Many urban youth are completely digitally literate, but are not sure how to get a job. I've been asked to speak at a upcoming youth job fair, here's some of what I'm planning to present to them:
If you watch American Idol, then you know that it's not always the best singer that wins - it's the person with the best package: voice, style, age/race/gender, and song selection. It's the same with a job. The most qualified people only get hired if they have the best package. Here are the keys to putting together your package.
Email - Most jobs nowadays will contact you through email. You will also put your email on your resume. Make sure you know what your email says about you. The current trend is firstname.lastname@gmail.com
Lifehacker on Email trends
Phone - You need to have a dependable phone number. Do not sign up for a cell phone plan that you won't be able to afford down the road. Employer's can't hire you if they are calling a disconnected number.
A regular home line for $16 a month is the best deal. Just buy an answering machine at the swap meet. You can even get a lower price on the phone if you sign up for LIFELINE or LINK-UP service.) Regardless, make sure your phone message sounds professional - put your name and your phone number in the message. "Thank you for calling. You have reached Ms. Smitty B at (510)123-1234. Please leave me a message with your phone number and the best time to call back."
Do not have music or loud noise in the background. Make it easy for people to get a hold of you. If you are somewhere noisy when the phone rings, let it go to voice mail while you get somewhere quiet. Then call back right away.
Resume - Your resume tells all about the jobs you've had, your school experience, skills and achievements, and can even include volunteer work. A great new tool for you is Google Docs. If you have a google account, you can put your resume here and get copies of it from ANY computer with internet. No more need to carry around a usb drive. Also, there are many templates on google docs. Templates are like a skeleton - you will have to add the muscle, but they're a good place to start from.
Google Resume Templates
Before you write your resume, look at some other resumes to get a sense of what they look like. You can find lots of them here: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/res/ Don't just copy someone else's resume - write something that's original, like you!
Cover Letter - This goes with your resume and, same as the resume, you can find templates on google docs. Look at some samples but write your own letter. Get an adult you trust to read it and give you suggestions for how to make it better. It needs to be personal, but not too personal. Email cover letters are shorter than traditional ones, but you should still write more than "here's my resume".
References - You only give references when a job asks for them. They are people like coaches, teachers, bosses, and other adults you know who can speak about how great you are. They cannot be friends or family. Make sure you have the right phone numbers for your references. Also, call them to let them know who you gave their name/number to. Talk with them about what good things they can say about you.
Online ID - What does google say about you? What about facebook or myspace? You are building an online id every day. Your boss might do a search on your name, your email address, your phone number, or even your address. (They can even pay companies to get info you thought was private, like your status updates, who you friend and fan pages you subscribe to.) Make sure you think about that when you put comments, pictures, or other information online. It's a good habit to keep info you want private off the internet.
Your Online ID is a tool. You can use it to help show off the best of who you are. You already know how to make friends online - tell those friends you're looking for help to find a job. Use online clubs, fan pages, and blogs to find out more about subjects that interest you. Friend people who are already successful in the job or career that you are interested in. Ask them for advice. You can become an expert by doing your own online research. You can also create an online rep for being hardworking, smart, kind, creative....all the things your new boss will be looking for.
Your package includes all these things: email + phone + resume + cover letter + online ID. If you're lucky, you will get to add phone conversations and interviews to the package.
Remember: Only the contestants with the best complete package get the job!
Before I wrap up, a couple of ways to find jobs:
* Craigslist job listings. Be sure to use the search functions. Look in different areas - including non-profit sector and gigs.
* Follow the Twitter Feeds of folks you'd like to work for.
* Look for Twitter Feeds & Lists of specific types of jobs like Social Media or Youth Uprising's Jobs List
* Don't forget about people ITRW. A lot of times they know about jobs that will never even make it to the website. Visit old teachers and neighborhood businesses. Reach out to cousins on Facebook. Tell them what you're looking for and see if they offer any suggestions or advice.
* Go to places where they post job flyers/listings. This includes the Unemployment Office, City and County Human Resources Offices, and Youth Job Centers. Bring a notebook so you can write down who to email your resume.
