PR Job Blog

Cute cover letter and resume...

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Charet) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 01:41:00 +0000

Here's a pretty original resume and cover letter from a recent grad...

PR Director - Arlington, VA

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Charet) — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 19:14:00 +0000

Looking for a creative PR strategist, who will be responsible for developing and executing creative media driven public relations programs that promote the company and its people. This is a stong, stable and growing company with an excellent reputation. The communications group is great to work with, and there is definitely lots of opportunity as the company, and the communications department expands.

KEY DUTIES
Responsible for establishing on-going key public relations programs in each of the company’s markets.
Support and further current public relations initiatives
Responsible to develop strategic partnerships and programs that will further the brand within communities (e.g., speaker’s series, literacy effort, etc.)
Responsible for media tours introducing the company to new markets and/or existing markets
Responsible for establishing programs within company to identify stories
Oversees the development and implementation of media support materials (e.g., press kits, backgrounders, press releases, fact sheets, bios) in areas as needed.
Develop special events as needed
Responsible for research, writing and promotion of press releases, articles and other communications pieces
Serve as media relations contact in the regional markets
Identify and prepare approved spokespeople for media interviews
Work closely with Regional Marketing Managers to ensure maximum media opportunities are achieved through the media buys
Manage editorial calendar opportunities in key regions.
Management of outside public relations agency
Develop and manage annual budget

QUALIFICATIONS

At least 10 years experience with demonstrated success in PR program planning and execution.
Ability to manage multiple projects to timely and accurate completion within budget.
Agency experience a MUST
Proven ability to manage a department and/or staff
Must have proven ability to operate in a fast-paced environment while managing changing priorities.
Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism or related field required
Excellent proofreading skills. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Demonstrable proficiency in Microsoft Office products including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Position requires some travel

New search for a PR Director in DC area

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Charet) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 19:04:00 +0000

I'm working with one of my favorite clients...they're based in Virginia, outside of Washington DC. We're looking for a PR Director with strong creative ideas together with the energy and ability to put those ideas into action.

This is a wonderful opportunity for someone who is ready to make their mark in the industry. Lots of freedom and support, exciting, fast paced environment with really nice people to work with. Best yet is that they actually have a wonderful message, so it's something you can really be passionate about.

The job is 80% media relations and 20% internal work. Corporate communications currently has five directors and is growing, as the company has been experiencing steady growth over the past several years and is going strong.

We are looking for someone with about eight years of experience -- the right person MUST have several years of PR agency experience creating and implementing creative, strategic programs in the consumer/business industry. This is what we are looking for, so if it's you, please get in touch!

Invitation to Jeri's Holiday Jewelry Showcase

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Charet) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:36:00 +0000

I am helping my very talented friend, Jeri Slavin, with her jewelry show this Thursday. You are invited!! It's Thursday (Dec 10th) starting at 5 PM. The show will be at Resource Furniture's innovative showroom: 969 Third Avenue (58th Street) Please come! Following are some sample photos of some necklaces.

Got some pictures of Jeri's Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Charet) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:22:00 +0000

By the way: Gorgeous Necklaces (perfect present - for YOU)

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Charet) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:45:00 +0000

My friend Jeri Slavin is a wealth management advisor for a major international bank in one life, and in her other life, she creates the most gorgeous necklaces!

The materials she uses are interesting...precious metals from the east, unusual pearls from China (dipped coin pearls and corn flake pearls!!)and even gorgeous minerals. All beautifully put together and very special.

The prices range from $100 to around $450. They are worth seeing! But be prepared, because you will want one of your own.

We are showing them at the innovative Resource Furniture Showroom at 969 Third Avenue on Thursday, December 10th 6 to 9 PM. YOU ARE ALL INVITED!

Look forward to seeing you there!

A Good PR Headhunter Will Never Die

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Charet) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:20:00 +0000

The same way someone would ask about a sick grandmother, I've been asked what I think the future holds for my business now that there are things like Linked In, Facebook and Twitter to connect the world of jobs with the world of candidates.

A headhunter who is really expert at their profession, and delivers a very high touch, specialized service, has nothing to be afraid of. And as for me, I am fortunate to work within a very high touch, specialized business as well, which further nails in the need for my services. So I'm not afraid.

The right person for a job in the communications industry has to have the right style, the right network, the right chemistry. How they look, how they dress how they speak all has to make sense for each particular job. The right person must understand all the tools of the trade and the best way to utilize them for whatever particular industry they will be working in.

They have to be able to counsel and sell in the right ways for their industry and for their company. They have to understand the ethical aspects of their job and how important that may be some day. They have to be pan-determined enough to understand the viewpoints of all different stakeholders, and intuitive enough to know what the future of their actions will create.

