After being an Editorial Assistant for 8-9 months, I just got laid off (along with 15 other people in my company). My question is, what types of jobs do I apply for now? Do I apply for EA positions again or am I qualified to try to find an Assistant Editor job? As an EA, I earned major bylines, so I don’t exactly feel like an assistant anymore…
Ed2010™
Apply for both!
Definitely apply for both assistant editor jobs and editorial assistant jobs. Of course, don’t apply for EA jobs that you wouldn’t be happy at (i.e., if they’re mostly administrative and you don’t love, love, love the mag, it’s not worth your time), but be open to EA jobs at magazines where the EAs get lots of edit responsibilities. Unfortunately, you may still have to assist someone, but you can usually figure out from the interview if your boss will be the type who needs you to hold her hand through everything or if she’s fairly self-sufficient.
Ditto everything meredith
Ditto everything meredith said. If you like to write, I’d suggest trying to nab some freelance clips while you’re unemployed to stay busy and get your name out there.