Category Archives: Job Search

The Power of Why During Job Interviews

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Don't Underestimate this Word when Looking for Work

Just this week I read about the importance of “why” in two leading national business periodicals. As a result, this observation told me that this is something new that we all should look at-that this “why” word is becoming a trend. Why? You may ask…I’ll tell you why.
The Power of WHY

Why is “why” so important?

If an interviewer asks you why you want the job and you don’t have a solid answer, you’re sunk. Therefore, answering “why” questions can make or break you in the interview process. A little three letter word could kill your chances at landing that job that you want.

Let’s look at other why questions.
Why is there a gap in your unemployment record?
Why did you leave your last job?
Why are you changing careers?

All tough questions that need appropriate and spot on strong, reliable answers that will convince the interviewer why you are the right candidate for the job.

But, “why” doesn’t only affect the interviewee….”why” is just as important of a tool for the job seeker to use. Since you always should ask a question when the interview is over….go ahead and ask this probing why question and see how they answer: Why is this position open?

Here’s another reason “why” is important. This an excerpt from INC. Magazine article written by Jason Fried in the June 2010 issue. The article is titled Never Read Another Resume, but he also addresses why.

“During interviews, we love when potential hires ask questions. But all questions aren’t equal. A red flag goes up when someone asks how. “How do I do that?” “How can I find out this or that?” You want people who ask why, not how. Why is good — it’s a sign of deep interest in a subject. It signals a healthy dose of curiosity. How is a sign that someone isn’t used to figuring things out for him- or herself. How is a sign that this person is going to be a drain on others. Avoid hows.”

I hope you found this post helpful and let me know “why” you liked it and not how it changed your life.

Talk soon, Cindy

Truthful Resignations

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There’s been several things that have caught my eye this week, but for some reason I’ve been too distracted to find time to write a post about them! I plan to cover the TV Upfronts, but I’m still noodling a few thoughts about them and then there’s been so many privacy issues to keep abreast on with today’s grievance against Google and all the Facebook ruckus.  With so many online security compromises popping up lately, there must be some truth to all this – and that is making me a bit nervous about what I’m sharing online and with whom.  So my first tip of the day is to be sure to go back and double check all your privacy settings on things like YouTube, Skype, Facebook, MySpace and others.  It never hurts to check to makes sure the right folks are accessing your profiles.

But…I did want to comment today on a few things.

A GRACEFUL AND HONEST EXIT

Brown Used Her Own Words Powerfully in Her Exit

In the field of PR, exits/terminations/lay-offs are always tricky matters that are often highly emotional.  With that, the corp. comm executive is mandated to keep matters as professional as possible and make sure the respective company always comes out smelling like a rose.  As a result, the exiting employee 99 percent of the time follows the strategy of the corp. comm department and often uses its words and phrases.

Early last week, CNN anchor Campbell Brown did a classy move that I wanted to note.  She used her own words to describe her latest transition. Her transparency did not hurt her nor the company in the least and I wanted to applaud her for being pro-active and admitting the truth publicly.  Here’s how she put it in an LA Times article May 18.

To be clear:  this is my decision, and one that I have been thinking about for some time. As for why, I could have said, that I am stepping down to spend more time with my children (which I truly want to do). Or that I am leaving to pursue other opportunities (which I also truly want to do). But I have never had much tolerance for others’ spin, so I can’t imagine trying to stomach my own. The simple fact is that not enough people want to watch my program, and I owe it to myself and to CNN to get out of the way so that CNN can try something else.

Bravo Campbell Brown! A beautiful exit that no one could argue that became a classy professional move. I wish you well and may your exit statment serve as an example for others.

And speaking of exits, this also caught my attention.

A CHANGE AGENT WHOSE AN ARTIST

In Monday, May 17′s Wall Street Journal I noticed that Kodak’s Marketing Chief Jeffrey Hayzlett is resigning after four years with the Company.  Since I have several marketing colleagues out of work at the moment, the article intrigued me.  But it was its content that got my interest.  I like this Hayzlett guy-he is one current marketer who is imagining new ways to conduct business, a true change agent – so much so – he even knew when it was the best time for him to move on.

