How to get noticed by your favourite magazine

Originally published December 2011

How to get noticed by your favourite magazine: an editorial assistant's guide on how to get a foot on the ladder in journalism

Maggie Hitchins, Closer’s editorial assistant (now acting online editor!), tells us about her career so far

What made you want to work in magazines?

I’ve always been a huge fan of newspapers and magazines. When I was a little girl my mum used to find me sitting on the floor of the newsagent’s with a pile of glossies around me – at the time it was Mizz, Bliss, more! and Smash Hits. I used to call them “m’magazines” and read them voraciously, even as a 7 year old! I knew that I wanted to write from a young age, editing a school magazine at primary school! I loved the process of hearing about an interesting story or concept and then investigating further before sharing it with other people. While I hoped that magazines would be glamorous and I’d live the high life like Carrie Bradshaw, having parents who were both journalists meant I knew the reality would be long hours, hard work and a salary that certainly didn’t allow me to splurge on Prada and Pucci - but for some reason that didn’t put me off!

How did you get into magazines – was it via work experience?

My career path was fairly unconventional in that I had two entirely different professions before entering the magazine world. I began as a runner at a TV company and then went on to work in fundraising and marketing for charities. At 25, unhappy in my role, I made the terrifying decision to start over to try to pursue a career in magazines, despite a lot of advice that the industry was tough and it would be impossible to find work! I went for coffee with every single friend or contact I knew who had any link with the industry and eventually my hard work (and newfound caffeine addiction!) paid off! A friend of a friend, who had once worked at Closer, put in a call to the Online Editor who invited me in for a fortnight’s work experience. Truth be told, coming into a new office as a junior member of the team (particularly after leaving a senior role!) was very daunting and at first I wasn’t sure if I’d made a terrible mistake. My team were lovely and I was asked to write for the website and see my name up in lights but initially I couldn’t see the experience furthering my career – fearing I’d be just another of the numerous interns and work experience placements passing through. I remember speaking to my dad one day and expressing my fears - he reminded me just how invaluable the experience was, having published work on the website of the UK’s best-selling women’s weekly and getting a taste of life in a magazine office. But with the right attitude and by working hard to get yourself noticed for the right reasons (a good attitude, commitment to the task at hand and a smile!) work experience can provide amazing opportunities for you, just as it did for me…

How did you go from work experience to having a full-time role at Closer?

Through some very good luck – and a lot of hard work! During my work experience I overheard a staff member discussing the vacant role of Editorial Assistant and then plucked up the courage to approach her and put myself forward! I did worry I was being too forward, so I tried to be as gentle and unpresumptuous as possible. She gave me a brief interview and then offered me a 2-week trial for the role. That’s when the real work began; I was determined to show I was the best candidate for the job. I arrived early every day, completed each task expected of me with a smile – no matter how dull – and offered to do more whenever possible. I also tried to add a few personal touches to the role, I made copious cups of tea and managed to build a very good relationship with my boss, Closer’s Editor Lisa. After two weeks I finally allowed myself to entertain the idea I might be kept on, but when I was actually told I was being offered the permanent role I was over the moon.

What does your job entail?

The Editorial Assistant is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day management of the office, supporting the Editor with administrative tasks, engaging with readers and looking after the Closer team!! You need to be highly motivated, efficient and able to deal with anyone from crazy callers to standoffish celebrities!

If it’s possible to find the time, there are also opportunities to write for the magazine and attend photo-shoots. I am also ‘the face’ of our letters page. The best thing about the role is that you get an exclusive peek into the realities of creating a magazine – working closely with the Editor and senior staff members means you learn invaluable lessons about the inner workings of your publication.

What bits of advice would give someone who aspires to this job?

My first piece of advice would be don’t pursue magazine journalism unless you truly want to have a career within the profession. It sounds so obvious but I have met an amazing amount of people who are attracted to the business because they want to go to showbiz parties or to get free make-up!! That is only a tiny part of this profession; the majority involves working extremely hard to create a high quality product that people want to buy. This is a hugely competitive industry and it’s easy to spot who has the passion, determination and talent to succeed – and it’s not always the ones who shout the loudest!

Secondly, my advice is to listen! Don’t be nosy or intrusive but you will often hear of jobs and opportunities while doing work experience and there’s no shame in, gently, putting yourself forward if you have the relevant experience.

Another obvious but key piece of advice is do all you can to prove how indispensable you are. It’s true that when you start in this business you may not be set the most interesting tasks, but the best people who come through our doors are the ones who appear just as happy to be filing for an hour as they are being sent out to interview Brad Pitt! I, and a lot of my fellow Editorial Assistants, will always make a note of excellent interns and work experience candidates – and we share them with each other!

Finally, hone your craft. Whether you are a photographer, writer, stylist or designer – not having a job doesn’t mean you can’t be improving your skills and your style every day. The internet means you can build your own audience through your blog, tumblr or instagram account. Use these tools to create the style you want and to learn what works well for your audience – and as an added bonus you will have something to show off when you get that first interview!