More than a Salary: How to Select and Make the Most of Your Benefits
By Jennifer Polanz
Coming out of college and landing a first job is difficult. What’s even more difficult sometimes is to hear your first salary offer and wonder if you should have taken that advice about checking out medical school.
But a job is by no means defined by the paycheck, a fact that is not often realized right away. There are other aspects of the job to consider that could increase the attractiveness of an initially shaky offer. In fact, according to a new study by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, employers continue to spend more on benefits, with more than 44 percent of payroll expenses in 2005 going to employee benefits. That’s a 4 percent rise from the previous year, according to the study.
Health And Retirement
Two of the most common aspects of a benefits package are health insurance and retirement investments, either in the form of a pension or 401(k).
There is one thing a news reporter learns relatively quickly – tragedy can strike anyone, anywhere. As a general assignment reporter, you spend quite a bit of your day talking to people about mysterious illnesses, tragic car accidents and other bizarre accidents. It’s enough to make you want to have the top-of-the-line health insurance – just in case.
And while retirement may not be a major issue at the moment, financial planners have said the sooner contributions begin to a retirement plan, the better. It’s much easier to save a little at a time for a much longer period of time versus tuck away significant amounts of money quickly.
However, a BusinessWeek story written by Liz Ryan, she makes an interesting point by encouraging new recruits to look at what they’ll need to survive now versus down the road. Someone just out of college, for example, might not be interested in a company offering longer-term benefits like a profit-sharing plan that takes years in which to be vested, or a long-term life insurance plan. Instead, for the first job, he or she might want to look for a company that offers benefits that pay off in the short term. (http://www.businessweek.com/careers/content/aug2005/ca20050818_6715_ca030.htm?chan=search )
Additional Compensation
Some companies offer multiple types of extra payment, in the form of bonuses, profit-sharing, commissions, stock options, etc., depending on the type of work you choose. Know these up front, and to how much they will equate when it’s all said and done. Sometimes these can be negotiated before the final offer is made. Many times companies will figure these extras into your estimated annual salary in your final offer.
Flexibility
So you’ve got the health insurance, the retirement plan and additional compensation in the package. What else should you look for? Depending on your needs, flexibility in schedule can be an issue. Is the employer requiring 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. hours with a half hour or hour lunch, no exceptions? Or are they willing to bend with “flex” hours – 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., or 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., for example.
In the news world, hours revolve around when news happens. Are you willing to come in at 8 a.m., leave at noon and return at 6 p.m. for a night event? It’s important to know upfront, too, whether the company will compensate you for overtime or allow you to take comp time to make up for extra hours.
Another example is Best Buy, which recently implemented a policy called ROWE, or results-only work environment. It sets individual goals for employees, and when they meet those goals on any given day, they are free to leave. They can work whenever they need to work to meet those goals, which allow flexibility for other personal activities. (http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/06_50/b4013001.htm)
Also, some companies require an employee to be “on call” at all times. This can mean carrying a pager, cell phone or Blackberry-type device around for days to weeks at a time. Finding this out upfront, as well as what the compensation is for carrying said device, will save a lot of frustration.
One other thing to consider is telecommuting. Some companies now allow employees to work some days from home, while others see employees in the office as a community-building initiative. Know beforehand what you have in mind and make sure it fits the philosophy of the company.
Vacation Days
That brings up another important benefit – paid time off. The major difference among companies is how much time off they offer, in what form they offer it and when you can begin to take it.
For example, some companies offer two weeks, or 10 days vacation. Others start off with one week and go up to two after the first year. Yet others give you a certain amount, but only after you’ve worked there for three months. Some companies don’t give up those first precious vacation days until after a year.
Also, some companies have switched over to PTO days, which are Paid Time Off and tend to be more flexible than straight vacation days. That can also mean they offer additional PTO days, but no sick days. Other companies offer a mixture of PTO, vacation and sick days.
One final note to consider on this front is if vacation days, PTO and/or sick days can be carried over from one year to the next. It can be a terrible feeling to realize your company won’t let you carry over the eight PTO days you so carefully hoarded during the year while planning for that vacation in the next fiscal year.
Once again, for vacation, PTO and sick days, it’s important to know upfront what the mix is, how you can take them and when you can first start taking them before you agree to the job.
Parking
Don’t laugh. Some employers in big cities don’t compensate for parking or transportation fees, which can become quite costly and override any additional money or benefits. Check to see if parking is included in the benefits package, or if there are other options. You may want to make the sacrifice to work in a certain city, but it’s wise to know additional costs you’ll be incurring upfront. Also along these lines are relocation benefits. Some companies will pay your cost of moving to a new city, as well as the cost of staying in a hotel until you can find lodging, etc. These types of benefits generally are negotiated upfront, so don’t expect them upon acceptance of the offer.