What a healthy and smart guy – here’s why.

A True Listener and Change Artist

The article says that under his short watch, Kodak created the roles of Chief Listener and Chief Blogger and launched a social media team.  And that’s not all, he was behind Kodak’s latest advancement in their camera’s “share” capabilities, meaning allowing users to post photos immediately to Facebook for example from the device.  This Chief Marketer truly gets how important it is to understand the consumer by listening to them and that it takes a skilled individual to work full time as a company blogger.  Can we clone him?

Also, listen to his exiting quote….just like Brown, his truth is as refreshing.  He took himself out of the game.
“My role was to come in and act as a change agent and to get things moving. Now it’s time for someone who’s got a different type of skill to come in,” he said.

He also had reason to leave. He just released a business book, “The Mirror Test,” which he said in the article was a major reason for the departure.  “The book is taking off a lot faster than anyone expected,” Mr. Hayzlett said. “It’s a massive, time-consuming activity.”

If the book is anything like what he displayed through his actions at Kodak, then it’s a must read.

In summary, with these two honest examples of resignations, I hope they are signaling a trend toward transparency!

Exiting Stage Left,

Cindy

Job Search TV Network – The Time Has Come

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Okay, here’s my million dollar TV idea and you are free to steal it if you have the power to make it happen. I don’t that’s why I’m making my plea to you.

With over 15 million people unemployed, I think the time has come for a Job Search TV Channel or Job Search on VOD. Heck, I’ll take just fours hours of programming a week if that’s what is possible at the start.  I whispered this idea to MSNBC’s Chris Matthews and a few others yesterday and they all loved it too.  But, I think it’s high time we help those in desperate need of employment with information that makes them more valuable to the market.

Why?

I’ll tell you why.  As person in transition, I have had the good fortune of being in a outplacement service for six months. At this outplacement service I have learned so much that I would have never thought to do or try in job search.  In addition to this service, I’m also enrolled in government job search programs and have attended some local workshops held at various churches and synagogues.  Yes, even synagogues.

It's Time for Job Search TV Programming

I am impressed that all these outfits are teaching the same fundamentals like:

  • The importance of networking – Since only 3 percent of all jobs are landed online; the rest come from who you know-that’s why LinkedIn is so important.
  • 30-second Elevator speech – If it critical that every person in transition be able to verbally recite who they are and what they are looking for. That way others can see how they can assist.
  • Target Companies - Having a game plan of what companies you would like to work for is a critical step. Without knowing the types of firms you are interested in, it’s harder for others to connect you with others.
  • Trends – It is essential to stay ahead of the curb by knowing what industries are hot for new employees. For instance, healthcare is growing, but mostly in the wellness area.  Knowing the key growth areas is necessary, especially if you are planning on investing in re-training.
  • Finances – Knowing how to stretch your money and keep your house while on EDD are just some of the concerns that the jobless face.  This area alone will drive viewership in droves. Who doesn’t need to tighten belts in this tough economy.
  • Healing - It is common to experience depression and grief when going through a job loss.  Trying to navigate through that wilderness is part of the process toward healing and re-gaining confidence to re-enter the job market.

These are just a few of the subjects that the network could present.  The Job Search TV Network could also delve deeper into providing tips for those unemployed with military backgrounds and those just entering the workforce.

Would the Network be successful? With that many people unemployed in the U.S., I believe the ratings for each show could easily hover around 6 to 7 million if not more.  Also, the network is perfectly primed for sponsors. Companies like Monster, CareerBuilder, The Ladders, immediately come to mind.  And that’s not including financial services and insurance companies, etc.

High ratings, guaranteed advertisers and being the first on the scene are definite pluses with this new enterprise, however, they don’t hold a candle to the goodwill the company will receive for doing so.  Not only will the press jump on board and provide first-rate coverage, but the Government and The White House will also point toward your efforts.

So if you are a major communications corporation or a struggling independent cable network that needs attention, think about this subject.  It’s a win win for all and will help get America back on its feet.

