E-Media Tidbits

roanoke.com Roanoke Times multimedia editor Seth Gitner points out the editorial job ad's toolbar.

The Roanoke (VA) Times is looking for a new executive editor -- and it looks like they're serious about recruiting someone fun, creative, and online savvy. They've published an extensive and impressive multimedia recruitment ad.

This is a must-see! It begins with Roanoke Times multimedia editor Seth Gitner banging on your monitor to get your attention, and then explaining the position and the ad. The toolbar at the bottom offers links to several sections.

My favorite section is "Who We Want." It offers video interviews with several Roanoke Times staffers, as well as a local journalism professor -- and a reader, who offers ample and specific criticisms of the paper.

My only gripe: On the 12-inch monitor of my low-end Macbook, the ad's toolbar wasn't immediately visible. I had to scroll down to see it. I wondered, why didn't they put it on the top of that page? Then it occurred to me: They probably aren't interested in hiring someone who relies solely on a laptop with a small monitor. Understandable.

I'd love to see more recruitment ads like this. It not only shows you're serious about getting quality candidates -- it's excellent branding. And (as this post indicates) it's pretty effectively viral. Well done, Roanoke Times -- and good luck with your search.

(Thanks to Mathew Ingram of the Toronto Globe & Mail for the tip.)