A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE IAB MIXX 2009

Cynopsis: Classified Advantage

09.01.09

Good morning – it’s Tuesday, September 1, 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.

A couple of weeks ago I wrote a column suggesting that if you want to know if your resume is first-rate, send it to a headhunter because their standards are higher than most companies. Since then, I have received over 100 requests asking for a good headhunting firm. It is company policy not to recommend individual firms but it may be helpful to clarify headhunter services.
A headhunter – or an executive search firm – is a job recruiter who matches skilled professionals with corporate clients.

Corporations benefit from headhunter’s services in two ways. A headhunter eliminates the process of placing ads, but more importantly, the corporation doesn’t have to spend valuable man-hours culling through the resulting resumes, subsequent phone and face to face interviews. The headhunter is well paid for his services, about 15-30% of the candidate’s first year salary.

Headhunters generally get paid by the corporation, their clients; there is no cost to the  candidates. Sounds great, however, the headhunter’s business is filling positions, not helping people find jobs. The difference being, the headhunter is only concerned with the corporation’s happiness not yours. If, after thorough consideration, they may send you on an interview, and you are not hired, the headhunter doesn’t get paid and may never call you again. Candidates are a commodity, don’t expect to be treated as anything more.

To have an established headhunter agree to represent you as a candidate is an honor. They will tell you that you are exceptionally qualified, highly marketable and are meant for bigger and better things, but take this honor with a grain of salt. In most cases, if you are called by a headhunter, they already have a position in mind for you.

It is not my intention to speak negatively executive search firms, just to give a clear picture of what they do and how they do it. Its a business and you should not be offended that their main concerns are the corporations and not the candidates. However, when their client chooses a candidate they proposed, all three participants are happy. The corporation found the person they were looking for, the candidate has a new job and the headhunter pleased his client and was nicely paid for his considerable efforts.

Good Economic News:

The CareerCast.com/JobSerf Employment Index increased in managerial recruitment for a fourth consecutive month. The index shows the demand for C-level and VP positions are recovering faster than mid-level management jobs and that the Northeast and Southeast are now above pre-September  2008 levels.

“Among major metro areas tracked in the Index, Boston rose 26% in August on a per capita basis, Los Angeles rose 24%, while San Francisco rose 20%. Other cities that showed improvement in August were Miami (23%), Atlanta (20%), Houston (19%), Tampa (14%), and D.C. (11%)” the report stated.

Next week: Branding

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].

Why employers are hiring and what you should do about it. 
Key words and other resume tips  
By Michael Pollack

When you polish up your resume make sure that it includes the keywords that Search Engine users are looking for. 
 
Allison Hemmings of The Hired Guns says that when she is recruiting, she searches resumes on three main areas: the names of companies you have worked for, common job titles and clients you have worked with. This specific detail is what  sorts people out. The names of TV shows you’ve worked on, or brands you’ve been involved with can easily get left as you sort through the thickets of corporate titles and teams, but these can be very important search criteria – make sure the good  ones are included.   
 
When a recruiter searches on their select set of terms and say 5 people meet those requirements, then they are probably not going to look further.  I was struck by this methodology, which seems very absolute and may not include those “quality” words that can be so effective when someone is then reading the resume. But it can be the specific company names, brands and titles that get the resume read, only then giving you the opportunity to flesh your story out with the innovations and business growth and awards which set you apart and make you unique.
 
And you shouldn’t drop off the things you did 10 or more years ago if they are relevant to your case.  But do take care to frame them in a contemporary context, says Hemmings. Technology and jargon has evolved, but there could still be a core that is utterly relevant to the needs of today’s employers. 
 
The question of resume boards has arisen in this space. Hemmings says there are “some awesome resume boards.”  She mentioned The Ladders and ResumeDeli.  But she notes, “Just because you have had it professionally written doesn’t mean  you can’t change it and keep it up to date.” 
 
Ultimately your resume should do what Hemmings calls “nuggetizing” parts of your background.”  It should frame each specific job in your history and tell the reader why she should care what the value is to them.  She says, “I recommend three bullet points about why you are the best person in the world who can do this job.”
 
Michael Pollock is President of Pollock Spark ( www.pollockspark.com). He is an Executive Coach and Consultant to Creative and Media professionals.  He works with people in film, TV, advertising, design, marketing, music and the Internet, bringing them the experience, techniques and inspiration to take their businesses and careers to new levels of success. © 2009 Pollock Spark 
 
Next week: The Power of Interviewing Skills

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 NYWICT

1)  What is the best way to respond when asked “Are you interviewing with other companies?” Part of me feels like politely saying that is between me and that particular company and the other part doesn’t want to shoot myself in the foot by NOT answering the question.
 
