| This is the most challenging job market since the Great | | | | What are you strengths? And keep in mind, employers |
| Depression; more and more people are continuing to | | | | are not simply looking for a list of accomplishments, |
| be laid off and pink slips are still the order of the day. | | | | they want to know who you are. As they say you |
| As the job topography changes, so do your job | | | | have one shot to make a first impression. So whereas |
| seeking strategies and approaches need to shift. | | | | you want to emphasize your skills and |
| Whereas public relations is generally thought of as a | | | | accomplishments, remember what you're really selling |
| tool to garner press coverage for companies, many of | | | | is yourself. So, how do you best present yourself? |
| the same skills and techniques that are used in PR can | | | | Once you've answered that question, your next goal is |
| be utilized when job hunting, or when going on an | | | | to learn how to best articulate that message. How do |
| interview. When you launch a PR campaign, you're not | | | | you best brand yourself? |
| only looking to present yourself in the best light, but | | | | Approach your job search the way you would a |
| also for a way to separate yourself from the | | | | media campaign and see how much more effective |
| competition, from the others in your field. But even | | | | you become. Your job here is to effectively present |
| before you get the chance to present yourself, how | | | | yourself to employers. The same tools that are used |
| do you know where to search for a job? Where do | | | | to interest the media can be used to interest and land |
| you go to submit a resume, find an appropriate | | | | a job interview and ultimately employment. How you |
| opportunity, or learn how to effectively network? | | | | present yourself, from your resume, the language you |
| As a result of the recession, a number of new sites | | | | use, your tone, what you wear, and how you speak all |
| have sprung up offering job seekers information and | | | | figures into the mix. Whether you're posting to a social |
| tools to help educate, inform and guide people through | | | | media site, introducing yourself to someone at an |
| the job seeking maze. These new sites and social | | | | industry mixer, or having an actual job interview, your |
| media sites can be valuable tools in your job search. | | | | presentation makes all the difference. |
| Networking and word-of-mouth referrals are still tried | | | | Remember presentation shifts perception and |
| and true ways of finding job leads. So, let's say you | | | | perception creates reality. So, take control of your job |
| now have some leads. Sticking to the PR model, | | | | hunting situation. Launch your own personal PR |
| before you start going out on interviews you want to | | | | campaign, not for the media but for employers. Take |
| develop you message. If you were a company | | | | advantage of the various tools available to you. |
| launching a campaign, first and foremost you'd need a | | | | Remember you're not alone in this and there are tools |
| compelling story; what is it about you or your company | | | | and skills that can help you through this economic |
| that is of interest to the media? The same is true here. | | | | jungle towards a new job. |