, radio or tv. Postings go up constantly, but most are for regional jobs and sales. Worth a look if you're into broadcasting.

Journalismjobs.com - Mainly a site for US jobs, it sometimes has one or two for UK journalists. Good place to look for European positions. Also a decent place to look for freelance or telecommute jobs.

NCTJ - The National Council of Training Journalists... or something like that. Normally not more than a few jobs up here, and often not in London. But sometimes a few good entry-level/trainee ones.

New Media Age - Mostly copywriting and online type stuff, but could be worth a look if you're into the techy stuff and have some related skills.


Bulletin Boards

Gumtree - Usually has a new post in their media/advertising section every few days. Some are useful, some aren't. Great for silly freelance stuff. Craigslist - Most postings in the editorial/writing section are pretty odd sounding, but there're few really good ones from time to time... Some pay, some don't.

Facebook - Job search gets all networked up... good for part-time, freelance gigs. You'll need to sign up, but you probably have already.


General Job Search Sites Obviously, larger job search sites have media jobs. Here's a few to start with, but there are always new ones popping up...

JobSite - This site has a decent selection of media and media-related jobs, all on one page and very easy to read. Again, many unrelated postings -- unless you're also a qualified php developer -- but there's usually a few reporter or editor openings.

JobsIn - JobsIn... the Uk. Much of the jobs that come up under the Media/New Media tag are for developers, programmers and sales. Make use of the "Jobs Like This" tag if you find one you do like, however. It can be dead useful when trying to sort the thousands of jobs you could turn up here.

Total Jobs - This site has billions of journalism jobs, tho most seem to be pulled from other sources, so watch that you're not double-applying somewhere. Can set up an RSS feed from your search, but it seems to break after a bit. But that might just be me...

Go Yocal - Like Total above, most the jobs here seem to be from other sources, so some are a bit old or expired, but they note the source, so it's easier to keep track. There are a lot, so it's worth a look. Also has an RSS feed.

TNT mag - The expat magazine has its own job list with a wide variety of listings.

Jobs.ac.uk - This site focuses on academic and research jobs, but they do have the odd journalism position, too.

Monster - Has billions of jobs, and quite of few journalism ones in London. Good place to look for international jobs, too. Can set up email alerts.

LondonCareers.net - Has the odd journalism job, and you can sign up for email alerts. There's some silly personality tests and that sort of thing as well.


Am I missing any? Let me know... jjobslondon[at]hotmail[dot]com. Last updated June 18/07.

Events

Upcoming Media/Journalism job-gettin' related events in London, as well as some general networking ones. Have an event coming up or seen one advertised? Leave a comment or email jjobslondon[at]hotmail[dot]com and I'll put it up.

Schmooze and Booze - Run networking type events for young journalists. Next one is mid-March with a journo-only one to follow in April. Check back here or at their site for more details. Or sign up for their email updates to uh, keep updated.

Network Canada - For Canadian media types (such as myself). In mid-March 2007.

Guardian Student Media Conference - November 2007. Applications and details about this annual event will be available on the media Guardian site in October 2007.

Graduate Schemes

Though similar to some internships, the Graduate Schemes/Programs listed here offer training and/or pay, with the promise/possibility of a paid job after completion.

Most have a set deadline every year, which are listed here where available. However, these things change, so if one really interests you, make sure you double check it.

Newspapers

Johnston Press - A program where untrained wannabe journalists apply to the company, and are sent for company-sponsored training at Darlington College. Spaces for the program are limited. It's advertised in their papers and website, or contact the editor of a Johnston Press paper.

Daily Mail/Euromoney PLC - Good way to break into financial journalism -- but as it's been said on this site, that's not the hardest thing to do, now is it? Euromoney offers a paid, six-month editorial placement. Applications are ongoing.

Guardian - Their training program runs for one year starting in September and pays 25,000 pounds. Up to four people are taken each year, and must have finished a degree. Also: "The programme requires fluency in standard English and at least one other language, including but not limited to foreign languages, computer languages, the language of the arts or science, English dialects or some other speciality." Whatever that means. Details are advertised in mid-December in the paper and online, with a deadline for application in mid-February.

The Times - Their graduate training scheme starts in September every year, but you must apply by April. Pays £25k a year and runs for two years.

Magazines

MacMillian - This academic and educational publisher seems to take their grad scheme quite seriously, and say: "We seek to take on people who, we believe, have the potential to become future senior managers of the Macmillan Group." They take five or six graduates a year. Apply by December 2006 for September 2007 intake.

