Passing Journalism Job Tests

You've finally scored that interview in the newsroom of your choice. But they're not going to let you out the door before finding out if you're more than just a slick resume and packet of clips. Most employers find it imperative to test practical experience and hands-on skill in prospective workers. But how does one pass those tests with flying colors?

You're given a copy editing test

Editors are expected to be precise and to the letter of the law when sharpening copy. Many feel the urge to "show off" on a copy editing test, scrawling superfluous material on the sheets that might not practically apply to the question at hand. For example, if you're asked to name the president of Guatemala, don't start adding paragraphs about his educational background and position on global warming. Not only will this overindulgence potentially distract you from bigger errors to be caught, taking too long on the test will reflect negatively on your candidacy. Employers will want someone smart and accurate, but also someone quick enough to edit against tight deadlines. So your lengthy knowledge display could actually backfire.

You're asked to take home a copy of the paper and critique it

This test freaks out many applicants, who don't know how critical they should be and which items should be pointed out. Some pointers:

• Find 60 percent good and 40 percent bad. If all you do is endlessly praise the paper, your eye isn't critical enough. If all you do is criticize the paper, you come off as potentially difficult to work with. The 60-40 balance strikes just the right tone -- you like the paper at which you want to work, but are willing to offer constructive criticism as needed on the job.

• Cover all the bases. Look at stories, headlines, copy editing, design, photos, choice of wire copy, etc. Show your range of comprehension beyond just the position for which you're applying, but do concentrate on the area in which you're applying.

• Don't inadvertently slam the editor's pet. You go into the interview not knowing the newsroom dynamics, and if you harp on an editor's favorite reporter it could turn the tide against you. Focus on the work when critiquing, not the writer or photographer.

• Don't underestimate your impressions. A serious review of the publication may reveal answers as to whether or not this is actually a place where you'd want to work. Say you're applying for a mid-level management position and you read a pampered columnist who is getting away with saying outrageous, unverifiable things. Is this just an aberration, or will the editor in charge not be keen on you setting this writer straight should you get the position?

Of course, you can really impress the hiring editor by doing this beforehand, and having a copy of the paper and your observations (summed up in a couple of pages) tucked neatly into your briefcase. Pull out and show the editor only if he or she assigns you a critique test. Suddenly pulling it out if not asked might offend the editor.

You have five minutes with the editor-in-chief

Many newspapers will do this from editorial assistants on up. The editor may not care too much about you as an applicant, and this short face time is where you need to elicit a positive comment from the editor on high to the hiring editor. Be succinct and to the point. Let him or her ask the first few questions, then be prepared with good questions of your own. Operational questions such as ones about lunch breaks and benefits are best left to the editor charged with hiring you. Questions with an eye to the future of the newspaper will impress the editor-in-chief, such as:

"What effort is the paper making to reach out to the 25-to-40 audience?"

"How is the paper meeting the challenge of moving news online?"

"What is currently the most important story to this paper's readers?"

You're asked to write an example news story

Like the copy editing test, you'll be tempted to sit there and be excruciatingly detailed. But you'll be judged on speed as well as quality, so don't waste time. Concentrate on being comprehensive and fact-oriented, and add a dash of personal flair if appropriate to the story topic. Write a super-sharp lede. Pay attention to grammar and spelling, thus proving that editors won't have to overhaul your work every night. Show that you're quick, accurate, highly readable, and low-maintenance.

You're asked to bring extra clips

Does this mean you pull out your entire life's body of work and tote it to the interview? Nah. But it does mean specific pieces should take precedence. Use the opportunity to showcase the work that will interest them most. Perhaps you applied for a reporter position, then discovered in first speaking with the hiring editor that the position mostly covers the cops and courts beat. Look through your clips to pull extra examples of expertise in covering this beat. Perhaps you're applying for a page designer position, and noticed that the paper to which you're applying specializes in colorful community news. Don't then bring a dry business page to the interview, but pages with eye-popping centerpieces and local-interest stories.