Creating a Stronger Resume

I recently began the process of updating my resume. While this sounded easy to me at first, I quickly realized how challenging it can be to make your resume unique and interesting to read. 

After meeting with teachers and getting advice from friends, I was a bit overwhelmed with information. In the end I learned that there are many ways that you can successfully format and write your resume.

I was lucky enough to have a former University of Oregon student help me while I edited and updated the format of my resume. In a recent post, Staci Stringer offers many resume tips and hints on her blog. 

Staci offers quite a few helpful hints, but a few stood out to me in particular. First and foremost, it is important to keep your resume to one page or less. Even if you have a lot of experience, it is important to keep it brief. 

Think of your resume as a hot piece of real estate and use it to highlight your unique skills and attributes. Social media skills are unique and would be important to speak about in a resume. Staci explains, "many employers these days are looking for new talent that hold that skill set. So don't be shy." 

Last but not least, Staci advises students such as myself to be adventurous and try new styles, fonts and formats. It is easy to get stuck with traditional formats, but being adventurous, within reason, can really set you apart in a unique way with your resume. Don't forget to have a few extra sets of eyes look over your final product and encourage edits and positive criticism. 

Happy updating and editing! 

Images: www.biojobblog.com/resume.jpg

My Content My Rights?

A recent content rights battle regarding facebook has many discussing the topic of privacy. Is your content really yours? 

Recently, facebook's terms of use was reworded to grant itself permanent rights to users content. While the battle continues on the topic, facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg attempted to assure users that "facebook does not, nor have we ever, claimed ownership over people's content."

Despite the outcome of the battle with facebook, it brings up the important topic of content. I personally believe that your content is your own. How you choose to share that content is also up to you and your discretion. According to a recent blog on Bulldog Reporter, some facebook users have expressed anger towards facebook because the company "may retain archived copies of your User Content" even after your account has been deactivated. 

While I understand these user's frustration, I feel they need to take more responsibility for how and when they share their personal content. When you register for a social networking site, such as facebook, it is your responsibility to read the terms of service before adding your personal content. After submission your content will still belong to you, however, your decision to share that information has made it public. 

It is important to be fully informed and educated about a social networking site prior to submitting your personal information and content. If you understand the terms of service, then there should be no reason for frustration or confusion over the ownership of your content. 

Images: www.bhconsulting.ie/privacy.jpg

Twitter and the Fashion Industry

The fashion industry has begun to use twitter to promote their products to consumers. Twitter is a social media networking site. Twitter encourages users to update their followers by answering the question, "what are you doing?"

It is interesting to see how a social networking site, such as twitter, can be used to inform consumers on fashion updates and trends. 

Fashion lines and apparel companies such as Baby Phat and Nordstrom, have begun using twitter to update fans on fashion trends and events. This year at fashion week, the Baby Phat twitter profile was updated frequently to keep consumers informed. A fashion blogger commented on this in a recent post, "I applaud Baby Phat's efforts to be accessible to consumers through social media"

I think it is appropriate and smart for clothing lines, such as Baby Phat, to update consumers on products from events such as fashion week. I do not feel it is appropriate, however, for fashion designers or department stores to advertise through social media. 

Social media is about relationships and two way communication. It is about building trusting relationships with others and listening to what they have to say. It is not and should not be a sales pitch. I think it is unethical to portray yourself as a member of a social media network, when your true motive is to sell products to consumers.  

I look forward to searching for my favorite designers on twitter. I feel that I could benefit from trend updates and fashion tips, as long as the relationships remain positive and honest. 

images: www.newyorktimes.com

Rihanna: Navigating a Crisis

Last week, music icon Rihanna missed the Grammy Awards due to a physical altercation with her boyfriend, Chris Brown. 

While neither party has commented on the altercation, Rihanna is said to have experienced physical violence that left her bruised. Speculation on the altercation will no doubt continue for sometime in the tabloids and on the web. 

Dealing with a personal matter such as this would be emotionally damaging for anyone. The fact is, Rihanna is not anyone. She is a pop icon in the public eye. For this reason, Rihanna's personal matter has quickly become a public affair. Rihanna will now have to worry about more that her emotional and physical well being. 

Public relations professional Howard Bragman, commented on the situation in a recent report from MTV News. "It's ridiculously hard to deal with this in the public eye - Rihanna and Chris have to deal with this in the court of law - and they have to deal with the court of public opinion." 

Rihanna has already begun to receive positive and negative feedback from her fans regarding the altercation. Although those individuals have no first hand knowledge of the altercation, they will continue to speculate and give their feedback on the situation. Many people, including myself, wonder how this situation will affect Rihanna's career. 

I personally believe Rihanna will bounce back from this unfortunate situation. Over the past few years she has established herself as a young music professional with multiple hits and international popularity. While Rihanna's popularity and talent are undeniable, they should not be relied on to save her career. 

