mediabuzz

How to Make Friends in and out of the Office

Jeff Hindenach | MediaBuzz — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 13:13:00 -0700

When we were younger, making friends was easy. School provides us with an instant pool of people our own age that we interact with on a daily basis, who are in the same boat we are. But once we leave college and enter the real world, finding friends can be a more difficult task, especially if you have to relocate for a job.

Whether in or out of the office, you are dealing with a myriad of ages, interests and personalities. So how do you sift through it all to find true friends? Here are some tips on how to make it happen.

Make Yourself Accessible

At the Office: The workplace can be a hard place to approach people. Cubicles are isolating by nature, which makes it hard to interact with your coworkers. Make an effort to show you’re a friendly person. Decorate your cube. Engage in office banter. Ask coworkers how their weekend was. Any excuse to interact with your colleagues will help show them that you are willing to make the effort to be friends.

Out of the Office: When you aren’t at the office, you don’t have a direct pool of people to interact with. The entire city is a pool of possible friends. The best approach is to simply be approachable. Be friendly. Smile and say hi as people pass. Strike up a conversation in the line at the grocery store or the bank. The friendlier you are, the more people will want to interact with you.

Reach out of Your Comfort Zone

At the Office: You can’t sit in your little bubble and expect people to approach you. You are going to have to handle some awkward social situations before you can find your work BFF. Take every invite to go out to lunch, even if you’ve brought your own. Attend every work happy hour. If your coworkers want to sing Love Is a Battlefield at karaoke, get up on stage with them. You need to show you’re a team player if you want to be included in their reindeer games.

Out of the Office: If you continue to go to the same bars or same places to eat, you are going to keep running into the same people. Branch out. Take a class. Start shopping at a different market. Go to a movie or dinner alone, or grab a drink by yourself. Strike up a conversation with the bartender. If you have social anxiety, and strangers scare you, try starting small, like chatting with the Starbucks barista you see every morning.

Next: Find Common Interest >>

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Find Common Interest

At the Office: If your office has groups or clubs for employees, it could be the perfect way to meet coworkers with similar interests. Join the company gym. Volunteer for the company’s philanthropy efforts. Or even start your own group at the office. Finding coworkers with similar interests guarantees that you have something to bond over that’s not just work.

Out of the Office: No matter what city you are in, there are people who share your interests. Find the local groups of your interest. Love to bowl? Join a bowling league. Enjoy a good book? Find a book club. Are you an avid runner? Get into a running group. Finding smaller pools of people also allows you to interact with people in a closer, more personal way.

Try Unconventional Methods

At the Office: If you have tried the subtle approach and nothing is happening, try taking charge of the situation. Invite some of your coworkers out for a happy hour. Organize an after-work movie night. Find a good excuse to get some of your coworkers to hang out in a social setting.

Out of the Office: If social settings aren’t working for you, take your search online. Some local sites can offer ways for locals with similar interests to connect. Dating sites can also be an excellent way to make friends. And you could even find a significant other during the process.

Making friends can be a trying experience, but all you need is one new friend to help you branch out and find more. Remember, in general, people are friendly, you just need to make the effort to get to know them.

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Confessions of a Account Exec.: Hybrid Multitasking

Bridget M. Forney | MediaBuzz — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 15:50:00 -0700

Upon entry of high school the first thing every freshman gets is a complimentary day-planner. Walk in to any office supply store and there are aisles dedicated to the holy art of scheduling with cute calendars and personal schedule books as far as the eye can see. But there is more than one way to skin a cat.

The Trials of Multitasking

Multitasking is something every professional does, and everyone has a personal style of task-management. In public relations, particularly when working within an agency, execs are constantly juggling different clients and their needs. It’s not uncommon to be writing a press release for one client, simultaneously fielding a call for another and then prepping for a meeting before issuing the release. Even aspiring PR pros and college students are faced with managing tasks of all kinds from class assignments to job applications and interviews. Time management is something ingrained into each of us at a very early age, and in PR, effective time management can make or break PR success.

Calendars are effective for scheduling meetings and keeping track of personal and professional time but a hybrid strategy of multitasking that utilizes both a to-do list and a calendar can be an effective element in taming an otherwise hectic PR life.

Each technique, by itself, is vulnerable to weaknesses. With a to-do list, items aren’t tied to a time or a date and they lack a specific start time and end deadline. When you live by a calendar (electronic or otherwise), rescheduling un-done tasks is easy to fall into, which defeats the purpose of scheduling. Hybrid multitasking lets your calendar and to-do list work together.

How to Effectively Hybrid Multitask

Do this by using your calendar for appointments, date-dependent events (i.e. package arrivals) and personal engagements (i.e. exercising). Then, look at your calendar to find out where you have openings and use that time to work on your to-do list. Decide which tasks fit most appropriately for you to work on in the time you have available on your calendar.

Whether you live by a calendar or you’re a slave to a to-do list, it’s easy to learn the other side and merge the two together for a more effective way of managing time. Using at least one technique is helpful but using the hybrid could be the difference between making your deadlines and rescheduling them.

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5 Tips for Getting Through a Group Interview

Hamsa Ramesha | MediaBuzz — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:47:00 -0700

Group interviews are relatively easy if you work well in a team and are able to make your ideas heard in a crowd. However, they can be challenging if you have a quieter personality and prefer to keep to yourself.

Regardless of how you feel about group interviews, there’s no reason you should treat them any different, in most respects, than a standard, one-on-one interview. The same basic principles apply: Research the company, arrive on time, dress appropriately, practice answering common interview questions, and remember to follow up after the interview.

What's the Difference?

The key difference between individual interviews and group interviews is obvious: You’ll be questioned along with a bunch of other hopeful job seekers. Your objective isn’t just to show what a great employee you could be — you need to beat the competition face-to-face, too. The competition is in the room with you. Don't worry — you can use this to your advantage.

The challenge is to find the right balance between getting your opinion across and dominating the conversation. You don't want to be so close-mouthed that you're perceived as being passive or shy either. Be confident and don’t let yourself be bullied by others into staying quiet. At the same time, encourage your fellow interviewees to speak up and let their ideas be heard. You've got nothing to worry about, right? Let your knowledge and confidence speak for themselves. Keep yourself focused and calm and you'll blow away the competition.

Panel Interview vs. Project Interview

Group interviews can be conducted a few ways, depending on the quirks of the company. In a panel interview, a group of job seekers are asked several questions by a panel of people from the company. These people are usually from a variety of backgrounds, and can include someone from human resources, company executives, and/or employees you are most likely to work with should you get the job. The point of panel interviews is to make your voice heard without dominating the conversation. Are your responses memorable? Are you memorable? Be respectful, respond intelligently, and keep your cool to ace this kind of interview.

Project interviews are more hands-on. In these situations, a team of job seekers is given a group assignment which measures a variety of skills including teamwork, leadership, communication, interpersonal relationships, and project management. The interviewers want to see how well you work with each other and observe you in action — something that can’t be done in a passive, one-on-one interview. These types of interviews are difficult to prepare for, unless you’ve been told ahead of time what the assignment will be so that you can study up. In any case, turn the interview in your favor by showcasing your leadership ability. Don't just take charge and manage the whole group — make sure everyone is heard and keep the peace!

