A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM FX NETWORKS

Cynopsis: Classified Advantage

08.18.09

Good morning – it’s Tuesday, August 18, 2009, and this is your weekly issue of Cyn opsis: 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.

Resume Red Flags

Resumes are defensive. The purpose is to get you an interview rather than being discarded within a 30 second scan. HR people are looking for red flags to cull through the applicants as efficiently and as quickly as possible.

There are many different priorities in Human Resource Departments. In researching and talking to HR personnel, they often contradict each other in what will get a resume tossed. Some love buzzwords, others will discard a resume simply based on the use of these words. “It favors style over substance.” Some say resumes should be no longer than one page, but most agree that two pages is now the standard.  And some people find that mission statements are a very important part of any resume and a necessity, others intensely dislike the mission statement and say they are not needed unless you are submitting a resume without a particular job referenced.

The following list includes the “red flags” that most HR people seem to agree upon.

Spelling and Grammar Mistakes – this is the most obvious and the most damning, yet it frequently occurs. This is why it is so important to have others read your resume and cover letter prior to sending it anywhere.

Poorly Constructed Resume – it doesn’t matter if a resume contains the greatest work history in the world, if it is hard to follow the flow of information, no one will spend the time reading it.

Functional Resume – as we have reported in several previous editions, functional resumes are used by those who need to hide something in their employment history. Do not use a functional resume unless absolutely necessary.

Embellishment – either in facts or job titles. It is easier now to check on the facts on anyone’s resume. Many companies check resumes against the application and find a startling amount of discrepancies. And if the job title seems more impressive than the job itself… red flag.

Worked For Companies That No Longer Exist – companies do fail but if there is no or little history of the company, it becomes worrisome. Many restaurant workers “create” eating establishments to pad their resume, this practice has unfortunately spread to other industries.

Job Description – if a resume explains more about the job rather than one’s accomplishments while employed in the job, it is reasonable to infer there weren’t many accomplishments.

Qualifiers – if a description is qualified with “had exposure to” or other similar phrases, it may mean the person was a bystander and not actually involved in the process.

Out of Date Reference Contact Information – if the contact information provided for any reference is incorrect, the potential employee is either careless or trying to hide something. Either will get the resume tossed.

Job Hopping – short tenures at various jobs may create a problem; however, if the reasons are clearly defined and are reasonable, this problem may be avoided. But even in the most positive light of constantly being hired away, it does demonstrate a lack of loyalty.

Outsized Results in a Small Amount of Time – someone may be that good, but more frequently, the person has benefitted from good timing and just claiming ownership.

Next week: Another look at social networks

Cyn opsis: 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].

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM HISTORY

HOW CAN MY RESUME INCREASE MY CHANCES OF GETTING AN INTERVIEW?
By Peter Roche

Every professional recruiter is a bit like a casting director. He or she is looking for THE perfect “player” for the role they are casting – their reputation depends on them making good decisions. So the job of your resume, like a performer’s portfolio, is to make the casting director’s decision easy, helping you make the first cut to an audition (interview).

If competition for the job you want was as tough as making it to American Idol, how ready are you? Have you presented yourself attractively enough to make the cut to an interview?

Some questions you need to be able to answer with an unequivocal YES!

• Does your resume have a clear “this is who I am and what I can be counted on to deliver to a prospective employer” as a headline?
• If your resume was a book cover, will it persuade a potential reader to want pick it up and read it?  Are there easy to grasp specifics of what you’ve got to offer?
• Have you spent the creative time translating what you “do”” into the value you will provide to a prospective employer so they “get it” quickly and easily?
• Do the claims you make about your skills, accomplishments and contribution capture what’s unique about you in a stand-out way?
• Have you included a testimonial, a quote from a performance review or a boss or client that validates what you say about how good you are?
• Finally, would you be enrolled in auditioning this person if you were the casting director?

Peter Roche is the Managing Partner of The London Perret Roche Group LLC.  An international consulting and executive coaching firm who has the reputation for helping clients outperform themselves and their competitors. Contact: Peter’s direct line 732-933-9610, email, [email protected] and on the web http://www.lprgroup.com

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

Like most, due to the credit crunch, I recently lost my job in production finance at a top Broadcasting company after 8 years. Scared of being out of work, I recently accepted a role in a completely different industry while still job hunting in TV. I was wondering what to say at interviews if asked why am looking to leave my current role after only 2 months? I have a couple of interviews coming up and would really appreciate your feedback!

