Cut out for PR Career? Take Free Online Personality Test

Since my first corporate job at Eli Lilly, I have taken a variety of personality tests–all of which confirm that I picked the right career.  Most companies and agencies pay for such testing of employees as a way for everyone to understand what motivates individuals to perform well in teams.  Several websites offer personality testing, but many…… Continue reading Cut out for PR Career? Take Free Online Personality Test

Avoid Naïve Networking. Make it Count

Successful networking should be an enjoyable, beneficial experience for both parties involved.  Unfortunately, too many networking overtures fall flat due to lack of preparation by individuals initiating the discussion. I found excellent networking advice from The Acton Foundation.   Based at the University of Texas, Austin, the Acton Foundation provides teachers and aspiring entrepreneurs with a wide variety of courses and…… Continue reading Avoid Naïve Networking. Make it Count

Job Interview Tips: Be Informed, Positive

Q.  As an agency HR director, I interview many candidates and am often amazed with what they tell me.  Several of my colleagues share horror stories about inappropriate comments during interviews with several college students, recent grads and even veteran PR pros.  And it doesn’t do their candidacies any good when they talk about the desperate nature of their job searches, or…… Continue reading Job Interview Tips: Be Informed, Positive

All Is Not Lost for the Class of 2009

One of my favorite New York Times columns, Career Couch, yesterday answered four important questions on the minds of the Class of 2009.  Bottom line, writer Eilene Zimmerman says the job situation is troubling, but it certainly isn’t hopeless.  The column also refers to two websites we hadn’t previously heard about–PricewaterhouseCoopers career site and CollegeRecruiter.com.  Although not…… Continue reading All Is Not Lost for the Class of 2009

Career Quick Start Via Volunteerism

Tom O’Keefe graduated from Villanova University last year and asked himself “now what”?  He found his answer and writes about it in a short, thoughtful post on Career Realism.  In this bleak job market, Tom answered his own question with another question:  “Did you know you don’t necessarily need a job or internship to gain relevant experience in your…… Continue reading Career Quick Start Via Volunteerism

Build Resume and Do Good: Volunteer

Volunteerism is growing rapidly, and the process of finding an opportunity that fits your interests and availability is far easier than a traditional job search.  And some positions pay intern-level salaries so don’t overlook volunteerism as a way to get your foot in the door.  The U.S. Congress is finalizing legislation that will streamline the infrastructure for volunteerism…… Continue reading Build Resume and Do Good: Volunteer

Dressing for a Successful Interview

I’ll never forget the advice I got from a mentor many years ago when I asked for input on what to wear to my first major interview:  “If you are only remembered for what you wore to the interview, you probably made a wardrobe mistake.” Making the right decision on appropriate attire can be difficult, especially since you’re likely coming…… Continue reading Dressing for a Successful Interview

Mastering the Art of a Solid Handshake

When I was in college, I worked in the first campaign of popular Indiana Congressman John T. Myers.  He was known throughout Indiana’s 7th district and in Washington for his crushing handshake which sometimes brought stars of pain to your eyes.  But the voters remembered him and reelected him 14 times.  I think of Congressman Myers every time I am…… Continue reading Mastering the Art of a Solid Handshake