Paid Holidays
Another one not to be snickered at, especially if you decide to work in the wonderful world of news. Find out beforehand what’s expected of you on holidays. Many smaller news outlets pick holiday coverage based on seniority – and they don’t give the assignments to the senior reporters. They give them to the one that walked in the door last. So ask your potential employer the rules for holiday time – including if you get comp time, double time or any such reward for reporting on, say, Thanksgiving Day.
Iffy Benefits
There are certain benefits offered by companies that could be considered superfluous or fluffy, depending on what you’re looking for. In researching this story, I found one company that offered monthly peanut butter and jelly sandwich days, in which 25 to 30 varieties of peanut butter and jelly were brought in, along with 12 different types of bread. (http://washington.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2006/05/08/smallb1.html )
Now, some people may love that as a benefit, but I wouldn’t make a decision on a job offer based on peanut butter and jelly day.
However, other benefits may or may not float your boat. Some include tuition reimbursement; gym or health facility memberships or access; in-office child care; frequent field trips and outings; massages; pets in the office; free lunches or dinners; dry-cleaning services; birthdays off and nap times, among others.
Jennifer Polanz is a freelance writer in Mentor, Ohio. She is a 1998 graduate of Scripps' Graduate Program.
Friday, October 3, 2008
First Jobs: Lessons Learned
First Jobs: Lessons Learned
Once you’ve landed that first job, how can you ensure your success? Scripps alumni share the lessons they learned.
by Allison Stacy
When you’re consumed with looking for a job, it’s hard to see past the stress of scouring employment ads and polishing your resume to think about what comes next: actually working. But as professional journalists know, getting a job is only half the battle. Your next challenge is succeeding in that new position, so you don’t find yourself looking for another job.
That’s one lesson I learned from my first job: Don’t overlook what you’re getting yourself into. I got lucky, not only because the position pretty much landed in my lap, but because I ended up loving the job and was well-suited for it. It could easily have turned out the other way. I made the mistake of not investigating the details of the position thoroughly enough.
Of more value, however, I also learned that succeeding in my job wasn’t a matter of luck—it was a result of taking initiative. It’s no secret that entry-level jobs involve their fair share of grunt work. So if you’d like to take on more challenging or higher-profile projects, don’t wait to be asked—create opportunities for yourself. Research stories you can report, then pitch them to your editor. Brainstorm campaign ideas for a big client, then share them with your boss. Managers value employees who go above and beyond (as long as you’re getting your regular work done) and are more willing to trust you with bigger projects if you prove yourself capable. Doing this helped me gain the experience I needed to thrive in that first job—and over time, work my way to the top of the masthead of a national-circulation magazine.
Fortunately for you, other Scripps grads are willing to share their first-job lessons, so you don’t have to learn them the hard way. Here’s their advice:
My first job was with a plumbing trade magazine in Chicago, which was a wonderful experience. The most important thing I learned (and it’s still true today): Don't plan on walking into a job and having months, weeks or even days of training. While editors would love to spend time showing you what to do, most don't have the time and will just throw you in the mix. It's your job to pick up details along the way. This was a shock to me, but once I realized that I have the education, my system adjusted and I fit in just fine. Also, never be afraid to ask questions—better to ask a simple question upfront than make a glaring mistake that's recorded forever in print.
—Brian A. Klems (BSJ 2001), associate editor of Writer's Digest magazine
The most important thing I learned is that you don't always need to know everything in advance to do a good job. Sometimes it's better to approach the work from a fresh perspective. So as a beginner, you'll be in the best position to discover new solutions to problems.
—Megan Lane Patrick (BSJ 1996), senior editor of HOW magazine
Two pieces of advice: 1) Don't be afraid to ask questions. 2) Don't ask too many questions. You want the right people to know that you ask the right questions, but these people will consider you a nuisance if answering your questions forms the majority of their work loads. Before approaching someone with a question, consider whether someone less busy could help you, whether related questions are likely to pop up if you work a little farther (so you can knock off a list of questions at once), and whether you want to ask the question because you need the answer or because you want to prove your knowledge and capability. Self-sufficiency makes one much more indispensable than knowing the right questions.
—Amanda Metcalf (BSJ 2000), freelance writer in New York City
I learned many important lessons while participating in my first internship, which was at a business-to-business publication in the hospitality market. One of the more significant lessons was the importance of having a solid angle. While writing news and feature stories in college, each one seemed brand-new. I believed, as I plugged my “who,” “what,” “where,” “when,” and “why” into my inverted pyramid, my story was one-of-a-kind, creative and even, perhaps, brilliant. But when writing for a niche publication, you quickly realize that the story you’ve been assigned is quite similar to the story you were assigned last month and that it’s quite similar to the stories that run every month, if you look at each story’s core. Plugging facts into an inverted pyramid wasn’t enough. Rather, I learned that it’s my job to take a topic that’s reported on every month, find a new angle that will divulge information of importance to the reader, and present it in a fashion that will make it enjoyable to read. During those three months writing became a lot more challenging but also a lot more fun.
