Lessons on using LinkedIn

If you missed Kay Luo's tutorial on how to best use LinkedIn to find your next job, no worries. I was there and took notes for you.

Kay, who's director of communications at the company, previously offered those affected by the newsroom cutbacks a free account upgrade.

Based on what I saw in today's one-hour demo, I think it's definitely worth opening an account if you haven't already done so and spending some time on the site playing with the different features and search functions.

Below, in no particular order, are some of the main tips worth your consideration. If you attended the session and want to add something I missed, feel free to add it in the comments.

My Profile: In addition to filling out your work experience as much as possible, be sure to include keywords your want to be found under (multimedia, technology, editor) under "specialties" which is located under "summary" (in the "My Profile" tab)

Your connections: Kay said that a user needs at least 20 connections to have good visibility on the network. However, as her personal rule of thumb, she generally only accepts connections from people she would, say, trust with her cell phone number. She also noted that it's not entirely about quantity of connections but the quality -- LinkedIn's effectiveness is largely based on leveraging people's trust in you. If you have a hundred connections with people you hardly know, how effective will they be in putting in a good word for you and giving you an edge in the job hunt?

Tell your network you're looking for a job: Once you have your profile set up and a decent number of connections, inform the network that you're in the job hunt. Under the "Profile" tab, go to "edit my profile" and right above your name should be "forward." Click on that, select your recipients, and then compose your message. TIP: In your subject line, briefly state what you're after ("I'm looking for a new career ..."). You can always elaborate in the body of the message. Kay said this was one of the most powerful tools of LinkedIn -- and that it could be an especially effective way to find jobs that aren't listed yet.

Advanced search, the real "gem": Kay spent a fair amount of time during the tutorial focused on "advanced search" under the "People" tab. She described this tool as a real "gem" because of all the different ways to use it. For example, if you're not sure what your career track should be (hmmm, what comes after being a multimedia editor?), you could do a keyword search on your existing/previous job title to see the profiles of other LinkedIn folks who had a similar position. Then you could see what there next jobs were, the companies they worked for, the skills they have, etc. All of this could guide you in your next move and how you might position yourself. It could be a good way to dig up career ideas, based on other people's profiles. Another way to use advanced search: If you landed an interview, see if the interviewer has a LinkedIn profile. Research their background to find out their job experience, as well as things you might have in common (same school, interests, positions). One more example: If there's a specific company you want to work for, enter it into the company search field and see whose profiles come up, and the degree of separation. Then leverage your close connections to get you that interview, even if it's just informational.

E-mail signatures: A simple but helpful thing -- include in your e-mail signature the URL (Web address) to your LinkedIn account. This way, if you e-mail someone about a job opening, the recipient can get easy access to your profile and get a quick sense of who you are. If you haven't already done so, you should customize your URL to something that resembles your name. For example, instead of something like "www.linkedin.com/9o8asjdfasdfj," you might have "http://www.linkedin.com/in/marcuslowchan," which is simpler and more intuitive. You can customize it in "My Profile" and then look for "public profile."

Get recommended: Raise your profile by getting recommended. It will also elevate your standing in the "Services" tab. It's another way to stand out among the crowd.

I hope this helps.

Marcus
http://www.linkedin.com/in/marcuslowchan

Publishing opp: San Francisco Downtown

PUBLISHING OPPORTUNITY

San Francisco Downtown, a free life style magazine serving Downtown since 1992, is for sale. Solid brand and good opportunity for a journalist with an entrepreneurial flair and business savvy who may wish to stay in the business or in SF.

Ideally positioned to serve the exploding Mission Bay district in addition to SoMa and adjacent neighborhoods.

Buyer should plan on hiring a full time advertising salesperson or perhaps partner with one if he/she prefers the editorial side. Sales have been handled by the publisher's wife part-time (2­3 days per week) for several years after he underwent heart surgery.

Asking $97,500. Publisher will carry paper for well qualified buyer with meaningful down.

