Dear Coach,

Some recruiters tell me to send blog entries as clips. I have a few that I’m proud of, but I fear that their lighter, informal tone could irritate an editor. Because bloggers at my paper are encouraged to use more “voice” than in regular news stories, I’ve written posts that some might see as funny, but others, snarky or over the top. I don’t want a recruiter to think I have an attitude problem. Do I send in the blog entries as clips, or not? – Budding Blogger

Dear Budding Blogger:

Yes, send the best blog entries — the ones you’re most proud of, the ones with most “voice.” Just be sure you include hard and straight news, major features and any other “traditional” clips that represent the range and skill of your work.

Your blog posts are just that – blogs, not news stories. Coupled with traditional clips, they show not snarkiness, but versatility. These days, being able to use voice, if and when voice is called for, is a huge asset, one that editors at future-thinking news organizations highly value. Exploit it. But show you can turn it on and off when appropriate.

And, in case you are worried about the snark, share a few of your possible blog-clips with colleagues you admire. Ask their opinion: Too snarky to show? Or just the right amount of spice?

Mary Ann Hogan of Boca Raton, Fla., has been a career coach with the Chips Quinn Scholars program for more than a decade.

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