Kicking off Adweek and the NAB conference this week in NYC!! Let’s discuss the best route to navigate a very turbulent employment landscape in media right now!
Many of my media partners and friends may not know that I got my start as an executive recruiter that specialized in placing candidates in every level of the career path. I placed 1000’s of candidates in all sorts of jobs across the globe at all levels including CEO, CFO, COO, Heads of Sales and Business development, Heads of Audit, Tax or growing asset management divisions at banks and broker dealers like Goldman Sachs. During this time we went through several major industry events that led to massive downsizing, reorganizations and working with jobseekers on what can be used as transferable skills through various industries or just making moves internally to secure a better path forward.
The headlines scream , this is awful, but it is not. Just different types of organizations are hiring and for various roles. Plenty of jobs out there.
Your linkedin profile should be updated and optimized for visibility. This is your reactive opportunity to get seen by people you did not know that were looking for ya.
Your network is your proactive vehicle because if people know you need help, they will help. Some of the best roles are never published and if they know you are available they could help.
Marc Goldberg— Industry expert- >> https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcgoldberg/
Navigating media layoffs can be challenging, but there are strategic steps jobseekers can take to position themselves for success.
Here are some tips for job seekers during media layoffs:
- Update Your Portfolio and Resume
– Portfolio- Ensure your digital portfolio is up-to-date, showcasing your strongest work. If possible, highlight specific accomplishments like audience growth, impactful campaigns, or high-profile projects.
– Resume- Tailor your resume to emphasize transferable skills like content creation, digital marketing, or audience engagement. Focus on measurable results (e.g., “Increased page views by 25%”).
- Leverage Your Network
– Reconnect: Reach out to past colleagues, mentors, and industry contacts. Personal recommendations can be powerful in media.
– Social Media- Use LinkedIn, Threads, and Twitter to connect with industry professionals, share your work, and let people know you’re open to opportunities. (Get creative)
– Professional Groups- Join relevant online media groups, industry Slack channels, and forums where job opportunities are shared.
- Retool or Reskill
– Expand Skills- Look into courses or certifications related to evolving media trends, such as digital marketing, podcasting, or video production.
– Tech Savvy- Media is becoming increasingly high tech-driven, so familiarize yourself with tools like Adobe Creative Suite, content management systems (CMS), and data analytics software tools. Can I dare mention AI or machine learning!!
- Be Open to Freelancing or Consulting
– Short-Term Work- Freelancing or consulting can help you stay relevant, build new relationships, and provide income while you search for a full-time role.
– Platforms- Explore freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or niche media freelancing boards to find opportunities.
- Target Growing Sectors
– Digital Media and Streaming- Industries like Connected TV (CTV), social media, podcasts, and streaming platforms are growing. Target companies in these spaces.
– More Niche Media companies- Look into emerging fields such as esports, wellness content, or specialized news platforms, which might offer new career paths. You can bring along your years of linear or digital experiences to help them grow.
- Prepare for Virtual Interviews
– Remote Ready- Many media roles have shifted to remote or hybrid models. Ensure you’re comfortable with virtual interviews by testing your setup and practicing responses.
– Show Adaptability- During interviews, emphasize your ability to adapt to changing media environments, such as shifts to digital-first strategies.
- Stay Positive and Resilient
– Support Networks- Stay connected with peers going through similar situations. Sharing tips, leads, and experiences can help boost morale.
– Mental Health- Prioritize self-care, and recognize that layoffs are often a result of larger industry changes, not a reflection of individual performance.
- Tailor Your Approach
– Personalized Applications- Instead of mass applying, take time to research each role and personalize your application. Highlight how your experience aligns with the company’s current goals.
– Follow Up- Send thank-you notes and keep in touch with hiring managers after interviews to maintain momentum. Make sure to comment, reply and send relevant content when someone in your network makes sense to share what you have found.
By staying adaptable, leveraging your network, and being open to new opportunities, you can navigate layoffs and find a fulfilling new role in media.
Why did WiFi go to therapy?
Because he felt like no one connected with him.
Why do batteries get along with everyone?
Because they always have one
good energy.
What did the USB say when they plugged it in backwards?
