A Journalist Reports on His Hunt for Jobs

Finding a job in New York is pretty simple. But finding the right job in New York is damn near impossible. I found this out the hard way when I graduated from NYU. The only thing that changed for me work-wise after college was that instead of homework, I spent 4 hours a day looking through job sites like Craigslist, JournalismJobs, and Mediabistro. I found a lot of interesting postings but very few serious opportunities. The truth is, sites like these make it too easy to be passive in the job process. If you really want a job, you have to stop ducking behind your computer and make physical, personal contact with potential employers.

That said, here is a quick guide to interpreting whether a job posting is right for you:

1. Freelance Menu Project Assistant: New York Magazine's website, nymag.com, is seeking outdoor-types with an interest in the restaurant scene to collect menus by foot and by phone, and prep them for the data entry team (i.e., light clerical work and some typing). Candidates should be comfortable spending days walking the streets of Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens, have excellent organizational skills, a professional phone manner, and previous typing experience. One full-time position. Must reside in the metro area.
Pay: $12/hour

I give this job a 6 out of 10. It really appeals to my two secret hobbies: Journalism and pretending-to-be-a-delivery-person. Unfortunately, its a tough sell since there's really not much opportunity for advancement...

2. A now-expired job-description read: Online company is seeking an experienced freelance health writer to produce two bladder-related articles a month. Ideal applicant should have contacts that are urologists.

I give this one a 4 out of 10. The positive is that you finally get to write about pee and get paid for it. But the negative side is that you're writing about piss. (Although, it is only two articles a month.. you'd still have free time to write about all those other fun things like vasectomies and ulsers.)

3. BECOME PART OF THE NEXT ROLLING STONE..... SERIOUSLY.
A pop culture, progressive magazine is looking for very talented editors and writers (freelance and staff).
Person must be self-reliant, creative, young, cool, and passionate.

I'll give this one an 8 out of 10. I just can't help but think they are specifically targeting me with those job-requirements. And really, who wouldn't want to be a part of the next Rolling Stone? I mean this is definitely going to attract all those dejected college grads whose dreams of working at their favorite magazine were shattered by reality. So kudos to that. Only negative: I'm pretty sure this magazine is run by crack-heads and will tank in less than a year.

Note: This was the one job that called me back. Three months later.

- Seth