What are my chances like?

[Gnisy]

I graduated with a degree that didn't quite agree with me. I'm trying to pursue a writing or editorial career since I love writing but since my degree papers aren't compliant with what they want, I'm always the underdog amongst the interviewees. Always close but never there.

Last week, I got called for an interview for a job I really like, as an editor who is responsible for educational content in reference books ( ya, you'd be surprised with what I like and dislike ), but the interviewer frowned upon the fact that I am not from the same line.

So, how important are paper qualifications when it comes to editorial jobs? What are my chances in getting the job? Thanks for your comments.

[Buenchico]

At the early stages of many careers, paper qualifications tend to be important. Employers have to base their selection procedures upon something and, where little or no previous experience is evident, paper qualifications are all they've really got to go on. Later in a career it will be experience that counts far more.

It can be hard breaking into many careers because of the vicious circle of 'no job without experience but no experience without a job'. At least in writing you have a better chance, than in most other careers, of breaking the circle. The way to do it has to be through freelance work. Try writing some feature articles for various magazines and newspapers. You might find that you enjoy freelance work so much that you're prepared to forsake the security of an employed position. If not, you'll still be in a much better position, when it comes to interviews, if you've got some positive evidence of your writing skills.

Chris

[Gnisy]

Thanks Chris aka Buenchico for the answer. The lady just called. I got the job. *does cartwheel* Guess, I was lucky that I did some freelance writing for a friend a couple of months back.