Frequenty Asked Questions about working at The Modesto Bee

History of The Modesto Bee

The Modesto Bee is owned by the McClatchy Company, a leading newspaper corporation dedicated to the values of quality journalism, free expression, community service and a diverse workforce. McClatchy owns papers in California, Alaska, Washington State, Minnesota and in North and South Carolina.

More than 600 people work as a team at The Modesto Bee to produce a quality product, delivered to more than 86,000 subscribers each morning and more than 94,000 on Sundays.

The Bee is printed on a full-color Goss Flexoliner press, which produces crisp color photos and high impact, full-color ads. The water-based ink used on our flexo press does not rub off on our readers' hands.

Diversity at The Bee

The Modesto Bee strongly believes our workforce should mirror our community. To do that our company strives to recruit diverse candidates. The Bee encourages minorities and women to apply. We have a commitment to hire and retain qualified individuals at all levels in all departments.

Advancement Opportunities at The Bee

Our goal is to provide opportunities for growth and advancement for our employees. We post all job openings for prospective internal applicants. Bee employees may also apply for job openings throughout the McClatchy Group, which includes papers located throughout the United States (listed above).

Q: When may I apply for a position at The Modesto Bee?

A: Open positions are advertised in the classified section of our newspaper daily. You may also call our pre-recorded 24 hour job line at 578-2004. If you visit The Bee you may ask to see the binder of open positions kept at the information desk in the front lobby. For your convenience, our web site , www.modbee.com has up-to-date and complete job postings as well.

Please note that we only accept applications for current openings. Please submit your application immediately after an open position has been announced or by the posted deadline date.

Please make sure your application is fully completed and accurate. Your application will not be considered if it is incomplete. Our process can take two to six weeks, so please do not call to inquire about the status of your application. We will contact you as outlined below.

Q: To whom should I send my application and resume?

A: You may include a resume with your completed Modesto Bee application to: The Modesto Bee, Attn: Human Resources Department, 1325 H Street, Modesto, CA 95354. Applications and resumes may be faxed to: 209 578-2095

To apply in person please come to the Information Desk located in the main lobby. Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:15pm.

Q: When or how will I receive a response from The Bee?

The Human Resources Department will receive your application and mail a postcard to you that acknowledges the receipt of your application/resume. The post card will let you know that your application/resume will be reviewed to make sure that your qualifications meet the minimum requirements for the position. The postcard will inform you that if you are selected for an interview, a Human Resources Representative will contact you to schedule the interview. However, if you are not selected for an interview, you will not receive any further communication from The Bee.

If you are selected for and go through the interviewing process, you will receive notification by phone or mail as to the outcome of the position. Please be patient, dependent on the position, notification may take up to several weeks.

Q: How long will my application/resume be considered active?

The Human Resources Department will consider you application/resume active for up to three months. If your desired position becomes available again, you would need to complete and submit a new application with updated information and materials.

Q: May I apply for more than one position at a time?

Yes, however, you will need to complete a separate application for each position.

Q: What benefits are offered to regular full-time employees?

** Benefits may vary for employees covered by collective bargaining agreements **

The Modesto Bee offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, EAP, flexible spending accounts, and more.

Holidays & vacation days: Full-time employees receive seven paid holidays, a birthday holiday, a diversity day and also accrue three weeks of vacation annually. Employees accrue four weeks of vacation, after five years of service have been completed.

Retirement/Investment Plans: the McClatchy pension plan offers excellent retirement benefits with vesting after five years of credited service. The 401 (k) plan allows employees to invest up to 25% of their weekly income. The company will match up to 4% of the first 6% you contribute on a pre-tax basis. McClatchy stock is also available at a 15% discount through bi-weekly payroll deductions.

Q: Does The Modesto Bee offer college internships?

No, not at this time.

Q: What about clips or my portfolio?

A reporter, editor, photographer, editorial artist or graphic artist applicant should submit non-returnable clips or a portfolio of work samples. Work portfolios for editorial artist or graphic artist positions will be returned, but please make sure your name and address are printed on your portfolio.

Positions that require driving as an essential function of the job:

If you are applying for a position that requires you to drive as an essential function of the job, you will be required to present a copy of your DMV (dated within two weeks) record if you are scheduled for an interview. You may obtain your driving record from the DMV, EDD or from your insurance agent.

Q: How do I contact the Human Resources Department?

For recorded information regarding openings at The Modesto Bee, call our 24 hour job line at (209) 578-2004. To speak with a Human Resources Representative, call (209) 578-2093.

The Modesto Bee is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment physical and drug test. The cost of this testing will be paid for by The Bee.