A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM DEBMAR-MERCURY

Cynopsis: Classified Advantage
08.11.09

Good morning – it’s Tuesday, August 11, 2009, and this is your weekly issue of Cynopsis: Classified Advantage!  This edition includes the top job listings in the Television, Media and Ad Agency markets, professional development advice from national experts, your Q & A’s with our experts, and a summary of executive moves among top companies.

Insights from an Interviewer: What Interviewers Are Really Asking.

What are your worth points? Worth points are your QUANTIFIABLE achievements. Your cover letter and resume should be chock full of these and your worth points should directly address the qualifications listed in the job description.

Are your achievements quantifiable, if not, why are they listed? Just saying you had excellent reviews is not okay. Why were they excellent, be specific and if at all possible, connect them to saving or making the company money.

Is your resume easily readable and in chronological order? Don’t make me work. I have to read 60 of these today! Functional resumes are difficult to piece together, so I will throw most–if not all of them–out. Realize that until you get to a face to face interview, the process is not about selection, it’s about elimination.

Will you be an employee of the company or an advocate for the company? We don’t need 9 to 5, duck your head, punch a time clock employees. Show and explain your enthusiasm for working at this particular company.

Why do you want to work here, rather than another company?  Research the company and have a good, specific answer.

I have a job and a salary, what do you have? You must sell yourself and you cannot do that by just answering my questions. You must leave the impression that you will be invaluable to the future of this company, and if you don’t, someone else will.

What questions do you have for me?  Your questions are the best way to get control over the interview. Do not ask about things that will benefit you personally, rather ask how you can further help the company. Show curiosity. Ask about the culture, how you will be evaluated, where do I see the company in five years, etc.

If I think you will be a good fit, I’ll try to talk you into taking the job. What am I going to do next? Next I will try to talk you out of the job. If your enthusiasm wanes, buh bye. If you are still excited, welcome aboard. It may seem like a cheap trick but it’s not. Not everyday is going to be a good, productive day. What will you be like on those days? I want to know before I hire you.

What are your shortcomings? Example of a great answer: I used to get frustrated when other employees were not as involved in the companies success as I was, but I soon realized instead of being frustrated, I needed to help others become equally enthused.

Why is your resume longer than two pages? If it is, it better be VERY good. If your resume is over two pages, cut it to the bone, make sure there is no filler. I want our employees to be clear and precise. If your resume is over two pages and has filler, well, you’ll never get to me because you will be eliminated very early in the process.

And before we finish, there’s some really good economic news this week …
The unemployment numbers came out last week and the Labor Department reported a drop from 9.5% to 9.4%. This is particularly good news for two reasons. The first is the reversal of this 15 month trend creates true optimism tempered only by the uncertainty of its continuation. Second, unemployment numbers tend to be lagging indicators, so the true Glass is Half Full people can effectively argue that the worst is over. Let’s hope so.

Next week: Resume Red Flags

Cynopsis: Classified Advantage is a work in progress, designed with our readers in mind. We welcome your feedback and will try to incorporate any suggestions into our weekly coverage.  And if you have any specific questions or topics of particular interest you’d like our Experts to address, please let me know!  You can reach me – John Cox – directly at [email protected].

We are always on the look out for more Experts to advise our readers – if you’re a headhunter, job coach, career advisor, etc., and may be interested in contributing to this edition from time to time, please contact me at [email protected].

All In The Family

The dirty little secret of the job hunting world is that business networking no longer works. The number of forums for interaction among business people, both real and virtual, is expanding geometrically. But the truth is the growth is due to the sheer number of unemployed, not effectiveness. With industries going through wholesale job cuts, the majority of the people showing up to events are job hunters. That makes for a great support group, but not much of a job search tool.

Even before the current recession, most executives were loath to schedule “informational interviews.” It was being done as an obligation, if at all and interviewees were passed off to someone else like a hot potato. Now, with so many out of work, most executives are swearing off all such meetings, or sending the individual to meet with a powerless subordinate. It’s only when the request is made by a personal friend, rather than a business associate, that time is set aside.