Next: What to Expect >>

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What to Expect in a Group Interview

The challenge of any interview is to figure out specifically which kind of employee the company is looking to hire. You should have an idea of the skills the position requires, based on the job description and preliminary conversations with the company. Are you applying for a leadership position? Or will you be part of a team? If you know what skills the position requires of you, focus on emphasizing those traits in the group interview.

Follow Up After

Following up after the interview is especially important for group interviews. You want to do everything you can to set yourself apart from the crowd! Don’t forget to send a thank you note to every single person who interviewed you, so make sure you've got the right names and contact information of everyone you interviewed with. In the note, it might be a good idea to remind them of something specific you said that was memorable or impressive, so they can tie a face to your name.

Take it Easy

Still worried about the group interview? Don't be — it sounds more daunting than it is! Just treat it with the same sense of precaution and preparedness you would with a one-on-one interview. Employers are still looking for the most qualified candidates who best fit their company. If you do your research, come prepared, look professional, and answer the questions well, you've done all you can. If you don’t get the position, ask for feedback. Find out where you could have improved and learn from your mistakes. At the very least, the employer will be impressed with your request, and they may just keep you in mind for the next position that opens up!

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How to Ace the Phone Interview

Jeff Hindenach | MediaBuzz — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 17:14:00 -0700

Most people regard a phone interview as a mere formality on their way to a face-to-face interview. Although the phone interview is usually just a preliminary step to the formal interview, it is just as important. If you don't impress your future employer with your phone interview, you'll never make it to the formal interview.

Are you nervous talking on the phone? Not sure of the best way to approach a phone interview? We’re here to help. Here are some helpful tips to remember when going into a phone interview that should put your mind at ease.

Make Sure the Phone Is Reliable

Nothing is more annoying to a potential employer than a dropped call. No matter how reliable your cell service is, it’s always a good idea to use a landline instead of a cell phone for phone interviews if at all possible. Accidental hang-ups don't just upset the interviewer, they can also throw off the flow of the interview and make you flustered and panicked when you get the interviewer back on the phone.

Speak as Clearly as Possible

Since you don’t have the benefits of facial expressions, hand gestures, or visual aids to help with the interview, all you have is your voice to communicate your answers. Make sure you are speaking clearly and purposefully. Smile when you talk — it really comes across in your voice. Avoid eating, smoking, or doing any other activity that might obscure your speech. The last thing you want is for the interviewer to ask you to repeat your answer because they couldn’t understand you.

Next: Select a Quiet Place for the Interview >>

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Select a Quiet Place for the Interview

Most phones pick up ambient noise around you better than you'd think, so try to keep your environment as quiet as possible. Turn the TV and radio off. Keep the kids out of the room. Make sure there is no loud traffic or sirens that could disturb your phone call. If the interviewer has to ask about a random sound or you feel need to explain it, not only will it disrupt the flow of the interview, but will also make it look like you aren’t taking the interview seriously.

Avoid Any Interruptions

Distractions are the easiest way to fumble a phone interview. At a face-to-face interview, it’s just you and the interviewer, and there's nothing to distract you from your answers. But from behind a telephone, any number of things can be going on. Make sure you are free of distractions. Don’t try to multi-task. Turn off your call waiting. If you seem distracted during the interview, it shows you are not taking it seriously.

Dress to Impress

Even though you aren’t meeting face-to-face, it’s a good idea to dress as though you were. Interviewing in your PJs may make you feel too relaxed and comfortable, which could cause you to drop your guard and soften your answers. Dress up to give the event a sense of importance and professionalism.

Take Advantage of the Phone Interview

The advantage of a phone interview is the interviewer can’t see what you are doing behind the phone. Use that to your advantage. Have a copy of your resume and several notes on hand, including the job description, so you can refer to them during the interview. Use your laptop to look at the company's website (but make sure you turn the speakers off!) Have a glass of water on hand in case you get dry mouth. Create an environment that you are most comfortable with to optimize your performance.

Although you are hidden from the interviewer during a phone interview, it doesn’t give you license to slack. Use the phone interview as practice for the formal interview. Keep everything professional and be as prepared as possible, and you are sure to land the follow-up interview.

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6 Bathroom Etiquette Tips for the Office

Jeff Hindenach | MediaBuzz — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 10:06:00 -0700

You spend eight-plus hours at work every day, so you can assume that that nature will call at least once during your day. Besides your desk, the office bathroom is where you might spend the most time during the workday.

Since you spend so much of your day there, the office bathroom should be a comfortable, approachable place. Make sure you are following these basic workplace bathroom etiquette rules to keep the experience pleasant for all your co-workers.

Don’t Talk on Your Cell Phone

Nothing is more awkward than when you hear the toilet flush when you are on the phone with someone. Not only is this rude to other people in the bathroom — it’s also disrespectful to the person you are talking to. Your bodily functions are private, so please keep them that way.

Wash Your Hands … Every Time!

There should never be any excuse for not washing your hands after using the bathroom. This is a hard and fast rule, especially in the business world, where you could be shaking many hands during the day. In addition, you are spreading germs throughout the office. Since you share this space with your coworkers, do everyone a favor and wash your hands.

Next: The Urinal Is Not Chat Time >>

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The Urinal Is Not Chat Time

It doesn’t matter how close you think you are to the person or how important the conversation is, you can wait until you are out of the bathroom to talk about it. Besides the fact that you are both exposed while at the urinal, most people aren’t comfortable having a conversation while urinating. Keep the office gossip confined to the water cooler.

Make Sure the Toilet Paper Is Stocked

No one wants to be stuck on the toilet and realize there is no toilet paper. If you use the last of the toilet paper, it's up to you to make sure it's either replaced or that other bathroom users are aware of the lack of toilet paper. If you personally can’t replace the toilet paper, contact the office manager (or whoever is in charge of restocking) to alert them of the situation.

This Is Not Your Personal Bathroom

There is no reason to do your grooming routine at work when you can do it at home. The work bathroom is never the place to shave or cut your toenails. And it goes without saying that you should not be bringing reading materials into the work bathroom for an extended stay, especially if stalls are scarce.

Keep It Clean and Fresh

Treat the bathroom as if it were your bathroom at home. Keep it clean and fresh for the others who use it. If you create an odor, be courteous enough to spray air freshener for the people who will be using it after you. If you splash water all over the sink, clean it up. If you drop toilet paper on the floor, pick it up.

Using a communal bathroom can be a difficult experience if people don’t know how to share properly. Keep these tips in mind when using your workplace bathroom and hopefully you will save your coworkers from bathroom-related anxiety.