It is perfectly reasonable to respond that you are meeting with other companies in your search for the opportunity that make best use your unique skills and experience.  You should not name the other companies though; after all, your interviewer would not want his competitors to hear about his search.   
 
You can certainly tell him that you see the opening at his company as the one where you can do your best work and make the biggest difference. An intelligent interviewer should respect the fact that you are leaving no stone unturned – as long as he feels that he is your favorite.

2) I am a recent college graduate gearing up for an interview at a company that recently announced that it was going bankrupt.  If I receive the position, should I be hesitant to take it over something else because of possible layoffs to come?  Should I address the company’s bankruptcy during my interview in regards to knowing if the “job will be around for a while”? 
 
I don’t believe that pretending everything is ok looks so smart.  It makes perfect sense to ask what the future holds:  “I’ve heard the company is having some difficulty.  Can you tell me how this position might be affected by what is coming?”

I would certainly think carefully before choosing this company over a more healthy one. Cost cuts, even without layoffs, can affect your ability to do your job properly if you cannot get the resources you need.   If it is a spectacular opportunity and you will gain invaluable experience and boost your resume then you should consider whether the job is in the core business of the company: the piece that’s likely to make it through reorganization and perhaps even gain in importance in a new structure.  

Michael Pollock is President of Pollock Spark ( www.pollockspark.com).

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

JOB OF THE WEEK …

OTHER INDUSTRY JOBS OF INTEREST …

manage key agency accounts, develop programming, and pitch new business
Account Executive
Spin.com
NYC, NY
[email protected]

lead the team that develops PR and communication programs for some of the world’s leading Corporate brands
Vice President/Senior Vice President
5W PR
NYC, NY
http://www.5wpr.com/about5wpr/pr.cfm

responsible for building, growing and managing business development focused on garnering new client business in diverse marketplace sectors in order to maximize revenue and business expansion
Director, New Business Development
5W PR
NYC, NY
http://www.5wpr.com/about5wpr/pr.cfm

develop relationships with national advertisers in order to meet and surpass sales goals
Sales Executive
Studio One Networks
NYC, NY
http://www.studioonenetworks.com/contact/index.htm

lead outbound sales campaigns to increase awareness of VitalJuice.com among the advertising community and to generate new business in excess of $500,000 annually
Advertising Sales Executive
Vital Juice
NYC, NY
http://www.vitaljuice.com/footer/everywhere/jobs.htm

ownership of digital home and garden coverage, including content and functionality vision, development, and maintenance as well as promotional strategy
Digital Home and Garden Editor   32994
MarthaStewart.com
NYC, NY
http://app.cvtracer.com/public/236765084/jobpostings/32994Career.htm

ownership of digital food coverage, including content and functionality vision, development, and maintenance as well as promotional strategy
Digital Food Editor   33352
MarthaStewart.com
NYC, NY
http://app.cvtracer.com/public/236765084/jobpostings/33352Career.htm

providing quality control and submission of programming through the proprietary distribution systems
Syndication Coordinator   2280BR
CBS
NYC, NY
http://www.cbscorporation.com/careers/index.php

creative multimedia producer with strong web production skills (Flash skills preferred) and experience in building out content for sales and marketing efforts
Web Producer   203982
Walt Disney Company
NYC, NY
http://corporate.disney.go.com/careers/index.html

create and cultivate relationships with current and new clients
New Business Manager
Oddcast Inc
NYC, NY
[email protected]

develop strategic partnerships across multiple NBCU platforms (TV, Print & Online) to advance business & sustainability goals
Director, Marketing Green is Universal   1073900
NBC Universal
NYC, NY
http://www.nbcunicareers.com /

coordinating assignments and personnel with the Agency, News, Sports, Entertainment and Telesales
Production Coordinator   1082267
NBC Universal
NYC, NY
http://www.nbcunicareers.com

responsible for growing revenue across NBC Local Media’s digital platforms through the development and sale of creative advertising solutions to clients
Account Executive   1079960
NBC Universal
NYC, NY
http://www.nbcunicareers.com

running one or more iVillage verticals as complete P&Ls. Verticals currently include Home & Food, Health, Wellness and Entertainment
Director, Site Management   1062178
NBC Universal
NYC, NY
http://www.nbcunicareers.com

establish and implement all marketing activities for the network
VP, Strategic Marketing   1080922
NBC Universal
NYC, NY
http://www.nbcunicareers.com

contribute to the development and implementation of integrated ad sales marketing strategies for customers across all female oriented platforms
Manager, Integrated Sales Marketing – Women@NBCU   1081538
NBC Universal
NYC, NY
http://www.nbcunicareers.com

