Notes

Publicist Offers Quick Tips to Job - Seeking Journalists Caught in a Lay - Off Frenzy
The employment outlook for the country's newspapers is now bleaker each day. Well respected icons like the Chicago Tribune and LA Times owners have filed for bankruptcy, Gannett has undergone massive layoffs, and newspapers continue steadily to lose ground in competing to promote with television and especially the internet.

In discussions with my many media contacts, I advise them to be ready for the worst and to be proactive while still working. If a reporter, writer or editor does end up getting laid off probably the most important assets they will want to used in finding a new job is their PR contacts. Yes, that is right; the same individuals who send you pr announcements might be able to help you find new work or a freelance gig.

The publicists you cope with on a regular basis may be in the very best position to assist you, and will desire to help you. As for new jobs, I need not tell you journalism jobs are scarce so don't eliminate coming to the "dark side" by learning to be a publicist either... it's not all that bad! Keep an open mind for a few free lance work, or perhaps a career change to marketing, corporate communications or content. In virtually any job search, networking is probably the most important activity you can do.

Because the corporate office won't always telegraph pending layoff plans, one of the first things I would do is usually to be prepared for that possibility by gathering all my contact phone numbers, email addresses, and mailing addresses and save them to a disc or memory stick and take it home. If that's extremely hard send them out within an email to yourself at another address. Why be so paranoid? I've heard about cases where the boss announces the layoff, reporters are told at hand over their blackberries and mobile phones on the spot and they're locked out of the computer system without time and energy to get that info.

Then if that pink slip comes, you'll have the info and you'll be able to reach each and every contact. Tell them you are searching for a fresh job and share information about the job you're seeking. In case you are emailing them send an updated resume. Avoid being bashful to require help and to inform them you've been fired, let go or whatever. Don't keep it a secret. There's no shame in losing employment these days especially under the crazy economic situation we're in now.

Following the bad news is announced be sure to or your former boss puts an auto responder on your own email so if so when people email you there's a computerized reply stating you're not there and so and so is replacing you or whatever and you could be reached for personal matters at this number or email.

Because I cope with media persons on a regular basis, I often cope with reporters, editors, writers and photographers who lose their jobs. Often the media outlet keeps the email address alive for months and another person answers the email. Some media outlets even keep the reporter's phone mail going and another person checks it periodically. Not absolutely all layoffs are done in the bright light of your day and as a result we publicists don't always hear about any of it right away.

Through the years I've compiled some resources to aid those inside our business that I am happy to provide to you now. It's the least I can do:

PR Newswire It's a great resource and the neighborhood office may know of a local company or PR firm looking for employees. The number is: 800- 697-9712 prnewswire.com

PRSA - Public Relations Society of America prsa.org They will have a "Job Center" section which allows you to post your resume.

Society of Professional Journalists spj.org/jobbank.asp Have a look at their Job Bank for members only. It could be worth the annual dues. There are a few free resources that could be useful as well.

journalismjobs.com The Journalism Jobs web site allows you to search for journalism and public relations jobs over the U.S.

workinpr.com is dedicated to providing global PR professionals with strategic career resources and industry information.

Elance.com An internet site devoted to freelance designers, illustrators, writers, editors, and photographers. A terrific way to grab freelance writing jobs.

Editor & Publisher editorandpublisher.com The most recent job listings from Editor & Publisher magazine.

Newslink.org This web site features a searchable list of all media outlets from newspapers and magazines to radio and TV all on a city by city or news affiliation basis.

Mediabistro mediabistro.com This is one of my favorite sites. It keeps track of everything going on in the media world. It has job opportunities in magazines, television, radio, newspapers, book publishing, online media, advertising, PR, and graphical design. read more read it every day.

HARO helpareporter.com A free of charge service for journalists looking for experts. Similar to ProfNet. It is advisable to monitor the 3+ time each day feeds to see what is going on in the world and you'll spot a chance. I devour all of those emails myself.

RTNDA rtnda.org The Radio-Television News Directors Association posts jobs for TV and radio folks and will be offering an abundance of resources for job seekers. Searching for jobs is free.

In the current job market it's critical for job seekers to use the internet within their overall strategy. Create a list of career boards and visit them daily to accomplish job searches. Even better, sign up for daily email alerts. Visit the websites of the firms you want to work for and find their job postings page. Also you can track the companies you wish to pursue by registering for Google Alerts on certain topics you intend to follow or for the names of companies you would like to keep tabs on as well.

Additionally, there are several general job banks which you can use to find public relations positions when conducting electronic searches. You may well be aware of most of them but some of the best are monster.com, flipdog.com, hotjobs.yahoo.com America's Job Bank at ajb.org and you may find salary and job demand information for public relations and other fields utilizing the Michigan Occupational Info System (MOIS) at mois.org. Two additional sites directed to communications related jobs are talentzoo.com and PRCrossing.com

Although the internet will undoubtedly be critical to your job search, don't belong to the trap of staying home and expecting the job to come quickly to you by email. You've kept going to the streets and meet with people you know, and people who know individuals who know those who are hiring. Ultimately, it is networking and personal contacts which will land you employment.

A media person's job search is, in reality, a pr and marketing campaign. Use all of the writing and creative skills you should write a pitch and job marketing letter. You have written many articles to convince readers to share your opinion or to take action. Use those same skills to convince someone to hire you. Just consider it the largest pitch letter you'll ever write.

As a publicist I've seen first hand the problems facing this industry and I am aware that it is extremely tough for professionals in the media to help keep their jobs and to find new jobs when necessary. But there is hope, especially when you utilize the skills you need to get the thing you need probably the most - that next job! So when you obtain that new job, drop me a line.

One more thing. Never to be a smart aleck but the newspaper business is thriving in one area of the world plus some Americans are receiving hired. Where? India. Go figure.

Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a pr and marketing firm. Lorenz works with doctors, lawyers, inventors, authors, start-ups and entrepreneurs. As a practiced publicist he is categorised as upon in the early stages of a company's existence to obtain them "on the radar." As a book marketing expert Lorenz is consulted by top execs and bestselling authors to market their books. His clients have already been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC Nightly News, ESPN, THE BRAND NEW York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, NPR, USA Today, Woman's World, & Howard Stern to mention a few. To go over how Westwind Communications helps its clients get all of the publicity they deserve and much more visit: http://www.westwindcos.com, call 734-667-2090.
My Website: https://www.articlesubmited.com/luxe-organix-underarm-whitening-review-get-smoother-underarms-with-niacinamide-when-you-look-good-you-feel-good/