It’s in this exception that we find the only truly effective form of networking left to the job hunter: personal connections. Individuals today will meet with, and help, their family, their friends, or their friends’ families. Connections made through church, or clubs, or the shared activities of children, are more likely sources of job leads today than any business contacts.

Ironically, tapping into social capital in this manner would probably be a better approach even if business networking remained effective. That’s because most opportunities today are found outside the traditional industry and professional barriers. Your personal network provides access to a far wider range of opportunities than any business network possibly could. So set aside your contact database and pick up your holiday card list instead.

Stephen M. Pollan is one of America’s most trusted and admired career and financial advisors and is the author of more than a dozen books including the national bestsellers Die Broke and Second Acts. Information about his practice and writing can be found at stephenpollan.com . Mark Levine ( gostryter.com ) has been Pollan’s collaborator for more than 20 years.

Next week: HOW CAN MY RESUME INCREASE MY CHANCES OF GETTING AN INTERVIEW?

If you have any specific questions you’d like our Experts to address, please email them to me, John Cox at [email protected].

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM WESTDOC

I am an associate at a large television network. I have been at my company for a total of 10 years and in my current job for about 5 years. My job duties are very specialized in working with data systems to support our company’s research team. I am not currently looking for a job. My company has frozen raises and promotions are not occurring often. I am pretty happy here but I would like to advance to a managerial position. I am afraid that since my skills are so specialized, it may be hard to find a comparable position at another network. I am sort of pigeon-holed into a position like mine because I haven’t done actual research in years and it is not part of my job duties. I cannot afford to take a pay cut. Any advice on what my next steps may be would be appreciated.

You need to move along parallel tracks. First, accept that while you’re “pretty happy” at your current job you’ve no real future there. There’s no such thing as stasis in today’s job market. Feeling pigeon-holed is a sign you’ll be in jeopardy. If not now, then in the future. That means you’ve got to start looking for a new job today. Second, commit to expanding your tool kit. You’re not going to move into management without management qualifications, and if you can’t get those on the job you need to get them on your own. Look into business school programs. You might not need an MBA; a certificate of some type might suffice.

I pursued a completely different line of work for 10 years before becoming a project manager, EP and now managing director. The fact remains, though, that I am still 10 years older than most senior people in this industry (broadcast). I’m getting to the point where, while interviewing, I just want to say I am ten years younger than I am – I could pull it off due to good genes and clean living :-). I know age discrimination is illegal, but the reality is that it is still pervasive. How do I handle this?

If, during a wanton weekend in Las Vegas you tattooed your birthdate on your forehead, get it surgically removed. Otherwise the only way an interviewer is going to easily learn your age is your providing the info. Rather than lie, just keep your mouth shut and scrub your resume clean of anything that could date you. If you look ten years younger, act ten years younger, and got started in the business ten years later, then your “industry age” really is ten years younger than your calendar age.

Stephen M. Pollan is one of America’s most trusted and admired career and financial advisors and Mark Levine has been Mr. Pollan’s collaborator for more than 20 years.

Have a question for our experts? Send it to [email protected]

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM INSTITUTE FOR MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

JOB OF THE WEEK …

OTHER INDUSTRY JOBS OF INTEREST …

developing and implementing SEO strategies and tactics to improve rankings in and traffic from organic/natural search
Senior Search Engine Optimization Manager   202355
ABCNews.com
NYC, NY
http://corporate.disney.go.com/careers/index.html
or click here

strategically translate the business goals of the company through creative and effective negotiation, thereby meeting year-end distribution goals and initiatives
Vice President, Content Distribution
MTV
NYC, NY
https://jobhuntweb.viacom.com/jobhunt/main/jobsrch.asp

pitch concepts to supervisors and team leaders; develop scripts once concepts are approved
Producer Broadband Content
Nickelodeon
NYC, NY
https://jobhuntweb.viacom.com/jobhunt/main/jobsrch.asp

develop and execute strategic branding and positioning initiatives for the new “epix” channel through creative and effective multi-platform marketing campaigns
Director, Marketing epix
MTV Networks
NYC, NY
https://jobhuntweb.viacom.com/jobhunt/main/jobsrch.asp