Evaluating all of this can only be done by someone who understands people, this profession, and how/where to go to find the right person. That very busy hiring manager who seriously wants to hire the best possible candidate for the job will always need my help.

Wake Up Blog Here I am!

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Charet) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:39:00 +0000

The people who read my blog are professional writers of brochures, articles, releases, speeches, and blogposts. (And horrors...I guess my competitors sometimes too). So it's always been very difficult for me to write on my blog, exposing my stiff and careful wording, that I release with so much trepidation, to knowledgable, critical eyes.

When this horrible unemployment situation is over, it will be those headhunters who have continued to keep a presence in the social media who will be at the top of the heap, hearing about all the great new job openings, and getting the resumes of the best pros in the biz.

So, even though I don't have tons of jobs to report about, and even though I'm not a very entertaining blogger, here I am.

Jobs for PR and marketing are beginning to thaw -- it's getting better for the good people of the PR and marketing industry. I am here and ready.

Manager/Director of Corporate Communications

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Charet) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:53:00 +0000

This client is a Global company in the renewable energy industry, based in New Jersey. They've created a new role, for someone who has an expertise in issues management and internal communications. We are looking for someone with explicitly six to ten years of experience handling this unusual combination of responsibilities.
This person will develop and execute a proactive issues management program ensuring the Company’s readiness and successful handling of matters that could impact their reputation, business, and new business development prospects. The Manager (or Director, depending on the person's level) will develop and execute a comprehensive, global internal communications strategy employing state of the art communications tactics and technologies.

If you have the right combination of years, experience and skills, please let me know!

(Sorry - This job has been filled)

Good News for Public Relations

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Charet) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:23:00 +0000

The days when communication was a step child of advertising are long gone. In fact, according to this forecast from equity firm Veronis, Suyler, Stevenson, we rule!

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/04/business/media/04adco.html
This NY Times article starts out as bleak as most reports we see, but read on...and take heart!

Public Relations Assistant

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Charet) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 03:36:00 +0000

PR/Media Assistant

Our client is a leading international law firm with 18 offices in major business centers across Asia, Europe, and the U.S. They are looking for a PR/Media Assistant.

The successful candidate will be a team player who can manage multiple tasks with confidence and ease, will possess superior written and oral communications skills, be extremely motivated, detail oriented, organized and thrive in a fast-paced environment. This exceptional opportunity, based in New York City, offers competitive salary (with bonus and overtime) and benefits.

Responsibilities:

* Extensive writing, including drafting news releases, awards announcements and internal newsletters.

* Pitch stories to legal trade press and business press as directed by PR Manager.

* Coordinate and prepare material for awards, directories and media surveys.

* Research and update editorial calendars, identifying writing opportunities; obtain article reprints and permissions.

* Track and document firm press mentions; assist in drafting media reports.

* Create/update/maintain media lists.

* General administrative duties, special projects as needed and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

* College degree required; BA in Journalism, Communications or English preferred.

* Fluency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

* Team player with positive attitude who is responsible, proactive, reliable with an unyielding customer service orientation.

* Ability to work independently, identify and initiate projects, solve problems and produce results.

What's Been Happening?

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Charet) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 12:42:00 +0000

Yikes, what have I been doing in all this time? Have I given up?
As soon as Lehman Brothers went up in smoke, so did all my business. I was in on course for my best year ever, till it went suddenly dead.
It wasn't long before I was flooded with resumes. All that seems to have calmed down. Now I am lucky enough to be working on several really good opportunities - mainly on the more junior side, but good jobs at good companies. But I can't find the stellar, qualified people for the jobs. PR people lucky enough to have a job are not willing to look at something new. I can understand it. Why leave a stable job in this economic climate, for something "unknown".
But the truth is, that each one of the corporate jobs I'm working on is really special. It would have to be a very key position in order for a company to be looking in these difficult times. If they weren't doing well why would they hire someone new? So they're profitable, stable, and growing companies. We all need to have a little more confidence that things can be better.
On the agency side, all of my clients have the idea that with all the cutbacks, there must be some excellent talent 'out there'. There is a lot of talent in the job market. However...what makes an indispensable PR Agency employee is someone who can bring in the business and keep the client happy. There are really talented people out there...great writers, the managers that everyone loved, the really hard working guy that gets it done, the one with the innovative ideas, etc.
These are great employees at any firm. But they're not the indispensable ones. All the talk from my agency clients about how they want to scoop up the great talent in the street - I don't know about it. Maybe they want to meet you so that when the money is flowing again, they'll know where to find you. The only people they'll actually hire are the ones that get business and keep the client happy. And those are the ones that no agency is going to fire.
So, it's been a tough go in recruiterland...

Good news for jobs to come...