MOST IMPORTANT:
Make getting a job, your job. If you want to work 40 hours a week then go to sleep and get up early, take a shower, dress professionally, and work your job hunt every day. Look for jobs, send out resumes, and go out on interviews 40 hours a week. Make getting a job, your job.
Showing posts with label jobs for students. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jobs for students. Show all posts
Thursday
Less Text, More Video in Online News
Nice set of links in the Lightstalker discussion boards about online publishing trends - specifically about more demand for video. Turns out NPR is retraining it's staff to do video as well. I guess the revolution will be televised...
Using Digital to Make the "Old" Technology - Books
What Kids Can Do is a wonderful non-profit in Road Island that is helping kids to publish amazing books. Look. See. Be Inspired.
Wednesday
Should Students Intern Before, After, or only During Their Studies?
Recently, this showed up in my email Inbox:
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Wed, Nov 12, 2008 at 1:09 AM
Subject: Documentary intern/volunteer needed. (oakland north / temescal)
Please be/have:
• Local to the Oakland/Berkeley/Emeryville area
• Willing to commit at least 12 hours per week initially.
• Intermediate computer skills, with the ability to make decisions about what to save where
• Filemaker Pro and Excel experienced or have the desire and ability to pick up those skills quickly.
• Consistently on time, as in, rarely, if ever late.
Additional Qualifications: Applicants must have excellent verbal and written communications skills, strong online research skills, the ability to work well independently, and a strong commitment to social, racial and economic justice. Candidates should be computer savvy (Mac) and comfortable on the phone.
This will be a 12-hour per week, 6-month or end-of-pre production internship, whichever comes first. There is potential to grow into a more substantial and possibly paid position within the next six months.
Compensation
In return for your investment of time and energy, ___ will provide you with access to video production equipment, training in filmmaking basics, opportunities to get your hands dirty on various sets and locations and access to the ___ edit suite once trained if not already.
You will be able to:
Get a detailed letter explaining what you helped with and what you learned
Sign off on community service or school mandated service hours
Be able to add something to your portfolio (highly likely)
Use ___ team, equipment and expertise at you disposal
Film treatment and other documents available to interested and qualified candidates.
Please contact us with a up-to-date resumé and short statement of interest outlining your desires for a film production internship.
this craigslist posting was forwarded to you by someone using our
email-a-friend feature - if you want to prevent these, please go to:
Which begs the question, once again, When to Work for Nothing? In fact, there's even this website dedicated to encouraging young designers to stop doing work on spec. (Thanks to Lifehacker for both of these links.)
Here's a copy of my response to that original email.
In general, I'm not a big fan of asking people to work for free on films - including documentaries.
I think it is an old holdover from the days when filmmaking was restricted to a small group of privileged people who "paid their dues" as a way of working off favors from the nepotism that got their "foot in the door".
If you can go through the process of becoming an internship site for a local school or university that has a film program I think that's the best way. Then the young person is being paid for their time in course credit and can easily document their un-paid work experience.
This also allows for some oversight. I know you all at _______ would never exploit free labor, but others have and do and youth need their rights protected. (Many of them don't even know the rights they have.)
That's just my two cents. But don't be surprised if you get flagged on Craigs List. They're pretty sensitive over there too.
As for local schools with internships, here's a list off the top of my head...
___, ___, ___, ___
I'm sure there are others, but I can't think of them right now. Good luck with your project. Funding is always a good indicator of your eventual audience/impact. So I'm glad to hear that folks have been making that investment.
ps -
I think it's a little different to ask people for a short amount of time or to work on/complete one specific task, like logging 10 hours of tape in your spare time.
Also, people will often do work here and there for their friends for free.
But the big red flag here is that you're looking for someone to work 12 hours a week for 6 months or so for no pay.
Can you think of any other industry that would ever ask for that? Not a restaurant, not a factory, not an insurance office...It's only done in the 'glamour' fields like Film, Television, and Magazines.
