Media Careers Canada

How to Improve a Resume that Lacks Employment Experience

2012-03-02T18:47:00.001-05:00

In the age of the Internet, one no longer has an excuse to present an employer with a resume lacking content, inspiration and motivation. True, one is excused at a young age of stacking his/her resume with high-power positions at major corporations but what about an individual's own personal and creative projects? In my opinion, these projects generated through time and effort void of significant financial compensation (if any) allows employers to draw deeper conclusions about that individual’s aspirations.

There are free and effective tools online for all imaginable focuses. Let us apply this notion to media. If one wishes to be a Writer for television or film, he/she has the following options: start a blog, shoot a short film (on your phone if necessary) and post it to Youtube or Vimeo. Interested in editing? Use one of the many easy-to-use video-editing programs to craft your own project. Aspiring Graphic Designer? Create a portfolio!

To personify this concept, my resume begins as generically as any other with my educational history, job experience, internships and relevant skills I am familiar with. Following this is another section labeled “Creative Projects”. This is where I hope my employer extracts a little more about who I am and the professional I’d like to be. Included in this section is my work as Co-Creator and Producer of a web series, a link to my personal blog, a link to an online magazine I contributed to and finally my contributions to a band I play in for whom I am responsible for managing various social networking sites.

All of these “Creative Projects” were planned and executed on my own time. Although I may have worked on some less than gratifying jobs in the past, my interest in media and writing has always played a prominent role in my life.

~ Lewis Spring is currently pursuing a career in media with a focus in journalism and television production. He runs a sketch comedy website and is a member of local Toronto band the Little Black Dress.

Multimedia Resumes: The New Evolution

2012-02-27T01:04:00.000-05:00

Companies will always hire employees based on their education and experience and the purpose of a resume is to get you that interview. Personal branding are very common these days so creating an online presence for employers is a smart thing to do.

Consider creating a multimedia resume to stand out from the crowd. Video cameras and user friendly editing software are everywhere, so it’s no surprise that video resumes have become a new alternative. It’s hard to showcase personality and interest with a conventional resume. A video resume on the other hand, allows an applicant to present themselves in more than one dimension. A persuasive personal pitch can be made directly to the recruiter, since the visual presence of an applicant allows direct interaction. Create a high quality product and make sure it accurately portrays your professional experience and goals.

If online content is your niche, consider exploring VisualCV – it’s an online resume that includes all facets of a traditional resume but with add-ons like videos, images and links to your accomplishments. Presentations, links to blogs posts and even your Twitter account can be added to your digital portfolio. Charts and graphs can also be included to enhance the aesthetics!

LinkedIn has become one of the regular platforms to interact with professional contacts and companies. A LinkedIn URL offers quick, direct access to an individual’s expanding network and professional involvement. Parallel to the traditional resume format with headings such as experience, education and skills, it becomes more powerful and efficient by showing contacts, recommendations and groups all in real time. It’s a smart summary of credentials that is easy to update and share with others.

It’s well known that employers are using non-traditional ways to locate and screen applicants. The purpose of a resume is evolving with technology and now is the time to experiment with the multitude of online options for active job seekers. Although a paper resume is still the most popular format when applying for jobs, multimedia resumes are on the rise and it can help you shine a little brighter than your competitors when applying for the same job.

~ Jennee Rasavong is an administrative professional with a passion for writing and is looking to pursue a career in Marketing.

Profiles in Canadian Media Roundup

2012-02-17T14:18:00.001-05:00

After conducting extensive interviews with some of Toronto’s top media professionals, I have concluded a few things:

1. Success in this industry relies heavily on one’s ability to network. It is a collaborative business meaning one must be capable of working well within a team, while continuously building a network of potential colleagues. One never knows when they might receive a call for a job as a Line Producer, Editor, Web Designer or Cinematographer.

2. This is a competitive industry and one must do everything in their power to distinguish themselves from the pack by demonstrating enthusiasm and creativity. Although technical skills are invaluable in the media industry, if one is interested in acquiring an upper role such as a Producer or Director, you should produce work that will be recognized as extraordinary and original. Quality work will get you recognized by the public.

3. A post-secondary education and work experience both have their own benefits. If one has an artistic vision in the age of the Internet, they are capable of creating a great product on a limited budget. In return, they can have their creative work seen by people from all around the world. On the other hand, schooling provides the education and credentials to acquire a base-level job in the media job industry.

4. Go into the media industry because you love this type of work and people will recognize your passion for it. This “passion” will be reflected in the work you do and your relationships with other like-minded people will grow.

There is no single formula for achieving success in the media industry. If you lean more on the side of creativity, maybe producing original content is the best way to get recognized. If you are looking for a specific kind of job within the media industry that requires a particular skill such as lighting, editing or design, schooling may be the optimal route. At the end of the day, it is your dedication and motivation for this type of work that will lead you to success!

~ Lewis Spring is currently pursuing a career in media with a focus in journalism and television production. He runs a sketch comedy website and is a member of local Toronto band the Little Black Dress.

How to Change Careers Gracefully

2012-02-13T14:38:00.000-05:00

Gone are the days where workers stay in the same job at the same company out of sheer loyalty for their entire working life. What drives employees today is more than just income – its about having opportunities that can offer personal satisfaction and growth. If a shift in a new career direction is something you need, here are some tips to get you on the right path:

Research and reflect.

Changing careers is a move that needs to be researched and planned. Spend some quality time researching the new career choice and developing plans for the future. Evaluate your transferrable strengths and skills. Don’t limit yourself to work experiences, consider all types of activities and life experiences.

Part of the process is figuring out your definition of career success. Ask yourself what makes you happy and identify what you are passionate about. Understand what you don’t like about your current situation so that you don’t duplicate it.

Try it out.

Although you may think that you’ve discovered your ideal job, you will never know if it is a fit for you unless you try it out first. Try a part-time job or explore volunteer opportunities to feel out the new career. This will help you out immensely down the road by saving you unnecessary investments in time and educational upgrades.

Network.

Networking is a great way to find out what is going on in the industry you want to break in to – switching from one industry to the next means knowing a whole new language. Find ways to connect with people who are already doing the job you are interested in doing. Interview them to find out if the job is really what you want to do. Contacts you’ve made through volunteering, internships or part-time jobs can also provide valuable insight and opinions for your job search. Use your networks to hear about opportunities that may not be advertised.

Be flexible.

The most important tip – stay open, curious and flexible as you navigate towards your new career. A career change can be intimidating but remain confident, stay focused and be tenacious. A career change doesn’t happen overnight, but you will get there with commitment and motivation!

~ Jennee Rasavong is an administrative professional with a passion for writing and is looking to pursue a career in Marketing.

Poll Results: What is the most important factor when choosing a job?

2012-02-07T18:43:00.000-05:00

Results from the most recent Media Careers Canada poll shows that Canadians prefer personal satisfaction over salary and benefits anyday!