Email questions to: gordon@sfdowntown.com

Job opps: Communications director, research director, field organizers

Here's one forwarded to us by Dan Fost:

Communications Director:

A new nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the efficacy of state-level governance in California is seeking a communications director. The position can be based in San Francisco or Sacramento, but San Francisco is preferred. Communications Director will be responsible for developing and executing the communications strategy for a comprehensive, statewide, bipartisan governance reform effort, beginning with the organization's launch this September. Will work closely with team to build public awareness and involvement for specific reforms. Strong writing skills required. Campaign experience, knowledge of the state's media markets, and press corp is a plus. Competitive salary and benefits. Please send resumes to mweedn@deweysquare.com

Research Director:

A new nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the efficacy of state-level governance in California is seeking a research director. This person will be responsible for developing information to guide strategic decision making and ensure high quality of knowledge is readily available to staff and stakeholders. Ability to write concise, efficient briefing documents on a number of issues is a priority, as is accuracy and thoroughness on all projects. This position will work closely with the executive director, policy director and communication staff to develop, monitor and guide research activities. Excellent organizational skills are a must, as this position will be responsible for tracking and updating project knowledge and outcomes to ensure success in future campaigns. Public knowledge of public policy is required, and experience in policy making arena is preferred. Position can be based in San Francisco or Sacramento. Competitive salary and benefits. Please send resumes to mweedn@deweysquare.com

Field organizers:

A new nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the efficacy of state-level governance in California is seeking three field organizers to arrange the logistics of the statewide launch of the group. Positions will be responsible for identifying appropriate venues, contacting and scheduling meetings with key individuals in cities where launch events will take place, managing invitations to community leaders and local elected officials, and handling all meeting logistics. Excellent organization skills and campaign or field background required. Competitive salary and benefits. Please send resumes to mweedn@deweysquare.com

Web resource for freelancers

Here's a tip from Chronicle small biz columnist Ilana DeBare:

I just encountered a new source who consults with people who are starting consulting businesses. (Okay, getting a little circular here!) She is offering a free Web seminar on Sept. 12 about how people who are new to consulting can generate business. I think it would be applicable to folks who are starting freelance businesses. See http://www.goingsoloconsulting.com/index.html

Job opps: Field rep for Sen. Boxer, press officer for EPA

From former Chron politics writer Mark Simon:

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Field Representative
United States Senator Barbara Boxer
San Francisco, California

July 2007

U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer has an opening for a Field Representative in her San Francisco Office.

Primary responsibilities include representing Senator Boxer at community events and advising the Senator about local concerns and priorities. Field Representatives meet frequently with constituents and local government officials on federal issues and help design and organize events for Senator Boxer when she travels in the area. This position will have responsibility for activities in a number of counties in the Bay Area.

The successful applicant will have a positive attitude and the ability to work and set priorities in a fast-paced and challenging environment. Strong writing and verbal communication skills are essential. Bilingual skills are a plus.

This is a full-time position with excellent federal benefits.

If interested, please send a cover letter and resume (preferably by fax) no later than August 15, 2007 to:

Adrienne Bousian
Deputy State Director
U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer
1700 Montgomery St., Suite 240
San Francisco, CA 94111
Fax: 415-392-4149

Please, no calls. Senator Barbara Boxer is an equal opportunity employer.

And one from Andy Pollack:

EPA Region 9 here in S.F. is looking for a press officer. Info on the web at:

http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/jobsearch.asp?q=Reg+9-DE-2007-0028&salmin=&salmax=&paygrademin=&paygrademax=&FedEmp=N&tm=&sort=rv&vw=d&brd=3876&ss=0&FedPub=Y&SUBMIT1.x=0&SUBMIT1.y=0

Job opps: Communications at Kaiser

Here's one from former Chron metro assigning editor Tyra Mead, who now is senior communications consultant for Kaiser in Oakland:

Here are two in the office I work in at Kaiser. The senior communications consultant position would be more appropriate for someone with more years of experience; the specialist position is a more junior position. People can apply online at kaiserpermanente.org .

Reinvent yourself as a media entrepreneur

Here's something from former Chron staffer Dickson Louie:

In light of the recent cutbacks at The Chronicle and at the Merc, the Maynard Institute is sponsoring a free event at its headquarters in Oakland on Monday, July 30, with tips on how journalists can reinvent themselves or start their own business. More info below:

Thinking of starting a blog or other digital media business? The Maynard Institute is pleased to offer a program on getting started as a media entrepreneur.

