A common misconception is that introductions are the hardest thing to do. They're not; making an impression is, especially when it comes to job applications in the current social situation. You have to impress without coming off as egotistical, while you're also essentially asking for a chance - without seeming desperate. However, I'm determined to work wherever I can and this serves as an introduction meant to make an impression (and help me land the job). But please, no hand-shakes, for now. This marks 11 years of me as a writer and leader in a variety of newsrooms, which makes me a decent candidate in this role. I'm good with brands, people and I can write, shoot video, take photographs, tweet, TikTok and everything in-between. I'm currently the senior lifestyle and entertainment journalist and feature writer at The Citizen (and the de facto deputy editor for the lifestyle and entertainment section of the newspaper). What I offer is a keen writing and news sense, which means I stay on top of trends, a great little black book filled with contacts, a great work ethic. I also deliver on deadlines, time and time again. At The Citizen, I have to work with everybody, but on top of that work well with everybody. From delegating tasks to freelancers and junior journalists, dealing with friendly and over-zealous PRs or even sales reps, arguing with freelancers and journalists (or praising them), work with page and art designers, sign off pages, work with editors and line managers as well as sticking to my deadlines. I've become a master of administration, copywriting, sourcing stories and thriving in a news environment – and this translates extremely well in this position. I run competitions, help with daily schedules and endure all the energies of an open office environment with the calmness of a hot cup of Chamomile tea (no Ativan prescriptions yet). I've been named Feature Writer of the Year at the Caxton Excellence Awards for 2015 and 2016, as well as Feature Writer of the Year for 2018/2019 scooping the awards over many journalists, freelancers, profile writers, motoring journalists as well as the small lifestyle and entertainment team I form part of. These are usually won because of my knack for art pieces, travel pieces or profiles on interesting celebrities. All this translates to the online environment as well – since I'm working at a dual publication. I also have a certain tenacity, which I believe made me so dialled in to what is happening around me, something this role requires in terms of certain responsibilities. Give me a laptop (or a PC, I'm not picky) and an Internet connection and I can work magic. And write about it too. Currently, my scope in terms of writing is wide. Except for a weekly wine column, I write travel, food and entertainment pieces, but also write about art, theatre as well as editing film pages and reviews for the newspaper. On top of that, I write for The Citizen's weekly supplements Buy in Bulk, Gaming and Hammer and Gavel, as well as monthly supplements LiveIN (a décor and design supplement) and Travel (focused on international destinations). Not only am I comfortable exploring any topic, but I'm also always able to produce solid work with a clean copy. Did I mention I do this in Afrikaans and English? Oh, I kept that for last, I guess.