How to tap the "Hidden Job Market"

Did you know that according to CNN, 80 percent of all job openings aren't filled through ads printed in newspapers, or even posted on the Internet, for that matter?

Instead, eight of out every 10 openings are available through networking.  Yes, we're talking about good old-fashioned word of mouth, and brief conversations with other professionals.

In that spirit, here's a slideshow that shows you "The 5 Secrets of Networking".  It's a long presentation, 120 pages long, but it's well worth the viewing.

Click here to read "The Secrets of Networking, courtesy of slideshare.net via Angel L. Ramos*

*--Angel L. Ramos is the Data Manager of the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving at Georgia Southwestern State University.

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What do you want to be when you want to grow up?

What do you want to be when you want to grow up?

That's the question many of us answered when we were children.  Of course, many of the standard responses were these:

"I want to be a fireman."

"I want to be a policeman."

"I want to be a doctor."

"I want to be a nurse."

"I want to be a teacher."

But, as we do that actual growing up, people who have a passion for storytelling might want to consider the following careers:

"I want to be a journalist."

"I want to work in public relations."

"I want to get into sales."

OK, so you're asking, those of you who are reading this post: "Where are you going with this?"  

The bottom line is, with the way things are with the economy, and especially with the media industry, deciding what you want to be when you grow up is not as easy as we think it is.

In fact, at the University of North Carolina journalism school, up to 70 percent of the students who study there aren't actually studying journalism.  They're studying PR, advertising, or other related fields. 

Why?  Maybe it's because those students are starting to realize just that this isn't their parents media landscape.  Or their grandparents.  Or even their great-grandparents, for that matter.

Or maybe, just maybe, that journalism and PR might be one and the same (or no difference) within the 10 years after they graduate.  Who knows?

Those realities alone might make it harder for one to answer that curious question:
What do you want to be when you want to grow up?

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A few cover letter samples

One of the most overlooked, yet important, parts of submitting a job application is the cover letter. 

In fact, a strongly written cover letter is just as critical as the resume itself.  It should do the following three things:

1. It should be brief, with no more than four paragraphs.

2. It should sell your interest in the job.

3. It must convince the hiring manager to at least interview you.

Having said that, here a few cover letter samples for people like you, who are pursuing careers in public relations and communications.  Good Luck.

Communications Manager (careerjimmy.com) 

Cover Letter Example (askamanager.org)

Internship (urbaninterns.com)

News Writer (careerjimmy.com)

Other Communications Cover Letter Samples (about.com)

More cover letter samples are listed here, courtesy of about.com. 

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The convergence of journalism and public relations

It's no secret that times have changed when it comes to journalism and public relations.

There seems to be growing evidence that both industries on the verge of convergence, with content at the center of it all.

Here's a post that sheds some light on how content marketing is driving demand for people who have journalism skills.  Click here to read it, courtesy of The B-2-B Marketing Blog. 
 
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A "sign of the times", or another sign that times have changed?

Five to ten years ago, terms such as "content marketing" or "social media" were unheard of, mere afterthoughts in this ever-nascent digital age.

But with traditional media such as journalism continuing to fragment, both of those terms have taken on new meaning.

And it appears to be evident in the rise of public relations specialists as opposed to the decline of journalists.  The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that journalism jobs are expected to decline by eight percent from 2010 to 2020.  At the same time, the number of public relations specialists will rise by 23 percent from 2010 to 2020.  

So what does this mean for you, the recent high school or college graduate that wants to pursue a career in journalism?  Or even someone that's contemplating to continue their career in the news business?  The numbers linked above show that the changes in the media landscape are both a "sign of the times", or another sign that times have changed.

Are you willing to change with those times?


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Thinking before posting. Why it's important.

Here is a brief word on thinking before posting.

Why is it important? Every time you make a post on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or even a blog like this one, you're either building up your reputation, or tearing it down.

When you apply for a job, any job, employers will "Google" you online before they even get your resume.  So, it makes sense to "Google" yourself beforehand. Just simply sending a resume and/or cover letter just won't cut it anymore.  

Like it or not, many companies make their hiring decisions based on a job candidate's online presence or reputation.  In other words, just sending a bad "tweet" on Twitter can be enough to hurt your chances of getting the job you want.  The same thing goes for posting objectionable photos on Facebook.

The bottom line? The more thought you put into what content you post online, the easier it will be for employers to find, and eventually, hire you.

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PR firm wins several awards

A PR firm based in the San Francisco Bay Area won top honors recently.  Marketwire.com has the details here.