Speakers are:

• Dickson Louie, former director of strategic planning , San Francisco Chronicle, on writing a business plan.
• Brian O’Malley, senior associate, Battery Ventures, on finding capital.
• Kenneth Cooper, former Boston Globe national editor, on personal reinvention.

Time: 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Date: Monday, July 30
Place: Maynard Institute Headquarters, 1211 Preservation Park Way, Oakland, 94612.

All the speakers have volunteered their time so Maynard is able to offer this program at no charge. Seating space is limited. Please RSVP to Melanie McCormick at the Maynard Institute. She can be reached at 510-891-9202 or at mmccormick@maynardije.org

Career counseling at JFK University

A tip from Chron copy editor Beth Bourland:

JFK University offers career counseling appointments. Please note: There is a fee of $50 (if you are a JFK student or alumni, the fee is waived). Some testing, assessment and other services are available (some require additional fee). For more info, call 925.969.3542 or see http://www.jfku.edu/services/career_center/

Guild providing another unemployment workshop

From Kathleen Rhodes: If you are leaving The Chronicle under the downsizing agreement (Guild or exempt) -- this workshop will give you pretty much all you need in the transition in the area of unemployment.

The Guild is providing through the California Employment Development Department, U.S. Department of Labor and One-Stop Career Link Centers another workshop to help those of us in transition out of the Chronicle with information on unemployment etc. The workshop will be held in the Guild office conference room Wednesday July 18 at 2 p.m. You will need to register for this session. If you can not attend be aware we will have future sessions.

Meet with us to get information about ...
· Unemployment insurance
· Job placement assistance
· Resume and interview assistance
· Free job training in the Bay Area
· COBRA & HIPPA Health Care Benefits

You must register for this workshop:
· Kathleen Rhodes x 7217 or cell 408-674-2625 krhodes@sfchronicle.com
· Margo Brenes, Guild Office, 415-421-6833 mbrenes@mediaworkers.org

Specifics:
· Wednesday, July 18, 2007
· 2:00 PM
· GUILD OFFICE 433 NATOMA ST. SAN FRANCISCO
· ROOM: 3RD FLOOR

Seeking help from a career counseling

Here's a second post from former Chron editor and writer John Hubbell. You can find his first post on federal funds for retraining here. In this offering, he talks about a career counselor who helped in his Chronicle afterlife (Ed note: If you know of career counselors or career resouces geared for former journalists, please send them my way):

A few years ago, deciding to move beyond the newsroom was the easy part for me. The big question was: Move where?

It was confusing because I'd loved newspapers all of my life, and changing directions was bracing and downright frightening.

But one of the first steps I took was to see a career counselor. It was easy enough: The person I went to was one of my best friend's mothers, Gina Snyder.

The experience was thoroughly helpful. Over a couple of sessions, I took tests, talked out thoughts and ideas, and walked away with both general and concrete ideas what to do.

I've passed her name onto other journalist friends looking for a change in their lives. They've reported back that they loved working with her as much as I did.

Gina is personable and down to earth. She may have embarrassing childhood photos of me that she can show you, too -- perhaps injecting a little mirth in this otherwise unsettling time.

Gina's phone number is 707-643-8937. Her email is ginas@pacbell.net. That's Vallejo, ye olde homeland.

Some of you sent notes from my last post asking what I've been up to since obtaining (and that's the right verb) my master's degree last month from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. The short version is that I'm consulting on a variety of media projects, and splitting my time between Chapel Hill and Memphis, Tenn. You can check out my company web site, and drop me a line if you'd like, at www.oldbridgemedia.com.

Good luck all,
John Hubbell
jhubbell@email.unc.edu

Consider SFSU's paralegal program

This is from Chron home & garden writer Susan Fornoff:

Journalists who've had enough of this crazy business and want to retrain for a career where they will be increasingly in demand and increasingly well compensated might want to consider the ABA-approved S.F. State paralegal program, which perhaps might qualify under the federal retraining program described earlier in the blog.