My advice is, always tell the truth – the whole truth. I speculate part of the “whole truth” is that you accepted your current job out of your commitment to being financially responsible – after all, in the current economic climate unemployment, and therefore no income, could last several months.

I am almost 30 and spent the first 4 years out of college working in production as a Production Coordinator and Associate Producer in NYC. 5 years ago I decided to move Washington, DC to be closer to my now husband and started working in the corporate side of a large media company (it was my “in” at the time to pretty much the only game in town). I’ve been trying to get back into production but have been told by our HR person I would need to start back as a Production Assistant since my production experience was not with the company itself. At this point financially that is not an option since my current position is at a higher level. I really enjoy working for this company but I’m extremely bored in my current position. Am I still employable as an Associate Producer outside of this corporation?

I recommend you start a conversation with your current boss about the possibility of transferring to production. First question for your boss would be is he/she be open to such a conversation? If no, the reason could simply be your boss doesn’t want to loose you. If so, you could offer to replace yourself and train your replacement. If the answer is still no, then the likelihood is you will have to move to a new organization to fulfill your ambition. If yes, would he/she be willing to explore that possibility with the head of production? If yes, you would need to be able to demonstrate to the head of production how you would add value to the production organization – and a level or value that would justify a transfer at your current salary.

Peter Roche is the Managing Partner of The London Perret Roche Group LLC.  An international consulting and executive coaching firm who has the reputation for helping clients outperform themselves and their competitors. Contact: Peter’s direct line 732-933-9610, email, [email protected] and on the web http://www.lprgroup.com

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 …

provide client and account service to Digital Ad Sales, Digital Business Development and Integrated Marketing
Manager, Digital Ad Sales Research
MTV Networks
NYC, NY
https://jobhuntweb.viacom.com/

developing and managing advertising capabilities and solutions across key verticals to support and drive sales revenue
Director, Product Marketing, iVillage   1062325
NBC Universal
NYC, NY
http://www.nbcunicareers.com/
or click here

develop, implement and achieve annual sales budget for designated territories
Vice President, Syndication Sales Northeast Region   1003874
NBC Universal
NYC, NY
http://www.nbcunicareers.com/
or click here

assist in creating and executing strategies to drive revenue and margin growth for NBC News and MSNBC, with focus on non-air revenue
Director, News Strategy   1077358
NBC Universal
NYC, NY
http://www.nbcunicareers.com/
or click here

determination of the show topics, the format and focus of the show, the “image” and the selection of appropriate guests for the show
Producer – Steve Wilkos Show   1059234
NBC Universal
NYC, NY
http://www.nbcunicareers.com/
or click here

develop long term strategic plans for msnbc programming to enhance the overall network
Producer   1078275
NBC Universal
NYC, NY
http://www.nbcunicareers.com/
or click here

develop dynamic on-air and digital marketing for national advertisers that drive incremental ad sales revenue and elevate the truTV brand
Director, Integrated Sales Marketing   113964BR
Turner Broadcasting
NYC, NY
http://www.turner.com/careers/

solid understanding of the Internet (including online advertising, content distribution and contextual marketing) with creative selling skills to forge long-term deals with a variety of web publishing partners
Director of Business Development   267
Vibrant Media
NYC, NY
http://tbe.taleo.net/NA7/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=VIBRANT&cws=1&rid=267

raising Vibrant’s profile within the Advertising and Media industry by developing and executing high-impact creative ideas designed to generate strong positive press coverage, secure speaking arrangements and events
Director of Public Relations   235
Vibrant Media
NYC, NY
http://tbe.taleo.net/NA7/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=VIBRANT&cws=1&rid=235

manage existing interactive agency and client accounts, as well as develop new business
Sales Manager   218
Vibrant Media
NYC, NY
http://tbe.taleo.net/NA7/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=VIBRANT&cws=1&rid=218

lead, manage and develop Vibrant’s core targeting engine across multiple product lines
Sr. Product Manager   253
Vibrant Media
NYC, NY
http://tbe.taleo.net/NA7/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=VIBRANT&cws=1&rid=253

develop strategic positioning and product messaging
Public Relations Director
Associated Content
NYC, NY
http://www.associatedcontent.com/jobs.html

designing and developing successful websites and marketing creative solutions
Creative Director
360i
NYC, NY
http://www.360i.com/careers/
or click here

developing strategic business recommendations based on qualitative and quantitative consumer data
Customer Insights Strategist
360i
NYC, NY
http://www.360i.com/careers/
or click here

crafting and implementing effective communications campaigns and strategies through blog PR, viral marketing, community marketing and more
Digital Publicist
360i
NYC, NY
http://www.360i.com/careers/
or click here

