Resume blocks can have themed sections, such as education, accomplishments, dreams, books read recently, charges dismissed, etc. The resume sidebar could comprise a series of pictures, with chronological cutlines. The coaching editor will suggest the block in the assignment stage, and will follow up by asking the reporter to turn in the sidebar before typing or even designing the main bar. A coach might pick up tempting hints in the resume worth further reporting, and might predict graphic and photographic possibilities. Briefing and debriefing The writer should explore the paper s library or online resources before the interview.
Good interviewers leap off from the resume, rather than drowning in it.
Talking with the writer after the interview, but before the writer starts tying typing helps develop a point for the piece and gives the editor a chance to review the visual possibilities, and negotiate a length and a deadline. The coach who hears nothing but resume details can milk the reporter to see if the potentially interesting material lurks unrecognized in the notebook, again by asking good questions, such as the ones above. If the reporter s notes prove as as thin as the dialogue, the reporting should continue. Obviously, the conversation will go better if the reporter submits the resume sidebar first. Cynics and good-guy editors usually just edit the mess, and print it.