Career Aircheck
Your next move deserves a second set of ears.
A member-to-member resource connecting public media journalists navigating a job search with colleagues who've been there. Honest feedback from someone who speaks your language.
Members only. The Career Transition Toolkit includes a free PMJA membership — start there.
How It Works
Tell us what you bring.
Fill out a short form with your areas of expertise and a few sentences about your background. We'll add you to the Career Aircheck directory with a link for job seekers to request a conversation.
A job seeker books time with you.
Your profile includes a scheduling link, visible only to members. When someone wants to connect, they book directly using your link and include a note about what they're hoping to cover. You're in control of your calendar.
Have the conversation.
One honest conversation can change someone's trajectory. Share what you know, offer a fresh perspective, and let them do the rest. No follow-up requirement, no reporting, no homework — just a peer helping a peer.
Have you ever been on a hiring committee? Helped a colleague nail an interview? Navigated a job search of your own and lived to tell about it?
We're building the directory now and looking for the first wave of volunteers. You set your own availability and focus areas — this isn't a commitment, just a conversation when someone needs one.
Volunteers can offer help with:
Career Aircheck connects PMJA members navigating a job search with experienced colleagues who've volunteered to share what they know. Every conversation happens directly between you and the job seeker — outside any formal PMJA process.
Keep these in mind:
- Be respectful and constructive. Honest feedback is the goal — delivered with care.
- Respect each other's time. Show up prepared and on schedule.
- Listen actively. Pay attention to what the job seeker needs and tailor your input to their actual questions.
- Offer specific suggestions, not just opinions. "Here's what I'd change" is more useful than "I didn't like it."
Our goal is to lift each other up. When someone is job searching in public media, they need real support from people who understand the landscape. That's you.
Note: Conversations through Career Aircheck are between you and the job seeker. PMJA is not responsible for any advice given or outcomes that result.
How It Works
Browse by expertise.
Volunteers list their background and focus areas — resume review, interview prep, career coaching, and more. Find someone whose experience fits what you're working on.
Book time directly.
Each volunteer profile includes a scheduling link, visible to members only. Pick a time that works and include a brief note about what you'd like to focus on. No back-and-forth needed.
One conversation. No strings.
Show up prepared, be specific about what you need, and make the most of someone's time. This is a peer resource — real feedback from someone who speaks public media.
A job search in public media has its own pressures. Small markets, shifting newsrooms, a sense that everyone knows everyone. Sometimes you just need a second set of ears from someone who gets it.
Browse the directory, find someone whose background fits what you need, and reach out directly.
Volunteers can help with:
Members only. You'll need to be logged in to view volunteer profiles.
Career Aircheck volunteers are giving you their time and experience. They're not your coach, your agent, or your editor — they're a colleague who's willing to have one honest conversation. Make it count.
Keep these in mind:
- Be respectful and positive. You're asking for help — bring your best self to the conversation.
- Respect the volunteer's time. Show up on time and prepared with specific questions.
- Be attentive to feedback. You asked for honest input — listen to it, even when it's hard to hear.
- Be specific about what you need. "Can you look at my resume" is harder to act on than "I'm applying for news director roles and I'd love a gut check on how I'm framing my leadership experience."
Our goal is to lift each other up. Volunteers are here because they believe in that too.
Note: Conversations through Career Aircheck are between you and the volunteer. PMJA is not responsible for any advice given or outcomes that result.
Ready to pay it forward?
If you've navigated a job search in public media and have experience worth sharing, consider volunteering.
Sign up to volunteer →