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The state of PR (in the State of West Virginia)

What is the state of public relations in a U.S. state such as West Virginia?  Click here to find out, courtesy of The State Journal.


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The Best of the 3C's: Thinking About a Career In Communication (s): A Reality Check

Editor's Note: Every once in a while, we'll take a look back at some of the best posts in the brief history of the Communication Careers Corner blog, simply titled: "The Best of the 3C's."  So, without further ado, let's get started.

Click here for this classic post from 2010:  Thinking About a Career In Communication (s): A Reality Check.

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What product are you selling in your job search?

When it comes to looking for that right job (with the right fit), what's the main product you're selling?

The short answer? Y-O-U.

Whether it's sending out resumes, applying for jobs, or simply networking with friends, co-workers, or others, it's up to you be the best salesperson possible.

That's yet reason to A-M-Y...Always. Market. Yourself.

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Thinking about moving for a job? What you should do.

There comes a point where there are no prospects for getting a job in your current city or town, and you're left with no other choice but to move.
But what's the best way to go about doing that? Here are several things to consider before calling on that moving van.

1. Consider where you're moving to: There's nothing worse than not only moving to a new city, but also moving into a new company, for a new job. That's why doing research on the company ahead of time is so important. It doesn't hurt to do research on the city the company is located in as well.

2. Consider your family obligations: If you're single, never been married, and/or not otherwise tied to a significant other, or have to care for aging parents, moving for a new job shouldn't be an issue. However, if you're married with children, especially small children, pulling up stakes to move somewhere else might become an issue with the spouse.

Also, if you have solid roots in a community, don't move just for the sake of getting a new job, unless you're sure it will help advance your career. Sometimes, things don't work out with the job, company, or city, which could lead to you being more miserable than before moving.

3. Consider your financial obligations: Before moving to a new city for a new job, you must be able to afford the move. One way to decide whether living in (insert city name here) is to visit http://www.bestplaces.net/col, and find out more on how much it could cost to live in that city. Which leads to this final tip:

4. Consider your lifestyle: In moving to a new city to get a new job, you need to consider what you'd like to do when you're not at work. For instance, suppose you want to attend sporting events or concerts? Or prefer a suburban lifestyle? Or even a more laid back pace in a rural area? Those are the questions you must answer for yourself before deciding to move.

The bottom line? Moving to a different city or the for a job isn't easy. But with careful consideration and planning, the eventual move will be worth it.

Why you should never burn bridges

In an increasingly competitive job market, never has the old adage, "It's not what you know, it's who you know," been more important.

If you've worked in a particular location, industry, or at a company long enough, you'll discover that everybody knows everybody else.  That means you should never burn bridges.

Let's get real here.  Many people lose their jobs for whatever reason, whether it's being fired, laid off, or even a company restructuring.  Still, no matter much it might hurt to be let go, you can't afford to leave the company on bad terms.  

As much as you can't stand your fellow co-workers or boss, telling them to simply "get lost", or "I don't need you", can only hurt your career.  In fact, the so-called "difficult people" we must learn to deal with on the job could hold the key to getting your next job. Also, it doesn't hurt to connect with co-workers that might mentor you, and help shape your career.

So, the bottom line is this:  Whatever happens with your career, always be on good terms with everyone you meet.  And again, never burn bridges.

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Why you should consider content marketing

Within the last five to 10 years, the Internet has become host to a growing number of business opportunities, via social media.  From the usual suspects of Facebook and Twitter, to emerging platforms such as Google +, Instagram, and Pinterest, content marketing has become essential to either finding work, or building your business.

There are multiple reasons why you should consider content marketing as a strategy in your job search or business plan:

1. It helps build your online reputation/personal brand.

2. You can create your own job.

3. It allows you to be more creative in marketing yourself...

...and many more reasons that are mentioned here.

Want to know more about this emerging industry? Check out the Content Marketing Institute web site here. Also, Jennifer Gregory of the Content Marketing Writer blog has more on why freelance writing should consider content marketing here. 

Oh, just one thing. The Content Marketing Institute has more on how to prepare for a potential career in content marketing here.


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Short on time? Here's a tip on how to write short.

Click here for more, courtesy of the WordCount blog.

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A tribute to the "Modern Day Father of Public Relations"

It's Father's Day in many nations around the world, including the United States.  What better way to celebrate this day than by paying tribute to the so-called "Modern Day Father of Public Relations", Edward Bernays.

Believe it or not, it was Bernays PR efforts that helped popularize the theories of neurologist Sigmund Freud.  Click here to find out more about Bernays, courtesy of Wikipedia.