The results are below:

Personal Satisfaction = 78%

Salary/Benefits = 22%

Profiles In Canadian Media

2012-02-02T14:31:00.000-05:00

Q&A: Peter Morey – Producer for “The Shift” on CBC Radio 2, Mon-Fri, 1p.m. and host on CBC Radio 3

Q: How did you become involved in media?

PM: I was working as an actor in London, England and had found that the industry relied heavily on actors for commercials but not plays, movies or television. I decided that acting wasn’t for me and that I’d pursue a different avenue in media, which is when I moved to Canada and with a BA, did a post-graduate degree and began pursuing a career in Radio. Something I’d been interested in as a kid.

Q: How conscious was your decision to get into radio vs. television / film?

PM: Acting felt kind of soulless so I decided to get into a more intimate form of communication because with radio you’re speaking directly to one person.

Q: Any words of wisdom regarding which avenues are optimal in pursuing a career in media?

PM: When I came here I had no contacts so I did a condensed Radio Broadcasting program here at Humber College. I did that mostly because at the end of it you do an internship arranged by the college. The purpose of this course was to get you an entry level job at a radio station in a small town market, but I had no intention of doing that so I went for the big game at the CBC.

Q: Granted the money, time and effort invested in your degree, was it worth it?

PM: Yes it was. It gave me eight months of experience and familiarity with the way the system works in Canada. It also taught me some software and basic editing skills. And it helped me get a job at the CBC. So I would recommend the school route because it sets you up with an expectation of what you’ll get. And then do an internship. Make the best of it by finding the jobs that don’t want to be done, learn the program and systems that you’re going to use and than make yourself invaluable.

Q: What could someone do to distinguish themselves when pursuing a career in the media industry?

PM: First thing you have to do is listen, observe or use whatever it is you’re going to be working with. If it is a website, know the site, if it is a radio show, listen to that show so you know what it sounds like. I would look for someone who’s thorough, someone who’s done the research and the work. Someone who knows the format of the show, what makes a good guest, what will fit or gel well. A learned ability to know what will work is a valuable skill.

~ Lewis Spring is currently pursuing a career in media with a focus in journalism and television production. He runs a sketch comedy website and is a member of local Toronto band the Little Black Dress.

Make Your Job Search Tactics “Social”

2012-01-28T14:16:00.000-05:00

The power of social media grows each day and employers are taking note. More businesses turn to social media to find and evaluate job candidates. How do you stand out from the crowd and position yourself for a job? Include social media in your current job-searching techniques! Listed below are some valuable tips on how you can use social media to your advantage when job hunting.

Manage Your Digital Presence:

Make sure you are conveying the right message about yourself. Understanding how you are perceived by others is the first step. Consider using a social media monitoring website such as Reppler. It’s a free tool that scans large networks like Facebook, Flickr and Twitter. It gives you an image score on the basis of any inappropriate content you don’t want potential employers to see. Also consider improving your profile on social sites like LinkedIn. It’s “the” place where most employers will find you and do research. Recommendations from current and former co-workers can only enhance your profile. Make sure what’s included here is how you want to present yourself.

Build Your Connections:

Don’t let your pride or embarrassment keep you from being open about your job hunt. Many people are willing to help, but you can’t be afraid to ask. Friend or follow those with common interests, participate in Twitter chats, engage in discussions on Facebook pages, join LinkedIn groups etc. Be active in sharing ideas and promoting great content! Once you make connections, let your friends and followers know you’re looking for a job and tell them what type of job you’re looking for (include titles, industries and locations). If they know you’re available, they’ll think of you when an opportunity arises.

Create Your Personal Brand:

A great way to showcase your talents to potential employers is to have a blog. Blog about the industry you’re most interested in. This will show employers that you have a genuine passion and desire to succeed in the industry. Not only will you be able to increase your digital footprint, but your blog content can also be shared throughout social networks helping you establish more online influence as well.

Find Opportunities:

Make a list of companies you would like to work for and follow their updates on Twitter and Facebook. For example, try using the Twitter search function to look for jobs by using industry hashtags. Social media gives us the chance to communicate with CEOs and industry influencers – use this to your advantage to connect and engage with them!

Finding a job is a job itself. Invest the time and effort in creating your social media presence. The more you incorporate social media in your job search tactics, the better chance you’ll have of being noticed over other candidates.

~ Jennee Rasavong is an administrative professional with a passion for writing and is looking to pursue a career in Marketing.

The Importance Of Networking

2012-01-25T18:57:00.000-05:00

I recently attended a Student Leadership day as a volunteering Alumni. The point of my presence was to network with the students during their lunch break. I was pleasantly surprised. I had a steady stream of students coming over to chat and ask about how my education had benefited my career and how I managed to get where I am.

Two questions really stood out for me. I generally don’t like to sugarcoat my answers and I wasn’t about to let their status as students influence me to do so.

1. What is the one piece of advice you can give us to help us prepare for graduation and work?

It took a moment to formulate my answer, but it relayed like this: Network. Yes, they are students but that should not prevent them from doing so. I commended them on the fact that they were attending the Student Leadership day (on a Saturday, no less) and approaching the Alumni to chat. I threw out a line that someone once told me – Alumni love helping Alumni. I can certainly attest to the truthfulness of this statement, as I have accessed help and insight from fellow Alumni in the past. I recommended they continue to access the events that the school puts on and connect with Alumni and seek out those who they feel work in professions they are interested in. While it may not be rocket science, it was clearly a revelation they had not yet arrived at. Networking is not always a fast move, but a conscious effort to maintain your network will pay off in the end. I was quite pleased when I received a LinkedIn contact request Monday morning from one of the students I spoke with on the weekend.

2. How did you get into a marketing job?

My first response was to clarify for them that I am technically a career counselor who is filling an internal short term marketing contract. I then shared that I thoroughly enjoyed marketing so in every job I’ve had since graduating, I’ve looked for opportunities in my role to branch out and pick up tasks related to marketing, along with volunteering for different groups to fulfill marketing roles. Up until now, I’ve never been able to land a job in marketing. However, I can whip up a resume and have a strong showing of marketing related activities and accomplishments for the past 10 years. It’s the effort you put in – that was my main message. If no one is handing you the kind of job you want, it’s up to you to gain the experience and learn how to do it, so that you will eventually become the desirable canadidate.

I certainly enjoyed talking with students and I hope that they were able to walk away from chatting with myself and other Alumni feeling like they gained something. I have to admit, it was nice to chat with people who have yet to be jaded by the working world. And you never know, one day those students may be the ones doing the hiring. I’d be best to keep that in mind and continue to include them in my networking circles!

~ Melissa Macfarlane is a Career Development Professional with Northern Lights Canada.

