What Should Resumes Include?

Today I stumbled across a very interesting article posted by PR Daily listing things you should not include on your resume if you want to get hired. Some of them made sense, some of them are common sense and others were just nonsense.

The items included references available upon request, overused words, skills in Microsoft Office, objectives, photos, high school information, too much contact information and hobbies and interests.

While I could go on and on about each item, right now just I want to address the "nonsense" bit I mentioned: Hobbies and Interests.

Why shouldn't I include my interests and hobbies on my resume. Obviously I am not going to write out a detailed description of what I do in my free time, but why not give a little insight to what drives me in life?

Isn't that something employers look for? Passion and drive? - Sure I could be killer at my duties for a certain role in a company but if I'm not personable, a key attribute in PR, or have a passion for anything, I think that would hinder my chances a bit.

If I were in the shoes of someone looking to hire an employee I would do my basic checklist of 'can they successfully carryout this role?' Then I would move on to 'how does this person fit in with this company?' 'What motivates them to do a good job?' These are all key things, in my book in hiring an employee.

Sometimes this may not be the case, but in today's society where the work is slim and endless candidates I would want to make sure that its a right fit for everybody and brings value to the company.

I don't run a company and I am not in a position where I hire people, but I am in a position where I was looking for a job recently and I made sure to include some tidbits about me!

Feel it out and don't be afraid to list some things about yourself!

Lifestyle Change

Today, I made a very big decision in my life and for my career. After receiving a job offer from a PR agency here in Portland, I decided that I would take the position. Two weeks from today, I will be at a new office, with new people, working on new projects and learning all that I can.

I am an adventurous person when it comes to trying new things, but somehow, this time around, I feel nervous as this is the beginning of my career. I am have completed college and now I am ending my life as an intern and beginning as a "real" employee.

Sometimes, I feel as though college didn't prepare me for all the obstacles I would face in the career world. This is the same feeling I have that high school didn't prepare me at all for college. How was I to tell my boss, I was offered a position? How do I put in two-weeks notice? It all seemed foreign.

I am so excited to be a part of a wonderful agency here in town, and move on from my "student" and "intern" titles. However, sometime being the new kid, isn't always so fun. I feel sad to be leaving a place where I was able to meet so many interesting and intelligent people, including my manager, whom I look up to and admire, but I also feel excitement to take on new and different things.

I am so hopeful that this opportunity will be a great learning experience. I hope that I will become an asset to the team and before long, I will be in similar shoes to those whom I look up to.

Bottom line?

I am sad, nervous, excited, and pumped.

I will be blogging throughout this transition, so stay tuned.

Dealing with Security - Is Tape Storage Obscure?

Information Week recently published a very interesting article that talked about protecting your very large data archives. The author, George Crump, suggests using tape to back up your very large files at a highly reduced rate to that of disk storage?

After all these years of converting to disk and now the cloud, is tape storage a good idea?

I say, “sure, why not?”

Why not protect yourself and your files at a fraction of the cost? It is important that in today’s society we mind our actions and spending due to the economy. Granted, tape is a bit obscure but it’s still usable. Another benefit of backing up your documents with tape is that you will be the only one with access- no one could hack into your computer and steal the information. It will be locked away in a safe or somewhere no one has access to it. Physically stealing seems a lot more difficult than online hacking these days. Until a better more efficient and cost effective way of backing up your data is figured out- bomb’s away.

To read the original article please see the May 14, 2012 edition.

Stay Tuned!

Tangent – Networking Today

I thought I would diverge from the main theme of IT Security and talk a little bit about networking. The Wall Street Journal recently posted an article about networking and common mistakes people make around networking, and I wanted to address some of the major key points.

The greatest quote that I could use to sum up the most important aspect of networking would be, “Remember that you have two ears and one mouth, use them in proportion.” Networking is all about relationships and genuinely getting to know people. My number one concept for networking is “it’s not about the ‘what can you do for me now’.” We have to find people that we truly want to get to know, who have similar interests or a special personality. By building a relationship, more doors are opened to opportunity.