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Brief tips on cover letters

Here are several brief tips on cover letters.  Cover letters should do the following:

1.  State a sincere interest in the open position and company.

2.  Sell your skills, talents, and abilities to potential employers.

3.  Convince the hiring manager to interview you.

What are some other tips on how cover letters can help you land a job?  Feel free to comment below the jump, send e-mail to communicationcareers@gmail.com, or send a direct message to Twitter @commcareer.

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More resume samples

Just click below, and find some inspiration on how to sell yourself and your product.

All examples are courtesy of sampleresumetemplates.com.

Communications Director

Marketing Administrator

Marketing Assistant

Print Production Manager

Special Events Coordinator

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More on highlighting accomplishments on your resume

Ready for more tips on how to highlight accomplishments on your resume?  Here goes.

1. Use numbers: Why use numbers on your resume? Think of it like this: nothing sells on a job hunt like "Increased sales by 99.9%",  or "Generated more than $250,000,000 in revenue in Q1," or even "Marketing campaign to fight lung cancer contributed to a 100% rise in survival rates."  That's what you want to think in terms of when using numbers.

2. Resume Guide: CareerOneStop.org has a neat article on highlighting accomplishments here.

Here's one more:

3. Show off victories off the job: You don't have to actually be at work in order to highlight accomplishments on your resume.  Here are some ways on how to do just that here, courtesy of fedsmith.com. 
 
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The best (and worst) cities for newspaper readership

Are you sitting down for this one? Or reading all about it for that matter?

AdAge.com just released its list of best (and worst) cities for newspaper readership.  Some of the cities that are at the top (and bottom) might surprise you.  Click here to find out more, courtesy of AdAge.com.

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Highlighting accomplishments on your resume

In this post, we're going to talk about one of the most difficult things to showcase on a resume: highlighting one's accomplishments.

When writing your resume, you want it to stand out from every other candidate that's competing for the same job.  In other words, you want to separate yourself from the rest of the pack.  You do just that by highlighting your accomplishments.

When highlighting accomplishments on your resume, you want to do more than just say, "I came to work every day, and got the job done," you want to show how much you've contributed to the companies you've worked for.  Examples can range from highlighting specific numbers, such as percentages (increased sales by 75%), to problem solving.

By highlighting your accomplishments on your resume, you're proving to potential employers that you're an exceptional employee, not just another number. 


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Chicago Sun-Times lays off photographers. What it means for journalism (and journalists).

In yet another sign that traditional journalism is undergoing tremendous change, the Chicago Sun-Times recently laid off all of their photographers.  That move has drawn multiple protests from people who want quality journalism.  Especially in a city as big as Chicago.

But let's briefly look at the impact of the layoffs, beyond the layoffs themselves.  For journalism, the Sun-Times layoffs is a sign that traditional still photographers may not be needed in an age of digital media.  If you're an aspiring journalist, just simply writing won't cut it anymore, as learning photographic and video skills are a must.

And as for the photographers themselves?  They face an uncertain future, as they ponder whether or not to stay in journalism, use those skills elsewhere, or even consider an entirely different career.  It'll be interesting to see how things turn out in the coming weeks, months, and even years.

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Have your ever considered a career in freelance writing?

This blogger has, and is loving it, so far.  Click here to find out why she's in love with freelancing.

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Five things you must do in your job hunt

Article courtesy of careerealism.com.  Click here.

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Is a resume really that important?

Absolutely. Even in this age of social media and networking, it all comes down to what's on those pieces of paper you send to companies every time you apply for a job.

For instance, if you're applying for a public relations position, at say, a college or university, employers want to see relevant experience, not just that simply performed multiple duties at a current or previous position.  Also, employers want to see the commitment, hard work, not to mention the work ethic you've demonstrated at the places you've worked at before.

For some inspiration, click the following links to select sample resumes below. Good Luck!

Marketing Communications Manager

Communications Specialist

Social Media Manager

Public Relations Director

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Can your (lack of) social media savvy hurt your chances of getting a job?

Actually, it can. That's according to a recent survey conducted by the online privacy Abine, Inc.

FoxBusiness.com reports that nearly 70 percent of recent college graduates still have yet to find a job.  Yet, according to that same survey from Abine, only a smaller percentage of those students actually take the time to improve their online reputation.

Why is this important? Companies are judging potential employees by their behavior online, as opposed to simply picking up and reading a resume sent via regular mail.  After all, you are reading this post on a computer, are you?