oversee day-to-day operations of online partnerships (e.g. with both major portals and niche providers)
Sr. Director, Digital Distribution & Partner Relations
Digital Media
NYC, NY
https://jobhuntweb.viacom.com/jobhunt/main/jobsrch.asp

oversee and advise on SMO strategy and maintain social media presence for all relevant digital properties
Manager, Social Media & Community Outreach
MTV.com
NYC, NY
https://jobhuntweb.viacom.com/jobhunt/main/jobsrch.asp

generating and monitoring bulk revenue, sales & marketing activities, administration, financial analyses and customer service for Affiliate accounts
Account Manager   2193BR
Showtime Networks
NYC, NY
https://sjobs.brassring.com/1033/ASP/TG/cim_home.asp?partnerid=25084&siteid=5129
or click here

work on developing long term strategy plans for msnbc
Producer   1078275
NBC Universal
NYC, NY
http://www.nbcunicareers.com/
or click here

execution of marketing plans for NBC LM Properties including tv, out of home, websites and mobile platforms
Marketing Coordinator   1077846
NBC Universal
NYC, NY
http://www.nbcunicareers.com/
or click here

day to day planning and execution of promotion plans for multiple markets
Media Planning Coordinator   1077938
NBC Universal
NYC, NY
http://www.nbcunicareers.com/
or click here

conceptualize, develop and animate broadcast design projects and oversee them from beginning to end
Broadcast Senior Designer, Brand Design – Oxygen   1076202
NBC Universal
NYC, NY
http://www.nbcunicareers.com/
or click here

lead a team in long-term strategic thinking and develop imaginative initiatives that are executed at the highest level of quality
Vice President, Sales Marketing, Oxygen Media  1062172
NBC Universal
NYC, NY
http://www.nbcunicareers.com/
or click here

pr ovide administrative and analytical support to Executive Director of Business Development including help with scheduling, partner correspondence, partnership tracking, research, data gathering, and analysis
Business Development Coordinator
NYMag.com
NYC, NY
http://nymag.com/newyork/jobs/

lead outbound sales campaigns to increase awareness of Thrillist.com among the advertising community and to generate new business
Advertising Sales Executive
Thrillist.com
NYC, NY
http://www.thrillist.com/jobs/Philadelphia# 1

lead outbound sales campaigns to increase awareness of Thrillist.com among the advertising community and to generate new business
Marketing Manager
Thrillist.com
NYC, NY
http://www.thrillist.com/jobs/Philadelphia#1

developing marketing communications strategies and positioning the company as a recognized leader in the industry
Marketing Communications Manager   2009-1109
Undertone Networks
NYC, NY
http://jobs-undertone.icims.com/jobs/1109/job

overseeing the delivery and performance of all advertiser campaigns, communicating results to internal clients, and exceeding customer expectations
Director of Ad Operations   2009-1082
Undertone Networks
NYC, NY
http://jobs-undertone.icims.com/jobs/1082/job

independent and driven business development professional to build relationships with publishers in order to couple our stellar product with their exclusive brands
Business Development Manager   2009-1105
Undertone Networks
NYC, NY
http://jobs-undertone.icims.com/jobs/1105/job

build solid long-term relationships with their clients, and have reputations for being the go-to contacts for online-advertising expertise
Account Executive   2009-1094
Undertone Networks
NYC, NY
http://jobs-undertone.icims.com/jobs/1094/job

drive an already established global business into new markets
Digital Account Executive
BBC America
NYC, NY
http://www.bbcamerica.com/employment.jsp
or click here

growing market share for BBC’s online news offering in the US marketplace
Director Audience Development
BBC America
NYC, NY
http://www.bbcamerica.com/employment.jsp
or click here

defining and overseeing the delivery of the new products and feature enhancements for BBC.com
Director – Product Development
BBC America
NYC, NY
http://www.bbcamerica.com/employment.jsp
or click here

prospect new business from non-traditional and competitive media sources such as newspaper, cable, direct mail, radio and Internet
Account Executive Business Development   1076399
NBC Universal
Hartford CT
http://www.nbcunicareers.com/
or click here

