This week’s post about green and sustainability jobs brought a question from someone who recently landed a CSR position with a major corporation. He asked for advice on how to incorporate green points of view in his CSR recommendations to management. Fortunately, friend and PR counselor Bruce Harrison has given this question a…… Continue reading A Corporate ‘Greening’ Plan for 2010
Category: Advice from a Pro
The Grad School Option
A young friend decided to enroll in graduate school this month as a way to wait out the lackluster job market. Since he always had planned to get a master’s degree, I couldn’t debate the decision. However, I encourage everyone to make sure they’re pursuing advanced degrees for the right reasons. I enlisted Syracuse University professor Bill Coplin…… Continue reading The Grad School Option
CSR Jobs Poised to Grow in New Decade
The Great Recession caused a dip in corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs as companies cut budgets in order to remain profitable. As the economy improves in 2010, many predict increased growth in CSR activities since “doing good” builds brand reputations and increases sales. Innovative CSR guru Rob Densen shares my point of view, predicting that integrated…… Continue reading CSR Jobs Poised to Grow in New Decade
6 Tips to Improve PR Prospects in 2010
Richard Bailey If I’m to look ahead, then let me start by glancing backwards a moment. Just over a year ago, Sir Martin Sorrell gave the annual Distinguished Lecture for the Institute for Public Relations. Sorrell is Group Chief Executive of WPP, the global marketing services business that owns the Hill & Knowlton and…… Continue reading 6 Tips to Improve PR Prospects in 2010
Dining Etiquette Improves Job Chances
Both women and men can benefit from reading the insightful New York Times interview Sunday with Qwest chief operating officer Teresa Taylor. Taylor confirms the importance of being a good listener in business, and she provides an interesting look into how she evaluates job candidates. Among her most important decision makers: dining etiquette. “I never hire somebody without…… Continue reading Dining Etiquette Improves Job Chances
12 Powerful Women Offer 36 Career Tips
During this week’s PRSA conference in San Diego, a couple of participants called my attention to “Powerful Women in PR: 12 Role Models Share Secrets of Success”, which appears in the Council of PR Firms’ online newsletter, The Firm Voice. The 2-part series features tips from a dozen women leaders in the agency world. We’ve covered some of the tips in past…… Continue reading 12 Powerful Women Offer 36 Career Tips
Speed Networking: Prep For Real Thing
I didn’t know what to expect when I was invited to participate in PRSSA’s speed networking event at the group’s national conference yesterday. What I discovered was a ballroom full of 125 impressive students who were lazer focused on landing jobs in public relations. In the one hour, lightening-fast session, students introduced themselves to many of the 35 professionals who…… Continue reading Speed Networking: Prep For Real Thing
Career Capsule: Ray Kotcher
Ray Kotcher My career sprang from a lifelong interest in the power and influence of mass media. Growing up on Long Island, my two passions were always media and theater. I continued with my passions at college, where I majored in theater and English. After graduation, I started out by teaching high school English.…… Continue reading Career Capsule: Ray Kotcher
Avoid Committing Job Search Suicide
I hate stepping in gum. But it’s the same feeling I got this week from someone who violated several rules of an effective job search. Major issues: Name dropping of “mutual friends” who recommended that he contact me, no resume attached to the lengthy email following up on initial phone call, and blatant overconfidence during the informational interview. Turns…… Continue reading Avoid Committing Job Search Suicide
Embrace Offer of a Career Coach
Q. During my performance review, my boss said she wanted me to meet every week with a personal coach who would help me with “style issues–both attire and presence.” At first, I thought she was pimping me but it was clear from her expression that she was serious. I was offended. I’m the same person I…… Continue reading Embrace Offer of a Career Coach