Writing Unleashed with Laura M. Harkins

Catching an Employer's Eye in 150 Characters or Less A few months ago I applied for a writing job, that I subsequently did not get, that required me to sell myself in 150 characters or less. In this fast past world where publishers and bloggers format their articles to fit on a cell phone screen or people discuss their lives, adventures, and mindless dribbles in 140 characters, I wasn't surprised.  A challenge nonetheless… So, I tried to stay with the food theme of my cover letter, more or less because I couldn't think of another angle at the time. It came out all right. Here's what I submitted: Combine an infectious laugh, creativity, and self-motivated work ethic in a large bowl. Pour into any sized work environment. Watch me flourish. My best attempt to deliver a succinct list of my most important qualities and abilities along with showcasing my writing ability. I look at it now and see a dozen ways to improve it. Woulda, co...

Recently, I applied for an entry-level position with Philadelphia Magazine , but unfortunately my resume was discarded because I didn't have any magazine experience and I never worked with the computer program they use to put their magazine together. And after an unsuccessful experience with my last internship, I applied to one with MetroKids, a free Philadelphia based magazine for parents, hoping for better results. I sent my resume and three writing samples: a personal essay and two biography entries. I was ecstatic about interning for a magazine. I would learn how it runs, how an issue is put together, experience working with an editor and get published. Since I had worked with children as a former teacher, I thought I made a good candidate for MetroKids . The skills I would gain would increase my chances of being hired at a magazine if that's what I wanted to do once I completed the internship. After I clicked "send", I realized I didn't include a cove...