I’m amazed when I hear stories about how people potentially affect their careers via online indiscretions. I’m also impressed with how many people positively impact their job searches thanks to their online presence. In past posts, I’ve urged readers to fully engage in social media, but remain vigilant about the need to project an appropriate…… Continue reading 5 Steps for Wise, Effective Use of Social Media
Category: Off-the-Wall
Students Show Power of Twitter Meeting Coverage
I’ve spoken at a few PRSSA National Conferences in the past dozen years, but yesterday’s meeting in San Diego totally surprised me. Colleague Kevin Saghy and I had just started speaking when my Blackberry began vibrating with “tweets” — from many of the 400+ audience members. If I had the time to read the comments as…… Continue reading Students Show Power of Twitter Meeting Coverage
Jobless? Don’t Try This Approach
A 27-year-old graduate of Monroe College in New York is suing her alma mater for the $70,000 tuition she spent in earning a bachelor’s degree because she can’t find a job. According to today’s New York Post, Trina Thompson’s suit contends she has not been able to find a job since she got her information technology degree in…… Continue reading Jobless? Don’t Try This Approach
Setting Twitter and Facebook Focus
It was a tough call, but I blocked God from following me on Twitter yesterday. Over the past few weeks, I have talked with more than a dozen people who are reluctant to engage in social media. Most have Twitter and Facebook accounts, but they don’t want to engage. They cite the number of “Friend” requests…… Continue reading Setting Twitter and Facebook Focus
Media Woes Create Career Opportunities
Traditional news outlets are scrambling for survival–and losing the fight. This is sad for those of us who began our careers in newsrooms with upright typewriters and saw our stories literally hand set into metal type. However, the changing news environment is opening opportunities for PR practitioners, especially for those who are digitally savvy. As PR professionals,…… Continue reading Media Woes Create Career Opportunities
Pet Peeve: Cell Phone Ringing in Interviews
The informational interview had only just begun when my guest’s cell phone began blaring a rock song signaling an incoming call. She paused, dug the phone out of her purse and sheepishly pushed the “ignore” button. That worked for 30 seconds until the song returned. This time, the phone was turned off. We’re all guilty…… Continue reading Pet Peeve: Cell Phone Ringing in Interviews
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
Personalizing the Business Card Ritual
While attending the Executives’ Club luncheon in Chicago yesterday, I sat next to Gwen Cohen, a First Vice President at Morgan Stanley. For the first time in my professional career, I ran out of business cards as she handed me hers. I told her that I would send my contact information via email, and then…… Continue reading Personalizing the Business Card Ritual
Better Than Business Cards
If you’re looking for a job, don’t try to give a business card to this guy. HGTV’s Gary McCormick momentarily shocks young job seekers when they attempt to hand him their business cards, and he says: “No thank you, I don’t want your business card.” Initially, that might seem strange for the PRSA president-elect. So, Gary…… Continue reading Better Than Business Cards