Unemployed and Very Busy

Whoever said being unemployed meant having free time never saw my calendar.

Recently, I've been on a few interviews and I've noticed that all three of the individuals with whom I met shared a similar concern. They all wanted to be sure I could handle the work load. Each time they lamented about how their PR departments were so small and how all employees where many hats or stressed that their 3-4 clients were in fast paced environments, I just chuckled silently to myself.  My resume is chocked full of projects that require multitasking, strategy development, measurement, client management, and time. Then there's the significant amount of time I invest in applying to and following up on job opportunities. Yes, it's true. Job hunting is a full-time job. I've even developed a spreadsheet to track my applications. However, I always run into interviewers who are shocked by my work.

It's become apparent to me that many hiring managers, interviewers, and employers think that because I don't have a full-time job I must not be doing anything at all. Quite the contrary. I spend most of my time working on non-profit projects. For example, this summer I joined Wade Davis II and Darnell L. Moore as the PR Director for the first-ever YOU Belong Sports & Leadership Camp for LGBT Youth. I also traveled to the mid-west to pitch a potential client, developed 2 PR proposals, attended 5 industry networking events, participated in 2 webinars, read 3 books, and developed a speaker's bureau (more on that later). Yes, I've been very busy. I can't wait to have only 1 FT gig to worry about. With that in mind, check out my resume.

Back in 2011 the Classy Career Girl, Anna Runyan gave some great advice about surviving unemployment. I still use it to this day. Click below and check out her post.

Let's Make It Happon!

Chances are this is the first time you've ever been to my blog. Thank you for showing up. The thing that brought you here to read my HAPPO is probably the same thing that caused me to write it. You love public relations and want to see our industry be a gleaming example of what it means to create excellence! That's what I'm all about. I've been looking for a full-time PR gig for about 2 years, but in that time I've freelanced with some great organizations with missions that I truly believe in. I've created PR plans for non-profits, for no profit just because I love how PR can change organizations for the better when it's done right.

Having been in this industry as an intern, a researcher, a Junior level AE, a volunteer and a freelancer I've definitely paid my fair share of dues, been baptized by the fire and any other cliche that says I'm ready. I'm ready to be part of a strong team. I'm ready to effect change on a larger scale. I'm ready to be challenged to reach the potential that I haven't even imagine. Furthermore, I'm ready to learn more about how our industry is changing and use that knowledge to grow your company to new heights.

When I was a student at Seton Hall University, one of the first things my professor said to our class was "99% of you will never have a client that you get in the NYT." 4 years later I did exactly that! Not once, but 3 times! You see that's what I do. I rise to the occasion, exceed expectations and get results. My resume is filled with instances like that one.

I believe in the power of our community and hope this HAPPO is a catalyst for me to connect with that company, agency or organization that is ready for a tenacious, passionate and creative PRnista!

Dear HR Manager: Am I boring you?

"I recently viewed your ad for a Public Relations Account Executive. I am very interested in the position" These have got to be the 2 most boring sentences in the English language. Now don't get me wrong I am guilty of committing this cover letter sin but have become so bored with writing it I actually feel like calling and apologizing to all the HR reps.

If there's one thing I've learned in my job hunt for a public relations job in NY or NJ, it's that I must be creative. Yes I still send my resume and a cover letter but I've been determined to let my personality shine through. I have even been calling hiring managers and email PR Directors my thoughts on their most recent PR tactic.

I hope that my diligence and tenacity will soon land me the coveted interview. That's where I really shine.