How do I become a writer for the New York Times?

Question

What degree of education do I need for this? Do I need "connections" to be employed there? What else would I need to do?

Answer 1

Going based on degree alone, a bare minimum of a BA in Journalism, with LOTS of writing to your credit - write for the school paper, write for the local rag's teen column, get known.

Connections can help (or even guarentee a job even at a prestigeous paper), but are not strictly necessary.

Start "local"... Snag a job writing for a small paper, but keep your professional "feelers" out, and keep your resume and samples in circulation. A rule of thumb is assume that resumes are destroyed every 6 months, and resubmit every 5 months or so.

Remember to always appear professional, whether applying in person or not, and project confidence when following up.

Yes, follow-up. Do NOT wait for them to call you, call them! Be polite, and about 10 days or so after the initial submission, and once a week (no more) after that, call to inquire if they have reached your application/resume and if they have, what the HR guy or gal thought.

If they indicate they thought you showed promise, or that you were good, but not *quite* what they were looking for, ask them how you can make yourself more attractive, professionally speaking! More often than not, you may receive legitimate direction to enable you to land the job you want easier, even if not at the particular company you want!

Answer 2

Check your brain and logic at the door of the NY Times, and walk in spouting all manner of leftist garbage. That will give you a leg up at the rag that has taken yellow journalism to new lows.