Sincerely,
Ms. Smitty B
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Wed, Nov 12, 2008 at 1:09 AM
Subject: Documentary intern/volunteer needed. (oakland north / temescal)
Please be/have:
• Local to the Oakland/Berkeley/Emeryville area
• Willing to commit at least 12 hours per week initially.
• Intermediate computer skills, with the ability to make decisions about what to save where
• Filemaker Pro and Excel experienced or have the desire and ability to pick up those skills quickly.
• Consistently on time, as in, rarely, if ever late.
Additional Qualifications: Applicants must have excellent verbal and written communications skills, strong online research skills, the ability to work well independently, and a strong commitment to social, racial and economic justice. Candidates should be computer savvy (Mac) and comfortable on the phone.
This will be a 12-hour per week, 6-month or end-of-pre production internship, whichever comes first. There is potential to grow into a more substantial and possibly paid position within the next six months.
Compensation
In return for your investment of time and energy, ___ will provide you with access to video production equipment, training in filmmaking basics, opportunities to get your hands dirty on various sets and locations and access to the ___ edit suite once trained if not already.
You will be able to:
Get a detailed letter explaining what you helped with and what you learned
Sign off on community service or school mandated service hours
Be able to add something to your portfolio (highly likely)
Use ___ team, equipment and expertise at you disposal
Film treatment and other documents available to interested and qualified candidates.
Please contact us with a up-to-date resumé and short statement of interest outlining your desires for a film production internship.
this craigslist posting was forwarded to you by someone using our
email-a-friend feature - if you want to prevent these, please go to:
Which begs the question, once again, When to Work for Nothing? In fact, there's even this website dedicated to encouraging young designers to stop doing work on spec. (Thanks to Lifehacker for both of these links.)
Here's a copy of my response to that original email.
In general, I'm not a big fan of asking people to work for free on films - including documentaries.
I think it is an old holdover from the days when filmmaking was restricted to a small group of privileged people who "paid their dues" as a way of working off favors from the nepotism that got their "foot in the door".
If you can go through the process of becoming an internship site for a local school or university that has a film program I think that's the best way. Then the young person is being paid for their time in course credit and can easily document their un-paid work experience.
This also allows for some oversight. I know you all at _______ would never exploit free labor, but others have and do and youth need their rights protected. (Many of them don't even know the rights they have.)
That's just my two cents. But don't be surprised if you get flagged on Craigs List. They're pretty sensitive over there too.
As for local schools with internships, here's a list off the top of my head...
___, ___, ___, ___
I'm sure there are others, but I can't think of them right now. Good luck with your project. Funding is always a good indicator of your eventual audience/impact. So I'm glad to hear that folks have been making that investment.
ps -
I think it's a little different to ask people for a short amount of time or to work on/complete one specific task, like logging 10 hours of tape in your spare time.
Also, people will often do work here and there for their friends for free.
But the big red flag here is that you're looking for someone to work 12 hours a week for 6 months or so for no pay.
Can you think of any other industry that would ever ask for that? Not a restaurant, not a factory, not an insurance office...It's only done in the 'glamour' fields like Film, Television, and Magazines.
Sincerely,
Ms. Smitty B
Tuesday
The Digital Future Looks Bright
LAFD's One-Man Geek Squad Brings Web 2.0 to Firefighting: "Firefighters are known for their bravery (and their popularity with the ladies). But geek cred? Not so much. Brian Humphrey is trying to change that. From a decommissioned bomb shelter four stories beneath Los Angeles City Hall, this 23-year veteran is single-handedly hauling the city's fire department into the Web 2.0 era. He has about 80 projects in the works—involving everything from Twitter to BlogTalkRadio—that will not only help broadcast urgent information to the public but also gather crucial intel to assist first responders on the ground."
How to Turn Art into Profit?
It's been on my mind a lot lately - how can I help my students to make money from their digital work? I mean, they are learning skills that might someday translate into a job in the (highly competitive) world of media arts. However, is there a way for them to make money NOW with the products their producing in class? Isn't that part of Web 2.0's potential?