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How to Speak More Assertively

Christina Macres — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 17:16:00 -0700

If you deal with daily meetings and interactions with coworkers, you know just how important it is to speak assertively. But what exactly does “assertively” mean and how do you speak your mind without coming across as rude? These are important questions, as communicating effectively — not to mention politely — is pivotal to your professional success. The last thing you want to do is alienate coworkers (or clients!) with in-your-face boldness. As Don Draper once said,

“…Keep it up, and even if you do get my job, you’ll never run this place. You’ll die in that corner office, a mid-level executive with a little bit of hair who women go home with out of pity. Want to know why? Cause no one will like you.”

And Draper’s advice is spot on; no one responds well to a bossy coworker and being rude is definitely not the way to win a promotion or in-office respect. Remember when asserting yourself or your ideas, your main goal should be to gain and give respect. How? We suggest focusing on confidence instead of assertiveness. You’ll find that a confidently presented idea or viewpoint will get you far and will garner you more respect in the long run.

Show Confidence

The best solutions come out of problems. A healthy discussion and even a disagreement can be very beneficial, especially in the work space. It means both sides are passionate and want the best for the company. But in order to communicate effectively you must show confidence in yourself and your ideas. Confirm this confidence by facing coworkers when speaking. Remember that while it’s perfectly fine to refer to notes, the majority of a conversation or presentation should be spent making eye contact – both when you are speaking and (even more importantly) while you're listening.

Next: Exhibit Leadership Qualities >>

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Exhibit Leadership Qualities

Part of speaking in an assertive manner is demonstrating leadership skills. When you are assertive in a conversation, you are leading that conversation. But don’t use this as a time to be condensing. Steer clear of using big words in an effort to deliberately impress people and try to avoid making coworkers feel defensive. Think about your approach, delivery, and what you want as a result of your conversation.

Be Specific and Clear

Part of speaking to people is, well, speaking to people. To avoid miscommunication, speak clearly and stay on topic. If you are curious or need clarification about something, just ask. If you are feeling frustrated by a coworker’s solution or point-of-view, for the interest of a win-win situation, try to look at the big picture and, if you must, excuse yourself from the conversation altogether. The quickest way to lose respect in the office is to let your emotions take over your professionalism. Being kind and courteous should always win out over your efforts to be right.

On that note…

Say Exactly What You Mean

No one likes to listen to someone drone on. Often, the more you say, the less is heard. Keep things specific, use facts, and be conversational — not confrontational.

Listen — REALLY Listen

When you're talking, show coworkers that you hear them and that you understand. Most times, people just want to be heard. Prefacing your comments with a rephrasing of their last statement will both put them at ease and make them more open to listening and understanding your stance and possible solution.

Don’t Feel Guilty for Being Assertive

It’s more than okay to stand up for yourself, your ideas and opinions. Being assertive is in fact very important when communicating with others, not to mention coworkers. Practice, assess the situation, and use confidence to emphasize rather than provoke. Remember, in the end, it’s respect you seek.

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Confessions of an Account Exec: Odd Jobs You Didn’t Sign up For

Bridget M. Forney | MediaBuzz — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:58:00 -0700

When you interview for a job at a public relations agency, you learn about the environment, your coworkers, the starting pay and your benefits package. But there are a few job responsibilities that you might not find out about until after you’ve been hired.

Getting ad rates

Your client is hosting an event and decides they’re interested in buying advertisement space in a local print publication. Some companies have ad buyers who take care of such tasks, but sometimes you just have to call and get the information yourself. If you’re like me though, mathematics was not in the list of your top five school subjects you excelled in and the thought of dealing with and organizing these numbers sends you into panic mode. Even though no part of my job description includes the word advertising, I get what I need, bear it and move on. I live and (metaphorically) die by the phrase, “What the client wants, the client gets.”

Collecting quotes

One time, my company had this brilliant idea to propose one of our clients use customized snow globes as a give away item for a big event. The globes would have been a perfect fit for this press conference, so I was fully on board … until it was my job to gather cost estimates from random companies I found in a Google search. Similar instances have included ceremonial groundbreaking shovels, signage for events, custom-printed seed packets, customized surfboards, screen-printed wristbands, and many other very random items. Sometimes a great idea breaks, and you might be the one behind the scenes making it come to life. Still, collecting estimates and breaking down five quotes into a cost benefit analysis was probably never mentioned in the interview.

Applying for awards

Some public relations agencies measure their credibility by the amount of awards they accumulate over the years. Winning professional awards and being recognized by industry leaders is certainly noteworthy, but often times, the proposal of work for such an award includes a 50-100 page write-up of a specific project. That’s all good and fine, but it takes work and there are deadlines involved. It’s kind of like being in college again, except you have ten clients also vying for your attention. Did they go over that on training day?

Some odd jobs may be administrative, others are necessary evils, but you should always be prepared to confront a job responsibility you weren’t necessarily prepared for, and more importantly, go above and beyond by completing it.

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Confessions of an Account Exec: Influencing Your PR Stock Value

Bridget M. Forney | MediaBuzz — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 16:38:00 -0700

Public relations specialists held about 275,200 jobs nationally in 2008 according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. The good news is that the employment of public relations specialists is expected to grow 24 percent from 2008 to 2018, much faster than the average for all occupations (US Bureau of Labor Statistics). The bad news is the number of PR aspirants is growing faster than new job openings in the industry.

The competition is fiercer than ever. While a college degree and related skill set are helpful, you’ll need more to make an impact. It takes a lot of work to get into PR, but it takes even more to stay there. Whether a novice PR student, a professional intern at a major PR firm or already in your first entry-level PR job, professional development is what will keep you in the industry.

Professional development in any industry is crucial to advancing in company hierarchy, but in PR, it isn’t optional – it’s mandatory. Today’s ever-changing public relations landscape doesn’t allow much room for stagnancy. With the amplification of the social media influence and public relations 2.0 upon us, professional development comes with the PR executive territory.

Here are a few ways you can influence the value of your PR stock:

Network, network, network! Connections can sometimes get you in the game, but they will always keep you there. Establishing and maintaining relationships with your clients, local media influencers and business leaders will broaden your network and make you a stronger PR professional.

Read everything you can get your hands on. As a professional in the public relations industry, you should constantly be reading books, magazines and newspapers. Aside from the standard newspaper and magazine reads to brush up on your beats and journalists, reading books will always make you smarter about your practices. Putting the Public back in Public Relations by Brian Solis and Deirdre Breakenridge immediately comes to mind.

The median salary for a public relations specialist is about $35,000. Professional development could get that money in your hand faster than you think.

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How Volunteering Can Boost Your Career

Tai Goodwin | CAREEREALISM.com — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 11:54:00 -0700

Income…$0. Value…Priceless.

It’s always a good thing to give back. Whether it is doing hands on service with a group like Habitat for Humanity, or assisting in the back office of a local non-profit, there are benefits beyond money that come from volunteering. Apart from just the positive feeling of sowing good actions into a cause you believe in and the impact on the lives of the recipients, volunteering can also help your career. Here are six ways volunteering can help your career:

1. It can fuel your passion. If your current job is not your ideal work, volunteering at something you enjoy is an alternative source of the passion you can’t get from your job right now.