The certificate requires 30 credits, generally 10 courses, and with the program running on a trimester system, it's certainly possible to complete them within one year. I attended two evenings a week for five semesters at the downtown campus and received my certificate in the spring of 2005, finding the experience rewarding and invigorating -- smart teachers and students, practical courses, an excellent program focused on civil litigation, with electives in real estate, family, patent, criminal, contract and other specialties of law.

How come I didn't actually become a paralegal, you ask? I have other applications in mind for the certificate, which would include more writing/research/interviewing and less, er, cow-towing to attorneys. The skills we've learned in journalism translate easily into success in the field, however — and though one may take a paycut while collecting experience, it will not be uncommon for a skilled and experienced paralegal to someday earn six figures in the right line of work; there are too many lawyers and not enough paralegals.

In a New York state of mind

Here's a note from former Chron writer Marianne Costantinou (edited for length):

Hi. I took a buyout last summer, but believe it or not, I have not even looked for a job. I decided to give myself a year off to decide what I wanted to do next and where. I would love to hear from former colleagues and those taking a buyout now, to hear what they’ve decided to do. I need some inspiration. My email is mcgreek@mcgreek.net.

Anyway, though I haven’t applied for anything yet, I have been trawling through the Internet, to see what’s out there. ... An internal memo from Newsday was just posted on Romenesko. The editor there announced that the paper is looking to hire 10 to 12 reporters this summer. This is pretty extraordinary in these times. This is an excellent newspaper headquartered on Long Island, about an hour’s drive to NYC. Also, Village Voice Media, which owns the SF Weekly and alternative papers in major cities across the country, is constantly advertising for writers and editors; their ads are on their website, and on all the journalism job websites.

I’m in NYC now. It’s media central, so if relocation is possible or enticing, (and, BTW, you CAN receive CA unemployment benefits and live in NYC or anywhere else in the country) I would encourage you to look at the zillions of magazines here, if not as a writer or editor, then as a copyeditor. Times Warner seems to have lots of jobs, and Bloomberg Financial is ALWAYS hiring (and I hear the pay is very good). I’ve also seen postings for AP jobs — including photographers — for cities across the country. Meanwhile, the New York Times is always auditioning prospective copyeditors; they also seem to have a constant flow of jobs for their online site. On their web page at the bottom they have a link to internal jobs, but as you know, not all openings are announced. The Times pays extremely well, by the way, at least 50 percent more than the Chron, while the cost of living is almost the same. (Manhattan has preposterously high rents and forget buying, but you can find Bay Area rents in its boroughs, Brooklyn & Queens.)

Also in NYC, the city’s four-year public university system, known as CUNY, has opened two journalism programs which have advertised for faculty, from professors to instructors. One of the programs is the new Graduate School of Journalism in Manhattan, and I believe the other is at Queens College. Each CUNY campus (and there are at least a half dozen, not including the community colleges) also advertises on its website for instructors in every field imaginable, from English to History to Business, so if you have an expertise, that would be a good starting point.... Also, while in NYC, the public school system has something of a famous Fellowship program for mid-career Professionals where they pay for your Master’s Degree and pay you about $40K for a two-year or so commitment to teach in inner-city schools... Also, tutoring. On Craigslists across the country I see zillions of ads for tutoring jobs; in the Bay Area, you can easily get $50 to $100 an hour teaching kids in their homes. Help with writing papers, the SAT exams and college essays are just the beginning. If you don’t want to be a freelance tutor, places like Kaplan and Princeton Review are advertising like $45 an hour.

One place I think wise to consider, especially for mid-career folks and those nearing retirement, are government jobs. They’re one of the few places we can still earn a pension. CALPERS, the CA state retirement system, is considered one of the best in the country, and you can’t beat the salaries and pensions offered by the city of San Francisco. We have loads of adaptable skills.... If you’re under the age of 37 and have been drug-free for a while, the FBI can use your investigative and interviewing skills, not only as a Special Agent but also as a well-paying analyst. As a reminder, many journalists in the past have gone on to careers as private investigators, especially at private law firms... I’ve also heard of folks becoming Real Estate agents, which, believe it or not, we’re well-trained for.

