Notes

Publicist Offers Quick Ideas to Job - Seeking Journalists Caught in a Lay - Off Frenzy
The employment outlook for the country's newspapers is now bleaker every 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 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 getting a new job is their PR contacts. Yes, that's right; the same individuals who send you pr announcements may be able to assist you in finding new work or perhaps a freelance gig.

The publicists you deal with regularly may be in the best position that will help you, and will want to help you. As for new jobs, I don't have to 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 even a career change to marketing, corporate communications or web content. In virtually any job search, networking is probably the most important activity that can be done.

Since the corporate office won't always telegraph pending layoff plans, one of the first things I would do is 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 of cases where in fact the boss announces the layoff, reporters are told to hand over their blackberries and mobile phones on the spot and then they're locked out of 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 will manage to reach every single contact. Let them know you are interested in a new job and share information about the job you're seeking. For anyone who is emailing them send an updated resume. Don't be bashful to ask for help and to inform them you've been fired, laid off 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 make sure you or your former boss puts an auto responder on your own email so if and when people email you there's a computerized reply stating you're not t here and so therefore is replacing you or whatever and that you can be reached for personal matters as of this number or email address.

Because I cope with media persons at all times, I often deal 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 email. Some media outlets even keep carefully 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.

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

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

PRSA - Public Relations Society of America prsa.org They have a "Job Center" section that 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 could be useful as well.

journalismjobs.com The Journalism Jobs site allows you to seek out 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 A web site devoted to freelance designers, illustrators, writers, editors, and photographers. A terrific way to grab freelance writing jobs.

Editor & Publisher editorandpublisher.com The latest job listings from Editor & Publisher magazine.

Newslink.org This 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 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 every 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 the proceedings in the world and you may spot an opportunity. 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 a wealth of resources for job seekers. Looking for jobs is free.

In today's job market it's crucial for job seekers to utilize the internet as part of their overall strategy. Make a list of career boards and visit them daily to do job searches. Even better, sign up for daily email alerts. Go to the websites of the firms you want to work for and discover their job postings page. You can even track the companies you need to pursue by signing up for Google Alerts on certain topics you would like to follow or for the names of companies you'd like to keep tabs on as well.

Additionally, there are several general job banks that you can use to find pr positions when conducting electronic searches. You might be aware of many 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 pr 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 be critical to your task search, don't belong to the trap of staying home and expecting the work to come to you by email. You've kept to hit the streets and meet with people you know, and folks who know individuals who know those people who are hiring. In the end, it is networking and personal contacts that 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 will need to 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 you to definitely hire you. Just contemplate more info 'll ever write.

As a publicist I've seen first hand the problems facing this industry and I am aware that it is very tough for professionals in the media to keep their jobs and to find new jobs when necessary. But there is hope, especially when you utilize the skills you need to get what you need the most - that next job! And 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 the main world and some Americans are receiving 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 practiced publicist he is often called 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 name a few. To discuss how Westwind Communications helps its clients get all the publicity they deserve and more visit: http://www.westwindcos.com, call 734-667-2090.
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