President Obama Will Applaud Job Search Programming

Today, at THE CABLE SHOW executives who can make this happen are here – I just wish my blog had a loud enough voice to truly get some traction on this core subject. Brian Roberts, Jeff Bewkes, Peter Chernin, Les Moonves, Jeff Zucker, Matt Blank, Glenn Britt, Philip Kent, Tony Vinciquerra, David Zaslav -I’d love to talk to you about this subject!

I’d love to hear you thoughts about this type of programming. Would you watch?

Cindy

The Cable Show Is On…

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A first for Me and I'm Having a Blast as the Working Press

Dear All,

I’m an official member of the press at the NCTA’s “The Cable Show.” Whoot! Whoot! I am in my element and I’m all smiles. It feels so great to back with all my friends again…I’ve spent over 15 years with some of these folks and I haven’t seen them for over two years.  It is absolutely wonderful.

Already I’ve bumped into and hugged Kent Gibbons and Tom Umstead of Multichannel News, John Ourand of Sports Business Journal, Seth Arenstein of CableFax and all my dear NCTA Public Affairs Staff colleagues Rob Stoddard, Pam Ford, Eric Thomas and Christina Anderson.  The press room is quiet, but we’re all in festive moods and ready for the Show to begin.  So Bring It!

I’m excited about the slate of celebrities that will be gracing the exhibit floor, of course,  in addition to the top executives who will be present.  Tomorrow, I hope to get a glimpse of Gold Medal Olympian Shaun White who’s here on behalf of KarmaLoop TV (?) and Wednesday – that day is action packed with the likes of my favorite MSNBC anchor Chris Matthews; Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of New Jersey,” Showtime’s Justin Kirk from “Weeds,” and then there’s the Fox Sports NFL guys – Aikman, Bradshaw, Johnson and Long.  I’m also excited about Joe Buck being here. He and I worked together his first couple of years at Fox and it would be nice to re-connect and get his autograph.

Daisy Whitney Inspired Me to Blog and Produce Videos - She's Awesome and An Industry Trailblazer

Speaking of celebs, the person who inspired me to try my hand at social media and produce video content will be here moderating a session – Daisy Whitney of New Media Minute. I can hardly wait to see her again. She rocks the media world!

I was able to conduct my first interview today with the folks promoting the CIO Track at the NCTA. This part of the organization is rapidly expanding as the IT and cable worlds continue to converge.  So watch below for the latest in this area with Christina Anderson, NCTA’s Senior Director of Web Strategy and Michelle Manire, President of Manire – a trend-setting thought-leading communications firm.  Together they produced one of the best giveaway items I’ve seen at the Show.

Off to the Media Welcome Reception and other night life!

Reporter Cindy

Cable Show Eve-Thoughts as Hundreds of Cable Execs Overtake LA

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Notes and a variety of thoughts from yours truly on the eve of the National Cable and Telecommunications Association’s (NCTA) “The Cable Show” Convention as it begins in Los Angeles tomorrow through Friday.

*The Cable Executives Are Coming! If you’re noticing more signage about cable TV shows this week around town – don’t fear that your rates will soon be rising…For it’s all being purposely done by those “said” networks to show off their wares before their competitors who are in town for the national convention – The Cable Show starts tomorrow. If each network was like a peacock – it’s their way of showing off their feathers to impress others.

A Public Affairs Program to Help Fight Against Hunger - The Sportsman Channel

*Year Round Attention – There are some cool things happening in conjunction with the NCTA.  For instance, The Sportsman Channel is busing a load full of cable conventioneers to the Union Rescue Mission tomorrow afternoon to feed the homeless through a special event called Hunt. Fish. Feed.  I was hoping to attend, but I had a conflict in my schedule.  Then tomorrow night a group of cable executives are organizing a fund-raising event in honor of Will Flannery, a wonderful cable executive and family man who passed away suddenly last year at the age of 38.  They are raising money to help his family – its an incredible gesture and I applaud those who are behind it – this is how cable makes a difference.

*Money Men - Well cable has “Mad Men” and it also has “Money Men.”  Kudos to LA Times Reporter Meg James for her story today based on the results of a Los Angeles Times survey that listed compensation packages doled out to C-level media and entertainment executives. The figures these heads of entertainment corporations received was eye-opening and it also was perfectly timed to make an impact as the cable convention begins this week in LA. A majority of the men making these incredible salaries will be here in town, earning their money.