In today’s society if you don’t know someone, it is much harder to find a job. Face to face interaction is also a key component. I can’t even count how many times I have gone out to lunch or coffee with people in my industry just to get to know them (and secretly hope they will remember my name). While the Internet is important, it’s only a fraction of relationships. Always start out with a face to face, and then stay in contact through the Internet. 

Check out these tips from the WSJ:

• ·         “Don’t misuse the Internet” – Face to face, no sloppy emails, be clean
• ·         “Don’t be vague” – make your goals known but don’t be pushy
• ·         “Don’t Stop” – stay in contact, don’t lose your relationship by not following up, say thank you
• ·         “Don’t be selfish” – try to help your contact and be engaged in their life
• ·         “Don’t misuse your network” – don’t pester your contact constantly for references or information, don’t name drop and be professional

Stay Tuned!

Multitasking

So, here I am, half way through my internship at the PDXSX and I have been able to gain so much experience that I don’t even know how to comprehend it all. I have been given many more tasks and responsibilities since I started here in April. Now that I have semi-mastered learning acronyms, I have realized other feats to overcome. Something I have been learning to deal with at work is the plethora of meetings I have, and how to get all my tasks done in-between the meetings.
Sometimes I will be in a meeting and receive an email to complete a task within the next hour, but my meeting runs for two hours. I thought to myself “what do I do?” Both the meeting and the project were equally important, so I offered an ear during the presentation, but also began working on the project assigned.

In my previous internships, I worked at small agencies where there were very few meetings, maybe once a month, where we discussed the projects we were already working on. At my internship here, I have at least one meeting per day, if not more. Sometimes I worry because I feel as though I am falling behind on the things that need to be done because I sit in meetings all day.

After many stressful days of fretting that I would let the company and my manager down, I realized that people who are attending the meetings are also working on other things. They are attending the meeting and getting the major points, but finishing up other projects simultaneously. It is important to ensure that you are getting your work done so the company doesn’t fall behind on its tasks.

The solution? Multitasking!

The miracle? Laptops!

The help? Follow-up emails!

One thing that helps me get through my day is the follow-up emails. Most meetings I attend include slides, which if they aren’t sent out by the presenter, I request them, that way I can get a full grasp on the meeting when I have more time.

Each day is different. I am trying to adapt to the schedule and pencil in each of my assignments and time frames to get them done. I consider myself very good at multitasking but in an environment where you are trying to hear and learn everything, it can be quite difficult.

Rachael Ka’apu

Email Marketing?

I recently started interning at a company that specializes in IT Security for enterprises. The practices here are strictly B2B, which is a whole new concept to me. In my studies and my previous internships I have worked primarily with B2C practices. So, in an effort to not feel completely in the dark I started reading relevant publications like B2B Magazine.

I recently read an article in B2B addressing email marketing and its important for companies in the business to business industry. The article stated that of 332 companies, 32% use email marketing for customer acquisition and 27% use email marketing for lead nurturing. The idea of using email to reach more than 50% of the company goals seemed outrageous. I couldn't believe that people actually use email to generate business.

What I realized is that in the B2B industry, they key factor is relationships. In order to connect with other businesses successfully you need to have a strong product, have credibility, be trustworthy and the ability to build true relationships. A person can send out marketing emails until the end of time, but if no one knows you, you aren't trusted and people will not pay attention to the content you are pushing.

Rule #1: Build Relationships

I also read in the article that once you have built these relationships it is important to choose your content wisely and position and release them strategically. You want to connect with your contacts but you don't want to harass them and bombard them with emails, but you don't want them to forget about you either. Ideally, you should email your contact three times in a month, approximately every 10 days, but not like clockwork, have a purpose.

Rule #2: Contact Strategically

Finally, I realized the importance of reaching your target market. If you are sending out emails to random people who may or may not have a similar interest to your content, you are just creating noise. Do your research, build media lists that will benefit you and the people you're contacting.

Rule #3: Symbiosis



Stay Tuned!

Chef Plus...YAY

As an aspiring public relations student who wants to work in the food/restaurant industries, and a food lover ;) I was very excited to hear about a new app coming out called Chef+, which is rumored to come out sometime this month. Chef+ is an app that will be available at no cost to chefs and to suppliers alike.