write and produce creative work that builds our brand and solidifies our relationship with viewers across languages and cultures
On-Air Promotions Producer
Nick International
NYC, NY
https://jobhuntweb.viacom.com/

marketing expertise working on educational services and retail brands to be the strategic client services lead and business development contact for a host of our Fortune 500 clients
Account Director
360i
Atlanta GA
http://www.360i.com/careers/
or click here

provides crucial support to network management in the areas of program scheduling, rate card management, acquisitions and reporting
Project Manager, Entertainment Programming Research   0013918BR
Turner Broadcasting
Atlanta GA
http://www.turner.com/careers/

driving revenue, developing and maintaining strategic advertising accounts, sponsorship deals and corporate level accounts around existing and new station projects
Sales Account Executive – WMAQ-TV   1078533
NBC Universal
Chicago IL
http://www.nbcunicareers.com/

provide overall direction and strategy for Chicago & New York media team
Media Director
Agency.com
Chicago IL
http://www.agency.com/facts/career_description.asp?location=Chicago&job=317

develop target list and initiate contact with potential customers
Account Executive
Associated Content
Los Angeles, CA
http://www.associatedcontent.com/jobs.html

activating, processing and trafficking newly registered Affiliates
Account Coordinator, Affiliate Program   988
Shopzilla
Los Angeles CA
http://www.shopzilla.com/62_-_content–jobs
or click here

oversee the activities of a team responsible for the day to day advertising operations department
Director, Ad Operations   920
Shopzilla
Los Angeles CA
http://www.shopzilla.com/62_-_content–jobs
or click here

creative, team leader experienced in digital marketing tactics
Digital Marketing Director
Feed Company
Los Angeles CA
[email protected]

developing strategic media relationships with key regional interactive agency and client decision makers
Director of Sales   15
Vibrant Media
Los Angeles CA
http://tbe.taleo.net/NA7/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=VIBRANT&cws=1&rid=15

oversee network current shows and possibly development projects as well
Director, Programming   1074631
NBC Universal
Universal City, CA
http://www.nbcunicareers.com/

developing strategic media relationships with key regional interactive agency and client decision makers
Director of Sales   24
Vibrant Media
San Francisco CA
http://tbe.taleo.net/NA7/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=VIBRANT&cws=1&rid=24

manage existing interactive agency and client accounts, as well as develop new business
Sales Manager   219
Vibrant Media
San Francisco CA
http://tbe.taleo.net/NA7/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=VIBRANT&cws=1&rid=219

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM WESTDOC

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: SR NAT’L BRDCST NEGOTIATOR/Emphasis on Network TV/ Active Int’l/Pearl River, NY (15 mi. from NYC):  10 yrs exp. Mngng/buying at major agency or buying services req’d. [email protected] or 845-732-8943 (8/22)

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] (8/22)
 
JOB OPENING: SHOW PRODUCER/NAHB Prods. Group (DC): Seeking EXPERIENCED Producer/Director for reality/docu-drama crime series for major cable network. Strong field exp. is a must. Apply at: [email protected] or visit www.NAHBProds.com (8/21)

JOB OPENING: JR.SALES MGR/ Razor & Tie Entertainment/NYC: 2 yrs sales exp in music industry. Grow sales via regional/non trad accts/maint customer/distrib bus.Familiar with distrib & supply chains. Apply: [email protected]    (8/21)

JOB OPENING: LICENSE & BRAND MGR/Children’s Books/NY: Product & program mgmt, partner w/ mktg & communication. Brand awareness. 5-7 yrs marketing exp, prefer working w/book series or properties. www.abramsbooks.com/careers.html (8/20)

JOB OPENING: WEB ANALYST/E! (LA): Min 1-2 yrs. exp. pref. Anlyst for web property pref. w/OMNITURE site catalyst. Strong PC & analytical skills, BA degree req. Apply at: [email protected] (8/18)

JOB OPENING: RESEARCH ANALYST/E! (LA): 1-2yrs Media/Primary Rich exp. Into Rich/data amyls. Passion for Rich & interested, in competitive set for CEG Nets. Apply at: [email protected] (8/18)

JOB OPENING: SR MGR, DIG PROJECTS/WE tv/NY: Mng content & interactive features on digital plats. Solid PM exp (3-5 yrs mng web design & dvlpmnt) familiar w/ both Digital & Prod worlds. Res: www.cablevision.jobs ref# 9206BR (8/18)

JOB OPENING: DIR, DISTR MKTG/Rainbow Media/NY: Mng Dist. mktg initiatives on all platforms for ntwrk prgrmg. 5+ yrs mktg exp cable affil mktg & VOD exp pref. Strong strategic & interpersonal skills. Res: www.cablevision.jobs ref#9215BR (8/18)

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE

BET Networks added Karen Saunders to its BET News team as Senior Producer of new series, BET News In-Depth as well as Jason Samuels to BET News as Senior Series Producer of Heart of the City. Both report to Keith Brown, SVP/BET News and Public Affairs.