deliver stated goals including revenue & contribution targets as set by VP International Sales
Business Development Manager   1081570
NBC Universal
London, England
http://www.nbcunicareers.com

create global learning strategies that are aimed at building a stronger, more efficient cross-functional organization
VP Learning & Organizational Development   200078
Walt Disney Company
Bristol CT
http://corporate.disney.go.com/careers/index.html

direct the promotion, design and branding of the CBS duopoly stations in Philadelphia
Director Creative Services   2284BR
CBS
Philadelphia PA
http://www.cbscorporation.com/careers/index.php

complete account responsibility from first contact to end negotiations
Social Media Sales Consultant
Meltwater News
Chicago
http://meltwater.com/careers/en/north-america

oversee entire sales and marketing department of 25+ employees
Vice President of Sales   1081537
NBC Universal
Fort Worth TX
http://www.nbcunicareers.com

significant experience working in a major market newsroom, as well as experience working with interactive media on different platforms, including Web and WAP
Web Executive Producer   202296
Walt Disney Company
Houston TX
http://corporate.disney.go.com/careers/index.html

serve as the primary liaison to all communications entities working to promote Current TV programming and business activities
Executive Director, Publicity
Current
Los Angeles or NYC
http://current.com/job/204507694.htm

write, produce and edit the promotional spots promoting the network entertainment shows airing in primetime and daytime
Sr Writer Producer   2271BR
CBS
Los Angeles CA
http://www.cbscorporation.com/careers/index.php

affiliate relations, subscriber & revenue growth, creation and implementation of sales incentives, product training and retention with our cable affiliates in the Southern California area
Manager Point of Sale   2072BR
Showtime Networks
Los Angeles CA
http://www.cbscorporation.com/careers/index.php

overseeing the Consumer Products Approval /Strata process, Digital Merchandise, Digital Asset Management and DVD Production
Manager, Production Services   1082108
NBC Universal
Universal City, CA
http://www.nbcunicareers.com

responsible for all areas of the company’s Internet ebusiness presence including strategy and development, technology, content, marketing, sales, profitability, ecommerce, and overall operations across all business channels
Chief eBusiness Officer
BowTie Inc
Irvine CA
http://www.bowtieinc.com/bowtieinc/jobdetail.aspx?jobid=590

build/create sales strategies and proposals with Account Manger
Sales Service Manager
Nickelodeon Online
Santa Monica CA
https://jobhuntweb.viacom.com/jobhunt/main/jobhome.asp

develop creative proposals for online and cross media platforms
Sales Service Manager
VH1.com
Santa Monica CA
https://jobhuntweb.viacom.com/jobhunt/main/jobhome.asp

raft and edit press releases, media alerts and email blasts Service news announcements via PR newswire, email blasts
PR Manager
Spike/Comedy Central
Santa Monica CA
https://jobhuntweb.viacom.com/jobhunt/main/jobhome.asp

identify, develop and close new strategic business development partnerships
Business Development Director
Current
San Francisco CA
http://current.com/job/204507670.htm

be an effective Current brand evangelist in the advertising community impressing all possible interfaces in the advertising community: from agency buyer to client CMO
Account Executive
Current
San Francisco, New York or Chicago
http://current.com/job/204507672.htm

complete account responsibility from first contact to end negotiations
Social Media Sales Consultant
Meltwater News
Silicon Valley, CA
http://meltwater.com/careers/en/north-america

directly managing lead generation marketing campaigns
Online Marketing Manager
1105 Media
Chatsworth CA
http://1105media.catsone.com/careers/index.php?m=careers&p=showJob&ID=116894

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. COUNSEL, LEGAL AFFAIRS, AMC /NY:Structure/negotiate complex contracts and transactions & handle diverse legal issues for network. Must have JD, 6+ yrs relevant inhouse and/or law firm experience. Apply: [email protected] (9/5)

JOB OPENING: DIR PR-MSG MEDIA & ENT (2) NYC: 5-7 yr exp. in media. or ent. PR or with agency. Dev PR Campgns. Resp for Trade & Consumer Press. Strong media relationships needed. Rez to: [email protected] “DIRPR” in subj. (9/5)

JOB OPENING: LINE PRODUCER/ReelzChannel TV About Movies/ABQ : Help launch a daily primetime show about movies and entertainment.Creative approach a must. Resume to: [email protected] or fax 505-212-8772. EOE (9/5)

