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   Jeff Holmquist 
 
Thinking about becoming a freelancer rather than an employee of a company?  While the flexibility and variety of projects and organizations may be appealing, you need to do your due diligence and prepare before making the switch. 
 
Start by looking inward and realistically determining if you have the characteristics required to be an […]

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I lost my prescription sunglasses last week, and spent several hours on-and-off looking for them.  Finally, I gave up the search and decided it was time to buy a new pair.  That evening, they mysteriously turned up on the floor of my car.  Once again, I was reminded that sometimes the best way to find something is […]

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   Aaron Levie   
Two years ago, I read Inc. magazine’s top 30 under 30 feature story (a.k.a. America’s coolest young entrepreneurs).  At the time, I wondered how many would find ultimate success in business.  Today’s New York Times Corner Office column validates the career and wisdom of one of those young entrepreneurs–Aaron Levie, co-founder and CEO of Box.net, […]

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When I began my agency career seven years ago, I hadn’t yet heard of a Social Media Strategist.  Come to think of it, I don’t recall seeing the title until maybe two years ago.  Today, agencies and corporations have created a bull market for the digitally savvy.   
Individuals addicted to social media are the best candidates for careers in […]

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Q.  I have been looking for jobs at ad agencies and I see many positions that are available.  I’ve made a lot of contacts through LinkedIn.  The issue I face is that I do not have any traditional ad agency experience.  My major was a discipline that I designed to cover all aspects of advertising from […]

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Q.  After reading your answer to the “Dealing with Disappointing Job News” question, I decided to ask my own version of that question.  After receiving an offer letter from one agency, I accepted it immediately.  The offer letter had every bit of information I needed to know: the dress code, start date and time, where/how […]

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Agency culture will be the deciding factor for a friend who has been interviewing for a new position with several agencies.  Feeling he made a mistake in chosing his current firm, he now lazers in on the all-important corporate culture.  He’s also found that it’s a two-way street since a couple of employers are equally interested in his fit […]

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Q.  I’m attending a liberal arts college that doesn’t offer a PR curriculum, but I want to pursue a career in PR.  One of your earlier posts seemed to indicate that communication degrees aren’t required to land a job in public relations.  Did I make a mistake in my college choice or can I still […]

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   Tim Conway   
In a weak employment market, it’s a smart strategy to take risks.
Push yourself to try unconventional job search methods.  By being a go-getter, you will spot hidden opportunities.
Here are surprising tactics that are productive:

compose brief bio and case studies (format of Situation, Actions, Results); send as an alternative to a boring resume
create […]

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Q.  I’ve often applied online for PR jobs at large firms, such as Ketchum.  After sending in my cover letter and resume, I’m often at a loss for what to do next.  The firm’s site makes it difficult to contact an HR person (or anyone else) for a follow-up.  I’ve gone through my contacts list […]

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