Get Publicity - Ideas from CDI

Since my background is in Public Relations originally, I'm a big proponent of resume writers using publicity to increase their profile among prospective clients -- especially since advertising is so expensive.

I was reminded that Career Directors International has an extensive resource section for resume writers seeking publicity on their website.

Here are just a few ideas:

1. What is International Update Your Resume Month.

2. What is International Update Your References Week.

3. Popularity and acceptance of video resumes.

4. Challenges of resume writing for job seekers with new OFCCP rulings.

5. Cum laude can get your resume kicked out – resumes and SPAM.

And CDI's Laura DeCarlo reminds me that she is always willing to be interviewed as a second source for any stories you're involved with. Visit the CDI website for her contact information.

News Release Basics

Although this guide to writing news releases was written by an individual in the web hosting industry, his tips are just as appropriate to resume writers:

Press Release Tips
There's really only a couple of simple rules to follow when writing your press release. The closer you stick to the basic rules the better results you will see from your releases.

1. Submit Press Not Advertising.
It is important to submit news worthy press only. Great topics for press releases are new partnerships and acquisitions, location changes, expansions, new staff members, new clients, awards and recognition, etc. Price changes, sales, and promotions typically do not make for interesting press releases and will seldom be picked up.

2. Keep it Short and Simple.
This goes for the title and the press release. Don't confuse your title with your opening paragraph. Our media partners and their readers are busy folks. Give em the meat and let them move on. Before anyone reads your press release, they glance at it. If it looks like too much work to read based on the glance, they won't read it!

3. Use An Effective Headline
Create a headline which conveys immediately why this news is important. Avoid promotional sounding words. What you say here determines whether the reader will read the rest of the release.

4. A Strong Opening Paragraph
Answer who, what, where, when, why, and how. Write this paragraph as an abstract or summary for the press release.

5. Deal with Just the Facts
Again, this is press not advertising so keep your release factual and refrain from too many adjectives or "hyped-up" terms.

6. Don't Use All Caps.
NOT ONLY IS IT REALLY OBNOXIOUS TO READ it's not all that respectful to the media partners who will be running your press. Remember, it's press, not ADVERTISING. Your title should have the first letter of each word capitalized only.

7. Brief Corporate Summary
Include especially any information about products or services which help establish your expertise. Also mention your location, years in business, etc. Keep it short; don't include the annual report!

Reprinted from Host Release.

For more information about getting publicity for your resume writing services, visit The Publicity Hound.