The Perfect Fit

"Richer Resumes, Portfolios and Cover Letters!" . . . Include A Verbal Pitch

I working with a senior marketing candidate who's just done something I think is just outstanding . . . simple, easy . . . just brilliant. 

I had previously written a post about how a free online service called Dropbox can help add dimension and depth to your resume, cover letter and/or portfolio, without adding additional pages.  As I said previously, "It would be terrific if there was a place to "host" those compliments, recommendations, white papers and other media files, so that they could easily be incorporated into letters of introduction and resumes."  Dropbox provides this ability. Check out more thoughts on Dropbox and resumes/portfolios and cover letters here. 

The new idea that's so simple, is voice.  That's right . . . use your own voice to create a short (60-90 second) verbal pitch for yourself.  You can provide a verbal overview and add context to a resume.  You can highlight one or two brief case studies . . . If you're applying for a specific position and know the name of the hiring manager, you can even introduce yourself specifically to the job and call the hiring manager by name!  You can deliver a "call to action" . . . Ask that hiring manager to give you a call to hear more!  Imagine the impact!

This works with more than introductions during the employment search.  Imagine a verbal introduction to accompany introducing yourself to a new client . . . There are endless opportunities to utilize this.

In addition to your other qualifications, background and skills, you've now set yourself apart from the competition by being clever, and obviously in control of current technology.  I just love the idea of being able to highlight specific career achievements that directly relate to the position you're applying for.

You can also create your own "elevator pitch" for use in other social media applications.  You can add links to the Dropbox hosted sound files to your LinkedIn and Facebook accounts . . . or send a tweet with sound!  You'll think of more ways to use this . . .

Most of us have a micropohone built into our computers . . . we can create sound files instantly.  Dropbox is  a free place to host those files, and allow you to use them in your career enhancement efforts.  My goal is to figure this out for myself in the next several days.  When I do, I'll post the solution with a litle added "voice encouragement".

Depending on the usage, for example a link on LinkedIn that was more of a "generic" introduction of yourself, or if you're not a terrific speaker, you might spend a modest amount of money and have professionals assist you.  For the charges of one hour of studio time and some editing, you might be able to get this done for $200.00 or less.

I have total faith that my readers are clever enough to figure this out.  If you decide to utilize this idea, please send me a link when it's finished!  I'd love to hear what you have to say!

St. Louis Client Needs: Director of Interative Marketing #11021

This new position has been created  because of the demand on the existing interactive leadership’s time.  The Director of Interactive will develop key client campaigns from the initial client meetings through implementation and analytic follow-up. This position has equal components of oversight of online strategy development, superb client service and interactive creative/development execution.  This Director will have a role in integrating online communications with other client communication activity and setting strategy for client projects. This role supports account and creative directors in the day-to-day management of accounts in the area of online communications.  This Director is a lead voice on the interactive component of client presentations and new business pitches.

Core responsibilities will include preparing project planning materials; managing communications with internal account, creative and development teams, vendors/partners, and external clients while overseeing the implementation of projects insuring on time and on budget delivery.

Primary Responsibilities:
•    Simultaneously oversee a range of interactive projects as both lead producer and primary client manager.
•    Define and manage team expectations and resources regarding scope of work and responsibilities.
•    Facilitate communication between client, account, creative and development to strategize the approach for client communications projects and new business pitches.
•    Develop project management documentation: wireframes, sitemaps, technology specs, work orders, change orders, etc.
•    Serve as primary point of contact for internal and external clients for online components of marketing plan.
•    Assist in conducting client research and competitive analysis.
•    Assists in development and tracking of budgets as well as monthly billing.
•    Deliver project management responsibilities on select projects, as necessary.

Experience:
We’re looking for candidates with a related degree and a total of around 15 years of integrated marketing communications experience with at least five of those years in recent online marketing communications leadership.  We need an articulate expert who can confidently speak the technical jargon of development in a way both clients and their technical support will understand. A knowledge leader who will patiently share that knowledge and methodology experience with co-workers and clients.  We need someone who’s skilled with both the spoken and written word . . . Someone who’s compulsively organized and able to manage all the elements of a complex project, while being charming, engaging and collaborative . . . A fierce defender of the quality of the final product.   Someone wants to study the analytics of the campaign to determine its success and identify areas for improvement.  We’re looking for a temperament that is calm in the midst of a fast paced, quickly changing environment. 

Compensation:
Our client is offering an excellent compensation package with a base salary commensurate with your experience and expertise and including profit sharing, health and dental plans, company paid insurance (short and long-term disability and life) and vacation/holiday time . . . and yes, even free parking!

About the Client:
The client is an integrated marketing communications agency that is mature, yet young at heart!  The agency has been in existence for over twenty years, and has a spectacular reputation for consistently producing high quality work, and being recognized as a great place to work.  There has been steady, consistent growth of national, regional and local clients over that life span. Your colleagues are extremely collaborative and have a cooperative spirit of mutual support.  There is truly a family atmosphere where everyone looks out for each other.   EOE

Please apply through our website at www.Bishop-Partners.com and send a separate letter detailing your interest, qualifications and any available samples of your work directly to Bob.