Profiles in Canadian Media

2012-01-17T15:09:00.000-05:00

Q&A: Michael MacMillan - One-time Executive Chairman and CEO of Alliance Atlantis and Current CEO and founder of Blue Ant Media.

Q: What inspired you to become involved in media and how did you become involved initially?

MM: I don’t know if I was inspired to get into media as much as it was something I simply had to do. I began making Super 8mm films when I was about fourteen. Then I studied film theory in university and by the time I was finishing up at school there was nothing I wanted to do other than make movies. So a couple of friends and I from Queens University (with no money and no contacts in the industry) moved to Toronto and started our own production company called Atlantis Films.

Q: In your opinion, what channels of study/work are optimal for pursuing a career in media?

MM: I firmly believe in two things that are crucial in this regard. The first is a liberal arts education because one is encouraged to express themselves creatively, think critically, use imagination and show an interest in the unknown. The second thing is to be like Nike and “Just Do It”. There are loads of programs that are more training-focused but my strong advice is always to “Just Do It”. I have never seen anyone asked to contribute to a project based on their academic credentials, it’s about motivation, courage, and ability.

Q: What can one do to increase their chances of distinguishing themselves from other job applicants?

MM: Don’t be a pale imitation of everybody else. You’re not going to be distinctive by having the slickest movie or image. Be defiantly original, outrageous or different in some way. One will stand out by being distinctive.

Q: What developments do you see unfolding in media over the next 10 years?

MM: We are into another golden age of content creation. It used to be that the biggest single barrier in creating media was the physical issue of acquiring equipment. Now those barriers are hugely reduced and it has become like writing an opera or a novel, all you need is a pad of paper and a pen. So now it’s about whether this person has the talent and imagination to create something great. I am optimistic for creators.

~ Lewis Spring is currently pursuing a career in media with a focus in journalism and television production. He runs a sketch comedy website and is a member of local Toronto band the Little Black Dress.

Will A Post Secondary Education In PR Be Worthwhile?

2012-01-16T15:15:00.002-05:00

Choosing a career path is never easy but you’ve managed to figure it out – you want to work in public relations! Your insatiable curiosity for all things media, your ability to diffuse any crisis and your strong writing skills makes public relations an ideal career path for you. But will a degree in public relations really get you on the right track? The answer is yes.

An undergraduate degree in English, Communications, Journalism or Liberal Arts is a great start. Whichever field you decide to major in, a diversified course load is recommended because having a broad knowledge base is essential. Look for programs that include co-op opportunities. Gaining experience while in school is the best way to learn about public relations. It’s one thing to read about PR in a textbook, it’s another to apply it in the real work environment. Experience is valuable and the PR industry is one that views internships and co-op programs noteworthy assets on your resume.

The world of public relations is ever-changing so stay on top of industry trends and keep up with current news issues. Your interest and passion for PR will naturally push you further and fuel your desire to learn more – continuous learning never hurts. Ghandi said it best: “Learn as if you were to live forever.” Be creative, be involved and be current!

A degree coupled with relevant internships and/or work experience will help you stand out from the crowd. Choosing the right program will depend on many factors. So, to get you started please take a look at some programs offered across the country in no particular order:

• Langara College: Journalism
• Simon Fraser University: Communications
• University of Calgary: Communications and Culture
• MacEwan University: Communication Studies
• University of Regina: Journalism
• Red River College: Creative Communications
• Carleton University: School of Journalism and Communication
• Conestoga College: School of Media and Design
• Humber College: School of Media Studies and Information Technology
• Ryerson University: Journalism

~ Jennee Rasavong is an administrative professional with a passion for writing and is looking to pursue a career in Marketing.

Poll Results: Do you attach your cover letters or paste them in your emails?

2012-01-08T15:12:00.003-05:00

Results from the most recent Media Careers Canada poll shows that there's a 50-50 split when it comes to pasting or attaching your cover letters in emails.

The results are below:

I attach my cover letters = 50%

I copy and paste my cover letters = 50%

Conclusion:

This was a very interesting poll. We can't say which method is the "correct" way. What we can conclude from this poll is that if you have successfully received interview calls using one of the above options, stick with the option that has always worked for you.

There are some points to keep in mind though. If an employer or staffing agency specifically states in their job ad to copy and paste or attach your cover letter, follow their instructions! Going against their specific instructions will not only come off as being careless but your application might not even be read.

Social Media: Creating Good News From Bad News

2012-01-06T14:56:00.002-05:00

© 2011 Trish MacQueen

Life, in a social writer’s world, is always interesting and often we are asked to create articles, blogs, and other social media to assist companies with maintaining good reputations. In the old days, if bad news about a company, a product, or a personality within the company was released, it was usually considered in the best interest of the company to “Sweep it Under the Rug” or keep it quiet. Many companies figured if they didn’t make a statement about the issue, that is would die a natural death.

Today, that is not the case at all. With all the different forms of media available, news spreads very quickly. Social media has revolutionized how people learn about what is happening in the world and with all the people and businesses using it, you can bet someone will pick up on the story and start spreading it around. So with the social media influences, companies have been placed in a position where they must address an issue head on.

For social writers, this means that they must take a bad situation with many unhappy people who need to be dealt with indirectly and create a situation that gains empathy from all readers. In order to do this, writers must be able to connect and understand the aspects that are making these people so unhappy and then find a way to put a new and interesting spin on the situation, even if only to create a diversion.

This often requires answering unhappy people’s “real questions” with very real and direct answers. People are much worldlier than they were 20 years ago and trying to snow them will only make a bad situation worse. Unfortunately, this interaction takes a great deal of time and when you are working with deadlines that are already too tight, it is hard to find the time you need to write really well and ignoring the unhappy people is just not an option.

News spreads really fast on Twitter, Facebook, Blogs and other social media channels so cooperation often is required to “Clean Up” the situation and put a new spin on it.This means working with your peers and competitors to come up with some real and interesting news that can take away from bad news that is spreading. If you cannot find new or interesting news, then you must find a way to put a positive spin on the spreading of bad news. Sometimes you can do this simply by acknowledging the news and explaining what the company is planning to do about it.

Other times, you simply need to explain the complexities of the situation in easy to understand terms. People, often scan the news they read…not read it word for word, so this technique often works to calm the angry masses. Once explained in simple terms, many readers realize they didn’t get the whole picture and your job as a writer is to ensure that they do.

That trick alone is often enough to put the entire bad situation at rest, so the company can breathe until they find a way to get the situation under control.

~ Trish MacQueen has spent 25+ years in the freelance writing and publishing industry. She is CEO of The Word Shoppe, an internet content business and Maitland River Publishing, an electronic publishing house. Trish has been published in several print and online magazines and newsletters.

Profiles in Canadian Media

2012-01-05T15:28:00.003-05:00

Q&A: Gariné Tcholakian - Senior Producer, Digital Content for Travel + Escape at GlassBOX TV.