Adrienne LoRay was promoted to SVP/Human Resources with the Fox Television Stations (FTS). Effective immediately, Adrienne will oversee all HR and personnel duties on behalf of the 27 Fox O&Os, Fox Stations Sales, Twentieth Television and MyNetworkTV. Adrienne will report directly to Jack Abernethy, CEO, FTS.

Starting September 1, Anna Gecan will relocate to HGTV’s New York office as VP/Original Programming. For the past four years, Anna was VP/Content, HGTV Canada, working on such popular shows in both Canada and the US as Property Virgins, The Unsellables, Income Property and more. In her new stateside capacity, Anna will provide daily management of HGTV’s Knoxville and New York program production groups. She will report to Freddy James, SVP/Program Development and Productions.

National Geographic Digital Media (NGDM) appointed Robert Michael Murray as VP/Social Media. Robert will put strategies in place involving social media sites to connect NationalGeographic.com users and to display stories and the company’s mission across various digital platforms. He reports to John Caldwell, President, NGDM.

Triple 7 Public Relations added Nicole Pope as Director/Publicity and Tanya Taylor as Account Executive. Pope and Taylor will report directly to Carrie Simons, President, and will be based in Nashville, Tennessee.

NBC Universal Global Networks named Paul Curtis to the new position of VP/Commercial Strategy for the UK networks SCI FI, Hallmark Channel, Movies 24 and Diva TV. Starting next month, Paul will report to Laurence Dawkin-Jones, Managing Director (UK), NBCU Global Networks. Previously, Paul was Deputy Managing Director with BSKYB Sky Media.

W. Don Cornwell, Founder of Granite Broadcasting Corporation announced he will leave his position as Chairman/CEO after establishing the company in October 1988. In addition, John Deushane, COO will also depart the company. Peter Markham will step into the role of Chairman and Duane Lammers will become COO and together will oversee the company.

CBS Outdoor International promoted Antonio Alonso to CEO up from Chief Development Officer. Antonio will manage the company’s international roster of outdoor businesses including those in the UK, Ireland, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain and mainland China.

Chuck Gordon takes on new responsibility as National Sales Director for Birmingham-based digital services company Dirextion Inc. Chuck will recruit and train sales representatives as well as oversee daily operations within the advertising sales department. Chuck joins Dirextion from Charter Media’s Alabama unit.

FremantleMedia recruited Saurindra Kumar Barua (Raj) as Managing Director, FremantleMedia India. Located in Mumbai, Raj will report to Singapore-based Patrick Schult, CEO, FremantleMedia Asia. In his new capacity, Raj will create a new team and work with units within FremantleMedia to establish a viable production operation for the Indian market.

Crown Media Holdings, Inc., owner and operator of Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movie Channel tapped Mark J. Kern as SVP/Communications and Media Relations. Prior to this appointment, Mark served as an independent communications consultant offering media and public relations, corporate communications and publicity efforts. At Crown Media, Mark will report to William J. Abbott, President/CEO.

Rodney Sherard began a new job with Birmingham-based digital services company Dirextion Inc. as Special Projects Director. In this newly established position, Rodney will manage the company’s advertising sales initiatives covering supplemental products in addition to standard advertising business in the Southeast.

Regarded as a pioneer in Spanish-language media, Ray Rodriguez, President/COO of Univision Communications Inc. will retire from his position after almost 20 years with the company. Additionally Cesar Conde will assume responsibility as President, Univision Networks starting October 1 and Joe Uva, CEO will now also become President, Univision Communications. Cesar, who most recently served as EVP/Chief Strategy Officer will be based in Miami and will continue to report to Joe Uva.

Jennifer Jennings was appointed LSM at WWJ-TV/Detroit, owned by CBS. Jennifer will be in charge of the local sales efforts at the station and will further target new business development and client support. Jennifer joins from Clear Channel Communications in Chicago where she served as LSM.

Later — John
   John Cox for Cynopsis: Classified Advantage
[email protected]
08.18.09

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