New Reporter looking for agency

[Denise Christian]

Hello everyone. Happy to be joining the group. I'm a new reporter looking for an agency, but not having any luck in my first round of calls. Seems to be slow in Southern Ca. Maybe no one wants a newbie. Anyone have any suggestions? Many thanks.

[Cathryn Bauer]

One piece of advice would be to get a very sharp-looking resume, one that not only states but demonstrates exceptional English ability, and let that be your entree instead of a phone call. My favorite resource is somewhat dated, but it's still a great teacher. Yana Parker, author of Damn Good Resume Guide, has a supplement to it called Damn Good Resumes. I learned so much from the supplement that I haven't even read the main book.

Another is, when speaking with an agency owner or rep, focus on finding out what needs they have and anticipate having in the foreseeable future, e.g., expertise in medical terminology, being able to handle depositions for a particular clientele such as the computing industry, and so forth. If nothing else comes of the interaction, you've at least gotten solid info about the direction you need to be building your skills and knowledge. I've hired and fired, so to speak, and I can't overemphasize the attractiveness of a potential employee who's taken the time to find out and/or think about the interests of the company, one who is clearly willing to make themselves useful.

[Denise Christian]

Hi, Cathryn. I'm always so grateful when an experienced reporter takes precious time to give advice. I appreciate everything you wrote. Thanks so much. Denise

[Kyung]

When you say you are looking for an agency, do you mean you want to be a "staff" reporter? Or are you just looking for work. If you're looking for work, call every agency you can, every day if you have to. Ask for their calendar department and ask them if they need any help for their calendar tomorrow. I have had to call up to 20 agencies before I've gotten work.

What area are you looking to work?

[Denise Christian]

Thank you, Kyung, for writing. I guess I was somewhat naive about the job market. Now I see I'll just have to pound the pavement a little harder, and if it takes 20 calls a day, I'll do it. I'm in South Orange County, but would be willing to drive to San Diego or L.A. A question, please: Do you think there's a point where regular phone calls to calendar would become an annoyance, or just keep calling, and at what hour? Thanks again, Kyung. Your comments were really helpful to me.

[Audrey Ricks]

Hello, Denise, and welcome to the world of reporting!

You are probably already in contact with the agencies who hire new reporters, and maybe it's just slow all around in OC (?) Sounds like things are picking up, though.

I'm happy to send you the names of the agencies that DO use new reporters as well as offer more training than some of the others for newbies. I also have the names of a couple of agencies who do nothing but Workers' Comp stuff, which is great for new reporters who are just tyring to get some work under their belt without being sent to jobs that are too difficult.

It may end up that you already have the same agency contacts, but you never know, so . . .
Shoot me a message if you'd like those names.

You're going to LOVE court reporting so long as you're *guided* in the right direction and avoid being sent out on jobs that are above your skill level, which WILL happen with certain agencies.

Have you been "sitting out" with other reporters on jobs yet? You can offer to do that with any agency. It's a good way to stay in practice while you're waiting for your own assignments, learn a few things from the reporters out on the jobs, and it's also a great way to get your name in the door with the agencies.

HTH

Audrey

[Denise Christian]

Hi, Audrey. Thank you for the warm welcome. I would LOVE to have the names of any agencies you know of that are newbie-friendly and agencies specializing in Workers' Comp. I have been sitting out a lot, and every day I come home with my head spinning from all the great information I'm getting from helpful reporters. The support I've received makes me love this job already, and I am so excited to get started. Thank you for the encouragement. It means a lot. Denise Christian ([e-mail])

[Audrey Ricks]

Hello, Denise!
I am in a depo (waiting, of course, for everyone to arrive). I will e-mail the information to you later on today!