"The app enables interaction between chefs and industry professionals, allow users access to a suppliers’ database and to video share. The application’s rich media galleries will even allow chefs to create recipes from their phone; to upload which can then be reviewed and rated by other members." (Spoonhq)

If I had a client in the restaurant or food industry, this is one of the tactics I would use for him or her. The idea of a chef being able to communicate through such a casual medium is very appealing to me as a consumer. I would love to try brand new recipes that have been untried. It allows me to be a food critic and have a relationship with a chef on some level, while the chef gets real feedback from the average consumer, or perhaps from another chef, before trying it out in the restaurant and risking a truly bad review.

Especially in the food business where a bad review can ruin your reputation forever, this invention opens up a world of opportunities for chefs. The ability to communicate with other chefs, and communicate with regular people can build a strong profile and brand for a chef. What an invention!

See the YouTube video here!

Differentiation?

Since joining the fabulous school of journalism at the University of Oregon I have heard, like a broken record, the advice that I should learn my practice well and differentiate myself from my peers.

Today, while pondering a while, I asked myself 'well aren't I different from others, naturally?' I am my own person, I have my own thoughts and processes, I enjoy certain things, I laugh at things that others do not, and I have a different take on things than most people.

In class we are all taught the same processes and tactics to handle certain situations, so, in that sense, I am very much the same aren't I? How can I learn something differently than it is taught?

Are we to sell our personalities? If so, are we to change our personalities if we recognize how someone else's personality is favored? I haven't quite figured it out but if it is about selling ourselves, then here is some insight about what makes me different.

I am a quilt. "A quilt is distinguishable from types of blankets because it is pieced together with several pieces of cloth." I am a person who is pieced together by all my knowledge and experiences. I have chosen in life to experience many different things. From traveling to trying out different professions I have been blessed to acquire a wide variety of skills. I have worked on a ranch and at a well-known newspaper. I am not afraid to work hard and get dirty but I know how to dress professionally. I have learned how to work in retail and do bookkeeping. I have learned how to work with clients and talk to people in a professional manner. I know how to get all the facts and be thorough. I can be a leader and a follower. I have traveled the world and learned about many cultures and how it is important to be sensitive to others beliefs and know where they are coming from. It is important to represent yourself well but let your freak flag fly, after all that’s what makes humans unique.

I am confident in my skills as public relations professional not because I think I am amazing but because of my ability to learn, adapt and understand situations. In my opinion, being the best means having a broad background but mostly being able to figure out a situation and offer the best advice and services. No one is an expert at anything, life constantly evolves and we must go along for the ride.

Groupon, Living Social and other Daily Deal Websites

In November 2008 a wonderful website was launched, however I did not know it yet. Groupon launched several years ago and when I heard about it I thought it was a complete sham just like many other websites on the Internet. I thought to myself over and over again, Why would anyone basically give away free stuff. While the products and services are not free, companies offer them at a fraction of the full price. Amazing?... YES!!! Since the launch of Groupon, other daily deals websites have emerged, the biggest competitor thus far being Living Social.

Today, as I was perusing the articles on the Daily Dog, I found one addressing these daily deal websites and the impact they are having on Christmas shopping. Again, I found myself asking, "Well, why doesn't everybody use Groupon and Living Social?" As an avid user of these sites I cannot find the downside for more companies across the country using them. Well I think that many companies think well if I offer this service at a reduced price that will only help me in the short run. I disagree, I believe that people who buy these deals, if they have a good experience will shell out the money for the full price later on. I have bought many Groupon and Living Social Deals. Two months ago I bought a Groupon for a oil change, car inspection, tire rotation, new windshield wipers, car wash and interior detail for $29. During their inspection they found that my transmission fluid was bad and because I was so impressed with the first job they did I paid a handful to get my tranny fluid changed. There are so many opportunities through these websites, for consumers and companies and in my mind it seems silly not to jump on this daily deal website frenzy.

As an upcoming PR Practitioner I would certainly offer these options to a client. What a great way to meet company needs and reach people on a whole new level. Spike interest with a deal and keep interest with amazing service.

My Public Relations Bucket List

Today, I read a blog post by Arik Hanson on Communication Conversations where a woman wrote a Facebook post about her PR bucket list.

