Notes

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

In discussions with my many media contacts, I advise them to be prepared for the worst also to be proactive while still working. In case a reporter, writer or editor does end up getting laid off probably the most important assets they'll want to used in finding a new job is their PR contacts. Yes, that is right; the same people who send you pr announcements may be able to assist you in finding 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 want to help you. As for new jobs, I need not let you know journalism jobs are scarce so don't rule out coming to the "dark side" by learning to be a publicist either... it isn't all that bad! Keep an open mind for some free lance work, or perhaps a career change to marketing, corporate communications or content. In any job search, networking is probably the most important activity that can be done.

Because the corporate office won't always telegraph pending layoff plans, one of the first things I'd 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 not possible send them out in an email to yourself at another address. Why be so paranoid? I've heard of cases where the boss announces the layoff, reporters are told at hand over their blackberries and cell phones on the spot and then they're locked out from the computer system with no time and energy to get that info.

Then if that pink slip comes, you should have the info and you'll be able to reach every contact. Tell them you are interested in a fresh job and share information regarding the job you're seeking. If you are emailing them send an updated resume. Don't be 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 beneath the crazy economic situation we're in now.

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

Because I deal with media persons at all times, I often cope with reporters, editors, writers and photographers who lose their jobs. Usually the media outlet keeps the email address alive for months and someone else answers the e-mail. Some media outlets even keep the reporter's phone mail going and someone else checks it periodically. Not all layoffs are done in the bright light of your day and as a result we publicists don't always hear about it right away.

Through the years I've compiled some resources to assist those inside our business that I'm happy to provide for you now. It is the least I could do:

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

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

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

journalismjobs.com The Journalism Jobs internet site allows you to search for journalism and pr jobs over the U.S.

workinpr.com is focused on 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. The best way to pick up freelance writing jobs.

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

Newslink.org This site features a searchable set 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 That is one of the best sites. It keeps tabs on 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. I read it each day.

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

RTNDA rtnda.org The Radio-Television News Directors Association posts jobs for TV and radio folks and offers a wealth of resources for job seekers. Looking for jobs is free.

In the current job market it's crucial for job seekers to use the internet within their overall strategy. Make a list of career boards and visit them daily to do job searches. Better yet, sign up for daily email alerts. Go to the website s of the companies you want to work for and discover their job postings page. You can also track the companies you want to pursue by registering for Google Alerts on certain topics you need to follow or for the names of companies you would like to keep tabs on aswell.

There are also several general job banks which you can use to find pr 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 can find salary and job demand information for pr and other fields by using 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 be critical to your job search, don't fall into the trap of staying home and expecting the job to come to you by email. You still have to hit the streets and talk with people you know, and people who know people who know individuals who are hiring. In the end, it is networking and personal contacts which will land you employment.

A media person's job search is, the truth is, a pr and marketing campaign. Use all the writing and creative skills you will need to write a pitch and job marketing letter. You have written many articles to convince readers to share your opinion or even to do something. Use those same skills to convince someone to hire you. Just consider it the biggest pitch letter you'll ever write.

As a publicist I've seen first hand the issues facing this industry and I understand that it is extremely tough for professionals in the media to help keep their jobs also to find new jobs when necessary. But there's hope, especially when you utilize the skills you have to get what you need the most - that next job! And when you get that new job, drop me a line.

One more thing. Not to be a smart aleck however the newspaper business is thriving in one part of the world plus some Americans are getting hired. Where? India. Go figure.

Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a pr and marketing firm. Lorenz works together with doctors, lawyers, inventors, authors, start-ups and entrepreneurs. As a seasoned publicist he is often called upon in the first 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 promote their books. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC Nightly News, ESPN, The New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, NPR, USA Today, Woman's World, & Howard Stern to name a few. To discuss how Westwind Communications helps its clients get all of the publicity they deserve and more visit: http://www.westwindcos.com, call 734-667-2090.
Here's my website: https://www.articlesubmited.com/luxe-organix-underarm-whitening-review-get-smoother-underarms-with-niacinamide-when-you-look-good-you-feel-good/