Anyone looking for a newspaper internship should know that having a portfolio is an essential part of the application process.

Some items that should be contained in a portfolio include clips for writers or a CD, DVD or Web site for photographers, designers and artists.

According to an article by Joe Grimm of the Detroit Free Press, the nature and size of a portfolio can vary greatly depending on the application requirements and type of job, but there are some characteristics that all good portfolios should have.

First, it's important to meet application requirements, including sending the right amount of information, clips and examples the newspaper wants.

"If the newspaper doesn't say, reporters and writers should be safe with six to 10 clips," the article notes. "Artists and designers should go with about a dozen samples and photographers should go with about 20. Edit your package down to requirements, but don't go under. Limit material with shared bylines."

It also is important to make sure the portfolio looks neat, meaning it includes clear and dated photocopies, well exposed photos and pages that are nice to look at and easy to handle.

"Don't shrink type, chop off the edges of your stories, submit grayed-out copies or poorly exposed images," the article states. "Sloppy packages that take a second to make aren't going to get a second look."

It is suggested writing clips be photocopied onto 8 1/2 by 11 inch paper on one side only. The clips may have to be cut and pasted, but the effort will make it easier for others to read your work, copy it for others or file it. Web printouts also are acceptable.

One of the most important tips is to show variety in your work. Writers should chose a few breaking news stories, a feature, a profile, an enterprise story and a personal essay. Photographers should include news, sports and feature images. Designers should include feature pages and news pages.

Writers should choose stories that have great leads, as strong stories with lame leads may not get read. For photographers, strong word pictures that pop will pull the eye into some of your subtler work, but a collection of subtle images might not get noticed.

"If you got the photo of the firefighter rescuing the baby while everyone else was at the other end of the building, include a note that explains how you came to be in the right place at the right time," the article adds. "If the remarkable thing about that story is that you turned it around in three hours, attach a neat note explaining the conditions under which you worked."