Rihanna's situation is extreme, and has no doubt attracted more attention than the typical crisis of a business professional or corporation. The significance of a crisis, however, is not always determined by how many are paying attention, but who is paying attention. 

Celebrities, business professionals and corporations can experience an unexpected crisis at any time. Every crisis deals with speculation, rumors and outsiders with limited knowledge of the situation. A crisis may occur within an organization boasting a positive reputation, product or skills. Even so, these attributes should never be relied upon to mend a crisis. 

It is important for public relations practitioners to plan for unexpected situations so they can direct clients to respond with a high level of integrity and the knowledge of who may be affected. Addressing a crisis in this manner may not repair all damages. It will however, demonstrate your client's personal accountability and dedication to moving forward. 

images: www.vivremagazineonline.com

The Power of Sustainable Relationships

As I am preparing to enter the "real world" and start my career, I am learning that there are some actions worth taking to ensure my success. Building business relationships and contacts now is especially important for those of us expecting to graduate in the spring. 

Earlier this year I made the decision that I would like to end up in Los Angeles or San Francisco post college. Once I had made this decision, I began seeking out public relation firms and other organizations that I might be interested in working for in those areas. After firming up my resumé with the help of some of my professors, I began to "email pitch" myself to the organizations I was interested in. It is my hope that I will be able to set up informational interviews with some of them during my spring break this year. 

Making these contacts and setting up informational interviews can not be the end if you are truly serious about building relationships with professionals and organizations that you are interested in. Once you have built a relationship, you must maintain it. In a recent post, University of Oregon alum, Jessica Lomelin spoke about her job search and how building relationships proved to be helpful for her. Once Jessica had met with a firm, she continued to stay in contact with them. She would research their clients and industry and email them requesting further information on particular campaigns or cases. 

Jessica explained, "I had maintained a relationship and showed that I was taking the time to research their clients and was eager to learn more." Jessica's research and positive relationship building proved to be beneficial for her. She was eventually hired by Weber Shandwick, an agency she had worked diligently to stay in contact with. 

Jessica offers tips and advice for students, like myself, who are currently searching for their next move after graduation. She explains the importance of utilizing your resources such as professors, other students, and groups such as PRSSA. She also advises students to set up informational interviews early and often. Once you have met with someone, send them a thank you letter, and keep up to date on their company's activities. Lastly, don't be afraid to be persistent. 

I look forward to setting up as many informational interviews as I can during spring break, and then continuing to build upon those relationships. I have learned that it is not enough to create a relationship, you must maintain it. The more you know about an organization you are interested in, than the better off you will be. Demonstrating your knowledge in their activities by communicating with them often will display your dedication and interest in their work. 

Images: www.derbigum.com

Social Media: How do I keep up?

Using social media sites can be beneficial in many aspects of our lives. They can keep us connected with friends, allow us to collaborate with others, and even give us the opportunity to make professional connections. 

Until recently, my social media experience was limited to facebook. This all changed in the last few weeks when I created my twitter account, began following bloggers on Bloglines, joined LinkedIn, and logged on to PR Open Mic. 

While I am excited to enter these new realms of the social media world, I am also faced with the daunting task of visiting them all and staying active on a weekly basis. So far it has proven to be a challenge for me. How do I make time in my schedule? And, once I have made time in my schedule, how do I remember to check them?

In a recent post, David Finch spoke to this topic and referred to it as "creating social media rituals". Finch reminded readers that social media are not simply a task to finish and "cross off the list". The world of social media is about building and maintaining positive relationships and putting a face next to a brand or product. For these reasons it is important to dedicate time to understanding and utilizing the different aspects of social media. 

For those of us who are new to using social media or are feeling overwhelmed, Finch offers a few tips or rituals. He advises new users to be active listeners in order to weed out the sales pitches. Finch explains that others will be more willing to listen to you if you establish yourself as a good listener. Finch also advises that new users start slow. "Find two or three tools or communities that you want to start with and develop your social media habits there." 

My advise? Don't be afraid to dive head first into the world of social media. While the idea horrified me at first, I have enjoyed learning about all that these tools have to offer. The connections that you will make will no doubt prove to be invaluable in the future. Social media sites and tools give users the chance to build relationships, collaborate, and learn from one another. Take your time, be patient, and you too will begin to see that social media tools are an accessory worth having. 

Images: www.cyberlearning-world.com

Hungry? Head to Brails Restaurant

If you have been to Brails before, then you know all about its delicious and hearty breakfast items and its casual atmosphere. Located at 1689 Willamette Street, Brails offers breakfast and lunch items that you will not soon forget. 

My roommates and I often frequent Brails on the weekends. Brails gives us the perfect opportunity to sit together at one of the many large tables and laugh over a large plate of pancakes and eggs. Brails may be famous for their American style breakfast specials, but they are also known for their classic Korean rice and noodle bowls. My personal Brails favorites? Try Joy's special or the strawberry waffles with whipped cream. Joy's special consists of a large order of hash browns complete with country gravy, peppers, tomatoes, onions, cheese and ham. It's a little bit of everything, how can you go wrong? 

