HOW CAN I GET A JOB AS A MOVIE CRITIC?

02 May 2014 Leave a comment

by askdalimama in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

DEAR DALI MAMA:

I really want to be a movie critic. How can I get a job like that?

–Wanna be a female Ebert (United States)

DEAR FEMALE EBERT:

You picked the perfect time in history to be born. The internet offers a democratization of media that did not exist before. You don’t have to be born into a position like that. You don’t even really have to have connections. If you do know anyone or anyone who knows anyone, though, start by asking them about internships or entry-level positions or other opportunities.

If you don’t, start a blog and faithfully write some reviews of your favorite movies. They don’t all have to be new releases, although at least one or two should be. You can have a “Classics” section or “See it Again” or something. Then write the best reviews you possibly can and post them on a website or blog. These days, there are many blog hosts that are free. Once you get a decent sampling of say ten to twenty reviews up, start contacting some of the big and indie movie companies and ask them to put you on their list for review copies. They might not all respond, but you can build your. Right now, truly, hard work and innovation and your talent can get you everywhere. Once you get at least 10 reviews up, set aside time every day for administrative stuff, marketing, etc., and do it faithfully. You can have the best site ever but you need to spread the word too, including through friends and other connections.

Have fun, female Ebert! 

ANY SUGGESTIONS FOR SOMEONE TIRED OF LOOKING FOR A JOB?

12 Apr 2014 Leave a comment

by askdalimama in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

DEAR DALI MAMA:

At this point in life I have a weak resume, no real connections and all I’ve done for the past eight years is send out resumes to nonprofits, which I’d eventually like to work in, to no avail. My plan B has always been to just work for a college but it ALL seems so ho-hum. Do you have any suggestions as far as bringing something about easily–I’m pretty tired of trying to figure it out and going that route just makes everything seem hard and a little pointless. Am I apathetic or what?

–Ann (United States)

DEAR ANN:

I understand the challenges of seeking work during this time in the United States. Don’t just send out resumes as many jobs are not actually filled solely through the standard resume route. Only target places you really want to work for. Find a place that does work you’re passionate about and, if you can, volunteer a couple hours a week so they can get to know you.

Another target maybe five top places with causes that you want to champion and call the person who is in charge of the area you are most interested in and talk to them. Tell them your skills, your experience, ask how you can help, and ask if they can meet with you or at least have a chat about how you can get in at their organization. It doesn’t hurt to ask.

Once they know you and what you’re capable of, they’d be smart to hire you. Even if nothing is available at the time, leave your contact info and keep in touch periodically (maybe a postcard every month or something) and keep yourself in the forefront of their minds so hopefully they’ll contact you when an opening does come up.

Finally, reset the energy of your job search. Go in and HAVE the job you want in the powerful energy that is divinely yours. Don’t go in with the energy of needing a job, like they’d be doing you a favor to hire you, or like a beggar asking for a handout. HAVE the energy of your dream job first, then go in, offering and allowing them the honor and gift of you working for their organization. Once you do this, the energy will start to build.

As far as apathy, apathy is a form of resistance, and resistance can create walls between you and what you’re trying to create. So have enthusiasm and fun in your job search. The human resource people will sense that, even when they’re just looking at your resume.

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