Q: What inspired you to become involved in media and how did you become involved in media?

GT: Connecting with people. Whether it's engaging your audience online or connecting with viewers and readers in print or on television — storytelling is all about one thing: understanding your audience.

Q: You are the Toronto city host for NYC-based Mediabistro. How did you become involved with Mediabistro? Can you tell me a little bit about it?

GT: With media becoming both more fragmented and integrated than ever before, media professionals from all areas — digital, TV, tablets, newspapers, magazines, mobile, social media, as well as marketing, advertising and even PR — all need to cooperate if they want to reach their audience effectively. That's what drew me to Mediabistro. First as a guest over 7 years ago and soon after being offered the position by its then-hosts Sam Hiyate of The Rights Factory and Sufia Lodh as host.

Q: Any preference in regards to what channels of study/work are optimal in pursuing media career in Canada?

GT: Almost from the day I graduated over a decade ago now, I witnessed this industry going through seismic changes from traditional to new media. I held on tight and rode the wave starting out in television as a producer and as the industry quickly shifted into radio that reached an increasing mobile audience; then to an ever-expanding global audience as I moved into a greater role as a Senior Feature Writer for The Daily Star newspaper. This was followed by a move into niche markets as Associate Editor of the longest running city magazine in the country, Hamilton Magazine…then into digital, where I did it all and have continued to do so for the past 8 years.

If I were to look back 15 years ago when I started in this business, I would say one thing: Do what you love. In this industry, you have to be very nimble, but that doesn't mean jeopardizing what drives you in the first place. The beautiful thing about the media landscape today is that there are so many platforms for creativity, expression and dissemination. The question is how fast can you keep up with these changes?

Q: What can one do to increase their chances of distinguishing themselves from other job applicants?

GT: Two things. 1) Recognize that this is a people business. Because of the cooperative nature of the biz, understanding the various needs from a large variety of media players will put the winning card in your hand. 2) Work your butt off. Be prepared for increased demands in an always changing, always connected social media world. 3) Think strategy. With every step you take, given the maze of engagement models around you, a sharp eye for strategy based on where the opportunities are is key. Regardless of how insurmountable the challenges before you seem, know that every challenge carries within it a silver lining of opportunity. A positive attitude will help you to see that.

Q: Do you have any career advice for aspiring young media enthusiasts? Anything they should know?

GT: Never give up. Ever.

To learn more about Gariné Tcholakian please click here. To learn more about Travel+Escape please click here.

~ Lewis Spring is currently pursuing a career in media with a focus in journalism and television production. He runs a sketch comedy website and is a member of local Toronto band the Little Black Dress.

Want To Get Into Marketing? Market Yourself First

2012-01-03T14:39:00.001-05:00

Every day can be different. The use of strategic thinking and a strong creative aspect keeps things challenging and stimulating. Within the employment industry, there are countless career options in communications, business development and sales. However, marketing is quickly becoming a top career choice among students and it’s not hard to see why.

How do you get the attention of potential employers? Market yourself first.

Branding isn’t just for companies anymore. Personal branding is essential and it’s an easy way to demonstrate to employers that you can apply basic marketing principles. If you can sell yourself successfully, an employer will trust that you can sell their products and services.

Branding is all about consistency. Consider how your brand comes off to potential employers in person as well as online. Hiring managers and recruiters are your audience. Be transparent about who you are and what you want to be known as. Things to consider include the way you dress, the language you use, how you come across to employers and your ability to illustrate specific accomplishments.

Utilizing social media to build your personal brand is a no-brainer. Most of us already check into a social media site daily, so take the time to turn Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn into brand building tools. Your online presence should emulate how you come across in person. If your future employer seeks you out online, ensure that there is continuity across the board in the things you post, the comments you make, and your work experience. Make sure potential employers see what you want them to see and remember that anything posted to social media is permanent – there is no recall, retract or revoke option!

Give purpose to your participation. Complete the profiles of social networks you’re part of. Customizing your LinkedIn profile will grab the attention of recruiters as more businesses are using the site to find new talent. Make use of your profile! According to LinkedIn, profiles that are 100% finished are 40 times more likely to receive opportunities. A profile summary, past work experience, education and recommendations (especially beneficial in launching new student profiles) will warrant a recruiter’s interest.

When in person don’t hold back on revealing your personality, interests and skills. Great personality “fits” is always desirable. Technical skills can be taught, but important soft skills like a strong work ethic and a positive personality cannot. Being personable, coachable and credible is also very beneficial. Take the time to research the companies you want to work for and keep on top of relevant industry trends.

Creating and maintaining your personal brand is an ongoing process. As your skills and experience continue to grow, so will you. Remember to stay in touch with relevant contacts and continue to build credible networks.

~ Jennee Rasavong is an administrative professional with a passion for writing and is looking to pursue a career in Marketing.

Building A Positive Social Media Presence Is A Much Needed Job Search Tactic

2012-01-02T00:09:00.003-05:00

Google yourself. You know you want to do it, even if you just did it yesterday. Find anything interesting? Chances are more than likely that employers and interested parties are Googling you too. Why wouldn’t they? In our information crazy society, we all want to know as much as we can – as quickly as we can. The 2011 Jobvite survey showed evidence that 80% employers recruit through social media – further evidence that they are looking you up.

Whether you are hot on the trail of a job search or just putting your feelers out there, having a clean, professional online presence is vital. The last thing you want is that employer you’ve been eyeing up to dig up distasteful information about you. Give them a reason to want to talk to you, not to discard you.

LinkedIn: Create an online profile for yourself that provides information that is in addition to your current resume. Don’t waste an employer’s time by listing out the same information. Good strategies include detailing your accomplishments, explaining how you worked with your team, and projects that you were included in. Utilize the Summary and Specialty sections. Build your contacts to people that are relevant to your career, education, and industry, but also branch out to others to demonstrate that you are connected in a variety of sectors.

Facebook: The ever common suggestion – make sure you use high privacy settings. Employers do not need to see a photo of you drinking on a beach in Mexico, nor do they need to see your college roommate’s recent wall posting about how he kicked your butt on a video game. Enough said.

Twitter: If you are using Twitter, create a reputable profile for yourself by posting comments that are insightful and relevant to your field. Follow companies and people who work in your field, comment on their tweets, provide links to articles, even to job postings that you uncover (of course, only the ones that you aren’t applying for!). No one wants to know what you had for breakfast or what you think about Justin Beiber’s latest mishap.

Blog: Creating a professional blog is a great platform for you to demonstrate your knowledge about the kind of work you do. If you decide to have a blog make sure that you post frequently and speak to topics that people in your field want to know about. Provide a brief bio about yourself including your employment goals and a method to contact you.

There are many other social media sites that you can utilize in your job search and networking. The important points to keep in mind are to keep it clean, keep it professional, and keep it relevant. But of course, the most important thing is be true to you. Make sure that everything you post about yourself on the internet you can back up in person.

