A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM GSN

Cynopsis: Classified Advantage

05.19.09

Good morning – it’s Tuesday, May 19, 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.

Ah, the mysterious cover letter …

A cover letter is a company specific, very focused, and easily read document that is to serve as both an introduction and a supplement to your resume.

Human Resource specialists claim that the cover letter is the most misunderstood piece of the hiring process. It is the first form of written communication your potential employer will read. It is equal in importance to the resume in the “weeding out” process. So here are some guidelines for your cover letter.

The first paragraph of your cover letter should clearly state the specific job your are applying for and in more general terms, why you should be granted further considerations.

The following paragraphs should communicate more specifically why you should be hired, and why you want to work for this particular company, but remember, do not simply repeat what is on your resume. These paragraphs are often in bullet point format.

Your final paragraph should communicate your desire for an interview, and of course, a thank you. You should state that you will follow-up to ensure the receipt of your materials, and if you wish, restate your enthusiasm for the company.

Cover letters should average about 300 words.

Make sure you read the entire classified carefully, the cover letter and resume should address the qualifications and requirements placed in the ad.

Use key words and phrases indigenous to the specific business. The more you sound like people in the field, the better your chances of getting an interview.

Use the company’s name in your cover letter. A generic letter is the quickest way to be eliminated.

Do your research, address your cover letter to the person who will actually read it. Never address your letter, “To Whom it May Concern.”

Don’t be too creative, instead, be focused, enthusiastic and clear.

Make sure you state the job your applying for. It is not the responsibility of the employer to determine what job is best for you.

Have someone else look at your letter prior to sending it off. Another set of eyes can often see something you have missed.

Next week: How to painlessly save money at home.

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].

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM CBS

HOW TO STAND OUT FROM THE PACK

It’s always tough to find a job in a down economy. But during severe recessions like this, when whole industries are cutting back, and entire job categories are suffering massive layoffs, the competition for any one opening grows even more intense. There are hundreds, if not thousands of others, with resumes and qualifications just like yours, who are scouring those same job listings. Try these three techniques to stand out from the pack.

1. Expand your horizons. Misery may love company but sometimes it’s break free from the herd. Being willing to relocate, particularly away from the traditional centers of your industry or profession, or major metro areas, will set you apart from most of your peers. And in a pool of candidates the out of towner always stands out. It’s better to have a job in a small market than to be unemployed in a major market.

2. Reduce your expectations. Since you and everyone else at your professional level has been let go in favor of those one level below, voluntarily climb down the ladder. You’ll stand out from the pack by being the most experienced, most skilled applicant. That will almost guarantee you an interview, during which you can easily deal with any qualms about your being overqualified.

3. Jump off the career path. Another way to almost certainly get an interview is to come to the job “out of left field.” Discard the conventional wisdom about what you should logically do next. Embrace non linear thinking and apply for positions solely based on whether you have the skills and abilities to do the job. Be willing to go from managing a newspaper editorial staff to running a retail sales team. As long as your initial written submission shows you’ve got applicable skills your uniqueness will be a plus.
The underlying secret to each of these strategies is to act preemptively. Do the unexpected by design and you’ll appear intriguing. Do it by default you look desperate.

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 http://www.gostryter.com has been Pollan’s collaborator for more than 20 years.
Next week: Job Hunting Requires Rigor and Discipline

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 SYFY

Hi John –
Thanks for the question advice posted on Cynopsis. I have been working for many years and have had millions of interviews. I feel like I know all the questions to ask and answer but still have to have the script in my head.

Corporate loyalty is dead and buried so jumping from one position to another doesn’t raise a disqualifying flag as in years past. Today’s it results in a caution flag, but one you can easily overcome. The key is to show the logic behind your frequent moves. Maybe they were parts of a steady progression toward a goal. Perhaps they were sensible moves anyone would make. Or it could be they were more assignments than jobs: once you completed your mission, you moved on. You can best make these cases during an interview, but you can help yourself by tailoring your resume to match the argument you’ll be making. Dates aren’t a requirement. Consider framing positions as steps toward a goal or successful achievements instead. Just make sure to show how the position you’re after represents the logical next step or calls for the same kind of achievements.

I see there are always many internship/director/manager/VP level positions posted on Cynopsis/Cynopsis Classifieds. However, few spots are covered for the associate level jobs. Despite the fact that I had various internship experience in the media industry, I am still having much trouble locating a permanent full time job. Head counts issues are turning me crazy sometimes.