Other

BBC - Vague details of their trainee program here.

About

I've had people ask questions about this site... So here's some basic background info...

Blog - While I do tend to post in the Job Roundup blog most weekdays, I do not check every source listed on this site. I check the sources in Job Listings and the major publishers in Company Listings most frequently. I almost never check the recruiters, so check those yourself, you lazy fools!

Advertising - Right now on this site, I've got Google Adsense stuff and Amazon links. The ads in the sidebar with the images, those are completely not vetted by me. I have no idea what ends up there. Not that I make any money off of them, but whatever. (I've made about $2US. I'm looking forward to the day I can cash in and buy myself a cheap lunch.) In other sections, Amazon links are embedded in the text. While I happen to think Amazon's a good place to start for any book/dvd/ect, but they are obviously available elsewhere. I do reccomend, if you are going to buy from Amazon, to look for a used edition first.

About me - Nothing you really need to know... I'm employed, but have a lot of spare time, which I spend looking for jobs. What does that imply about my current job satisfaction? I'm saying nothing. Either way, I thought I'd share what I've found. You should do the same (mmm... karma): jjobslondon @ hotmail.com.

Kudos - Some very kind people have written in to say nice things. I thought I'd put them all in one place, so that when I'm having a crappy day, they could cheer me up. Feel free to do the same. I don't mind.

"Great work on the site – it’s fabulous for a complete beginner trying to get in like me."

"I just stumbled upon your blog and I wanted to say how helpful it is."

"Your site is brilliant! Useful content, Browser friendly language..just what the journo-job seeker needs!"

Contact - If you know a good journalism source, have some useful information, or would like to advertise a job on this site, I can be reached via email at jjobslondon @ hotmail.com or just post a comment (as they all get to forwarded to me anyway).

Offline Resources

The internet's not the only place to find journalism jobs. Here're a few offline sources to check out.

Books: You won't get a job by reading a book... or will you? All books linked to Amazon, which helps me, and you, if there are any used ones, that is.

The Guardian Media Directory - Every year, the Guardian updates this handy book, which exhaustively lists every magazine, newspaper, ect in the industry. Was very useful in making this site...

Newspapers: Most post their jobs online these days, but no harm in seeing the original advert...

Media Guardian: Comes out Mondays. Media jobs do run other days as well.

Independent: Their media section also comes out on Mondays. Mmm... competition.

Magazines: Don't apply for a magazine -- a consumer one, at least -- without reading the damn thing first. Really. Some run writing contests as well, and they're a good place to find specific contact details. Trade magazines are good places to look too.

Press Gazette: So many jobs, I can't keep them straight. Might be easier if you order their paper version...

Know of any good books, magazines, ect? Let me know: jjobslondon @ hotmail.com or comment...

How to get a journalism job

How to get a job in journalism in seven easy steps, based entirely on my own experience and reading far, far too many job adverts:


1) Get qualified – Be it through training, work experience, freelance – whatever. You need to have certain skills, so make sure you’ve got them. A bit of experience, a course or two, and some specialisation will go a long way to making you stand out from the crowd – especially for entry-level journos. If you're good at what you do, you'll never have a problem finding a job; no matter what the market is like, there's always call for talented people.

2) Explain yourself – Make a shit-hot CV, detailing your experience, and leaving off your pub work (unless you’re applying for a pub mag, that is). If you’re going to claim you can do layout, why not show them with a fancy design? For more advice on journalism CVs, go here. But then come back, please. And seriously: proof it. If it's got spelling errors, you won't get the job.


If you want to show off your web skills, make your own website to go along with your CV. (Only do this if you’re actually any good, or use a template. Don’t show yourself to be a faker and behind the times.) And don't forget to put together a portfolio of your best pieces, as many adverts wil ask for such proof and its handy to bring along and leave behind at interviews, too.

3) Sign up for recruitment agencies – They may or may not accept you as a potential, but if you’ve done the first two steps right, they likely will. They don’t always know what they’re talking about (I was quite recently told to go get more work experience, right before being offered a well-paying job as a writer...ha ha! suck it!) Be clear about what type of job you want and remember you can say no to any job – another will come along. It's not like you're employable to only one person, right? All they want to do is fill jobs; it's up to you to be picky.

4) Apply for advertised jobs – This site’s a good start, I think. Do apply for jobs you’re not quite qualified for… you never know who else is applying, right? And what does "two years of experience" really mean? Does that include school and freelancing and the student paper?


