Ask the Recruiter

This question came up in a Poynter live chat, "Surviving Between Jobs." We couldn't get to everyone in the chat, so we are answering some of the participants' questions here. Read Ask the Recruiter for details about the next career-related chat on Tuesday, March 17. -- Joe

Q. What kinds of jobs do you think a public relations pro (who previously worked in print journalism) has a chance of landing?

I am fairly well-versed in digital audio recording, podcast hosting, social media, story scripting etc., in addition to having the expected media relations and writing skills. I've often been described as a "utility player," but I'm about to be laid off.

Lindsay

A. You might be suited to do just the kind of job you have now, but at a different company. Getting laid off makes us think there is something wrong with us, but many of today's layoffs say a whole lot more about our companies than they do about us.

If you want out of public relations, by all means look for that new opportunity. But if you like what you were doing, stay in the field.

Your social media, audio and video skills are new and valuable; your foundation skills as a writer and storyteller are, too.

If friends are calling you a "utility player," that suggests you are good at a lot of things but are not seen as excelling at any one of them. I think it is time to really develop a brand for yourself as being over-the-top good in one of your skills, or a tight combination of a couple of them.

With the help of someone who knows your work, identify your greatest and most marketable skill and kick it up a couple notches. Build your new career identity around that skill.

Coming Friday: She left journalism four years ago to start a family and now wants to return. How can she overcome the questions of editors who see her as over-qualified?