That's a good note: the last time I advertised widely for a science TV researcher job I saw 400 CVs. Note that this was (a.) children's programmes, (b.) not the BBC, (c.) in Leeds, and (d.) after Granada HR had filtered out the real no-hope applicants.
I don't mean to discourage anyone from applying, just bear in mind that on the first pass your application has maybe a minute to get you into the 'maybe' pile. Your GCSE results likely shouldn't be the first thing on your CV, and while you might be (rightly) proud of your scicomms MSc, that only differentiates you from half of the other applicants. Your degree or masters project, any relevant work experience you have, and how you write about your passions are likely to be bigger factors.
If it were me recruiting, I'd be looking for:
* Terrific writing. Lots of people can write. Not many can really *write*.
* Signs that your appreciation of science TV goes beyond "I really enjoy Brian Cox's programmes".
* An indication that you grasp that media isn't about what you like, it's about what the viewer likes.
* Clear thinking. In principle scientists are trained to be good analytical thinkers. You should have been able to write this list for yourself, by thinking the problem through from the perspective of the BBC.
Do go for the job, but *really* go for it. Don't just chuck in a quick application on the off-chance, that's a waste of everyone's time, including yours.
The very best of luck. And when, in ten years' time, you're commissioning editor - please remember I was nice to you now. Ahem.
On 19 May 2011, at 07:39, Tim Reynolds wrote:
> Now that is an opportunity! And an experience well worth applying for. The competition will be fierce - so a little consideratiion of your USPs a very good idea before putting digits to keyboard. Good luck!
>
--
Jonathan Sanderson
"If I had more time, I would have written a shorter letter" (Pascal)
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