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Charet) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 17:06:00 +0000

"The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act — not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology’s wonders to raise health care’s quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories."

This, from President Obama's speech yesterday is just what I wanted to hear. Although we're not sure how it will unfold, and there are many questions about how it will be most workable, one thing is clear: that companies with good clean technologies need to make themselves known. They need to reach consumers, investors, legislators. And this will open up opportunities for our industry.

Very exciting...

Going Green

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Charet) — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 13:50:00 +0000

In the last couple of weeks, all my spare time has been spent studying about alternative energy and energy efficiency, and I'm now started to probe into the job market in this field.
Of course we will always continue to service all industries with mid and senior level marketing, PR and corporate communications search.
But personally, I'm so excited about being able to apply my skills toward an industry I'm passionate about. I plan to take my first course this week, toward my LEED certification.
The new energy industry should lead to many new jobs in 2009 and I will be ready! Obviously, placing PR, marketing and related management professionals will be my entrance point.
The Dept of Energy awarded 16 contracts and these companies, I expect will be adding staff. If anyone can help me, with contacts, etc. I would super appreciate it! Here's the announcement with the listing of the companies that will be awarded.

Bear Along the Hudson

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Charet) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 13:05:00 +0000

Saw bear paw prints on my walk along the Palisades last weekend.

Charet Offers Search Services to Alt Energy and Green/Sustainable Industries

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Charet) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 21:39:00 +0000

Before I went into recruiting I worked for The Cousteau Society, and have continued since that time, to be very concerned about our environment. President-Elect Barack Obama has created an Economic Recovery Plan that will create new jobs by, among other things, creating our clean energy future. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m17pz0R_qZo
I am hopeful about our economy, about the creation of new jobs, and about our establishing a sustainable future on this planet.
Charet & Associates has established an alternative energy recruiting section devoted to jobs in this industry. We welcome your resumes, and would like to hear from you!

Duke Study on Specific Jobs in the Alt Energy Industry

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Charet) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 21:27:00 +0000

"While some seek to pit the environment against economic growth, we see economic opportunity in the solutions to the climate crisis. Many business analysts agree. They believe the economic leaders of tomorrow will be companies that manage their resources efficiently and take the lead in developing and commercializing innovative clean technologies. These will also be the companies most able to create well-paying jobs and ensure that current jobs are secure."

This link will take you to a study conducted by Duke University which describes how five technologies can help to reduce our carbon footprint and create jobs!!!

http://www.cggc.duke.edu/environment/climatesolutions/

Climbing the Career Lattice - Nice dream

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Charet) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:44:00 +0000

I really like the concept of climbing the "career lattice" that this HR exec from Deloitte discusses in this recent Times article Up the Ladder? How dated. How literal.
If only it were true. In PR...you step to the side and you're toast. You want to leave for a few years and come back...good luck. Not one of my clients tolerate a background that is anything but straight as an arrow linear. Maybe HR folks and hiring managers are harder on headhunters than they are when reviewing resumes that come in from job boards or through a referral. But what I see is that clients want people who don't stray off the path, and if they do, there better be a good explanation for taking the risk. And it you're too long on the path without upward mobility, that is sorely noted as well.
Maybe it's just a lot of HR babble to make them look good. I don't buy it.

NY Times Article on Gen Y Networking

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Charet) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:56:00 +0000

For Help Finding a Job, Friends in Low Places - I don't get it...This NY Times article says ground-breaking Generation Y is using breaking tradition with the past, and using networking to get new jobs.
What's so different about that? I never wanted to do what my parents told me to do when I was their age, and "networking" with your friends when you need a new job is common sense 101.
Here's the article

Hold onto Your Job - Make Yourself Indispensible

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Charet) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 17:18:00 +0000

This article, written in 1899, talks about how difficult it is to find a truly effective and trusted employee, and how once that person is found, they'll never be let go. A Message to Garcia, written by Elbert Hubbard.

I'm Really Busy (Not)

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Charet) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 01:45:00 +0000

Last week I put "I'm really busy" on my linked in status and immediately got two responses! First of all I didn't know you could get a response from your status, secondly I thought wow, people actually read that, and third -- was me being busy really that startling? That's scary. Truth is that I decided I had bought into the doom and gloom just a little too much and the next thing I knew, I wasn't working very hard. Then dozens of stupid things to do started popping up. Next thing you know, my inbox was overflowing and no candidates are being sent for jobs and no marketing Charet & Associates was a thing of the past. Now I'm actually telling people who write to me how slow it is and what do you know...I'm spreading the doom and gloom myself!
So, I decided to get really busy. To start communicating to people, send letters and emails, answer my phone calls again (what?) call old clients, get out and meet people. I'm promoting getting busy. If feel good doing that.