2. You can practice new skills. No opportunity in your current job to stretch or learn something new? Find a volunteer opportunity that allows you to explore new roles and skills you’d like to develop. You can add this experience to your resume.

3. Volunteer your way into a potential job. Maybe you don’t have the experience to earn the paid position yet. Signing on as a volunteer gives you a chance to learn the organization, build relationships there, and show you have what it takes to do job.

4. Volunteering is an opportunity to expand your network. Not only will you meet people who support the same cause, you will find people that have personal and professional connections that can help you – especially if you are looking for a job.

5. Exposure to new ways of doing things. Seeing how another organization runs things, and being exposed to different ways of managing, brainstorming, solving problems, can provide a fresh way to look at the challenges you face in your paid position.

6. You can use it as a team building experience. This one goes beyond just you. Do you lead or work with a team? Finding a group volunteering opportunity can be a low-cost way to do good and re-establish positive connections with your team.

Looking for volunteer opportunities? Here’s a few links to jump-start your search:

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Idealist.org
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1-800-Volunteer.org
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Network for Good
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Volunteer Match
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Volunteer.gov: Powered by Network for Good has additional volunteering info on main site
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Global Volunteer Network: Volunteer abroad
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BoardNet: Serve on a non-profit board

Tai Goodwin, “The Career Makeover Coach”, is a life and career coach who works with professionals who need a professional reinvention. She is the Career Coach Examiner for St. Paul, MN and host of Career Makeover Strategies on TalkShoe Radio. You can find more articles tips and resources on her blog: www.careermakeovercoach.com.

This article was originally posted on
CAREEREALISM.com

6 Illegal Interview Questions to Avoid

Hamsa Ramesha | MediaBuzz — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 14:58:00 -0700

Wondering which questions you'll be asked during your job interview? You should expect the usual ones, such as "Where do you see yourself in five years?" and "What's your greatest weakness?" But then there are more colorful questions, such as "What animal best describes you?" and "If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you want to have with you?" that you should brace yourself for.

Regardless of what questions get thrown your way, there are a handful of interview questions you should never be asked. Be aware — questions about subjects in these categories violate your rights:

• Age	• National origin
• Birthplace	• Race
• Color	• Religion
• Disability	• Sex
• Marital/family status

However, don't assume an employer's prying questions are suggestive of discriminatory intentions. Often, a hiring manager is just trying to assess your fit for the job, not trying to illegally discriminate. While you can't be asked directly about any of these topics, don't be surprised if you find yourself discussing your family or religion with a potential employer either. It all depends on how the question is phrased.

While it's important to protect yourself from illegal interview questions, there are legal alternatives to get the same information out of you. Be prepared and know your options by checking out these six examples of illegal interview questions, and how they can be rephrased to pass the law.

Next: "Are You a U.S. Citizen?" >>

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ILLEGAL: "Are you a U.S. citizen?"

LEGAL: "Are you authorized to work in the U.S.?"

Employers aren't allowed to ask about your national origin, and that includes inquiring about your citizenship status. Touchy immigration issues aside, this question makes unnecessary assumptions based on your looks and racial stereotypes. On the flip side, employers can ask if you're allowed to work in the U.S. By rephrasing the question, they're avoiding directly asking if you're a citizen, green card holder, or on a visa.

ILLEGAL: "How old are you? When did you graduate from college?"

LEGAL: "Are you over the age of 18?"

Whether you're 18 going on 48 or 60 going on 40, employers are not allowed to discriminate against age (which is what the first question implies). However, when asked differently, the question becomes legal; the legal phrasing implies an age range, not a specific number. After all, employers need to know their employees are over 18 years of age to work legally in the U.S.

ILLEGAL: "Are you married? How many children do you have? Who do you live with?

LEGAL: "Can you relocate if necessary? Are you willing to travel as a part of this job? Can you work overtime as necessary?"

Your marital and family status is not being interviewed here — you are. Anything about your living situation, roommates, fiancés, spouses, children, etc., is off limits. While employers might simply be trying to gauge how busy you are in your personal life to see if it clashes with work responsibilities, it's illegal to make a hiring decision based on this factor. As a potential employee, if you can commit to the necessary work hours and agree to the job requirements, your other responsibilities shouldn't matter. Women should especially be wary of being asked for their maiden name — not required for employers if it isn't legally your name. (But you can be asked if you've ever worked under another name.)

Next: "How Much Do You Weigh?" >>

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ILLEGAL: "How much do you weigh?"

LEGAL: "Are you comfortable with lifting heavy objects?"

While employers may want to make sure you're physically able to do the job, asking directly about your weight/height and general health is a major HR no-no. Not to mention potentially embarrassing for you! But rephrasing the question to ask about your ability to perform a specific task is fair game.

ILLEGAL: "Do you have any disabilities? Any recent illnesses or operations?"

LEGAL: "Are you able to perform the essential job functions?"

Discriminating against the disabled, whether wheelchair-bound or clinically depressed, is a classic example of illegal hiring practices. But the employer still has a right to make sure you can do the job you're hired for and rephrasing the question accordingly is within their rights.

ILLEGAL: "Ever been arrested?"

LEGAL: "Ever been convicted of ___?"

A general question about your (criminal) past is off topic, but a more targeted question regarding questionable behavior — as it relates to your job — is okay. For example, if you were applying for a job as a magician, it's appropriate to ask if you've ever been convicted of fraud in your line of work.

It's not so much what the question is asking, but how the question is asked. Federal and state laws prevent employers from asking interviewees about subjects unrelated to the job. However, if you feel you have been asked a question that's off-limits, you should seek legal counsel. Before you take serious action, take into consideration the nature of the job, the context of the situation, the interviewer's intent, and of course, the phrasing of the question. Good luck, and happy interviewing!

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Confessions of an Account Exec: A Vacation from PR

Bridget M. Forney | MediaBuzz — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 11:07:00 -0700

The average American takes only 14 days of vacation a year. The average public relations professional takes even less.

We’re knee deep into summertime and as a PR pro, you’re probably still sitting at work looking out your virtual window, a.k.a. Facebook and Twitter, watching your friends frolic and play on tropical vacations, cruises and beach getaways. In PR, work doesn’t take a break, so we rarely get to either.

Aside from the steady influx of work, another element of public relations you don’t want to neglect is constant and consistent client interaction. When you sacrifice face time with your clients, you run the risk of surrendering credibility and respect. If you’re as committed to your social networks, taking off could be fatal to your online reputation. Lack of activity online could equate to a drop in followers or fans, which would take twice as much effort and work to recover when you return.

Even though finding the time for a break is a challenge, it doesn’t mean you don’t need one, starting yesterday. You’re only human and without a mental holiday, you could burn out quickly. Just be smart about when you take your time. The last thing you want is to be under fire for your holiday protocol, much like BP CEO, Tony Hayward and his unpopular yachting vacation in the midst of the Gulf’s oil crisis. Here are three simple steps to making your vacation from PR a success:

1. Your team is your biggest ally: Make sure your coworkers can cover for you if need be. Prepare them with a list of all your current projects with their statuses and a list of contacts, should they need to handle a project for you or any small inquiries from your clients.