Lastly, about health insurance: If you are planning to move out-of-state, please be aware that the COBRA payments are almost double, which the Chron offer will NOT cover. ... In New York (sorry, my hometown), the state has a superb low-cost health insurance plan called Healthy New York; if you’re single and you earn less than $40K in a calendar year (or something like that; you can earn more if married or have kids), you get a no-medical-questions asked policy with Blue Cross, HealthNet, Oxford, Aetna or a host of others (your choice) that’s almost as good as the Chron’s. I pay $236 a month, and I’ve got everything but dental, vision, shrink visits.... Also, if worse came to worse and your COBRA payments run out, please remember that Starbucks will provide full medical coverage if you work some minimum number of hours, like 20 hours or something. I know, you’re overqualified, but it’s been the salvation of many struggling artists and freelancers I know. And it can be mindless fun.

Oops, I’ve really gone on. If only I was this productive when I was there. : )

I’m worried about you and feel your pain. Please let me know how you’re doing and what your plans are.

My love to all, Marianne

Job opps: Media trainers

Here are two e-mails describing opportunities for journalists to become media trainers:

Hi,
I've written a few pieces for (former Chron Insight editor) Jim Finefrock and am gutted by what is going on at the Chronicle.

Anyhow, for what's worth, I'm a former Chicago Trib employee who now works as a journalism trainer in developing countries. I thought it might be worth letting your colleagues know that there might be something worthwhile in this for them, especially if they're not sure what to do next. It can be a good interim thing to do, and a good opportunity to reassess your situation --many of my training colleagues did some journalism training after being laid off or accepting early retirement.

A good place to start would be the International Center for Journalists (and it's Knight program), which issues an online newsletter called IJNET. Others are Internews, Irex, IJF (Independent Journalism Foundation). You can google Media Training Organizations and come up with a host of NGOs that need journalism trainers.

Please don't think I represent ICFJ--I don't...I just think it's a pretty good organization doing good work (as are the others) and might be helpful for your colleagues who finds themselves at a crossroads (or even LOOKING for a crossroads...)

Cheers,
Patti McCracken
www.pattimccracken.blogspot.com
www.pattimcc.blogspot.com

And here's the other e-mail

Media Training: Two Opportunities

Here is an opportunity right now for you to try something new with those hard earned journalistic skills. Australia's Media Skills is looking to expand its network into the United States.

There are two opportunities. The first is to play journalist in a media training program starting at the end of June in Northern California. It would give you a chance to check out how media training works and to see if you would like to try your hand at that business. You must have had mainstream media experience – your Chronicle experience is ideal - and if you consider yourself be flexible, versatile and can maintain client confidentiality then this is the job for you.

Playing journalist in a training session means that you conduct practice interviews with a number of participants on nominated topics – the first job requires knowledge of banking/general finance issues here in Northern California and you will be “interviewing” the CEO. You will be required to give feedback and, in real-time, give an overview of what story you will write as a result of that interview.

The second opportunity is to become a media trainer and learning how to run your own media training business.

If interested, call Jane Jordan-Meier at (707)646-2897 or (707) 386-9864. The Media Skills website (currently undergoing a revamp) is www.mediaskills.com.au.

Federal funds for retraining

Former Chronicle writer/editor John Hubbell checks in from Chapel Hill, N.C., with this (thanks, John):

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the federal government classifies newspapers
as an official “dying industry.” Like lumberjacks or New England
fishermen, there’s less of them as each year passes.

But that means those who leave the trades can qualify for federal
funds to retrain themselves in industries classified as “growing.” I
asked a friend who capitalized on this after leaving newspapers to
explain in general for you how it all works. She replied:

"... anyone who is laid off or downsized will qualify for the same
federal funds I received. They'll need to enroll in the state's
unemployment program as soon as possible. All of the retraining
programs and funds available will be mentioned during the mandatory
unemployment orientation class they'll have to attend to continue
their benefits after the first few weeks. The only stipulations are
that they find a training program they can complete in less than 1
year (that's why I opted for [an] 8-month… program rather than a two-year program] and the new field they are going into must be
considered a growing industry. Not only will state and federal funds
cover the cost of their retraining, but they will continue to receive
full unemployment benefits during that time."

