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.

Thank You

Send a thank-you note when prospective clients request information (even if it's just an e-mail thank you). Send thank you's even to those prospects who decide not to take advantage of your services.

See if you can collect some information from prospects when they first contact you. At a minimum, you should get their name, phone number, and e-mail address. This will enable you to follow up with them until they make a decision about whether to retain your services.

Survey: Social Networks Attract Affluent Individuals

Thanks to Robyn Greenspan of ExecuNet for passing along the findings of this survey.

According to the latest Wealth Survey from the Luxury Institute, more than 60 percent of wealthy Americans (those with an average income of $287K and net worth of $2.1M) participate in online social networks -- compared with just 27 percent a year ago.

These affluent individuals are most likely members of 2.8 social networks (with roughly 110 connections). Those with even higher incomes belong to more social networks (3.4 on average).

Here are some of the most prominent social networking sites:

ExecuNet is a closed network which allows members to have a direct connection with thousands of senior-level business leaders.

LinkedIn: One of the most popular social networks for professionals.

Facebook: Originally for students, this network has grown to encompass more professional members -- but is still more often used by the Generation X and Y sets than the Baby Boomers.

I just found out about a new social networking service -- Ning -- that I'm experimenting with. I'll let you know what I think about it once I've had a chance to play around with it.

Talent Shortage Helps Shield Executives from Unemployment

According to the March 2008 ExecuNet Recruiter Confidence Index (RCI) survey of 118 executive recruiters, 52 percent are "confident" or "very confident" the executive employment market will improve during the next six months -- up slightly from 51 percent in February. Seventy-two percent of survey respondents expect at least a 10 percent increase in search assignments during this period of time.

"Economic uncertainty has not put executive job growth on hold," says Mark Anderson, president of ExecuNet. "While demand for executive talent may be increasing at a slower pace than it was just one year ago, recruiting and retaining effective leaders remains a challenge for most companies."

Introduced in May 2003, the Recruiter Confidence Index is based on a monthly survey of executive recruiters conducted by ExecuNet.