overseeing all Business Affairs matters for the international division of Telemundo
Director Business Affairs   1064485
NBC Universal
Hialeah, FL
http://www.nbcunicareers.com/
or click here

develop and achieve national sales budgets and targets from agency and regional sales teams
Director /VP Sales USA
EYE Corp
Travel to Austin, Chicago and LA
http://eyecorp.com/index.asp?c=na&id=21&t=16

providing the creative solutions to our clients and their motion imagery requests
Research Creative
Thought Equity Motion
Chicago IL
http://www.thoughtequitymotion.com/video/shell/txp/career/home.do?title=Careers

research, Negotiate, and Execute Strategic Partnerships to Drive Subscriptions and Help Meet Partner Goals
Midwest Sales Manager
Thrillist.com
Chicago IL
http://www.thrillist.com/jobs/Philadelphia#1

new business development, maintaining existing accounts and meeting revenue budgets
Account Executive   FNG16818
Fox Sports
Indianapolis, Indiana
http://www.foxcareers.com/jobSearch.html

coordinating the regional accounts that air on the network, from sales planning through execution to delivery
Client Service Coordinator
Fox Sports
Minneapolis Minnesota
http://www.foxcareers.com/jobSearch.html

qualifying and prospecting existing leads, servicing existing clients, and responding to web site and phone leads
Content Sales Representative
Thought Equity Motion
Denver & Sydney
http://www.thoughtequitymotion.com/video/shell/txp/career/home.do?title=Careers

new business development, maintaining existing accounts and meeting revenue budgets
Account Executive   FNG16800
Fox Sports
Phoenix AZ
http://www.foxcareers.com/jobSearch.html

responsible for analysis, forecasting, research and budget areas within the department.
Analyst, Affiliate Marketing
Fox Cable News
Los Angeles, CA
http://www.foxcareers.com/jobSearch.html

qualifying, prospecting, cultivating, and driving revenue growth
Content Sales Manager
Thought Equity Motion
Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Sydney & Tokyo
http://www.thoughtequitymotion.com/video/shell/txp/career/home.do?title=Careers

sourcing and closing brand sponsorships and advertising campaigns on our site and managing our ad rep firms and ad networks
Director of Advertising Sales
My Damn Channel
Los Angeles or New York
[email protected]

lead outbound sales campaigns to increase awareness of Thrillist.com among the advertising community and to generate new business
Advertising Sales Executive
Thrillist.com
Los Angeles, CA
http://www.thrillist.com/jobs/Philadelphia# 1

pursue the company’s domestic and international sourcing objectives in marketing, advertising and promotions
Director, Marketing Sourcing   1053177
NBC Universal
Universal City, CA
http://www.nbcunicareers.com/
or click here

work closely with functional department leads to ensure successful implementation and ongoing development for all projects supporting the company
Senior Project Manager   09-0204
Ascent Media
Burbank CA
http://www.ascentmedia.com/careers.htm
or click here

management and implementation of MTV clients’ on-air, online, and on-ground Integrated Marketing programs
Manager, Integrated Marketing & Sponsorship Development
MTV
Santa Monica
https://jobhuntweb.viacom.com/jobhunt/main/jobsrch.asp

working directly with reporters (print, online, TV, radio) to generate positive publicity for GSN’s programming
Director, Public Relations
GSN
Santa Monica CA
http://www.gsn.com/cgi/careers/list_all.html

works on the strategic marketing planning for the network, the website and the resulting shows, games and initiatives
VP Strategic Partnerships & Promotions
GSN
Santa Monica CA
http://www.gsn.com/cgi/careers/list_all.html

assume ownership of GMX’s account tracking processes, acting as a liaison between sales and operations
Account Manager   09-0203
Ascent Media
Santa Monica CA
http://www.ascentmedia.com/careers.htm
or click here

increasing company revenues and client campaign performance
Director of Revenue Operations
Blogher
Silicon Valley, CA
http://www.blogher.com/jobs

prospecting and closing new business to run on-air at NBC Bay Area and online at NBCBayArea.com
Account Executive   1077489
NBC Universal
San Jose, CA
http://www.nbcunicareers.com/
or click here

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM HGTV

Cynopsis CLASSIFIEDS – For More classifieds, visit the Cynopsis.com classifieds page here – also check out our Facebook page where our classifieds are listed the night before the editions are published!