Meantime, two lesser-trafficked job Web sites I’ve found helpful are
those serving print professionals looking to transition to the
comparatively healthy world of public radio (www.current.org), and
another that lists technical writing jobs (www.developers.net – type
"writer" in the search field.

I’ll write more to you soon about some education-related sites that
may help -- places looking for college newspaper advisers and the
like. My thoughts are with you all during this extremely rough time.

John Hubbell
jhubbell@email.unc.edu

New career: Small business

This is from small business columnist Ilana DeBare. A lengthy post but very informative. Thanks Ilana!

Marcus asked me to provide some ideas for former Chron folks who might be considering starting their own business.

The first step is a mental one -- to impress upon yourself that you have marketable skills that some people will be willing to pay generously for. That is not an easy thing to hold in your mind after a layoff, so get help from friends.

Whatever you did here ... photography, editing, writing, research ... you may be surprised how rare your skills are in the non-journalism world and how valuable they can be to other people.

The good news is that you can get an amazing amount of free information and help in starting a business. Check out the workshops offered by the SBA. There are SBA offices in most big cities, but SF has an unusually broad and robust set of workshops that go far beyond the basic "Introduction to bookkeeping" type of thing. The teachers are very experienced experts in their fields, they offer about three dozen different workshops each month, and the classes are either free or cheap.

For instance, on June 25 there is a class from 8:30 to 4 pm on How to Start and Manage a Small Business -- they repeat this one every month -- and it costs only $50 in advance. The SBA's offerings typically include classes on topics such as business for artists; getting started in the fashion or restaurant industries; a variety of marketing topics; starting a consulting business; writing a business plan or learning Quickbooks; how to research the competition etc.
Online registration and a list of classes can be found at www.acteva.com/go/sba. Or call and ask them to mail you a paper brochure, which I find more readable, at 415-744-6771.

The Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center in SF is a nonprofit that offers a longer training program in how to start a business. Their programs last for several weeks and are very thorough. They also offer a "business incubator" where you can rent shared space and thus have a business phone line, copier machine etc. See www.rencenter.org. Again, these are great instructors who are used to dealing with creative types as well as more traditional businesses.

You can get free counseling and help in putting together a business plan from SCORE, a volunteer group of retired executives. See www.score.org. This is a bit more hit-and-miss -- the quality of the advice you'll get depends on the individual volunteer, and a retired auto parts CEO may not be the best person to advise someone starting, say, a freelance photography business. But it can't hurt to give it a try. There are chapters in SF, Oakland, Silicon Valley and other cities.

When you are a little further along (i.e. once you have a business plan), you can get free consulting from your local Small Business Development Center. There is one in SF, one in Oakland, one in Santa Rosa etc. Their consultants are typically experienced professionals -- folks who charge big bucks most of the time for their services but devote a few hours a week to SBDC work -- and they are FREE!. See www.norcalsbdc.org for the SBDC nearest you.

The city of SF has a good online guide to starting a business, which includes permit requirements, informational resources and sources for loans. The illustrations are done by none other than our own Phil Frank. This can be useful even if you live outside SF; just adapt the permitting requirements to your own city. See http://www.sfgov.org/site/uploadedfiles/biz_start/21_GettingBusStarted.pdf.

When it comes to the legal nuts and bolts such as deciding whether to incorporate, I recommend any of the zillion of Nolo Press books. See www.nolo.com for their catalogue.

A good guide to the tax issues and record-keeping requirements of self-employement is "Minding Her Own Business: The Self-Employed Woman's Essentuial Guide to Taxes and Financial Records," by Jan Zobel. This book is useful for men as well as women. Jan has a tax prep business in SF and Oakland and has been a reliably good source for my column. Her book is at http://www.amazon.com/Minding-Her-Business-Self-Employed-Recordkeeping/dp/1580622003

And hey.... if you have questions, send them along to Mind Your Business! mindyourbiz@sfchronicle.com -- at least as long as I'm still employed and writing it. :-)

Best wishes,
Ilana