2. Don’t jump off the radar: Stay accessible in some way to your clients. Just because you’re on vacation, doesn’t mean the world stops turning. Crises still happen, releases still need to be sent, phones still need to be answered and Facebook still needs updating. Making yourself inaccessible is putting yourself at risk for a rocky catch-up.

3. Check your email at least one time every day. No one wants to be that guy whose fingers are incessantly glued to blackberry buttons and relentlessly checking emails, but there is a happy medium. You can keep your lifelines on and manage them without getting out of control and still enjoy your vacation.

And, of course, have fun. We may not get to completely unplug like the rest of the world, but we certainly keep it going sometimes.

Related Reads:

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New Bill Would Give U.S. President Power to Kill Some, or All of the Internet

Jason Mick — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 10:40:00 -0700

The U.S. Senate is debating an unprecedented measure that would give the U.S. President and a branch of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) power to kill part or all of the internet hosted by private companies in the U.S., all in the name of protecting the motherland. The bill, proposed by Senator Joe Lieberman (I-CT) who at times has been referred to as a Republican, Independent, or Democrat (much of his career was spent as a moderate Democrat) has few if any limitations.

The new bill is named Protecting Cyberspace as a National Asset Act, or PCNAA. The bill is similar to a different bill drafted by Sens. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.V.) and Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) that proposed giving the government power to "order the disconnection" of private networks or websites.

Both bills have received a measure of support among both parties in the House and Senate. And both have experienced a great deal of opposition from activists.

Under the new bill, a new government office called the National Center for Cybersecurity and Communications (NCCC) would be created under the umbrella of the DHS, and would be tasked with the responsibility to "preserve those networks and assets and our country and protect our people" -- a loosely worded definition which is thought would grant it the power to shut down virtually any network in the country.

Under the measure it orders that networks "shall immediately comply with any emergency measure or action developed," including shutdown. Failure to cooperate would result in steep fines.

The NCCC would force private companies to participate in what it calls information sharing". In exchange for their cooperation networking firms are handed a juicy nugget -- immunity from civil lawsuits. The U.S. government would pick up the tab for any provable monetary damage that was created based on NCCC enforcement actions.

Virtually all private internet service providers would be mandated to cooperate with the bill. Those who did not show evidence that they had a clear system in place to give the government control access would meet punishment. The NCCC could "issue an order" against such rebellious providers -- though the exact nature of the order is unknown.

Ultimately the bill creates a power structure with the U.S. President at the top. The U.S. President could dictate enforcement actions to the DHS and by proxy NCCC, which would then be carried out. Those enforcements could include everything from minor takedowns to pulling the plug on virtually the entire internet.

About the only limiting language in the bill is that it forbids the government from forcing ISPs to hand over traffic records without appropriate warrants.

Sen. Susan Collins (R-MA) praised the bill and is quoted by ZDNet as remarking, "We cannot afford to wait for a cyber 9/11 before our government realises the importance of protecting our cyber resources."

Technology and civil rights groups, though, are less thrilled. TechAmerica, probably the largest US technology lobby group was quite unhappy, stating that the bill could create "unintended consequences that would result from the legislation's regulatory approach" and a dangerous "potential for absolute power". The Center for Democracy and Technology agrees, commenting that giving the President the "authority to shut down or limit internet traffic on private systems" was unacceptable.

Nonetheless, the measure enjoys substantial backing both from Senate Democrats and Republicans and may soon be on its way to the House after some debate.

The full densely worded bill can be found here [PDF].

6 Ways to Turn a Job Fair into a Job

Steve Berman | MediaBuzz — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 17:05:00 -0700

When you’re young and the world is seemingly your oyster, going to a job fair sounds like a no-brainer. A bunch of companies looking to hire? and All in the same place? As long as you bring enough copies of your resume and pass them out to everyone, you’re certain to get a callback. Right?

Not necessarily. Without the right approach, job fairs can be less than fruitful for those looking to hook up with their dream company, or any organization for that matter. Spending the time to travel to a job fair and putting in tons of legwork — only to receive no feedback at all — has frustrated many a job seeker. But don’t swear them off all together.

Here are six ways to take advantage of job fairs:

Next Page: Dress for Success →

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Tip No. 1: Look the part

Clearly you’re looking for work, but you don’t want to look too unemployed. You want to look professional, dynamic, and put together. Companies aren’t looking to perform charity work at job fairs. They’re looking to meet and snag the best candidates before their competition does.

What does that mean? Treat the job fair like an interview in all ways, including how you look. Women shouldn’t wear clothing that looks too casual or revealing, while men should leave the sneakers and five o’clock shadow at home. Part of the advantage of a job fair is that hiring managers are able to put a face to a name. You want to make the best first impression you can. In other words, wear a suit unless the type of work you’re seeking is extremely casual.

Next Page: Don't Forget Important Docs →

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Tip No. 2: Be prepared

If you show up to a job fair with a bunch of resumes in your hand and nothing else, you’re doing it all wrong. A resourceful job fair attendee will appear to be a resourceful employee, too. Make sure that you bring more copies of your resume than you would ever plan on handing out, and make sure they’re in a protective portfolio of some sort. Bring different versions of your resume if there’s a wide range of companies at the fair.

Other things to remember include letters of recommendation, business cards, a notepad, and a professional looking briefcase to carry it all. If the recruiter or hiring manager hands you brochures or business cards of their own, you want to look like you’re taking special care of these documents and not simply shoving them in your pocket.

Next Page: Don't be a Wallflower →

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Tip No. 3: Be aggressively friendly

You don’t want to come on too strong or seem desperate, but job fairs aren’t for wallflowers. Quietly passing by each company’s booth and leaving a resume on the table isn’t any more effective than emailing your credentials to the hiring manager from home.

Along with paying attention to your clothes and hygiene, you need to make yourself memorable to the person(s) at each booth you visit. State your name, shake hands and let them know how much you appreciate the opportunity to speak them. Direct eye contact is a must, as well as a warm smile and upbeat personality. You’re selling yourself here. The job seeker afraid to be noticed is the first job seeker they’ll forget after the fair is over.

Next Page: Study Up →

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Tip No. 4: Do your homework

Treating job fairs like preliminary interviews means more work than most people are willing to put in. It’s not enough to know the list of companies appearing. You should know what each company does, what job openings they have listed, and (most importantly) your selling point for each company.

Remember, hiring managers are like anyone else — the easier the better. They aren’t going to go out of their way to find you a job just because you put on some nice clothes and drove to a convention center. Make their lives easier by having something ready to say when you hand them your resume (and business card, if you have one). Here’s an example for someone speaking with the hiring manager for a tech company:

Job Fair Attendee: “Hello, my name is Jane Smith, nice to meet you.”

Hiring Manager: “Hi, nice to meet you.”