One issue you may be facing is language. It appears from your note that English may not be your primary language. The fact that it appears this way may be part of the problem. Whether written communication skills will play a role in a job’s performance or not, they are one of the first means used to screen out candidates. I have two suggestions: first, get help polishing your written English so it won’t be a potential disqualification; second, explore opportunities where fluency in your first language is vital. Far too many Americans, including me, are mono lingual. Use our shortcoming to your advantage.

Ask the Experts answers provided by Stephen M. Pollan [email protected] and Mark Levine http://www.gostryter.com

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

JOB OF THE WEEK …

OTHER INDUSTRY JOBS OF INTEREST …

recruitment of website partners into the portfolio of ad pepper web sites while meeting activity, inventory and revenue quotas
Director, Business Development
ad pepper
NYC, NY
[email protected]

oversee and manage tight creative deadlines, ensure overall quality of creative output
Creative Project Manager
NextWeb Media
NYC, NY
http://www.nextwebmedia.com/careers/36

lead a team of marketing professionals to successfully implement direct response campaigns
On-Line Marketing Director
NextWeb Media
NYC, NY
http://www.nextwebmedia.com/careers/37

building distribution for our products
Online Media Buyer
NextWeb Media
NYC, NY
http://www.nextwebmedia.com/careers/6

planning and management of execution across businesses, regions, products and distribution channels
SVP, Digital Communications
Nielsen Business Media
NYC, NY
http://en-us.nielsen.com/careers

planning experience with experience in all media types
Media Planner
Pyramid Consulting, Inc.
NYC, NY
[email protected]

source and maintain profitable media relationships with online publishers
Online Media Buyer
Sai People Solutions, Inc.
NYC, NY
http://www.saipeople.com/searchjobs/JobDescription.aspx?JobId=45196

gathers and examines information relating to the sale of company products
Marketing Analyst
Sai People Solutions, Inc.
NYC, NY
http://www.saipeople.com/searchjobs/JobDescription.aspx?JobId=45213

develop and incorporate social media strategies and incorporate into overall communications programs
Social Media Specialist
The Halo Group
NYC, NY
[email protected]

creative thinker who can fluently communicate in the marketers (our clients) language and provide innovative solutions to marketing challenges
Digital Brand Manager
Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia
NYC, NY
http://app.cvtracer.com/public/236765084/jobpostings/29122Career.htm

effectively managing About.com’s online sales efforts with overall accountability for achieving targeted advertising sales revenues
SVP, Online Advertising Sales
About.com
NYC, NY
http://jobs.about.com/#sl1

help our customers design their print and on-line advertising programs
Media Consultant
Idearc
East meadow NY
http://careers.peopleclick.com/careerscp/client_idearc/external/search.do

bringing successful digital products, services and applications to market
Manager, Mobile Products
National Geographic
Washington DC
www.nationalgeographic.com/jobs

sells local, regional, or national advertising on cable networks to produce revenue
Account Executive
Cox Communications
Northern VA
http://www.cox.com/CoxCareer/

sells local, regional, or national advertising on cable networks to produce revenue
Account Executive
Cox Communications
Baton Rouge
http://www.cox.com/CoxCareer/

develop a cable advertising client base and to sell local advertising availabilities to this base
Account Executive
Cox Communications
Pensacola FL
http://www.cox.com/CoxCareer/

sell four unique television stations under one roof
Account Executive
Four Points Media Group
West Palm Beach, FL
[email protected]

sale of advertising on all AM+M online assets to interactive ad agencies and entertainment clients throughout the Western Region
Digital Sales/Account Director
Alloy Media +Marketing
Los Angeles, CA
http://hostedjobs.openhire.com/epostings/submit.cfm?version=1&company_id=16082

provide strategic counsel as well as identify additional projects, services, and divisions to recommend
Vice President – Public Relations
GolinHarris
Los Angeles CA
http://www.golinharris.com/Default.aspx/Careers/CareerOpportunities

represent our brand in online sales and cross platform opportunities to our mobile and broadcast television properties
Online Ad Sales Account Executives
TMZ
Los Angeles, NYC, Chicago
[email protected]

represent and sell various media products
Account Executive, Media Sales
Reach Media
Los Angeles, New York, Detroit, Chicago and Atlanta
[email protected]

negotiate, purchase and monitor media space on behalf of Fox Mobile Distribution
VP Media
Fox Entertainment Group
Los Angeles, CA
http://www.foxcareers.com/jobSearch.html

develop an intimate level of understanding of the Nintendo account, its business, products, markets, personnel, outside influences, etc
Senior Account Executive
GolinHarris
West Hollywood, CA
http://www.golinharris.com/Default.aspx/Careers/CareerOpportunities