JOB OPENING: DIR, PRGRMNG/KSBI/OKC: Mng all areas of prgrmng. Prgrmng acquisition, plan’g, Nielsen overnight. Strong knwlg of news media & brdcst sports. BA & 3+yrs exp TV prgmng &/or mktg req’d. [email protected] or fax 405-631-7367 (8/15)

JOB OPENING: VP, PROGRAM RESEARCH/NBC UNIVERSAL/NY: NBC Universal is hiring for a VP, Bravo Program Research. Please visit www.nbcunicareers.com for more information. Job# is 1076904 (8/15)

JOB OPENING: VICE PRESIDENT – CONTENT DISTRIBUTION/NYC: 7+ yrs affiliate sales & mktg exp. Manage accounts, dev strat, optimize revenue. Strong deal-negotiating/analytical/written & oral comm. skills. EOE/M/F/D/AAP. Apply www.mtvncareers.com (8/15)

JOB OPENING: COMMERCIAL OPS SPECIALIST CMT/NYC: 1+ yr sked commercials exp. Strong multi-tasking, org and communication skill. Exp with Gabriel or similar sys. Prof in MS Office. EOE/M/F/D/AAP. Apply www.mtvncareers.com (8/15)

JOB OPENING: INVENTORY ANALYST/Metro Traffic: Help maximize rev generated by MetroNetworks. Strong analytic, strategic problem-solving & decision-making skills. 2+ yrs relevant exp. Cvr, res & sal req: [email protected] (8/13)

JOB OPENING: AFFILIATE RELATIONS MANAGER/Beanstalk Marketing Group/LA: For CPA division. Must have 2+ yrs. experience in Ad Sales and Mgmt. Must live in the LA area. Resumes to: [email protected] (8/13)

JOB OPENING: PRODUCTION ASSISTANT (permalance)/NY: Cable television network looking for PA with network experience. Candidate should aspire to write and produce promos. Apply: [email protected] (8/12)

JOB OPENING: SR RESEARCH ANALYST/ABC Burbank: Min 2 yrs exp in TV/digital research, apt at Nielsen, strong written, PC & analytical skills, college degree req. Apply at: www.disneyabcjobs.com (8/12)

JOB OPENING: FRLNC CELEBRITY STYLE BLOGGER: For major network. Exp in celeb & fashion. Must have HTML & Photoshop & active blog w/avid audience. Apply: at http://www.mylifetime.com/about-us/welcome include writing sample (8/11)

JOB OPENING: LOCAL SALES MGR/KGTV/McGraw-Hill/San Diego: Lead/motivate Local Sales Team. Mng Team for both ABC and 10News.com. Exc analytical & comm skills & proven negotiating skills. www.mcgraw-hill.com/careers (8/11)

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE

Former President of MyNetworkTV, Greg Meidel was appointed President of Twentieth Television, effective immediately. Greg will provide oversight of all first-run, network and off-network programming and distribution for the syndication company and the new MyNetworkTV programming service. Prior to his MyNetworkTV position, Greg served as President/Programming for CBS Paramount Domestic Television in charge of such first-run syndicated programming as Entertainment Tonight and Dr. Phil among others.

Boy Wonder Productions hired Michael Winter as VP/TV Production Development, starting immediately. Michael will be in charge of and manage the company’s slate of TV projects and productions, including the DIY Network program 10 Grand in Your Hand and the upcoming pilot Daycare Diaries for TLC. In addition, Michael will work in tandem with Michael Morrissey, President/Owner of the New York-based company to oversee and develop new projects.

Brittany Hodak joins Omnicom’s Fathom Communications as Account Supervisor for the firm’s Entertainment Marketing unit. Brittany will report to Marcus Peterzell, Managing Director/Engagement and Entertainment and she will work closely with Marcus to strengthen the company’s entertainment and digital marketing division.

