Before considering how to get into media jobs, it is worthwhile considering for a moment what is meant by the term media. Media means mass communications using a variety of different technologies. Years ago, it referred to just the one thing, the printed word, in the form of newspapers, magazines and books. Along came radio, television and film and the term was broadened out to include the broadcasting media. Everything changed once again with the advent of personal computers and the online world. Now the talk is all about about social media, blogging, Facebook, Twitter and so on.

Because media now encompasses so many different communication technologies, career possibilities have snowballed. So the first step is to decide what sort of job you actually want. Then get online and do some research into possible openings. There are likely hundreds of web sites which will point you in the right direction.

Of course, no matter what you decide to go for, it’ll help if you already have some kind of qualification, such as a degree or diploma. And if it has any sort of relevance to the job you’re after then so much the better. A degree in journalism, for example, would certainly go a long way to helping you land a job in the BBC’s newsroom!

You’ve decided on a career and scoured the Internet for possible openings. So what’s next? You’ll certainly need a professional-looking CV with the sort of covering letter which will make any prospective employer sit up and take note. No doubt, given today’s crowded job market, your application is likely to be one of many to land in the employer’s in-tray. So you must sell yourself effectively right from the word go.

A good way to start is to list a number of achievements in your life, for example, awards at work or qualifications attained. Go on, put them down on paper. Now try and link these to actual skills gained as a result. That way, when you come to write your CV, the solid evidence is there to back up any claims you might make about the skills and abilities you have to offer any prospective employer.

As much as you might like talking, or writing, about your achievements, do keep it all as brief as possible. Don’t go on and on and write page after page. Nobody is interested, least of all the employer. Keep everything short, sharp and to the point. And no jargon. Employers hate that.

The best CVs are no more than a couple of pages long, with plenty of white space and a reasonably-sized font. It’s all about making the document look as appealing as possible. Let’s face it, media in all its forms is about clear and concise communication. If your CV looks bloated and untidy, and is full of typos and spelling mistakes, what does that tell the employer?

Treat the covering letter in much the same way, with the opening paragraph stating the job you’re applying for. In subsequent paragraphs, briefly list your qualifications and emphasize how useful you might be to the employer.

While not the definitive approach, following a few of the guidelines outlined will certainly help you get a job in media.