Job Fair Attendee: “I’m particularly interested in the executive assistant position I saw listed on your company website. I have several years of experience working for software companies, both in office management and arranging travel for executives, so I’m aware of the expertise a growing IT firm like yours needs.”

Next Page: Ask Questions →

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Tip No. 5: Get the 411

As the cliché goes, knowledge is power. If you leave a job fair with the same amount of knowledge you came in with, the exercise will be a waste of your valuable time. When you get that valuable face-time with a hiring manager, make sure you respect his or her time, but at the same time find out information any job seeker should know by asking questions such as, “When are you looking to bring candidates in for interviews?” and “Can I follow up with you on this position?”

The second question is key. While companies may use recruiters to weed through job fair applicants, the person you want to reach is the hiring manager.

Next Page: Don't Forget the Last Step →

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Tip No. 6: Finally, follow up!

Yes, we all know you’re wonderful. You have tons of skills, your new haircut really brings out your eyes, and the resumes you handed out were free from coffee stains.

Still, there’s no way the recruiters and/or hiring managers you spoke with will remember you. And even if they did, they want you to make the next move. After all, the employment landscape is littered with qualified candidates. It takes diligence and resourcefulness to land a position, even if it seems like you really hit it off with the company rep you spoke with at the job fair.

After you find out who the hiring manager is and how to contact that person, make sure you do so. And quickly. Don’t let more than a day go by without an email or phone call thanking him or her for the opportunity to get to know more about the positions available at their oh-so-wonderful place of business. And once again, provide your contact info and reiterate your desire to speak further about the position.

Don’t assume the person you spoke with has your resume at their fingertips. If they do, that’s great news, but they probably also have dozens — if not hundreds — of other resumes in a stack with yours. You need to jump through several hoops to get noticed during your job search. Attending a job fair and introducing yourself to several companies is a good first step. Following up afterward could be the key to getting the big break you deserve.

Follow these six tips to make the most of your time at a job fair. Even if you don’t walk away with an offer, you’ll have the industry information, networking experience, and relevant contacts to put you ahead of the competition.

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California Bill Proposes Digital License Plates with Advertisements

Shane McGlaun — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 11:07:00 -0700

A staple of summer road trips for generations has players competing to
find the strangest state license plates as the family travels the
highways. This game could get a new wrinkle if California passes a
bill that turns the states license plates into digital versions of
the current metal plates.

The California legislature is
looking at a bill that would allow the DMV
to issue digital
license plates that would be able to show advertisements
when stopped at a red light or stop sign for more than four seconds.
The license number of the vehicle would be displayed at all times in
a section of the screen though.

The bill is an attempt by
California to pursue all means of generating income as the state
faces a massive $19 billion deficit. When the car was in motion, the
digital screen would look just like a normal license plate
reports MercuryNews.
Companies interested in advertising on the license plates would
contact the DMV directly and would be charged for the
advertising.

The digital plates promise more than just
generating income for the state though. Supporters of the bill say
that the plates could also be used to broadcast traffic information
and Amber alerts for missing children.

The author of the bill
proposing the digital plates is State Senator Curren Price. "We're
just trying to find creative ways of generating additional revenues.
It's an exciting marriage of technology with need, and an opportunity
to keep California in the forefront," explained price.

One
company in California called Smart Plate is already working on a
design for a digital license plate. The CEO of Smart Plate, M. Conrad
Jordan, told MercuryNews
that the idea behind the plate wasn't to make the vehicle into a
rolling billboard. Rather, the plate was devised to allow the driver
to customize their own license plate to support organizations, sports
teams, and colleges.

Jordan said, "The idea is not to
turn a motorist's vehicle into a mobile billboard, but rather to
create a platform for motorists to show their support for existing
good working organizations."

The Governor of California
announced that he would remain neutral on the bill until it reached
his desk. The bill will authorize the DMV to work with Smart Plate or
other firms on the development of the digital license plate. However,
the costs associated with developing the plates would be paid by the
company not the state. The CHP will also be consulted on the plates
if the bill passes and a spokesperson said the CHP would remain
neutral on the bill. So far, the bill has had no opposition and
passed through the senate unanimously.

Other than
customization, the new digital plates would also streamline the
distribution, activation, and registration of license plates within
the state of California. This could perhaps allow the state to reduce
its workforce and reduce the workload at the DMV associated with
license plates.

6 Ways to Ask for a Summer Vacation

Hamsa Ramesha | MediaBuzz — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 12:51:00 -0700

Feel like the four dreary walls of your cubicle are closing in on you? Time for a summer break! Whether it's a relaxing cruise, an exotic island getaway, or a sandy beach adventure, it's high time you got out of that lifeless cubicle and away from the dreariness of your nine-to-five office life.

Worried your workload will keep you from some summer fun? If you follow these practical dos and don'ts, you'll find yourself out the door before you know it!

Dig out your swimsuit and grab that bottle of sunscreen! We'll help you get around an overbearing boss, angry coworkers, and looming deadlines so you can get the sunshine you deserve.

1. Do Ask in Advance

The fastest way to get shot down when asking for time off is asking at the last minute. Your boss is a busy person, with a lot on their plate. Why not make their job easier, (and show how considerate and responsible you are) by asking weeks — or months — in advance? Not only are you doing yourself a favor, but your manager will appreciate the heads up and can plan accordingly. They’ll have the time to consider the request fairly … and you'll have the added bonus of having plenty of time to try again if you're denied.

2. Don't Mention the Fun Factor

Just because you're planning a vacation doesn't mean you have to advertise it. Making a big deal of your upcoming trip might not just distract you from doing your work — it might even irritate your coworkers as well. Don't act like you've started your vacation early! Nobody wants to hear you go on and on about your impending trip to the Bahamas when they're going to be stuck at work.

3. Do Emphasize How Much You Deserve This Break

Vacations are statistically proven to boost employee productivity. For once, the math is on your side! When asking your manager for time off, point out how hard you've worked this year and be prepared to talk in detail about projects you've worked on, if necessary. If this is the first major vacation you've taken in a long time, don't hesitate to mention it. By emphasizing your hard work thus far, your employer will realize the benefit of having you come back refreshed and recharged to do even more great work.

Next: Don't Leave Loose Ends >>

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4. Don't Leave Loose Ends

Have you wrapped up your end of the big team project? Got someone to cover your daily tasks? Designated a point person to handle any questions while you're gone? Leaving work left undone and coworkers hanging is a big mistake — one that will annoy your coworkers and make your manager think twice the next time someone wants to go on vacation. Manage your responsibilities yourself and make sure you're covered. There's nothing more inconsiderate than a someone who leaves work for colleagues to finish.

5. Do Get it in Writing

You politely asked your manager two months ago if you can take a vacation. You did everything right and got approval to go. But now your trip is a week away and your boss has no recollection of the conversation. Should've gotten it in writing! When you go in to ask for time off for a few months down the road, get your boss to put it in writing — either on paper or in an email. That way if they back out at the last minute — or simply forget the conversation — you have tangible proof that you weren't making it up!