contributes to the synthesized view of the overall Business Process Solution
Business Process and Analysis Lead, Media Sales
Warner Bros. Entertainment
Burbank CA
http://www.wbjobs.com

create, lead, manage, and grow a new Marketing and Advertising Solutions (MAS) function
Director, Marketing and Advertising Solutions
Realage
San Diego, CA
http://www.realage.com/reg.aspx?aspxerrorpath=/corporate/careers.aspx

interface between sales, editorial and tech to assist sales in developing client programs and proposals
Advertising Account Manager
Foodbuzz
San Francisco, CA
http://foodbuzz.jobscore.com/jobs/foodbuzz/list

manage projects from start to finish; update project schedules and monitor projects daily
Internet Ad Sales Account Executive
Foodbuzz
San Francisco, CA
http://foodbuzz.jobscore.com/jobs/foodbuzz/list

organized, motivated, committed and has great interpersonal skills
Senior Account Executive
RLR Advertising
Pasadena CA
[email protected]

Sources: CareerCast, Spots n Dots, B&C, MediaPost, Ad Age, iMedia Connection, indeed, Variety, iMedia Connection, Media Bistro, NBCU Careers, CBS Corporation, Fox Careers, Walt Disney

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE

Cynopsis CLASSIFIEDS – For More classifieds, visit the Cynopsis.com classifieds page here

JOB OPENING: RESEARCH ANALYST/Screenvision Cinema/NYC: 2-4 yrs exp; proficient w/Nielsen & Research systems. Ability to analyze data & execute for sales in fast pace environ. Send resumes to: [email protected]

JOB OPENING: MANAGER/DIRECTOR – AUDIENCE RESEARCH/Latitude/BOS: Lead innovative research team – design/analyze/report audience rsrch, 3-10 yrs research & 4 yr degree. See: www.latd.com/jobs Apply: [email protected]

JOB OPENING: SR RSRCH ANALYST, AD SALES/ AETN/NYC: Strong analytical, strategic thinking/sales positioning/2+ yrs nat’l TV research exp, network/ad agency. Prof in Nielsen systems/MRI pref. Apply: www.aetn.com/careers.html

JOB OPENING: SR RSRCH ANALYST, DISTRIBUTION/AETN/NY: Support trad’l & new distrib platforms. Create reports/review synd res studies. 2+ yrs media res exp. Know Nielsen syst & other res sources. Apply: www.aetn.com/careers.html

JOB OPENING: WRITER/PROD ON-AIR MKTG/TLC/SS: Conceive/write/prod. high profile TV/radio campaigns that maint brand/msg. BA in Video/Film, 4+ yrs exp. writing/prod mktg. projs, exp mngng editors a must. Apply: www.discovery.com Req#8958

JOB OPENING: SR PRODUCER/SOAPNet.com/Burbank: Lead site-wide development initiatives for mobile, community & viral digital mktg. 8yrs exp. web/entertainment www.disneycareers.com REQ 195331

JOB OPENING: ONLINE CONTENT MGR/Discovery/MD: Seeking Mgr w/ strong online prod exp. TV exp pref’d, proj mngmnt exp a must. Solid relationship building/negotiation skills; Int’l exp pref’d; Apply: www.discovery.com/careers job 8954

JOB OPENING: SENIOR ACCOUNTANT/WASH DC: Outgoing financial expert needed for financial statements, GL, budgets, payroll, cash flow, contracts, reporting. For descr. & to apply: www.teampeople.tv

JOB OPENING: DIR, DEVELOPMENT/TLC/MD: Research/vet new prog. show ideas, Exec. writing skills, 7+ yrs broadcast exp., Strng. Resch. background Apply: http://corporate.discovery.com/careers/ #8935

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE

Discovery Communications named Jennifer Iras as VP/Affiliate and National Accounts Marketing, Domestic Distribution. Jennifer will supervise all marketing relationships between cable, satellite and advanced-technology distributors including daily conversations and marketing negotiations. She will report to Jennifer Dangar, SVP/Domestic Distribution.

Lauren Melone joins Madison Square Garden as VP/Public Relations, Fuse where she will lead all public relations efforts for Fuse. Lauren will report jointly to Barry Watkins, SVP/Communications, Madison Square Garden and Valerie Green, SVP/Marketing, Fuse.

Doug Levy was appointed VP/Operations for OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network, effective immediately. Coming from Fox Sports Net where he served as VP/Production and Operations since 2005, Doug will oversee all internal operational processes involved with the channel launch and its ongoing operations. In addition, Doug will manage Information Technology and Facilities.

