A teachable moment for us all, even journalists.
As my dad would say: 99% of success is preparation.
We journos are not musicians, but here's how to be prepared when quick turnaround opportunities come.
What do I do, that ensures I respond fast, and get jobs fast?
Issa thread 👇
1. Make versions of your bio+save it as an email draft.
I have three versions: 50, 100 and 150 words. Often, people need the bio to decide to send you an application link or consider you as a speaker.
This way, just type an email address and press send.
Then create a new draft.
2. Create cover letters for the types of jobs you know are associated with your field. For example, I have one for academic/research jobs, for journalism jobs, and for freelance jobs. When deadlines are tight, I simply add specifics and send. I refresh the words periodically.
2b. With cover letters, I recommend in your spare time you introspect - your goals and career can change markedly in weeks, and your cover letters must reflect that. So, keep your drafts updated.
3. With CVs, I always have a one-pager, a 2 and 3-pager & my 5 pager CV in drafts at anytime. So, being outside, on my phone is no problem when I must send a CV.
Also try to have a field/location specific CV draft. In Germany, pictures go on CVs + academic CVs are in table form.
4. A journalist always has to pitch - I have my pitch templates as well, so I can send information from outline to detailed form as quickly as possible, when editors need to make a decision to commission.
5. Just as important? Ant travel and associated documents. I have high-resolution quality headshot pics, pdfs of the data page of my 🇳🇬-n and 🇩🇪-n passports in drafts. Years ago, I also had my IELTS & birth certificates in my drafts. You can add whatever; drivers' license, etc.
In these times, an inability to provide information ASAP can deny you opportunities, or leave the impression that you are disorganised or unserious in the other party's mind.
Boost your chances by being prepared.
If stay ready, you'll never have to waste time getting ready!
❤
Erm...I know for a fact she has not just said, but is DOING a lot towards this issue.
Not everything is done on or for 234 Twitter o!
If you know, you know.
Those doing the work are not the ones you think are doing things.
Stop trying to study Kadaria becos una no go graduate!
These are various times when @KadariaAhmed has spoken up clearly on the issues.
No trolls should try to censor my senior colleague. Do your homework. Exhibit A 👇
She has always said mainstream press should not come under attack for the antics of bloggers.
She has also repeatedly said the press as a whole needs to self-regulate. Exhibit B 👇
My personal academic creed is to never forget that technological and skill disparities that still exist in parts of Africa, and within demographics.
And to ensure my teaching methods are cognisant of the above.
This Zoom-era forces many are missing out. Here's how YOU can help:
Currently, the main gap through which learners (whether one-off webinars, conferences, etc) are slipping is your presentation.
I often speak to learners, not surveys but after class, on social media. The problems learners have (particularly Africans) are data and presentations.
1. First step is to factor in data costs in your planning of your event. We know the transition has been difficult for Africans dw.com/en/how-the-int… 2. If you did not or cannot, then the TIMING of your event must coincide with when ur main attendees have lower costs or access
I take STRONG EXCEPTION to the wording of the pre-testimony oath for #SARS victims which says "I will be seriously dealt with..."
This text is extremely puerile but also subject to wide interpretation.
Not fair to victims! @LagosSarsPanel pls change it twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1…
The @LagosSarsPanel has adjourned to 30 October 2020 at 10am.
Here are a few things I feel should be considered: 1. As stated above, the oath for victims/petitioners is puerile and also subject to extra-judicial interpretation. Please change it.
2. Audio quality and provision of microphones MUST IMPROVE.
Some panel members were whispering amongst themselves on adjournment dates and other matters without carrying others on the panel as well as us viewers along. 3. Get clear name cards& lighting so we can report accurately
1. With all due respect Elder @liborous you got SEVERAL things wrong about what is happening in Germany about the embassy. Your piece about "Nigerians destroying Nigeria" neglected to say exactly what role Nigerians are playing in the German example.
Give everyone equal flogging
2. You said "passport appointments are not less than 6 months and DELIBERATELY MADE SO, to give room for touts stationed outside the embassy to fleece applicants of €100 each to gain entrance into the embassy or get an appointment date."
This is FALSE.
3. While @NigeriaBerlin has their own fault, your sources should've admitted that it is us Nigerians that approach any staff passing by, and even the Nigerian lady that sells jollof rice nearby, offering them bribes. To be seeking entry, means they had no appointment in 1st place
Today I want to bake Agege bread.
I am TIRED of craving Agege bread.
No...I am not a baker at all.
Mr Meyer is the baker in this family.
So, this may flop.🥺
But I'm ready to die trying ✌
I will update this tweet as I go.
First things first.
Wash your work surfaces. Hands and table.
Use food-safe oils (sunflowee or coconut) to moisturise your hands.
Ashy skin ain't cute.
No, none of this is in the recipe 😭
Activate your yeast with sugar and some water.
Make sure the water is as lukewarm as your government.
Or at the very least, as lukewarm as the fuckboy you're dating. ✌
Sir @NkanuEgbe's advert post reminded me of Sir @DapsyOly's question on if or how the state should be assisting the Nigerian media industry.
Nigeria has treated her journalism like her politics - concentrated power at the "centre."
Hyperlocal media outlets are never factored in.
We have hyperlocal publications that cover niche sectors in well-defined geographical locations e.g @InsightMinna, @LagMetropolitan@insideuniuyo that never make it into media discourse, much less grant and assistance circles. It is like PDP or APC and the rest can bugger off.
What is happening in our politics, where it is either you are PDP or APC and jobbers flit into one or the other to boost their chances, is what is occurring in our media. We have to get to a place where hyperlocals are accorded the support and respect they deserve. As elsewhere.