~ Melissa Macfarlane is a Career Development Professional with Northern Lights Canada.

To Intern or Not – The Value of Working for Free

2011-12-21T00:58:00.002-05:00

With late study nights and long days of class behind you, you’ve graduated and you’re ready to move onto the next chapter in life. Resumes are sent out but nothing transpires. You go to interviews only to be told you don’t have enough experience. As an entry level candidate, how could you have enough experience? Now what?

Become an intern.

There’s no doubt that your parents will raise an eyebrow and wonder why you’re not looking for a “real” job. But internships can provide so much more value than just a paycheque. Internships (paid and non-paid positions) give graduates a chance to see how it is to work in the “real” world. It’s also an opportunity to see whether or not you actually like the job, company or industry. The barrier of “not enough experience” can be conquered with opportunities such as internships.

Just like real paying jobs, internships can have application deadlines so timing is critical. If you miss the window, you may have to wait another year to apply. Don’t make the mistake and assume that because an internship doesn’t pay you in dollars, it will be effortless to obtain. You could be vying for the same opportunity among many other eager graduates, so take the search for a great internship just as serious as a real job search.

Look for openings that are challenging and will foster growth as a person and as a potential employee. Review your current skill set and aim for an internship that is slightly beyond yours – experience is the true compensation so seek out placements that will give you considerable skill and knowledge.

It’s important to know why you want to be the best person for the job and be able to communicate it to the interviewer. Demonstrate your captivating personality, be able to give examples of your strong work ethic and of course, show the ability to appreciate the internship for what it is – a learning experience that can help build your professional portfolio and be useful in landing that legitimate job.

With that being said, once you’ve started an internship remember to treat it like a real job. Act professional with your co-workers and boss. Interns can be brought in multiple times a year so remember to always be friendly, make yourself stand out and show your enthusiasm to learn. Show up early or on time and avoid making mistakes (or at least own up to them when you make them) and go above and beyond if you can to stay late or do something outside of your job description.

Internships aren’t just for grads. For people changing their careers and discovering (or rediscovering) their passion, internships can affirm their career change and boost confidence while giving the necessary experience.

You may not reap the rewards right away but everyone has to start somewhere. Remember that with a little positive thinking and patience, your short-term career investment will pay off.

~ Jennee Rasavong is an administrative professional with a passion for writing and is looking to pursue a career in Marketing.

Social Media, Today’s Difference

2011-12-20T00:01:00.004-05:00

© 2011 Trish MacQueen

If you are an online writer, you would have noticed that the internet and writing has changed really quickly during the past few years. In fact, the introduction of social media changed the way many writers are conducting their daily online content distribution and writing styles.

Today, social media is about writing directed content to the individual and not worrying so much about search engine algorithms or keyword strategies. Prior to the numerous social media sites, most writers spent a great deal of their time attempting to write materials that pleased Google’s indexing and robots with the hopes that what they had written would land on the 1st ranking page when a consumer typed in specific search requirement. If you were writing really great content, you expected your article to land on this page within the first three items on the page.

Social media writers have learned that in order to be a “professional” when it comes to writing this unique content, you must focus on the variety in the content than search engine etiquette. The object of any great social media writer is to create a “buzz” or starting conversations between the real people you are writing for. This requires that you to find topics that are of interest to these “real” people, and create enough excitement to make them want to share it with others.

We have all seen the pages on social media sites like “Twitter” and “Facebook” that have endless focused materials based on algorithms and search engine rankings, but if you pay really close attention to these pages, you will note they are going absolutely no where. In fact, you could say they are “drowning” in the social media ocean of personalized content. Therefore, writing for social media without understanding the format or taking the time to learn what drives it, not only wastes the writers time, but the readers too, and those readers are not likely to forgive you quickly for it, if at all.

Every social media writer has to engage the reader, so it is essential before you switch or begin a writing career in this media that you lay the ground work and have a plan in place that you understand, but that your reader never sees. What the reader should see is a vast selection of energy-driven, provocative entries that both stimulate thought and action. Social media is all about sharing thoughts, ideas, and content with other readers and/or people they connect with online through their daily lives or business relationships.

Gone are the days when you told the reader what they should think and do. Today’s readers are savvy internet surfers that know what they like, what they want, and what they believe. They want to socialize with their contacts, so a great social media writer not only maximize the content written, but must also be persuasive enough to make the reader want to share it with everyone they know online.

~ Trish MacQueen has spent 25+ years in the freelance writing and publishing industry. She is CEO of The Word Shoppe, an internet content business and Maitland River Publishing, an electronic publishing house. Trish has been published in several print and online magazines and newsletters.

Profiles In Canadian Media

2011-12-14T19:22:00.011-05:00

Q&A: Jordan Nahmias – Corporate, Entertainment and Media Lawyer, Co-Director of the Open Roof Film Festival in Toronto.

Q: What inspired you to become involved in media and how did you become involved?

JN: My personality is geared towards people, entertainment, music and the arts. Growing up I played music, DJ’d, painted, and loved photography…so creativity has always been a big part of my life. My work as a lawyer focuses primarily on media and entertainment, which is how I became involved initially.

Q: How did you become involved in Open Roof?

JN: What lead me to Open Roof was a call from Sandra (Singer), my now co-director, who was looking for someone to provide legal counsel for the festival. In the first year I remained very much behind the scenes, but into the second year, my involvement ramped up to include everything from helping with film selection and musical acts to design and marketing.

Q: What channels of study or work are optimal in pursuing a media career?

JN: First thing to do is figure out what type of media you’re interested in. I am a firm believer in immersing yourself in networking situations. Formal education is important. The credentials are going to help but they’re not necessary pre-requisites to be successful in media. It’s an industry that is prone to schmoozing.

Q: How can one increase their chances of distinguishing themselves from other job applicants?

JN: Community involvement is important. If you can demonstrate that you have the ability to get involved in committees by taking on different roles and doing things without any financial reward, people appreciate that. If you can focus on these activities in your field of interest, that helps. A potential employer knows what’s on your resume, so talk about what’s not on it. Give them a picture of the kind of person you are.

Q: What are your personal aspirations media wise for the future?

JN: In regards to the festival I’d like to continue to grow and increase public awareness. We’d love to start premiering films, getting bigger musical acts, acquire more funding, build our staff and build our database.

Q: What is your favourite part about working in media?

JN: The people. You deal with people who are passionate about what they do. Also, the results are tangible. You get to see art, creation and people’s reactions to it first hand. It’s not as esoteric as a contract. It’s inspiring. It’s always the people. That’s my rule on everything.

Q: Do you have any additional career advice for individuals interested in media?