Resume Writing - Two Tips Before You Start

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Charet) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 14:52:00 +0000

In this current economic climate, job insecurity and a climbing unemployment rate means more resumes are flooding in to answer job ads. Since sending a resume takes just a click of the finger, you can just imagine how many people send their resumes to jobs that they don't qualify for. But you qualify...why don't you ever hear back? It may have nothing to do with the way you say it. It could be as easy as this: THEY DON'T KNOW WHO YOU ARE.

There are lots of opinions on the subject of writing resumes. These tips have nothing to do with how you say what you do. They have to do with getting your resume to first base: under the nose of a live human being.

First, you need to name your resume with your NAME. I'm talking about the name of the document, which has to be simply, your NAME. So the first DON'T is this: DON'T name it "Resume" or even worse, don't call it "Resume 6" or "Tech PR Resume" or something like that, which would indicate that this version of your resume is slanting your experience in one industry or discipline, and that you have several versions floating around. I'm not saying here that you should not emphasize different areas of your resume for specific jobs. I'm just saying that you shouldn't let everyone know that. Every hiring manager dreams about that special person out there that has everything they're looking for in the perfect proportion. Definitely show them that you are that person by adjusting your resume for the job. But don't advertise that you're morphing yourself into a "square" but also could be a "round" for another job, by naming each version of your resume. Just name your document with your own name, and use a sneaky code of some sort (not too obvious of course) to help you quickly determine, for your own records, which version you're sending. Keep in mind that the name of your document is not a field used only for your own internal filing. It is the name of the document that also gets filed in the potential employer's system.

Big DON'T #2: Don't put your name and address in a header. It's true that headers make the resume look more professional. But think about whose hands we want this resume to get into before using headers. Headhunters and HR professionals use software programs that pull information off resumes and put it directly into a database. The resume is saved and inserted in the record with the information pulled from the top few lines of the document. Information in a header is not 'seen' by these programs so your resume is saved with no name and address on it. Your great credentials are stored in the database that way: a homeless soul with no name.

Keep in mind that especially in times like this, an HR person or the hiring manager may be receiving hundreds of resumes and it's overwhelming. Make it easy for them. When there is a volume of responses, something that could take as much as two minutes to correct is not worth it and they'll just hit delete. It's sad, but true. And that my friend, may be why you never hear back even though you were perfect for the job. They didn't know who you were.

Acct Supv or AVP - Healthcare Marketing - NYC

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Charet) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 15:30:00 +0000

One of our favorite clients serves healthcare companies with corporate and financial PR support. As products hit the market, the firm will need to help these clients with supportive marketing and PR strategies to compliment the corporate work. We're looking for strategic communicators with experience working on marketing PR initiatives for healthcare clients in an agency setting. This person should be ready to take on responsibility for developing and implementing these programs, and building a successful marketing PR group. To be considered, candidates MUST have agency experience - ideally five to ten years. The company rewards accomplishments and provides an entrepreneurial, friendly environment where one can learn from knowledgable and encouraging professionals and get the chance to show their worth and really feel the good impact they make on the client side, as well as for the agency itself.

Mandarin Speaking Communications Pro

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Charet) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 15:06:00 +0000

One of the top boutique firms in the ccountry is looking for a Mandarin speaking account person for their NYC office. The right person will have excellent client relationship skills, and an understanding of the basics of IR and PR, to work with a variety of Asian accounts, helping to provide them with strategic communications programs. Frequent travel to Asia. Work with a great team of professionals.
We're looking for anywhere from three to eight years of experience. The job depends more on the right fit than a particular level. Salary will be comensurate. It's an agency that pays well, and rewards good work. Excellent benefits.

How to SEND your resume

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy Charet) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:21:00 +0000

Lots has been said about how to write a resume, and there are lots of opinions and rules on the subject that people can argue about. But here is some basic advice without which your resume may never even be noticed. It's so obvious you're going to kick yourself for not realizing it sooner.
You need to NAME your resume with your NAME. The name of the document has to be your NAME. Plain and simple. DO NOT call it "my resume" or even worse "consumerPR resume 6". Here are the obvious reasons: When the HR recruiter is looking through her saved documents (resumes), unless your name is "Resume" she's not going to find you. Another obvious reason: it looks silly.
I agree it's important to tailor your resume to the job you're applying for. But don't advertise that. Let them know that this resume represents purely and totally who you are. They want to know that the skills on that resume are really your true and unaltered abilities-- neither watered down nor spiked up. Every hiring manager dreams about the person who is out there that has everything they're looking for in the perfect proportion. So don't advertise that you're morphing yourself into a "square" when you're really a "round" by naming each version of your resume. Just name your document with your own name, and use a number or code of some sort (not too obvious of course)to help you quickly determine which version you're sending.