Masterclass 13: How to get your first job

This masterclass aims to help you decide which branch of the media interests you the most.

And to guide you in ensuring you have the qualifications and experience an editor in your chosen field will be looking for.

You'll find:

• a wide range of video interviews with journalists, editors and other key industry figures
• essential information on the paper qualifications you'll need
• the work experience you are expected to have, and
• the other demonstrations of ability that an editor will expect.

As well as general advice applicable to all, you'll find material that relates specifically to:

• magazines
• newspapers
• broadcasting
• freelancing
• entrepreneurialism
• hyperlocal

That's because, while the new generation of journalists is comfortable working in multimedia, and across all platforms, the people handing out the jobs are still, predominantly, operating in media companies that make most of their money in one of these traditional branches of the media.

That means they'll have different expectations of how they want you to apply your multimedia skills, depending on their field of operations.

You'll also find career essentials, which are guides to each branch of the media, and which will give you the basic about magazines, newspapers and so on.

The vast majority of applicants mess up in their application, or at interview

What is surprising is how many job-hunters screw things up, either in their application, or at interview. You'll find a case study here that demonstrates the common errors applicants make: errors that often mean an editor faced with a mountain of applications struggles to find half a dozen people among them who are worth interviewing. You'll find out how to avoid the pitfalls and ensure you are a serious candidate for a job here.