Ask Asa: Viewer Questions Answered
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If you're unemployed, you know it's a jobless jungle out there. To help you navigate the employment terrain and find a job, NY1 Employment reporter Asa Aarons has answers to some questions viewers have been sending in.
Hi Asa,
I've been out of college since June 2008. I've had temp jobs here and there, but I'm really seeking a job in my major (print journalism). It's a very competitive field. How do I increase my chances of getting hired?
Tiffani C.
Brooklyn, NY
It’s always been a competitive field, Tiffani. And, many people will tell you with belt tightening and newspapers going that under, that journalism is a lost cause. But, there are actually opportunities out there. Many are online, on websites and with high-visibility blogs.
Just like the days of old media, you still live or die by your clips. To build some cover stories, work up fantastic writing samples, submit them to online news services and see if they’ll let you freelance. Once you you’re your byline on a couple of stories, the sky is the limit.
Remember being assertive and persuasive are qualities of a good reporter.
A number of you saw my story about the Wisk Detergent application at Wisk.com. It is a free app that helps clean up virtual dirty laundry that you have on the Internet; photos that should have never seen the light of day.
Many of you want to know about doing this beyond Facebook.
There are a number of applications that will help you keep track of what might be out there.
One is called, BackType.com, which indexes conversations from blogs and social networks, and will alert you when your search term is brought up.
Another great site is MonitorThis.info. This site combines the resources of 26 different search engines.
A recent survey of the nation’s human resource managers indicated that about one-third will use social networking sites to help decide whether or not they like the candidates. Even an innocent drink with a friend at a party can look stupid from the wrong angle. So, check out your online image before they do.
If you have an employment story, a job, a new interview technique, or something you want to share with those looking for work or those doing the hiring, contact Asa Aarons at askasa@ny1.com.