Oh, they always plug me in wrong the first time!
Don Schechter
Charles River Media
Assistant Producer
https://lnkd.in/eSWGRZVk
Megan Den Herder
Wildlife Conservation Society
Associate, Individual Giving
https://lnkd.in/e6Ag33hG
John Gillie
TruckTractorTrailer.com
Sales Consultant
https://lnkd.in/eZGeueTn
Why Hawk Productions?
Creative Excellence: Transforming ideas into visually stunning narratives.
Tailored Solutions: Customized video content that aligns with your brand’s voice.
Cutting-Edge Technology: Delivering high-quality content across all platforms.
Proven Results: Videos that entertain, convert, and inspire.
Our Collaboration: Our partnership with Hawk Productions allows us to offer comprehensive video production services, seamlessly integrated into our consulting solutions.
Ready to create something great? Let’s connect and elevate your brand together.
Hawk Digital specializes in elevating brand visibility and engagement through cutting-edge digital media services. Our expertise spans Online, Mobile, and Connected TV (CTV) advertising, along with video production and strategic content creation. By leveraging the latest technologies, industry standards, and retail media strategies, we craft targeted advertising campaigns that deliver measurable results. Hawk is dedicated to helping brands and agencies maximize their reach and achieve successful attribution for their marketing objectives.
OpenAI Secures $6.6B Investment for AI Growth and Innovation
OpenAI has raised $6.6 billion in its latest funding round, led by Thrive Capital and featuring major investors like Nvidia, Microsoft, SoftBank, and Khosla Ventures. This funding boosts OpenAI’s valuation to $157 billion, solidifying its position as one of the world’s most valuable startups. The company plans to use the funds to advance artificial general intelligence (AGI), increase computational resources, and develop tools to solve complex problems. Despite its rapid growth and significant user base for ChatGPT, OpenAI faces challenges, including restructuring and substantial losses.
Video Ads Fall Short Without Pricing and Demos, Say Consumers
Commerce video ads are evolving to meet consumer demands for more practical and transparent information. A July 2024 report from the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) and Alter Agents found that 59% of US consumers want video ads to include details about product costs and promotions, while 58% seek clear demonstrations of the products. These preferences highlight the importance of providing actionable, informative content. With video ad spending projected to grow by 20.8% this year, accounting for 35.7% of total digital ad spend, marketers must tailor their strategies to prioritize transparency and product details to boost engagement and conversions.
Video Advertising’s Explosive Growth Faces a VPAID Roadblock
The transition from VPAID to VAST has been a gradual yet significant shift in the video advertising industry, driven by the need for more secure, stable, and cross-platform solutions. VPAID, while once revolutionary, faced issues with security, instability, and limited support across mobile and connected TV environments. In contrast, VAST, especially with its recent enhancements and the introduction of SIMID, offers publishers better control, improved performance, and broader compatibility. As video consumption continues to grow across multiple platforms, advertisers and publishers are encouraged to embrace VAST to ensure a safer and more seamless ad experience.
AI-Powered Ads: Google Transforms Search Advertising with AI Overviews
Google is integrating ads into its AI Overviews, placing them beneath AI-generated responses in search results. This move is part of a broader effort to monetize AI technology and follows similar actions by competitors like Microsoft. While the placement offers prime visibility for advertisers, questions remain about the impact on user trust, given past issues with misinformation in AI-generated content. Google’s approach ensures transparency by separating ads from responses, and improvements in accuracy may strengthen AI Overviews as a reliable ad space, potentially shaping the future of search advertising.
Google’s AI Overviews: A Revolutionary Step in Search Advertising
Google has begun integrating advertisements into its AI Overviews, a feature launched earlier this year that provides AI-generated search results. This development represents a significant shift towards monetizing AI-driven responses, with ads appearing separately below the AI-generated content. Google has been testing this feature since May, and its recent announcement marks a broader effort to generate revenue from AI search results. Competing companies, like Microsoft with its AI assistant Copilot, are also exploring similar advertising strategies. While this move could enhance discoverability for advertisers, user trust remains critical, especially given past issues with misinformation in AI responses. Google’s success will hinge on delivering accurate information alongside its advertisements to maintain user confidence.
