What a New York Times Recruiter Looks for When Hiring for Entry-Level Jobs
Theodore Kim, director of Newsroom Career Programs
If you’re in college, you would be better off working at the student newspaper than majoring in journalism.
That’s the advice from New York Times recruiter Theodore Kim.
We talked with Kim via email about what he looks for when hiring interns, newsroom assistants and other entry-level jobs.
For a quick speed round, we asked him to rate the importance of the most common qualifications for an applicant on a scale from 1 to 5.
He stressed that “probably all of these have exceptions/qualifiers,” so your specific experience and background will always matter. But these can serve as a rough guide as you consider how to break into journalism.
First, the most-important qualifications: the 5s.
The 5s
Well-written clips: 5. The only unqualified 5 on the list. But Kim stressed that part of the process will include checking in with editors on those pieces. “We will try to determine how much a candidate was edited,” he said.
A compelling cover letter: 4-5. Kim stressed that this depends on the position. “Cover letters are more important for reporters and writers,” he said.
Experience at a college newspaper: 4-5.
The 4s
Wrote a story for any publication that got national attention: 4. This one is a little tricky. “Depends on the nature of the story and your role in the piece,” he said.
List of story ideas they'd pursue if they got the job? 3-4.
The 3s
News internships: 3. Kim noted that it didn’t matter where the internships were. “Quality newsroom internships are essential, but they don't necessarily have to be internships at well-known or large places,” he said.
Freelancing for local news outlet? 3. Kim said that freelancing can help, depending on the beat. “Many people get their start in arts coverage through freelancing,” he said.
Experience in news adjacent fields, such as research or think tanks? 3.
Subject matter expertise, such as studying climate change science or analyzing financial reports? 3. Again, mileage may vary. “It depends on what the expertise is in and what the person wants to do,” he said.
Non-traditional background, such as military service or a career in finance? 3. Again, it varies. “Depends on what the background is and what this person wants to do,” he said.
The 2s
Undergraduate major in journalism? 2.
Reference from someone you know? 2-4. “Depends,” he said.
Experience in a newsroom but not reporting, such as working as a news desk assistant or fact checker? 2.
Created and run own publication, such as a mildly successful Substack? 2.
Freelancing overseas as a foreign correspondent? 2. “Unless this person is aiming to work in international news; in that case, 4,” he said.
The 1s
Graduate degree in journalism? 1. “Unless they went to school to acquire a specific skill like data or climate reporting,” he said.
Experience at a boiler-room type publication — not a great reputation but reporters churn out five stories a day? 1. “But depends on the publication and the work,” he said.
Strong social media presence? 1.
Find Theodore on the New York Times, LinkedIn and X.