This article recommends Youth Media as a source for revenue for the non-profits that run the programs that teach them. Youth Media Reporter: Non-profit does not mean Non-revenue: "The focus on earned income within the nonprofit community continues to rise, fueled by boards, funders and stakeholders enamored with the idea of social entrepreneurship and diversified funding streams. The good news is that youth media groups are in an excellent position to capitalize on the trend, as they often produce a tangible product like videos, web sites and magazines"
What do you think? Have you bought any youth made media on iTunes? Have your youth?
This article recommends Youth Media as a source for revenue for the non-profits that run the programs that teach them. Youth Media Reporter: Non-profit does not mean Non-revenue: "The focus on earned income within the nonprofit community continues to rise, fueled by boards, funders and stakeholders enamored with the idea of social entrepreneurship and diversified funding streams. The good news is that youth media groups are in an excellent position to capitalize on the trend, as they often produce a tangible product like videos, web sites and magazines"
What do you think? Have you bought any youth made media on iTunes? Have your youth?
Monday
How News is Handling the Video Revolution
Putting Candidates Under the Videoscope:
"Mr. Conroy, whose job title is “off-air reporter,” (because he does not normally appear on television) is one of many young journalists hired by the networks to follow the candidates across the country, filing video and blog posts as they go. Originally hired to cut expenses — their cost is a fraction of a full television crew’s — these reporters, also called “embeds,” have produced a staggering amount of content, especially video. And in this election cycle, for the first time, they are able to edit and transmit video on the fly.
As a result, the embeds have changed the dynamic of this year’s election, making every unplugged and unscripted moment on the campaign trail available for all to see."
Thursday
Current TV is Hiring Students for Summer 08'
CURRENT TV is recruiting for their Student Executive Producer Internship Program - it looks like they're leaning towards students from several specific colleges, but open to all.
The application due date is Sunday, December 9th, 2007.
Outstanding students with a background and interest in non-fiction video production should apply to be Student Executive Producers. Student Executive Producers will receive a base compensation of $10/hr and monetary bonuses for reaching performance targets, be connected to an outstanding network of do-it-yourself filmmakers and professional media producers and executives, and take part in building one of the world's most innovative cable and satellite television networks.
Interested students can check out this link for more information about the position and to download an application, or email the College Outreach team (collegeoutreach@currentmedia.com) directly with questions.
The application due date is Sunday, December 9th, 2007.
Apple takes an old idea and makes it their own...
You may have heard of the 24 hour film festival. Well, now Apple brings us the Insomnia Film Festival, another instant movie contest. Unfortunately it's only for High School and College students. But it should be a lot of fun. A lot of tiring fun!
Filmmakers That Think Outside the Film
Filmmakers That Think Outside the Film: This article takes you on a tour of some of the ways filmmakers are thinking beyond the film. Examples include how the assets of a film are repurposed, how filmmakers offering components of their film in digital format for anyone to ‘remix’. Courtesy of WorkbookProject.com
Sunday
Contributors on YouTube May Share Advertising Revenue - New York Times
You may need a (free) account to view this article from
the New York Times. But it's a good one, covering some of the earning opportunities that may come.
the New York Times. But it's a good one, covering some of the earning opportunities that may come.
Friday
Seeing No Progress, Some Schools Drop Laptops
Seeing No Progress, Some Schools Drop Laptops
One of the down sides of NCLB (No Child Left Behind) has been it's impact on curriculum. If a subject is not on the state test, then it suddenly becomes irrelevant. This is true of (former) school staples like recess, gym, and civics. Unfortunately, this is also true of future technologies/skills such as internet research, touch typing, and office software, and video production. These are the skills of the future. The skills that will help our students to get and keep jobs and to have real upward mobility. The three R's are the foundation, not the be all and end all.
Total Sidebar - I can't help but wonder if the schools dropping laptops are using PCs not Macs. Check out Learning Is Messy's 1:1 Case Study.
One of the down sides of NCLB (No Child Left Behind) has been it's impact on curriculum. If a subject is not on the state test, then it suddenly becomes irrelevant. This is true of (former) school staples like recess, gym, and civics. Unfortunately, this is also true of future technologies/skills such as internet research, touch typing, and office software, and video production. These are the skills of the future. The skills that will help our students to get and keep jobs and to have real upward mobility. The three R's are the foundation, not the be all and end all.