JN: Be honest with yourself… Be creative in your ideas. Don’t be afraid to suggest an idea even if you may think it’s bad. Look fear in the face. When opportunity knocks, go for it. If a company that is not your dream company wants you, and you see how that can work for you later on, go for it. Always try and reconcile your short term and long term.

To learn more about the Open Roof Festival please click here. To find out more about Jordan Nahmias click here.

~ Lewis Spring is currently pursuing a career in media with a focus in journalism and television production. He runs a sketch comedy website and is a member of local Toronto band the Little Black Dress.

Poll Results: Is it important for job seekers to have social media skills?

2011-12-11T18:49:00.003-05:00

Results from the most recent Media Careers Canada poll shows that the majority of job seekers believe it is important for them to have social media skills.

The results are below:

NO = 13%

YES = 88%

Conclusion:

In today's fast paced digital world it is very important for all job seekers to "stay in the game". Many employers now expect people to have at least some general knowledge about using social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. More and more companies are now utilizing these social mediums to promote their products/services and to interact with customers. If you can show these desired skills on your resume you will be one step ahead for your competitors when applying for a job.

The Follow Up

2011-12-09T18:19:00.003-05:00

You wrote a great cover letter, polished up your resume and finally landed that coveted job interview. Afterwards, you leave your prospective employer with a great feeling knowing that you nailed the interview! You did everything right and now all you have to do is wait for the phone to ring or get a confirmation in your email inbox that the job is yours, right? Wrong!

In today’s highly competitive job market, differentiating yourself from other candidates is of critical importance. Employers are often inundated with applications from qualified individuals for an available job. This is especially true in large cities where a highly skilled, highly educated population of prospective workers are vying for ever diminishing, well-paying jobs.

To set yourself apart and stand out from others, you need more than an eye catching resume or a fancy suit. Chances are that the other applicants you’re competing with are just as smart, qualified, and hungry as you. So, how do you stand out from the crowd and get the interviewer’s attention? One way is with the follow up.

Too many people forget about following up with the interviewer after the interview stage(s). This often overlooked part of the job seeking process is an important factor in terms of marketing oneself as the right candidate for the job. Hiring managers and HR professionals want to know that not only are you interested in the job, but you pay attention to the small details and take the initiative to go that extra mile.

There are a few simple ways to do an effective follow up. The first is to call back the person who interviewed you and leave a short message in their voice mail inbox. A second way is to send the person a brief message via email. Some individuals go even further and send the interviewer a thank you note. Whatever method you choose, remember to keep your follow up short. A long voice message or email might irritate the interviewer and end up having the opposite effect you hoped for.

Finally, do your follow up promptly. Don’t wait till a week after your interview has ended to make contact. Some individuals do a follow up the same day. Others prefer to wait for one or two days.

In your follow up, you should thank the interviewer(s) for taking the time to meet with you and discuss the job opportunity. You can also continue to express your interest in the job in a line or two. End your follow up on a positive note and be sure to thank the interviewer(s) for considering your candidacy.

A good follow up allows you to continue marketing yourself as the candidate of choice. It leaves a good impression in the mind of the interviewer and impressions count! Above all, it tells people that you are willing to take that extra step to set yourself apart from other potential candidates. And, in a competitive job market – every little step helps.

~ Jeevan Bhagwat is an award winning Canadian writer and Learning Consultant.

The Cover Letter: Cover Yourself Creatively

2011-11-26T14:15:00.010-05:00

To write one, or not to write one, that is the question. As much as many of us would rather just bypass the cover letter, your best bet is to submit one. A cover letter is an opportunity to share extra information about yourself in direct correlation to the job you are applying to; it’s your opportunity to make the extra connection to the person who is hiring. The trick, however, is to catch their attention and keep it in about three paragraphs. Writing up a traditional cover letter is not going to help get you to the top of the “Yes” pile. Follow these tips for a stellar start.

Do your Research:

Read up about the company you are applying to by looking on their website or searching for articles and press releases about them. Find out the name of the person you are submitting your resume to, whether it’s the head of the HR department or the manager of the department you are vying to get into. Make sure to address your cover letter to that specific person, not just the “Dear Sir/Madam” technique of old. Whatever information you can glean about the company, weave it into your cover letter, as appropriate. Demonstrating that you have knowledge about their company will show that you are more on top of things than the applicants who haven’t bothered to put forth the effort.

Be creative:

Your opening line should have the ‘catch.’ Avoid the boring “Please accept my resume for the position of…” Instead, think of a creative opener. A great one that caught my attention the other day was for a marketing position in a small town: “Gossip is the foundation in any small community.” The applicant carried on to explain why this was true, and how a grassroots approach to marketing was the most viable option for this organization. Certainly a different approach to introducing yourself to a company! Another good opening line can be a quote that is relevant to the role/company. Perhaps a Mother Theresa quote for someone who is applying to be a nurse, or a George Lucas quote for someone who wants to get into movie production. You get the idea.

Make the connection:

Tell the employer why you are the desirable candidate. If they are looking for someone with A, B C skills – and you have them – tell them. But back those up with tangible evidence of how and when those skills were demonstrated. Focus only on what is relatable; telling them about your experiences working as a landscaper when you are applying for a PR job is not going to help the hiring manager see why he or she should hire you. Explaining how you assisted the office coordinator create advertising material for the landscaping company would make more sense. You want to give them an idea of your capabilities so that they can see how you are going to help them.

Finish firmly:

Close off with a strong, positive ending. Reiterate the job you are applying for, the skills/experiences you have in relation to the job, and how you are going to help them. Conclude with a follow up statement that you will be in touch with them on a certain day to see if they have any questions about you or your resume. Keep the polite “Thank You” – that is a closing tradition that will never go away.

Job searching is like anything else in life: the more you put into it, the more you will get out of it.

~ Melissa Macfarlane is a Career Development Professional with Northern Lights Canada.

Poll Results: Do Canadian employers offer enough Arts & Media internships?

2011-11-16T14:22:00.007-05:00

Results from the most recent Media Careers Canada poll shows that an overwhelming amount of you think Canadian employers do not offer enough Arts & Media internships. The results are below:

NO = 100%

YES = 0%

NOT SURE = 0%

Conclusion:

Employers should seriously consider implementing much more Arts & Media internships into the workforce. The media job sector has lots of creative/talented graduates and professionals who would love to get a chance to hone their skills by gaining more on the job work experience.

Career Advice - The Film Industry

2011-11-14T18:23:00.005-05:00

Anthony Hall, award winning movie producer, shares his advice on how best to achieve a successful career in film production.

Tapping into the Hidden Job Market is a Full Time Job (Part 2)

2011-11-12T13:12:00.006-05:00

Access Your Current Network

Make a quick assessment of the people you know. Think of who they know. Most people land jobs through a second degree of separation – you know, such as your neighbour’s cousin who works at X company, which is one of the companies you are targeting. We often don’t realize how big our network is, or we discount many of the people in our network.