Independent media planning/buying agency, Blitz Media based in New England, tapped Chris Perkins as President effective May 26, 2009. Previously, Chris was EVP/Executive Director with Arnold Worldwide.

Jose Tillan will become the new GM/EVP for MTV Tr3s based dually in New York City and Miami and reporting to Stephen Friedman, GM, MTV. Most recently, Jose was SVP/Content and Creative for MTV/VH1 Latin America, where he will continue to be involved with both networks, serving as Executive Producer of Los Premios MTV 2009 and reporting to Sofia Ioannou, Managing Director, MTV Networks Latin America.

Tom Keefer joins BBC Worldwide as SVP/Global Licensing, in charge of licensing opportunities for the company’s entire roster of children’s and adult brands within the initial concentration of the US market. Tom relocated from California to New York starting his new position today. He reports to Neil Ross Russell, Managing Director, BBC Worldwide Children’s and Licensing and Garth Ancier, President, BBC Worldwide America.

Mediaedge:cia named six executives on its North American team to Senior Partner:

• Allison Coley as Senior Partner/Account Director will continue to manage the Colgate-Palmolive account worldwide and report to Managing Director Eamonn Store.
• Christina Dagnello as Senior Partner/Account Director will now handle lead responsibility for the Xerox account in North America. She will continue to report to Managing Director Eamonn Store.
• Ann McGrath as Senior Partner/Director of Client Services, MEC Retail, will continue to report to David Sommer, Managing Partner, MEC Retail.
• Jessica Michaels as Senior Partner/Group Director handles the company’s Community Activation practice on the West Coast. She continues to report jointly to Patrick Cartmel and Carrie Frolich, Co-Managing Directors, MED Interaction.
• Colleen Soriano as Senior Partner/Group Director will supervise several MEC clients. She will continue to report to Managing Director Eamonn Store.
• Jill Toscano as Senior Partner/Account Director will now take on leadership duties with the MetLife account in addition to continuing on the Chevron account. She will continue to report to Managing Director Tom Brookbanks.

Sony Pictures Television (SPT) elevated Thanda Belker to EVP/Pay Television where she will supervise domestic hotel and residential Pay Per View and VOD licensing and marketing efforts in addition to domestic Pay TV licensing and promotional activities.

Michael O’Connor joined Horizon Media as Director/National Broadcast, coming from ZenithMedia where he managed national television buying for Fox Filmed Entertainment.

Seth Metsch advanced to Digital Media Counsel with A&E Television Networks (AETN), up from Director/Legal and Business Affairs. Seth is in charge of negotiating and drafting deals involving domestic and international digital media agreements, involving video distribution to broadband and mobile platforms. Seth will also be the head negotiator on digital media for domestic cable television affiliate distribution agreements in addition to working with AETN’s interactive and e-commerce units.

VIP2000 TV named former Telemundo and Azteca America executive Harry Abraham-Castillo as COO. In his new position, Harry’s first project will include overseeing VIP2000’s interests in the newly formed CASABLANCO VIP 888, a joint venture with VIP2000 and Brazilian independent production company Casablanca.

Jerry Bruckheimer Games, Inc. and MTV Games, a unit of Viacom, Inc., announce the appointment of Jim Veevaert as President/Production and Jay Cohen as President/Development. The duo will build Bruckheimer’s new creative IP development studio with the goal to create interactive content and original intellectual property. 

International television distribution and development company, CABLEready elevated Liz Levenson to Director/Program Development. Liz is in charge of all acquisitions and submissions, working with the company’s program suppliers on original content in addition to managing all internal development projects. Liz also works as a Programming Analyst for CableU, a sister company that is a subscription-only online service offering competitive analysis of performance and trends of nearly 150 cable networks.

Phil Cowdell was promoted to Head of Mindshare North America, succeeding Scott Neslund who is departing the company to pursue new opportunities. Phil most recently served as a Global Client Leader for Mindshare and in his new capacity will oversee the management and operation of all Mindshare activities in five US cities and Canada. Phil will re-locate from Mindshare’s Chicago office to New York, reporting to Mindshare Worldwide CEO Dominic Proctor.

Later — John
   John Cox for Cynopsis: Classified Advantage
[email protected]
05.19.09

Cynopsis Kids Ad Sales:
Chuck Bolkcom, Pres/COO – 646-468-6180 / [email protected]
Classifieds – Trish Pihonak- 203-926-9878 / [email protected]

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