Q. I was recently terminated from my job as a reporter with a large paper in Texas. The editors said they took that action because of poor performance on my part.
I had been at the paper for nearly eight years. I was never suspended or placed on probation during that time. I won some reporting awards and my last evaluation was good. Altogether I have over 20 years of experience as a reporter for papers in Texas and Iowa.
Is my career as a reporter effectively over? If I do apply for a reporting job at another paper, I would expect to be asked to explain the circumstances of my termination. I don't know how I could do that without damaging my chance of getting the job. The paper will not give me a copy of my latest review.
JohnA. No, your career is not necessarily over. People have landed jobs after firings before. Much depends on why you were fired and whether there is anything to it.
But today's market is so tough you might have trouble getting a new job even without this unfortunate termination.
So, if journalism is still what you want to do, I would go for it. But with a couple stipulations.
Think beyond newspapers. This unfortunate break may have given you the opening you need to try other forms of new media where your knowledge and skills would be appreciated.
You have to bring up the firing. Don't try to hide it, and don't be evasive. But I wouldn't make it the lede of my cover letter, either. Be prepared to say what happened, how you reacted, and whether you learned or changed anything because of it.
You'll need a good reference. It is unlikely prospective employers will have any fruitful talks with the editors who fired you. So secure a couple of good references at your old paper who will back you up. They are essential. If no one will go to bat for you, you will have a problem.
Good luck.
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