Dear Ed,
Is working as a temp a good way to land a full-time editorial assistant
job?
Thanks,
Samantha*
Dear Samantha,
Temping at a magazine is a way to get your foot in the door, but it's probably
not the best way (interning and networking come first). But at least it pays.
And you could get lucky. I have a couple of friends who actually landed their
first jobs after temping at magazines.
Most temps are hired to do administrative duties for editors in chief or executive-level
editors while their assistants are on vacation, maternity leave, or—if you're
lucky—were just canned. Theory goes that you can impress the hell out of your
boss and she'll hire you or recommend you to another editor who will. The chances
are probably slim, but hey, the job market sucks. Slim chances are at still
chances!
Naturally the top magazine publishing companies are ridiculously secretive
about who they hire their temps from (and the temp agencies are mum about where
they do their most placing). But Ed's birdies tell him that the most popular
temp agencies used by New York City's magazine publishers are Venturi Staffing
(212-949-7200); Atrium Staffing (212-292-0550); and Career Blazers (212-719-3232).
Here is the step-by-step of applying to be a temp:
1. Send your resume. Note all of your keen administrative skills including
your computer know-how, such proficiency at Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint)
and desktop publishing skills (Quark Xpress, Illustrator, other Adobe products).
Magazine editors, not surprisingly, prefer to hire temps who have a clue about
how magazines work. So their preference will go to people with editorial experience
(like internships), college writing jobs (like the school paper), or with journalism
degrees.
2. Take a test. If your skills are in sync with a job the agency needs filled,
you'll be asked to take a skills test at the agency to prove you didn't lie
on you resume. (We can't see why else you'd have to take such a test!) If you
pass, then you're officially registered with the temp firm to be assigned to
future jobs.
3. Work it. Temp agencies are supposed to call you if they find a good fit,
but insiders say the only way to get the good jobs is to call every morning—early,
like 8 or 9 a.m.—and ask what spots they need filled.
4. Schmooze. Once you get the gig, take the opportunity to get to know your
editor (bringing a coffee refill is nice; popping your head in every five seconds
with a "Need anything?" is annoying). When she has a down moment-and
preferably after a few days of doing a good job for her—ask her if she knows
of any jobs within the company. She may be cool enough to pass your resume on
to someone (or keep it for herself). While you're there, don't just make friends
with those in high places. Buddy up with the other editorial assistants, the
interns, the mail guys: You never know who could tip you off to an opening on
staff or somewhere else in the company. Then someday when they're looking to
make theirnext step, you—in your cushy new job—can return the favor. It's
the Ed thing to do.
Good luck!
Love, Ed
Thanks to Claire Bernard for researching
this column.
* name has been changed so you can't stalk her.