I guess I have always had goals, dreams and aspirations about my career as a public relations practitioner but never really documented them. After reading the article I was inspired to create my own blog post about what I hope to accomplish in my career.

There are so many aspects to public relations and as an adventurous person I hope to learn about and experience them all. I have compiled a list of things off the top of my head that I want to accomplish. I have so many drams and goals, however that this list will be a work in progress. As I accomplish these things, I will be sure to post an update.

The following is a list of things I want to accomplish during my career, in no particular order:

• Work at a PR firm in New York City
• Work on a campaign for a major sports team, particularly the NFL
• To launch a brand- from beginning to end
• Get a client on the front page of the New York Times
• Get a client on the front page of the Wall Street Journal
• Get a client on Good Morning America
• Get a client on The Today Show
• Supervise and work on a major non-profit campaign
• Work at a PR firm in Los Angeles- work with a celebrity
• Open my own PR firm
• Mentor a college student in public relations
• Be a guest speaker

Useless Degree?

I often peruse the blog “The Future Buzz” and today I stumbled on a blog post addressing an article by the New York Times that explained how the college degree that I have been working so hard to achieve is actually little or no help in today’s workforce.

As you can imagine, I was appalled. If it’s not worth much, why have I wasted the past four years of my life trying to get it? There are so many people in today’s society earning college degrees and so I understand the need for companies to find the best candidate but I don't think that college degrees should be belittled or looked over. College degrees, while they are more common, are no easy feat.

It is in my opinion that college degrees should be looked at with respect, not just a checkbox on a resume. Adam Singer posted on his blog “The Future Buzz”

“I’ve never considered education to mean anything other than be a checkbox section of a resume. Sure it’s needed, but it isn’t really a qualifying factor.”

There is a reason for universities and expensive tuitions: because it shows that a person took the time and effort to learn about a subject and practice.

I do appreciate the use of hands-on experience and it plays a huge factor in the workplace. Actually using skills and knowledge are much different from learning about them. As a person who has made a firm effort to get hands-on experience I can tell and appreciate the difference. However, I think they come hand in hand. You can’t have one without the other. The best candidate will have a broad knowledge of a subject and have the ability to apply that knowledge to practice.

With that said, employers should appreciate the time and effort put in to achieve that piece of paper that they gloss over in a resume. Once upon a time it used to mean something great, and to many it still does.

Minute Few Give PR a Bad Name

I recently read a blog post by Todd Defren on PR Squared about the dire need for public relations practitioners to document and show their return on investment (ROI). My public relations classes have always taught me that your ROI shows your client that your company is productive and successful. ROI shows the client why they pay you, the practitioner. This blog post addresses the issue of trust and emphasizes how displaying ROI fights the actions of bad practitioners.

When public relations practitioners present ROI, they separate themselves from the other practitioners; they offer a documented skill set, telling current and potential clients how they are and can be helpful. Over the years, public relations has gained a bad reputation by the few who have made poor decisions. With this bad reputation hanging over the heads of all upcoming practitioners, it is important to build a solid sense of morals, know your limits, provide excellent services and report them accurately.

Over this past summer, I worked at PR firm in New York City where I learned that providing ROI is a key tool to build relationships and keep a positive reputation. By documenting progress in a project and showing the client the results, a practitioner is clear and open. Transparency is key when dealing with clients, the media and the public.

Public relations has so many aspects and industries involved that it is difficult to be perfect in anything a practitioner does. In the article, Defren states, “for PR…any schmuck can call themselves a PR pro.” This idea that ‘anyone can do it’ inspires me to differentiate and separate myself from not only my peers but practicing PR professionals as well.

A key statement made in the article was that PR practitioners have an amazing opportunity to be clear and transparent by using social media. Social media allows the PR profession to be upfront about ideas and campaigns, and because social media is public it forces the practitioner to be clear and honest. The public aspect creates an ever-watching eye on our actions and should keep us in check. While that may not be the case, we should strive to always do so to eliminate the bad reputation practitioners have earned over the years. Public opinion is everything, especially in public relations, and as PR professionals we should be the most aware and cautious.