Keep this rule in mind: you don’t know who knows who. Make it clear to the people around you what kind of work you are looking for, and what kind of worker you are. Keep your LinkedIn and other social media site up-to-date, professional, and stacked with useful information about you. Attend networking meetings and events, go to industry seminars, and always keep networking cards in your wallet or purse so that when you run into the right person who can connect you, you have your contact details available to pass on.

Job Search Support Teams

Being able to have a group of people that you can connect with on a regular basis helps to create motivation and generate open discussion and brainstorming about good job searching techniques. People also tend to share job leads! There are formalized programs, often called Job Finding Clubs, that you can access. Some people prefer to join online networks, or form their own groups with people they know. Regardless of what kind of group you join, a support team while you are job searching will boost your mood and your desire to keep at it! It’s also comforting to know that someone else is facing similar struggles when it comes to job searching.
Whoever came up with the statement “Finding work is a full time job” knew what they were talking about. The effort you put into your job search will be reflective of the results.

~ Melissa Macfarlane is a Career Development Professional with Northern Lights Canada.

Tapping into the Hidden Job Market is a Full Time Job (Part 1)

2011-11-11T18:39:00.008-05:00

A quick peek at job search engines pulls up hundreds of job postings. It makes you feel like there is a decent amount of opportunities, doesn’t it? How would you feel knowing that these posted jobs only make up a small percentage of the jobs that are actually available?

The common statistic that is thrown around is 15% to 20%. That’s right. Only 15% to 20% of jobs are ever actually posted. Absurd, I know. But think about it: how many jobs have you received because you knew someone? How many had a lead to a job that hadn’t yet been posted? Chances are likely that the majority of jobs came to in one of these ways.

The rest of the jobs out there, the other 80 to 85% of them, are in what we call the “hidden job market.” Finding them can be frustrating and time consuming. But once you find them, you’ll notice that your opportunities have now increased by an incredible amount.

Hidden jobs crop up due to many reasons. These can include impending retirements, expansion, technology changes, relocations, transfers, extra budget room and reorganization. One last reason can be that a position will arise due to the result of a problem – a problem that is costing an employer time, money and/or customers, so they create a new position to solve this problem.

There are several things you can do to tap into the hidden job market, such as:

• Research potential employers and the industry
• Contact potential employers directly through cold calling
• Access your current network and build on it
• Join a job search support team

Research Potential Employers

Conduct research to find out who are the employers that would be looking to hire someone like you. Read trade magazines, the local paper, check the telephone directories (both books and online!) do online searches and talk to people you know. Examine the company’s structure, what they do, what kind of people work for them, and the different departments. Also good to look for both positive and negative publicity about them. Learning about companies will help you to target both your job search and resume to what they are seeking.

Contact Potential Employers

If you don’t know anyone who can provide a referral for you, try cold calling the company. Since you’ve already researched them, you’ll have come up with a name or two of the appropriate person you would want to talk to. Rather than saying outright to them “Hey, I’m looking for work; are you hiring?” try asking for an informational interview first. An informational interview is a quick meeting you request in order to learn more about the company and/or the person you wish to speak to. It should only be about 10 to 20 minutes long, and you are asking most of the questions. You are doing two key things here: learning about the company, and making a contact on the inside.

The purpose of an informational interview is simply to gather information – it is not a time for you to slide your resume across the table and ask for a job. Often times, people will do this and their credibility has been shot, as the person who was kind enough to spend time with them feels that they have misled them and used them as a simple means to an end. Rather, wait until after the interview, send a follow up note and make mention that you feel it’s a great organization and you’d love to work there. Leave the ball in their court.

~ Melissa Macfarlane is a Career Development Professional with Northern Lights Canada.

The Digital Media Zone at Ryerson University

2011-11-09T01:17:00.004-05:00

Ryerson University’s Digital Media Zone (DMZ) is a workplace designed for young entrepreneurs, infused with the energy and resources of downtown Toronto. It’s a place where students and alumni come to innovate, collaborate and market their products and services, and where commercial enterprises can turn to for progressive and creative digital solutions.

To learn more please visit: Ryerson's Digital Media Zone.

Gaming industry seeks women

2011-11-06T19:05:00.002-05:00

Female consumers make up 40 per cent of market, so their perspective is valuable

By Jason Madger, The Gazette

Wanted: women to design and craft video games.

Industry executives can't find enough women, who are now the fastest-growing video game consumers.

The growth of social games, played mainly on Facebook, and mobile games, played on phones and tablets, has been driven mostly by women and young children. New motion controls in console games such as the Nintendo Wii, the PlayStation Move and the Xbox 360 Kinect have also targeted non-traditional gamers. In fact, women now make up about 40 per cent of the gaming market.

Yves Guillemot, the chief executive officer of Paris-based Ubisoft said he's proud of the fact his company has about a 20-per-cent female workforce, which is significantly higher than the industry average of about 11 per cent.

"But I think it will change very quickly, as we develop more games for the market, more women will be interested," said Guillemot, who delivered the keynote speech at the Montreal International Game Summit on Wednesday.

The lack of women was apparent at the two-day conference held in Montreal's Bonaventure Hilton hotel, as women made up a tiny number of invited speakers, while there were very few female participants in the conferences.

Guillemot said the company's plans for its Montreal studio expansion have stalled at about 2,500 employees because of a lack of qualified talent in the senior ranks. He said the company would ideally have 3,000 people working in Montreal if it could find the qualified people. Among those employees the studio would like to attract is more women, Guillemot said, though he said there is no specific program in place to attract women.

"It's something we have recognized as an issue and it's something that we're working on," Danielle Parr, executive director of the Entertainment Software Association of Canada, which lobbies on behalf of the video-game industry in Canada, said in a statement. The association launched a public awareness campaign last year to attract women to the industry.

A former Ubisoft executive, Alain Tascan, said he's currently working in a studio where 30 per cent of the employees are women, and it has completely changed the look of the games being designed.

"It's very interesting because women bring a whole new perspective," he said. "They choose different colours, and they even draw women differently."

Tascan is heading a new gaming studio called SAVA Transmedia, which will focus on mobile and social games, most of which will be initially free to play. He plans to hire 200 people in five years, and said he hopes he can maintain or boost the female contingent.

Another new studio, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, has a workforce that's about 15 per cent female.

The studio, which started hiring late last year has grown to about 150 employees, and plans to double that number within four years.

Martin Tremblay, the president of Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment said although the company would like to improve on that number, it's still a vast improvement from several years ago.

"Obviously, we'd like it to be 50 per cent or higher," Tremblay said. "But it is a lot better. It used to be something like two or three per cent women. I think this will start to change very quickly. We're seeing in school that the number of women graduating is much higher than it used to be."

jmagder@ montrealgazette.com

© Copyright (c) The Montreal Gazette

Source: The Montreal Gazette

Design City 2011 at Graphics Canada

2011-11-03T19:00:00.003-04:00

A great exhibition to visit for those who love graphic design! Mingle with other like minded individuals. This event takes place from November 10th - 12th at the International Centre in Toronto. For more information please visit: Design City 2011.

