Q. I have been in my job for more than two years, and want to make sure I’m keeping my options open for other opportunities. I see interesting-sounding job postings from Monster.com, Jobber.com and other online services, but am worried that my resume might end up on the desk of my boss. Can I trust these services? …… Continue reading Do Online Job Services Keep a Secret?
Time to ‘Audit’ Job Search Progress?
This past week’s jobless data depressed stock prices and the hopes of several readers who asked if there is any chance of their finding employment in 2009. My knee-jerk reaction is “of course, you’re going to find a job. . .but it might not be what you had in mind when you started your search.” The mid-point of…… Continue reading Time to ‘Audit’ Job Search Progress?
Enlist Parents in Your Job Search
Q. I’m dreading the long weekend with my parents since it will be no-stop questions about my so-far unsuccessful job search. Other than staying in my room or hiding out at friends, how can I explain to them why it’s taking so long to land a job? -CE A. Take the offensive. Give them roles…… Continue reading Enlist Parents in Your Job Search
Possible to Avoid Internship?
Q. Out of college, I landed a job through a friend of mine at an engineering firm, doing marketing. I have changed jobs since, going to another engineering firm to create their marketing efforts, however I’ve learned that this is not the field I want to be in. How would you recommend making a career…… Continue reading Possible to Avoid Internship?
Digital Savvy Required for Career Success
I’ve confessed openly that I wasn’t an early adapter to the Internet. In fact, when I headed PR at Sears, I tried to avoid being assigned development of the company’s intranet back when the technology was first emerging. I gave in thanks to arguments by Bob Carr and others on my team. But it took…… Continue reading Digital Savvy Required for Career Success
Career Capsule: Gary McCormick
PRSA Chair-elect Gary McCormick is a long-time friend, who works for the cable organization that produces my favorite television programing, HGTV. We also serve together on the board of the Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations. Here’s a personal snapshot of what led to Gary’s successful PR career. Gary McCormick While I knew that…… Continue reading Career Capsule: Gary McCormick
Entrepreneurship Advice: Now or Later?
Craig Grabiner I was flattered when everyone’s favorite PR careers mentor asked me to write a post for his blog covering entrepreneurship in communication. For the past several years, Ron has been a trusted advisor of mine. Our visits would always have the same feel. I’d tell him that I really wanted to…… Continue reading Entrepreneurship Advice: Now or Later?
Networking 101: Essential to Career Success
A record crowd showed up at 7 a.m. last Thursday for the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce annual meeting. Nearly 2,000 attended the Executives’ Club luncheon in the same ballroom that afternoon. A group of PR professionals holds frequent networking events under the Facebook handle of Chicago PR-TY. Many organizations, including PRSA, organize networking groups of young professionals. …… Continue reading Networking 101: Essential to Career Success
Best Time to Switch from First Job?
Q. It took me several months after my ’08 graduation to land a job that I don’t like. I’ve given it eight months and want to quit. But friends tell me I have to stay a year or two in order to avoid getting labeled a job hopper. Suggestions? -AL A. There’s nothing worse than being…… Continue reading Best Time to Switch from First Job?
The 5 Ws of a Successful CSR Initiative
Columbia College’s Sandra Allen, who is a long-time friend and PR colleague, invited me to speak to her Social Change Communication class yesterday. Her students are focusing on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and they clearly have been giving a lot of thought to the subject. We discussed the evolution of CSR from over the past 30…… Continue reading The 5 Ws of a Successful CSR Initiative