Think about it.  Is posting a picture of getting drunk at a wild party on Facebook,  or saying something stupid on Twitter,  actually worth the loss of a job, or a lost opportunity to get the job you want?  Again, think before you tweet, or post, for that matter.

The bottom line? Use common sense when it comes to using social media.  The ability to land a job in an increasingly tough job market could rest on it.

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Just another reminder to A-M-Y: Always Market Yourself

If there were any more reminders as to why it's so important to market yourself, Dorie Clark gives yet another in her latest article on Forbes.com.  Click here to read it.

In addition to the points Clark adds in her post, here's another piece of advice to build your communication career: networking.  Networking gives you access to people you wouldn't otherwise meet, who will at least give you pointers on how to navigate this so-called new economy.  Although this post is aimed at future journalists, it can apply to just about any communications or media related field these days.

That 's yet another reminder to A-M-Y: Always Market Yourself.

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Internship Advice

With summer just around the corner, it's internship season for many college students, and if you're a communications major, any chance to hone your skills in a real world setting is very important.

Having said that, here are a few things to remember about internships.

1. Be smart where to do your internship. Ask your professor (s) if the internship is for college credit. Some institutions may offer internships as electives.

2. Treat an internship like you would a regular job. Even though most internships are unpaid,
you still have to come to work on time, and leave when the regular employees, unless there are other arrangements made with the employer.

3. Just because you have an internship doesn't guarantee you a job at the company once you graduate. But it does give you something to put on your resume once it comes time to
start looking for work.

There are many more things to say about internships, only there's not enough time, at least for this post. In the meantime, Happy Interning.

What are the top three degrees in demand for communications graduates (and why)?

This is according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), as well as from the College of Communication and Information at Kent State University.

Communications, public relations, and advertising are the three communication-related degrees that in demand by employers, according to the sources listed above.  Here are several brief reasons why.

Communications: There are many more ways to communicate now than at any point in history, thanks to the Internet.  For proof, look at the numerous channels that are available on YouTube, as well as the hundreds of thousands of podcasts that constantly seem to go online worldwide.

Most employers are looking for problem solvers, not just someone who will simply sit at a desk for eight hours a day, stare at a computer screen, and do paperwork all day in exchange for a paycheck.  For many companies, one of those problems that need to be solved might be improving communications between the company, and its customers/clients.  That's where a communication degree can come in handy.

Public Relations:  Are you a person that can put a positive spin on negative news?  Or find a way to sharpen a company's image.  Or even tell the story of that company?  If you've answered yes to any of these questions, then a career in public relations is for you.

The options for PR grads are numerous, from working with an agency or company, to a college or university.  Or you can work for a non-profit organization, manage a political campaign, or pursue a career in sales.  You can even work for yourself if you choose. The only limit is your imagination.

Advertising: You see them everywhere, on billboards, in magazines and newspapers, hear them on the radio, see them on TV, and (increasingly), even see them online.  Ads, ads, and even more ads.

The options for people who get a degree in advertising are wide open as well.  Companies need people to sell ads (account executives), write copy needed to get those messages out to the public (copywriters), and even people to make them visually appealing and attentive (graphic design).  If any of these descriptions fit you, then advertising just might be the perfect fit for you.


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A brief word to 2013 graduates

If you're someone who recently graduated from high school or college, this post is for you.

For those of you who graduated from high school, considering a major, then consider a career in communications.  Why?  There are many reasons to do so, with career possibilities ranging from journalism to public relations, business management to retail sales, and even graphic design to drama.  In other words, the sky is the limit.

As for recent college graduates, the good news is that the job outlook for you is slowly, but surely, improving.  Recent studies nearly half of recent grads have already been offered jobs.  

Additionally, those with solid communications skills have the best chance at getting the best jobs available.  That's according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).  Imagine handling communications or marketing for an organization like that.

One other thing.  There's never been a better time to pursue a career in communications and related fields.  Why?  According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, the employment of public relations specialists is expected to grow at least 21 percent between now and 2020.  That's faster than average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which publishes the OOH each year.
 
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The bottom line?  Those recent graduates with solid communications skills will find themselves in the best position to get the job they want.

 

 

First Post of the 2013 WordCount Blogathon

As this post is being written, it's now just past midnight, Eastern Daylight Time, and the 2013 WordCount Blogathon is underway here at the 3C's.

Throughout this month (June), we'll hopefully have at least one post about all things communication, freelance writing, journalism, public relations, and other related fields.  It should be a lot of fun, and you, reading this, can join in on it.

So, what we are waiting for?  Here goes!

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