Total Sidebar - I can't help but wonder if the schools dropping laptops are using PCs not Macs. Check out Learning Is Messy's 1:1 Case Study.
Monday
Anyone Wanna Win an Award?
If you're considering entering your students' work in a festival, it's not the struggle it used to be. In the past you had to search for film/video festivals, make many tapes, and send them all out. Of course, it's now gone digital. On Withoutabox you can search through festivals by date and fill out one form to apply to many festivals. You can also search just to see what events are coming up in your community. Heck, when I was a student, I used to volunteer at festivals just to see all the great films.
Bronx Students Learn Filmmaking, Tribeca Style - New York Times
I'm happy for the kids, really I am. Tribeca filmmakers reaching out to inner city kids is a good thing. However, I can't help but think there was an opportunity missed here. It just seems like the article is being kind - like the film wasn't that good.
People assume that teaching media is easy. That all you have to do is show up with a camera and the kids will get it and create great work. But then, I guess people assume filmmaking is easy too.
People assume that teaching media is easy. That all you have to do is show up with a camera and the kids will get it and create great work. But then, I guess people assume filmmaking is easy too.
Everything Old is New Again
One of the first ways that video was used in classrooms was to allow students to view and evaluate their own work and progress (think of video in foreign language labs or special education classes). Now it seems that use has made it to the professional arena.
Saturday's New York Times features an article on how job seekers and college applicants are using video to prepare for interviews. In addition to detailing this process, Auditioning in a Video Resume also mentions something called a "Visume" which, they claim may be more popular in the future. Just remember the cautionary tale of the applicant who was so arrogant in his video that it became an online comedy piece.
"Impossible is Nothing"
What are the implications for our classrooms? Hopefully not a bunch of dry business videos. But perhaps something with more value and practical applications than the average student made PSA (Public Service Announcement).
(Note - NYT free membership may be required to view the article.)
Saturday's New York Times features an article on how job seekers and college applicants are using video to prepare for interviews. In addition to detailing this process, Auditioning in a Video Resume also mentions something called a "Visume" which, they claim may be more popular in the future. Just remember the cautionary tale of the applicant who was so arrogant in his video that it became an online comedy piece.
"Impossible is Nothing"
What are the implications for our classrooms? Hopefully not a bunch of dry business videos. But perhaps something with more value and practical applications than the average student made PSA (Public Service Announcement).
(Note - NYT free membership may be required to view the article.)
Thursday
Internet Start-Up to Take a Hybrid Media Approach - New York Times
I often wonder what jobs we are preparing our students for. After all, there are millions of kids learning video production all over the country. They can't all be the next Steven Speilberg! When I worked in "Hollywood" there weren't even enough entry level jobs for all the film school grads.
YouTube, Current, Turn Here and the like work for some, but will they really create enough jobs for the digital storytellers? Especially when so much content is presented without advertising/revenue? Today's NYT mentions a new model - micronetworks. It could just be dry industrials and educational video ported to the web. But I'm hoping that generation digital can make something much more interesting of it.
Internet Start-Up to Take a Hybrid Media Approach - New York Times: "Next New Networks, a New York-based Internet start-up run and backed by former executives of MTV and Nickelodeon, will announce plans today to begin a series of video-oriented Web sites — what the company calls micro-networks — on niche topics like do-it-yourself fashion, comic books, car racing and cartoons."
YouTube, Current, Turn Here and the like work for some, but will they really create enough jobs for the digital storytellers? Especially when so much content is presented without advertising/revenue? Today's NYT mentions a new model - micronetworks. It could just be dry industrials and educational video ported to the web. But I'm hoping that generation digital can make something much more interesting of it.
Internet Start-Up to Take a Hybrid Media Approach - New York Times: "Next New Networks, a New York-based Internet start-up run and backed by former executives of MTV and Nickelodeon, will announce plans today to begin a series of video-oriented Web sites — what the company calls micro-networks — on niche topics like do-it-yourself fashion, comic books, car racing and cartoons."
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