Exclusive Interview: Kate White Shares Her Top Success Secrets

As author of forthcoming career book, I Shouldn’t Be Telling You This: Success Secrets Every Gutsy Girl Should Know, Kate White, renowned former Cosmopolitan EIC, shared her top tips during a live Twitterview, hosted by Ed, which covered everything from how to land your first job to how to move up the masthead. Ed took it upon himself to follow one surefire success secret: take really good notes and put them in a safe place for future reference. #ICYMI (in case you missed it), he has provided the entire transcript from last Friday’s chat below.

@Ed2010News: We’re so thrilled for you to join us today, @katemwhite! We’ve got a ton of great questions, so let’s get started. #AskKate

@Ed2010News: And Edsters, feel free to ask @katemwhite any questions you might have as we go along. She may just respond directly to you! #AskKate

@KateMWhite: Hey @Ed2010News, Can’t wait to get started with the #AskKateTwitterview. Ready for my first question.

@Ed2010News: If we’re having a hard time getting a mag/web job, what are good jobs to take while we work our way there? #AskKate

@KateMWhite: Anything that lets you practice the same skills, i.e. creating content. But it’s tough to make a switch. Try an unpaid internship. #AskKate

@Ed2010News: Where should we get our 1st EA job if we want to be successful? Is it smart to still choose print? Or career suicide?#AskKate

@KateMWhite: Big mags are still thriving, and their websites are integrated with edit. So you might be able to do both. #AskKate

@Ed2010News: I’m competing with former job-holders for entry-level jobs. How can I make my internships stand out on my resume?#AskKate

@KateMWhite: Showcase what you did that wasn’t pure grunt work (writing, research etc). Doesn’t matter if you weren’t paid for it #AskKate

@Ed2010News: What tips do you have for looking for a job in a different city? #AskKate

@KateMWhite: Use @LinkedIn to find out who you know in your desired field in that city. Ask them to make email introductions for you. #AskKate

@Ed2010News: What do you consider appropriate attire for job interviews—in general and specifically at magazines? #AskKate

@KateMWhite: Do yr homework. Dress at least a notch up from how you’d dress on the job. For mags, look polished, together, fashion-forward. #AskKate

@Ed2010News: What impresses you in interviews? #AskKate

@KateMWhite: What impresses me in interviews? Passion. Why yr dying to work for me. Don’t be the cool cucumber. The hot tamale gets the prize.#AskKate

@Ed2010News: Do you have any career advice specific to men entering the industry? #AskKate

@KateMWhite: Art Cooper said to learn to write great coverlines. They sell mags but also help shape articles, book proposals, brand strategies. #AskKate

@KateMWhite: No different for men. Show you’re passionate about the field and ready to pivot as things continue to evolve. #AskKate

@Ed2010News: With so much competition for mid-level jobs, how can associate and senior editor candidates stand out? #AskKate

@KateMWhite: Do much more than you’re told to do–pitch killer ideas, ask to do a first edit on an article. Strut your stuff–& then ASK for it #AskKate

@Ed2010News: Would love to hear your advice for writing a book while holding a job. What are your time management tips? #AskKate

@KateMWhite: Don’t make it too hard. Start by writing 15 min a day at a specific time when you’re in the zone. Then build to 1hr. Pages add up. #AskKate

After the beef of the Twitterview was complete, White even answered questions directly from Edsters!

@kristenkemp: What are the traits you look for in the very best editors and writers? #askkate

@KateMWhite: Best qualities for mag editors? They have great ideas, line-edit brilliantly and work their butts off. #AskKate cc@Ed2010News

@aubsn: is it more important now to be an expert in one skill (writing, design etc) or capable in all? #AskKate

@KateMWhite: Have one dominant skill you’re known for (that’s your brand) but become multi-talented #AskKate

@miss_coulehan: What’s the most valuable lesson you learned while at @Cosmopolitan #askkate

@KateMWhite: Dare to break the rules and go big or go home. It’s scary but helps set you apart. And don’t ask permission–do it.#AskKate

@ashley_fahey: Where do you see the magazine industry going in the future and how should emerging, hopeful magazine editors prepare?#askkate

@KateMWhite: Consumers will read mag content on phones and tablets. So become brilliant at creating content. Content will rule.#AskKate

@Rachoozer: How can I transfer into magazine publishing (entry-level)from book pub. when you HAVE to be in college for internships?#AskKate

@KateMWhite: Tell them you LOVE the fast pace & immediacy of magazines–it reflects your work style much better than the book world. #AskKate

@thaatcaligood: can writing your own blog hurt your chances in the magazine industry? #AskKate

@KateMWhite: No, as long as it’s good, compelling, relevant and not nasty. Print editors need people who are web savvy. #AskKate

@myriahtowner: What is something that you learned being an editor that you wish you had known when initially pursuing your career?#AskKate

@KateMWhite: Drain the swamp as u slay the alligators. Make sure to focus each week on the big picture even as u do the basics#AskKate

@jilslander: What’s the best way to get an employer’s attention via email? #AskKate

@KateMWhite: Make your pitch about what you’d do for them, not what YOU need, a common mistake. Say you’ll follow-up–and do it.#AskKate

With his head spinning with all of White’s invaluable tips, Ed finally had to wrap up the interview with one last question: how do you get promoted?

@Ed2010News: Rumor has it you’re big on employees asking for the promotions. What’s the best way to phrase this question in person?#AskKate

@KateMWhite: Last #AskKate q&a.I care less about phrasing, more about whether you’ve earned it. You need to do be doing far more than your job calls for

@Ed2010News: And that concludes the #AskKate Twitterview. Still want more? Pre-order her new #career book, a #GutsyGirl must! http://bit.ly/QiVrZ3

@Ed2010News: Thanks for joining us today @katemwhite! Ed can’t wait to get his hands on ‘I Shouldn’t Be Telling You This http://bit.ly/QiVrZ3 #AskKate

@KateMWhite: Thanks @Ed2010News & everyone for the great #AskKate Qs! Signing off now. Last words of advice? Go big or go home!

Additional parting words: Be sure to follow Ed2010News and Kate White on Twitter!