JOB OPENING: ASSOC WRIT/PROD ON AIR PROMOS/Nickelodeon-TeenNick/NYC: 3+yrs writ/prod exp. OnAirPromos/TV/Adv, Strng concept abilities & aesth jdgment, Editing A+, Knwldge of NICK brand EOE/M/F/D/AAP. Apply www.mtvncareers.com (9/5)

JOB OPENING: INTERACTIVE TV CLIENT SERVICES MGR/DISH Network/NYC4+yrs acct/project mgmt exp. in Adv/Online,Highly organized & detailed,advanced media interest, Design bckgrnd a+. Resumes to [email protected] (9/3)

Madison Square Garden tapped Gavin Harvey as EVP/GM of music network Fuse. In this new capacity, Gavin will supervise Fuse’s daily business operations in addition to the network’s business direction, marketing and sales as well as programming and production. Gavin will report to Michael Bair, President, MSG Media.

Kevin Bennett was appointed VP/Programming and Development at Investigation Discovery (ID) where he will provide oversight for all facets of ID’s programming from the development stage through premieres and the scheduling of all dayparts. Kevin will also manage production for the network. Based at Discovery Communication’s headquarters in Silver Spring, Kevin will report directly to Henry Schleiff, President/GM, ID. Prior to this new position, Kevin has been involved with development at Discovery Communications for 13 years working with Discovery Health Channel, Discovery Times Channel and ID.

Stephen David, formerly of The Idea Factory, established a new television development and production company called Stephen David Entertainment. The new company, headquartered in New York City, will offer its own in-hour post-facility and focus on reality shows, docu-series and select scripted shows.

HBO Entertainment promoted Casey Bloys to SVP/Comedy Series and Jocelyn Diaz was recruited as VP/Drama Series. Casey will manage the development and production of all 30m scripted comedy series for HBO. He has been involved with the newer comedy Hung as well as the upcoming comedy Bored to Death. Jocelyn will be in charge of development and production of drama series for the network, joining from ABC Television where she served as VP/Primetime Drama Series and Development.

Wendy McMahon takes on a new position at KABC/Los Angeles (ABC7) as VP/Creative Services and Programming starting in early September. Wendy joins from WBZ-WSBK/Boston where she was Director/Creative Services.

Starz Entertainment elevated Kelly Bumann to the new role of SVP/Consumer Marketing. Previously, Kelly was VP/Brand Strategy and Marketing Communications, joining the company in 2003. In addition, Michelle Parker was upped to SVP/Business, Legal Affairs, Distribution. Since 2008, Michelle served as VP/Business and Legal Affairs, Distribution.

Travel Ad Network (TAN) and its Board of Directors announced its CEO/Founder Cree Lawson was named Chairman of the Board. In addition, Brian Silver was elevated from President/COO to President/CEO. Brian joined the company in November 2007.

MTV Networks Latin America (MTVNLA) upgraded Fernando Gaston to SVP/Creative, Content and Music for MTV/VH1 Latin America. Fernando follows Jose Tillan in this position who was named GM of MTV TR3s in the US. Fernando will relocate to Miami from Buenos Aires and will report jointly to Sofia Ioannou, Managing Director/MTV Networks Latin America and Antonio Campo Dall’Orta, EVP/Music Brands and Managing Director of South Europe, MTV Networks International.

NBC Universal International appointed Denise O’Donoghue as President/International Television Productions, effective September 14. Previously, Denise was the Co-Founder and former Chief Executive of independent production company, Hat Trick. In her new role, Denise will report to Peter Smith, President, NBC Universal International.

Street Court, produced by Strand Creative Group and syndicated by Litton Entertainment, hired Peter Villapol as Coordinating Producer and Eric Hanson as Branded Entertainment and Digital Producer. Both previously worked on the Montel Williams Show. Street court is scheduled to debut September 21.

Kevin Z. Smith was named President of the Society of Professional Journalists for a one-year term, succeeding Dave Aeikens of the St. Cloud Times in Minnesota. Kevin is an assistant professor of journalism at Fairmont State University.

Birmingham-based digital services company Dirextion Inc. recruited Michael Szczechura as an Advertising Sales Partner. Michael will work from his home in Dover, Del., and will develop and oversee local, regional and national advertising clients on behalf of Dirextion.

Atlanta-based promotion agency GREAT! elevated Mary Chris McKnight to Marketing Manager for its Nashville office. Mary Chris started with GREAT! in February 2008 as a Marketing Coordinator focused on such travel experiences and events as A&E’s Criss Angel Mindfreak, BET Awards, CMT Music Awards, Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, Spike The Ultimate Fighter and TV Land Awards.

Later — John
   John Cox for Cynopsis: Classified Advantage
[email protected]
09.01.09

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