Also make sure you write an essentially fresh cover letter specifically for each job and don’t hesitate to tweak your CV so it focuses on aspects highlighted in the advert. Apply as soon as you get the chance after seeing the advert, and remember that many are held open for as long as a month, so do check out jobs from that far back. Then, repeat 100 times.

5) Apply on spec – What’s your favourite magazine? What type of publication would you like to work for? Send out CVs on spec to these places, asking them to consider you for any positions about to come open. They may have none and chuck your CV. But they may keep it on file, forward it to a friend or be about to post an advert themselves. I’ve had interviews from doing this, so it really is a good tactic. Editors like that you've sought them out; it shows a genuine interest in their publication.

6) Be willing to freelance – Don't call yourself unemployed or a student: you're a freelance journalist. Sounds better already, doesn’t it? Being flexible means you might get last minute, short-term jobs which will not only help pay the rent, but will boost your CV and skill set. And, if you freelance for a place, and don’t suck, they may offer you a regular freelance gig or take you on full-time.

7) Be patient – Easier said than done when the rent needs paying, I know. Trust me, I really, really do know. But the average amount of time it takes to find a job – based on completely unscientific anecdotal evidence gathered by me – is two months. So give yourself some time and don’t panic or give up… and find yourself in a career as a PR or in media sales – not that there’s anything wrong with that. I have friends in PR, I’ll have you know.

For more advice, from people who probably know better than I do:

• JournalismUK - FAQs
• Sean on Being a Journalist
• E-how's method
  

Is my advice rubbish? Probably. Can you do any better? Then leave a comment.

Aw, you're welcome.

Got a job thru this site and want to say thank you? Just look at your comp screen, and loudly but clearly say: "Thank you, Nicole." It'll get thru the internet, I swear.

Okay, or you could drop me an email or leave a comment -- everyone else would love to hear about your success, too.

Another nice way to say thanks would be to post a link to this site from your own or to email it to everyone you know. I'm a whore for hits, what can I say?

Alternatively -- and I really do discourage this, but some of you have been nagging me for a better thanking-outlet -- you can send me some cash via paypal (just sign in to your account and email it to jjobslondon [at] hotmail [dot] com). It'll all go toward financing a proper domain for this site thereby letting me move off of blogger onto something shinier, as I'm too broke to do that at the moment.

Extra Skills

So you can write, sub, design -- what else could potential employers want from you? Lots, actually. Given that journalism is generally competitive -- as fun, worth-doing jobs tend to be -- it doesn't hurt to have a few extra skills to make yourself stand out.

Based solely on reading way too many job adverts, here's an completely nonexhaustive list of handy extra skills. (Most of the links go to Amazon.)

Languages - Many large firms require an extra language, as do bigger services like AP and Reuters. Some are specific, others not. If you're planning to go into any kind of international journalism -- ie, reporting, business -- sign up for some lessons, or just move to France or something.

Shorthand - Not as useful these days as, say, typing skills, but lots of news jobs require it. And it's better than taping interviews, and having to transcribe them. There are two main methods: Teeline or Pitman.

Science - Have a science degree? Then you're set. Really. People who can write about physical sciences should have no trouble getting a job. Same goes for medical knowledge and techy stuff.

Computer skills - You should already kick ass in the basics. But also learn how to use Quarkand (the far superiour) InDesign, and especially Photoshop. Sign up for a course if you want, order a book, or just get a copy... somehow (they're not cheap) and start playing with it.

Any other suggestions? What skills should would-be journalists have?

Freelance

Working freelance -- be it paid or not-- is a good way to fill up your portfolio and your CV. Here're a few sources to check out, but freelance postings are also found on general job sites and especially listing sites, and companies generally hire freelancers directly. See the NUJ's Freelance Branch for advice on rates.

Freelance sites

Freelance Writing Blog - Lists freelance gigs from the UK and beyond... Very good site.

Writers Weekly - Sign up for their weekly email, and they'll send you listings. Most are American, but these days, location doesn't matter quite so much, does it? Highly subscribed, so there will be some competition...

FreelanceWriting.com - Also N.American-centric, but has many listings and some good information about magazine guidelines, too.

Worldwide Freelance - Massive site with huge markets databases. Basic one is free, but you'll need to register. There's a European section, as well.

Other Sources

Gumtree - Scroll through their media/writing section; there're usually a few decent sounding ones.

CraigsList - Bulletin board service.

GreatReporter.com - Strange site where you post stories you've written, in the hopes that someone will syndicate/buy it. Seems pretty popular, tho I haven't tried it.

Am I missing any? Let me know... jjobslondon[at]hotmail[dot]com. Last updated June 18/07.