I have included a chart that the LA TIMES featured with the story for you to see for yourself the obscene sums of money these men, not women, earned last year.

If I get a chance I’d like to ask Meg James, a fantastic TV business reporter, if she could follow up this story with another article on this subject for I am curious about two things – (1) How much money did these suits devote to charity last year? And (2) how many people were laid off from their respective corporations last year?

I mean, not to point fingers at Greg Maffei, the CEO of Liberty Media – but he brought home $87 million last year. What in the world can you do with $87 million!!!! My hope is that he is using it to re-invest it back into America by either – giving it back to his company so they can keep employees, handling some back to our U.S. Government so it can cancel a small portion of its national debt, donating some to those less fortunate like earthquake survivors in Haiti or Mexico or doing something other than buying more homes or cars. That is my wish for all of them and to be fair-I know most of these men are generous with their contributions.  My favorite wish would  be that would give it all back to their companies to keep employees on their jobs!!!!!!!!!!! They can make a huge difference in the world and I hope that they follow in Bill Gates’ footsteps in this area – his Foundation with is wife Melinda is amazing. What huge opportunities these “money men” have and so many worthy causes to choose from. I wish I had that dilemma, don’t you?  What would you do with $87 mill?

Chart: Compensation for media executives

So that’s it for today…I’ve got to pack up all my stuff and get ready for the convention tomorrow. I’ll be getting my credentials in the afternoon and start reporting as soon as I can.  I’ve got a lot of people to say hi to first though at the NCTA – I am so looking forward to seeing all my colleagues again and learning about the future of cable.

Stay tuned.

All My Best,

Cindy

Hardest PR to Do – Your Own

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Publicists are Company Cheerleaders

Tonight I spoke to a group of PR students about the hardest PR to do and in my opinion, your own publicity is the most difficult. Just as your resume is painful to write as is cleaning your own house.  I’d much rather do someone else’s PR than my own and I’d rather draft their resume and even help clean their home or garage.  When I do it these things for myself, it’s drudgery for some reason. It’s just less fun.

But, I wanted to point out to this energetic group how important it is to do your own PR, especially when looking to start a career.  This must never be overlooked.  I have seen these stats lately that 97% of all jobs are found through networking.  If the only way you will find your next job is through another person’s assistance, then it becomes imperative for you to be able to tell others what you are looking for in a position and what companies you are targeting in a 30-second elevator speech.  You need to have a clear, concise answer as to your work desires.

And after you’ve gotten down your elevator pitch, then you need to make sure your brand is reflected in everything you are posting online. Once branded, you need to stay true to that brand in all that you do on-and-off the record for as it was so aptly put in an article in today’s Wall Street Journal written by Jeffrey Zaslow-we need to think that cameras are always watching us.  Whatever appears on the web about us-is part of our brand-so it’s best to control it through blogs, comments, tweets and video.

The best comparison that I can make regarding publicity is that publicists are cheerleaders for a company. We’re standing out in front of the crowds yelling to the top of our lungs, touting the company’s accomplishments. We have their emblems on our sweaters and we are a walking sandwich board for them wherever we go.

It’s my calling and I love it.  But, I do act as a publicist in all that I do.  I’m constantly filtering what I’m saying, posting, shooting or visiting.  Because of my profession, I also edit what I think to make sure what I say is exactly the right words.

And when I’m not doing that I’m reading and observing how people engage with each other.  When I read a newspaper article, I’m looking at the responses to see how others counter attack.  That’s why you’ll see me write about such events as Toyota’s crisis, or Tiger Woods or now I’m watching BP Petroleum.   I look at how PR is being practiced in all areas around us.

Me In Action Doing Personal PR

All this leads to the fact that it’s important to have a sense of who you are so you can help others become who they want to be. And the field of public relations has a bright future, because of the harm that others are inflecting through digital abuse.  There will always be some mess for publicists to clean up whether that be a giant oil spill, a high-profile divorce or tainted aspirin.

Publicists will always come to the rescue.

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