Brails' owner Joy Knudtson also adds to the casual family atmosphere. In a recent review by NowTowns, Joy was described as outgoing and personable with all of her customers. "Joy will make sure you have everything you need to enjoy your meal and your time at Brails Restaurant." Joy dedicates her self to getting to know every customer by name. Her vivacious personality and ear to ear smile will only add to your experience at Brails. 

Brails Restaurant has something to offer everyone. It is a fun local restaurant full of character, helpful staff, and delicious food. Check it out for yourself Sunday through Friday between 7:00am and 3:00pm. 

What is the deal with twitter?

Today I created my own twitter profile. After reading about twitter and hearing many different accounts of how great this messaging service is, I decided to jump on the bandwagon. People all over the world are using twitter to receive information that is pertinent to them as it happens. While the idea of tweeting about what you are doing may seem boring or superficial, the twitter phenomenon has proven to be an extremely successful tool for people to interact and learn from one another. 

Departments, organizations, and universities all over the world have begun using twitter to relay important messages to their relevant publics, but I have recently discovered that sharing breaking news is not the only perk to twitter. In a recent post by David Meerman Scott, Scott tells the story of how twitter user David Murray found a new job via the social networking site. By entering keywords into a twitter search and then pulling the RSS feeds, Murray was able to track conversations related to careers that might be a good fit for him. Shortly after his search began, Murray found a job as Assistant Webmaster, Client Services for The Bivings Group. 

This success story is one of many and only one example of the perks tweeting can provide. Former University of Oregon student, Staci Stringer, elaborates this point on her blog. According to Staci, twitter can help public relations students get in contact with professionals, conduct research, pass along resources, and even promote their blog posts. 

So I guess there is more to twitter than I had originally thought. Besides being a fun and interactive messaging site, I feel that twitter has a lot of educational value for public relations students. I look forward to using this social networking site more in the future and seeing what lessons it has to offer me. 

images: www.twitter.com

Marché - Best eats on Fifth Street

My older sister recommended this popular Fifth Street Bistro to me three years ago when I was a freshman attending the University of Oregon. I was looking for a break from my dorm food routine one night and decided to give Marché a chance. What I found was more than I had imagined. Nestled in the heart of Fifth Street, Marché offers an elegant atmosphere and French based cuisine with a Pacific Northwest twist. 

The restaurant features a large open kitchen with a wood fired oven, stylish bar, and an outdoor dining patio surrounded by an herb garden. 

Marché offers lunch, dinner, dessert, and cocktails seven days a week, but is widely known for it's bar menu, which is available during all hours of operation. The bar menu offers assorted petite plates, artisan cheeses, and wood oven pizzetas for a price that makes them tempting and affordable for the occasional night out with friends. My personal favorites? Try the roasted beet salad with warm hazelnut crusted goat cheese and the cornmeal fried Willapa Bay oysters. Pair these two dishes with one of Marché's signature cocktails and call it a night. 

Whether your searching for a night out with friends or lunch on the patio, Marché exudes a comfortable yet refined atmosphere with a delicious menu to match. Visit Marché restaurant at 296 East Fifth Street or one of their two Eugene café locations and see for yourself. The café's are located in the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art on the University of Oregon campus and in the open café room of the Fifth Street market.  

Marché Restaurant:

Lunch: Seven days a week 11:30-2:30

Dinner: Friday-Saturday 5:30-10 Sunday-Thursday 5:30-9

5th Street Market Café Room:

Monday-Saturday 8:30-7, Sunday 9-6

Museum Café: 

Monday-Friday 8:30-4, Wednesday 8:30-7, Saturday-Sunday 12-4

images: www.marcherestaurant.com 

Finding my future; always on my mind.

As a college senior, my future and the changes that lie ahead of me are always lingering in my mind. While I used to worry about what classes to take next term, I now find myself wondering how I will get to a place that remains unknown. Academics and extracurricular activities are important to building an impressive resume, but as the old saying goes, "It's not what you know, but who you know". In the past year I have found that networking and building relationships will most likely be the most important thing that I can do to ensure my future in the world of public relations. 

During my quest for my future, I have not forgotten to consider the current job market and economy facing all soon to be graduates. For these reasons it has become even more important to begin building relationships early. But what is too early? In a recent post, Lindsay Olson said "beginning a job search four to six months prior to graduation is a good and ideal time frame." Olson went on to explain the importance of finding companies you may be interested in working for and setting up informational interviews. She also reminded readers to consider internships because they can prove to be positive learning experiences and often turn into full-time positions. 

Reading Olson's post and responding to her thoughts reminds and motivates me to push on in the search for my future. It will be important for me, and other graduates interested in public relations, to create as many contacts as possible. While I remain unsure of what my future holds for me, I have the confidence to know that it is waiting. Now, I just have to find it. 

images: SethMcAllister.com/blog