Having spent seven years as a copywriter, I’m looking to change industries. The problem is that all of my writing samples are geared toward pharmaceutical advertising. How do I convince potential employers that my experience and writing skills transcend industries?
Don’t you watch “Mad Men” — one of the best shows on television? If you did, you’d know exactly what you have to do to get ahead. And no, I don’t mean philandering, chain-smoking and drinking. You’re in the business of persuasion like no other. This is what you are supposed to be able to do: develop a pitch that will catch a potential client’s attention — in this case, prospective employers. So think of yourself as a brand that you are marketing, and develop a multimedia pitch demonstrating your versatility. Make sure you have a Web site, make a video, be present on social media. There is no shortcut — unless sleeping with Don Draper is an option — but that isn’t very original!
I’ve been out of work for a while and collecting unemployment. To help make ends meet, I started dog-walking part-time. Does that meager income have to be reported to the IRS? Does it affect my unemployment benefits?
First of all, does Madison Avenue between 82nd and 85th streets happen to be one of your dog-walking routes? Someone walks their pooch there every early morning and leaves little presents in the middle of the sidewalk, and I’m sure there is video surveillance — so that person better start scooping! Regarding your question . . . really? I know the IRS has bigger problems right now — as does the government with its own surveillance controversy — than to focus its attention on you. But given everything that’s going on, agents could be tracking us both! OK, maybe that’s a little dramatic. But generally, you are supposed to report all income, and you are only entitled to collect full unemployment benefits if you are dedicating your full-time activities to finding work — and any earned income while collecting unemployment offsets the amount of the benefit. But your little side job to help make ends meet is your business — not mine — provided your dogs do their business where appropriate.