6. Don't Feel Guilty

It's easy to feel like you're being a lazy employee if you want to skip town for some fun. But you shouldn't. Don't feel bad for taking time off! After all, your vacation days are yours to do with as you please, and what's the point in wasting them by feeling bad about it? Instead, channel the focus you have at the office into having some serious fun! Work hard, play hard.

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Blog Your Way to the Perfect Job, 5 Tips

Christina Macres | MediaBuzz — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 16:08:00 -0700

We don’t have to tell you — it’s not easy to get a job these days. In this economy, it's easy to get stressed out over less-than-plentiful job openings. So the question remains: What’s the secret to getting the job you want? Unfortunately, we don’t have secrets, but we do have answers. The main one? Start a blog! Come on, admit it, if you’re unemployed you do have the time. So why not bulk up your resume with something more than just a standard cover letter? You’ll set yourself apart from the other candidates and employers like that — really like that.

Need more convincing? Here just a few reasons why starting your own blog can showcase your best qualities and get you hired.

#1 Establish “Street Cred”

It doesn’t matter how thorough and detailed your resume is, if it looks like everyone else’s you’re doomed to remain unemployed. Yes, you could be the most qualified candidate ever and your resume could still stay at the bottom of the stack with similar candidates. It’s a sad fact, but with competition for jobs at an all-time high, you must do something to stand out. Don’t just rely on networking and great references; these days it’s necessary to be proactive in order to get hired.

All the more reason to start a blog, right?

When done right, blogging can set you apart from the rest of the crowd. Let’s say, for example, you’re trying to get a job in a specific field. Use your blog as a platform to establish expertise and legitimize your know-how. Keep in mind that employers always prefer tangible evidence. Your blog gives you the ability to confirm your qualifications with real-life examples instead of just stating your achievements on your resume.

#2 You’re Devoted

Think about your blog as you would a relationship. You wouldn’t invest your time and energy in it if you didn’t see a future together! That payoff could come in the form of valuable networking or, for some lucky bloggers, a real paycheck. Yes, you might not even need a job — you’ll already have one!

But this honestly doesn’t happen very often, so let’s get back to the job hunt, shall we? Employers love to see that a potential employee is committed. They love to see that you have professional goals. And they love to see that you can communicate effectively. How convenient, because with a blog you can showcase all of these qualifications!

The best plan of attack? Don’t start a blog just to let it die a slow, painful death. Launch a blog, aim to post once daily, and don’t ignore other bloggers in your field. Partner links and links to other websites are very important. Partner with people who have similar blogs and interests to help you create a community of like-minded people and network your way into your dream job.

On that note…

Next: Choose a Topic That Doesn't Suck >>

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#3 Choose a Topic That Doesn’t Suck

When starting your blog, don’t just think that it can be about anything and everything that happens in your life. If you are blogging in order to get a job, your blog should be focused on your preferred career path or aspirations.

That being said, you might be a nuclear physicist without any real passion for the subject. If that’s the case, don’t commit yourself to blogging about a topic you hate. Instead, choose an aspect of the industry you can really get in to. Like we said before, employers first want to see your dedication (meaning the amount of work and time you’re putting into the project), then they want to see that you’re actually passionate about what you do. Demonstrate your passion. Pick a topic you love.

#4 Communicate Successfully

It used to be that potential writers were the ones most likely to use blogs to get a job. Nowadays, blogs aren’t just for writers looking for work — or freelancers, even. They are a fantastic means to demonstrate that you’re articulate and can communicate effectively about any subject. A blog is simply a writing sample, only better. Better, because it proves that you can write and are tech-savvy, while allowing employers a peek at your personality. However, before hitting the “publish” button, double-check for spelling and grammar errors and, as a general rule, don’t post anything you wouldn’t want your mom to see. Employers don’t want to see your snarky side, no matter how amusing you think it is.

Which brings us to…

#5 Lay Off Hot Button Issues

You do want to get hired, don’t you? For this reason, it probably isn’t best to discuss topics that could make some people mad, sad, frightened, irked, or appalled. Just remember — if you’ve heard it argued on The View, it almost certainly should stay off your blog. Keep it simple and professional at all times. It’s best to think of your blog persona like you would your work persona. Demonstrate that you play well with others, are professional and knowledgeable and you’ll go far!

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10 Career Lessons From Dad

Hamsa Ramesha | MediaBuzz — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 16:09:00 -0700

Whether you're still daddy's little girl, or the son that reminds him of himself, you know that a father's love runs deep. We look up to our dads, admire them, and do everything we can to make them proud.

As kids, our fathers built us cardboard spaceships so we could reach the stars and carried us to safety when we crash landed. Dads guided us through many of life's milestones, from helping us take our first steps, to teaching us how to drive. We've learned a lot from our fathers, not just as kids riding on their shoulders, but as adults in our careers. From practical basics to lessons in philosophy, our father's advice held true every time.

So why should it end there? Childhood may be over, but you've got a successful career to attend to. Take a look at our roundup of career advice from dad:

Money doesn't grow on trees.

How many times have we heard this growing up? No matter how much we begged for that new toy or asked for an advance on our allowance, our money-conscious dads kept the cash close to heart. But while we may have had to give up a flashy video game or two, we were taught a valuable lesson. We learned (with great disappointment) that money isn't in endless supply and that its use requires thought. Whether that's managing our credit card debt, paying off student loans, or commuting to work in the most economical way, it's certainly a lesson well earned.

No pain, no gain.

Daddy's tough love theory may have been a little bit harsh for the playground sometimes, but it's perfect for corporate culture's competitive nature. We used to skip Sesame Street to put the finishing touches on our Civil War diorama; now we work overtime to wrap up a career-defining project. Bottom line? Work hard to play hard.

A little dirt never hurt anybody.

Your dad may have been poking fun at your squeamishness — but he had a point. Don't be afraid to get hands-on in your career. If that means being the intern who makes countless coffee runs with a smile or just sitting patiently through hours of meetings, don't shy away from the unpleasant parts of your job. You'll never go anywhere if you play it safe and take no risks. Of course, that doesn't mean you should actually "get your hands dirty" by engaging in sketchy business practices! Keep your ethics clean, of course.

Next: Seven More Lessons >>

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Learn to stand on your own two feet.

In another dose of tough love, fathers taught us the value of independence. From making us earn our keep with endless chores, to having us save up to buy our own car, we learned how to rely on ourselves and trust our instincts. The same is true for the office: Be your own boss. People will notice your great work ethic and professionalism. Don't go running to your manager for every little problem; take initiative and find a solution yourself!

Are you working hard or hardly working?

Dad always had an uncanny nose for knowing when we goofed off and didn't do our homework. Thankfully, as children, our usual punishment was just getting grounded and being sent to our rooms. As adults, the consequences of laziness are more serious. Hard work pays off in the corporate world, whereas slacking off gets you sacked — not fun in this shaky job market.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Despite your good intentions, sometimes, the best course of action might just be doing nothing at all. However tempting it may be to redo the company business plan from scratch, or rewire the office printers for increased efficiency, don't. Or at least ask somebody first if it's a good idea. It's one thing to take initiative, and quite another to let your eagerness carry you away.