Laura Danford Mandel advanced to SVP/Publicity with Telepictures Productions. Laura’s roster of duties will still include providing daily publicity efforts on behalf of such Telepictures Productions’ shows as The Ellen DeGeneres Show, TMZ, The Tyra Banks Show among others as well as companion online sites. Laura will also help launch Lopez Tonight, the new late-night talk show on TBS launching this November and starring George Lopez.

Horizon Media recruited retail expert Richard Simms as SVP/Managing Director to oversee the company’s list of retail clients and to develop a retail practice, reporting to Oliver Maletz, EVP/Managing Partner. Richard joins from BOHAN Advertising where he was Brand Engagement Officer.

Madison Square Garden tapped Stacey Escudero to the new position of VP/Business Public Relations, MSG Sports. Stacey will manage all business PR efforts on behalf of MSG Sports, emphasizing trade, business and consumer press initiatives. Stacey will work with the division to execute PR campaigns to increase awareness of MSG Sports and its marketing partnerships. She will report jointly to Barry Watkins, SVP/Communications, Madison Square Garden and Scott O’Neil, President, MSG Sports.

BET Networks recruited former MySpace executive Brandon Lucas as VP/GM of BET Mobile responsible for spearheading the wireless products, strategy and partnerships on behalf of the company. Brandon will be in charge of increasing the department and development of BET Mobile and seeking out new business opportunities. Based in Los Angeles, Brandon will report to Denmark West, President/BET Digital Media.

Dennis Dunn joins 615 Music in the new position as Senior Advisor/Sales and Strategic Development. Dennis will manage all sales activities and involved with expanding the company. He will be based in Atlanta and will regularly travel to the company’s Nashville and Los Angeles offices.

VH1 and VH1 Classic elevated Lee Rolontz to EVP/Original Music Production where she will continue to supervise the production of original music events and execute major new events and specials. Lee reports to Tom Calderone, President, VH1. In addition, Keshia Williams was upped to VP/Original Music Production and Development, VH1 and VH1 Classic. Keshia will still oversee all original production for VH1 Classic network and VH1 events such as the VH1 Hip Hop Honors. She reports to Lee Rolontz.

Corey Prince was added as Director/Human Resources at Gospel Music Channel (GMC). This is a new position at the network and Corey will be responsible for overseeing the emerging HR needs of GMC as well as operations and administration. Corey will report to Paul Butler, VP/Business Affairs and Development. Prior to this appointment, Corey served as a consultant to GMC and before that was the regional human resources manager for Cox Media in Atlanta.

Mediaedge:cia announced three key shifts to its worldwide management organization:

• Mel Varley is now Chief Strategy Officer, Global in charge of the company’s overall future business model. His position has been upgraded from CEO, Europe, Middle East and Africa.
• Caroline Foster Kenny was appointed Chief Client Officer, Global responsible for understanding client’s business and marketing needs and creating a custom service plan for each client.
• Alastair Aird was named Europe Middle East Africa Chairman in addition to continuing as Global COO. His new duties will include oversight of the company’s restructuring process in the EMEA region.

Lori Teig and Leanne Elias were recruited as Senior Talent Executive and Talent Executive respectively for TBS’ new late-night talk show Lopez Tonight starring George Lopez. The Monday-Friday at 11p show debuts November 9 on TBS and is produced by 2.2 Productions, para Media Inc. and Telepictures Productions in association with Warner Horizon Television.

Effective September 1, Susan Sullivan will become VP/News for NBC Local Media New York. Susan will relocate to New York to supervise the daily news operations of WNBC, NY Nonstop and NBCnewyork.com. Prior to this upcoming appointment, Susan was VP/News with KNTV, the NBC station in San Jose/San Francisco since November 2007.

Donn Carper joined Tribune Broadcasting’s KTLA-TV in the local sales department to sell and develop new business, promoting all of Tribune’s products.  Congratulations Donn!

PCI Communications Inc. tapped Dean Thompson as SVP for its New York office. Previously, Dean was the Founder/President of OMI Business Communications. Additionally, PCI Communications hired Brian Habas as Project Manager for its New York team. He, too, joins from OMI where he was Producer/Editor.

Later — John
   John Cox for Cynopsis: Classified Advantage
[email protected]
08.11.09

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