2011 Canada Career Week Fair

2011-11-01T19:36:00.001-04:00

If you reside in the Edmonton area, you will be happy to know that this Nov 18 & 19, will have the Canada Career Week Fair! Its considered Alberta's largest career and job fair. Get informed career planning and connect with employers. For more details please see: Canada Career Week Fair

Want a Film Career In Canada? Learn Film at these Schools:

2011-10-30T19:27:00.005-04:00

There are a large number of universities, colleges and institutes that offer quality training in film across the country. Below is a list (in no apparent order) of institutions that we think might be of interest to you:

Ryerson University - School Of Image Arts

Vancouver Film School

Toronto Film School

Trebas Institute

Humber College

Concordia University - The Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema

York University - Department of Film

The Art Institute of Vancouver

Red Deer College

Centre for Arts and Technology - Digital Filmmaking

University of Regina - Film & Video Production

Sheridan College

Photography & Video Seminars / Workshops

2011-10-28T01:03:00.006-04:00

Are you an aspiring photographer looking to sharpen your skills? If you've answered yes then you might want to consider checking out Vistek's Seminars, Workshops & Events this November! From five minute fashion shoots to lighting basics, they cover it all. For more information and on registering please visit Vistek Photography.

Filmmaking Career Advice: Getting Started in the Film Industry

2011-10-27T01:29:00.005-04:00

Interested in a film career? Maybe the interview below will veteran Mark McCullah will shed some light into this exciting business.

Interview with Mark McCullah

Lighting Designer
Years in Business: 12 years

The film industry is full of career paths marked by fierce competition and long hours, but that doesn't prevent aspiring filmmakers from dreaming of big screen blockbusters and golf dates with Steven Spielberg. So how do you avoid filmmaking career pitfalls and end up on top in Hollywood? Lighting designer Mark McCullah, a Hollywood veteran of 12 years, gives tips and quips about life behind the big screen.

How did you decide on a filmmaking career?

My eyes were trained on film school since I was old enough to read a book and smart enough to watch the movie instead. I ended up at New York University, and while I learned a lot, I quickly realized that I didn't want to be a director, screenwriter or film editor as I'd always assumed. I had wanted to work in film because it sounded fun and glamorous, but I'd never taken the time to consider my own talents and preferences.

How did you discover lighting design?

In school it became apparent that I was better at technical projects than creative ones. I talked with a few professors whose classes I'd enjoyed, and I ended up with summer internship working as a best boy, or gaffer's assistant, for a small film. It was one of the best things for me, personally, as well as for my filmmaking career. I dropped out of film school and got my degree as an electrician instead.

I would advise anyone who is considering a career in film to first get an internship in their ideal career field—paid or unpaid. Not only will the experience impress potential employers, but also you can assure yourself that the job is a good career fit and make incredible business connections in the process. That's how I landed my first job. Internships are definitely a good way to go.

What's the most challenging part about working in a filmmaking career?

Keeping things simple. When you're working with crews of people, things get complicated quickly. Often you end up taking orders from multiple people—all of whom are ambitious individuals with their own opinions about how things should be running. Know who you should be taking orders from, be able to communicate well, and follow directions.

What do you like most about the work you do in your filmmaking career?

The people I work with are all talented, creative, driven and amazing. The hours are long, but I'm able to travel to places like Egypt or Japan for work, which I always wanted to do. Plus, I've been able to learn how to operate a camera and do various other things on set. For me, it's basically the dream job I never knew about.

What is one common mistake rookies make that you'd advise against?

In this industry, everyone assumes they're going to be the next big thing. My advice is: leave your ego at the door. You can't learn anything if your ego is clouding your eyes and plugging your ears. On top of that, no one wants to work with you. It doesn't matter if you're really talented in your field—you won't get the opportunity to show anyone if you're not ready to work as part of a team. It takes an army to make a good film, not an individual.

What does an individual starting a filmmaking career need to know?

You get a good outline of the basics in film school, so that's a start. This is a hard industry to break into, so perseverance is a must. Good connections inside the industry don't hurt, but not many people have them, and if you're tenacious and talented, you don't really need them. However, you do need experience. I'd say that's the most important asset you could flash at any potential employer—internships or past work experience.

Be willing to learn. Education doesn't stop with school. The film industry is constantly developing technologically, and the people who are going to succeed will be the ones willing to adapt and learn new technology and techniques. Also, be patient. Everyone who enters the film industry has expectations and aspirations, but you can't conquer them all in one day. Patience and hard work are virtues that don't go unrewarded in this business.

Source: All Arts Schools

MediaCareers.ca Polls

2011-10-26T20:14:00.009-04:00

Every month we will be conducting interesting polls relating to media careers. So please take part in our polls! We hope by gathering this valuable information we can provide you with interesting facts, figures and tips. Our first poll has just been implemented on MediaCareers.ca HOMEPAGE!

A Social Media Career?

2011-10-26T15:30:00.003-04:00

Social media has had a profound impact on our lives. We use it to communicate with family and friends, to stir up revolutions in oppressed countries and it can also be a great choice for a career. Many employers simply don't have the time to stay abreast with the ever changing online world. As a result, some of these employers realize that social media is here to stay and if they want to be on the forefront of technology, they must hire savvy social media users!

Do you Twitter? Do you have a Facebook or Blog page? If you do then you might want to consider using theses skills to apply for social media jobs. The pay is generally very good and the job itself can be fun and rewarding. If you love being online engaging with an audience it may even be your dream job!

Do you work as a Social Media Specialist? What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of working in this field? Or, do you have any comments to share with others that might be helpful to this topic? Let us know!

Below is a video segment that was aired on CBC a couple years back but we thought it would be helpful to post it here on our blog for your viewing.

What does a Production Assistant do?

2011-10-26T01:01:00.005-04:00

A Production Assistant is often considered the foot soldier of a film/tv crew. He/she juggles a variety of duties to support a production team. This may include office work, driving throughout the city to pick up props, delivering tapes and making script copies to name a few.

Although this type of work can be difficult and mundane at times, it can also be a great education for someone really interested in pursuing a career in the Canadian film/tv industry. It is also considered a great way to "get your foot" in the door and make contacts. A film/tv degree is not required to do this work but lots of patience, responsibility and a desire to learn are a few key characteristics one should have to succeed in this role.

MediaCareers.ca Blog Launch!

2011-10-25T19:19:00.001-04:00

We are happy to announce the launch of our new blog! We will do our very best to provide you with interesting news and tips relating to media careers in Canada and worldwide. We want to engage with our audience so if you have something relevant to share give us a shout!