In the land of the blind, the one eyed man is king.

Value your uniqueness and make it your selling point. What do you have to offer that nobody else does? Make yourself the one-eyed king at your company by capitalizing on the needs of the blind. Whether it's finding a better revenue source or decreasing employee turnover, providing solutions to your organization's problems is your path to success.

Next: Three More Lessons >>

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Think big, act small.

Reach for the sky, goes the saying. Dad had the same idea. He taught us to dream big, but also to take small, realistic steps to achieve our lofty goals. Aiming to become the CEO? Start by focusing on being the best at your current job. Take on more work, become a team leader, and before you know it, you'll be climbing up the corporate ladder. The same is true for any career goal. There's nothing holding you back from achieving your dreams, except yourself.

Say what you mean, and mean what you say.

Dad understood that clear communication is essential to a good relationship — and a successful career. If you aren't sharing what your goals are, how will your manager know? And if you're having trouble with an assignment, ask for help. Even though technology has brought us new ways to communicate, it's easier than ever to misunderstand each other.

It builds character.

While this life lesson did little to comfort us in our youth, it's definitely something to keep in mind in the cutthroat world of corporate bureaucracy. Keep this handy piece of fatherly advice in mind the next time you get passed up for that promotion or chewed out by the boss. Instead of wallowing in your misery, figure out what went wrong so you won't make that mistake next time. Use your current failure to prevent a future one!

Thanks, Dad.

Underneath their stern façade, fathers have a heart of gold. To all dads out there this Father's Day (June 20) thanks for everything. You've encouraged our dreams and been an infallible support system. Thanks!

"Any man can be a father. It takes someone special to be a dad." Author Unknown.

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Ubisoft Will Allow Gamers to "Beat It" With New Michael Jackson Game

Tracie McDaniel — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 11:22:00 -0700

Ubisoft announced
at the Electronic Entertainment
Expo that it will release an interactive video game (currently
unnamed) based on the song and dance moves of the "King of Pop"
just in time for the holidays.

The motion-sensing
game will be among the first to use Kinect
and Move, the motion-detecting camera systems for Microsoft's
Xbox 360 and Sony's Playstation 3. The launch of the
dancing-and-singing game will come just in time with the November
release of a new album of unreleased Jackson recordings.

Players
will get the chance to "moonwalk" with the legendary
entertainer to the beat of some of his iconic hits.

"Your
goal is to dance like Michael," said
Tony Key, Ubisoft's marketing vice president. "Do what the
guy on the screen is doing and you're there. It'll score you based on
the quality of your performance."

According to press
release, the game will "provide an interactive experience that
enables players to step into the shoes of Michael Jackson himself and
re-live his most iconic performances through their own singing and
dancing."

The game will include Jackson classics
like “Beat It” and “Billie Jean”.

In 1989 the action
game "Michael Jackson's Moonwalker" was released with
consent of the late star. Ubisoft has the blessings of the
Michael Jackson estate to produce the upcoming game which will also
be available for Wii, Nintendo DS,
and Playstation Portable.

Ubisoft is also responsible for the
game "Just Dance," which was released last year for Wii.
The game has sold more than three million copies worldwide.

Want to Get Promoted? Here's How

MediaBuzz — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 14:24:00 -0700

Do you have the drive to succeed? Want to move up in your organization, but not sure how to get promoted?

Getting a promotion can be a tricky business. You can work hard and do everything your boss asks, but if you’re not in the right place at the right time you might get passed over. Office politics can be difficult to manage, especially if you aren't used to playing the game. So we've put together the ultimate guide to help you get promoted and advance your career, whether you’re in PR, marketing, or advertising.

MEDIABUZZ'S PROMOTION GUIDE

8 Surefire Ways to Break Writer’s Block

Jeff Hindenach | SalesHQ — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 15:55:00 -0700

There's nothing more frustrating to a writer than writer’s block. You strain your brain to make something happen, but nothing comes out. You’re out of ideas. And it seems like there's nothing you can do to fix the situation.

Sometimes the words just won’t come, and staring at a blank page just makes you more frustrated. Don’t throw your hands up in surrender. Here are eight easy ways to break down the wall of writer’s block and find your voice again.

Take a Break

Sometimes overworking your brain can make it just shut down. Surf the internet. Watch your favorite show. Take a nap. Anything to give your mind a little break. You could even try relaxing yourself through meditation. Find a quiet place in your home or office and do some deep breathing exercises. The less pressure and stress you put on the brain, the more your mind can get creative.

Listen to Music

A good way to relax yourself is to listen to music. Pick songs that are low-key and filled with meaningful lyrics. Listen to the lyrics and see if any ideas start flowing. If you think more upbeat, energetic music will inspire you to write, blast some of that — but use headphones if you share an office! Music stimulates the brain, and gets the creative juices flowing again.

Brainstorm

Sometimes, constructing an entire sentence, paragraph, or page in your head can be overwhelming. Start small. Write down a random word or thought. Then, start writing every word or phrase that comes to mind when you look at that word. This exercise will not only jog the brain, but — if you keep yourself loosely focused on the topic at hand — it can produce some solid ideas.

Have a Snack

Sometimes writer's block is caused by something as simple as the brain not having enough nutrients to function correctly. Make sure you're properly fed when you sit down to write. If you find your stomach rumbling while you're hard at work, try making yourself a snack that combines carbs and protein. Carbs will give you the initial jolt your brain needs, while the proteins will help you maintain that energy throughout the day.

Next: Go for a Walk/Jog >>

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Go for a Walk/Jog

Exercise can release endorphins that not only make you happy and energetic but are known to help make the brain function better. If you are stuck for words, strap on your running shoes and head outside for a quick job. If you need something even faster or with less impact, do some jumping jacks in front of your computer or sit-ups on your bedroom floor. Stuck at work? Take a walk around the block a few times to get the blood pumping.

Pick up a Book

Reading can be the best way to get into the writing mood. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a classic novel, pick anything you enjoy reading. Reading stimulates the language part of the brain — which is exactly the part you need for writing. It can also give you inspiration about vocabulary, tone, and flow.

Do Something that Inspires You

If you love to cook, get in the kitchen and start working. If you love to draw, break out your sketchbook. Creativity often breeds creativity. Exercising one part of your brain can also help stimulate other parts of your brain, so try to do something that’s completely different from writing.

Just Start Writing

One of the most common cures for writer’s block is to get something, anything down on paper. It sounds difficult when you have a block, but just writing whatever comes to mind can get you putting your ideas on paper and help your brain make sense of things. Even if it’s just a stream of consciousness, you can go back and edit it later. The point is to break the block by forcing your brain to forge ahead.

Remember, writing is both creative and functional. It can tax the brain heavily, so make sure you are taking plenty of breaks and feeding your brain what it needs. Try these tips, and you should be writing again in no time!

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