—Kara Uhl (BSJ 2001), freelance writer in Cincinnati
Allison Stacy (BSJ 1999) is editor of Family Tree Magazine in Cincinnati, Ohio. Allison can be reached at allisonstacy@yahoo.com.
Once you’ve landed that first job, how can you ensure your success? Scripps alumni share the lessons they learned.
by Allison Stacy
When you’re consumed with looking for a job, it’s hard to see past the stress of scouring employment ads and polishing your resume to think about what comes next: actually working. But as professional journalists know, getting a job is only half the battle. Your next challenge is succeeding in that new position, so you don’t find yourself looking for another job.
That’s one lesson I learned from my first job: Don’t overlook what you’re getting yourself into. I got lucky, not only because the position pretty much landed in my lap, but because I ended up loving the job and was well-suited for it. It could easily have turned out the other way. I made the mistake of not investigating the details of the position thoroughly enough.
Of more value, however, I also learned that succeeding in my job wasn’t a matter of luck—it was a result of taking initiative. It’s no secret that entry-level jobs involve their fair share of grunt work. So if you’d like to take on more challenging or higher-profile projects, don’t wait to be asked—create opportunities for yourself. Research stories you can report, then pitch them to your editor. Brainstorm campaign ideas for a big client, then share them with your boss. Managers value employees who go above and beyond (as long as you’re getting your regular work done) and are more willing to trust you with bigger projects if you prove yourself capable. Doing this helped me gain the experience I needed to thrive in that first job—and over time, work my way to the top of the masthead of a national-circulation magazine.
Fortunately for you, other Scripps grads are willing to share their first-job lessons, so you don’t have to learn them the hard way. Here’s their advice:
My first job was with a plumbing trade magazine in Chicago, which was a wonderful experience. The most important thing I learned (and it’s still true today): Don't plan on walking into a job and having months, weeks or even days of training. While editors would love to spend time showing you what to do, most don't have the time and will just throw you in the mix. It's your job to pick up details along the way. This was a shock to me, but once I realized that I have the education, my system adjusted and I fit in just fine. Also, never be afraid to ask questions—better to ask a simple question upfront than make a glaring mistake that's recorded forever in print.
—Brian A. Klems (BSJ 2001), associate editor of Writer's Digest magazine
The most important thing I learned is that you don't always need to know everything in advance to do a good job. Sometimes it's better to approach the work from a fresh perspective. So as a beginner, you'll be in the best position to discover new solutions to problems.
—Megan Lane Patrick (BSJ 1996), senior editor of HOW magazine
Two pieces of advice: 1) Don't be afraid to ask questions. 2) Don't ask too many questions. You want the right people to know that you ask the right questions, but these people will consider you a nuisance if answering your questions forms the majority of their work loads. Before approaching someone with a question, consider whether someone less busy could help you, whether related questions are likely to pop up if you work a little farther (so you can knock off a list of questions at once), and whether you want to ask the question because you need the answer or because you want to prove your knowledge and capability. Self-sufficiency makes one much more indispensable than knowing the right questions.
—Amanda Metcalf (BSJ 2000), freelance writer in New York City
I learned many important lessons while participating in my first internship, which was at a business-to-business publication in the hospitality market. One of the more significant lessons was the importance of having a solid angle. While writing news and feature stories in college, each one seemed brand-new. I believed, as I plugged my “who,” “what,” “where,” “when,” and “why” into my inverted pyramid, my story was one-of-a-kind, creative and even, perhaps, brilliant. But when writing for a niche publication, you quickly realize that the story you’ve been assigned is quite similar to the story you were assigned last month and that it’s quite similar to the stories that run every month, if you look at each story’s core. Plugging facts into an inverted pyramid wasn’t enough. Rather, I learned that it’s my job to take a topic that’s reported on every month, find a new angle that will divulge information of importance to the reader, and present it in a fashion that will make it enjoyable to read. During those three months writing became a lot more challenging but also a lot more fun.
—Kara Uhl (BSJ 2001), freelance writer in Cincinnati
Allison Stacy (BSJ 1999) is editor of Family Tree Magazine in Cincinnati, Ohio. Allison can be reached at allisonstacy@yahoo.com.
Detroit City Profile
Sometimes when I read a city’s profile in a magazine (those propaganda pieces on an airline’s in-flight magazine come to mind), I think, “yeah, that’s nice, but does anyone really do this stuff?”
I can say, though, here in the Detroit Metro area, the answer is indubitably, “yes.”
Some Basics
First, a point of distinction: “Detroit” refers to the city and its neighborhoods: Midtown, downtown, Greektown, Mexicantown, Eastern Market, and the like. “Detroit Metro” area refers to all the suburbs and exburbs and counties and townships that extend, sometimes as far as 50 miles, from the city.
Detroit is known for cars, and that association is more than just reputation-based. The metro area extends to at least three counties: Oakland; Macomb; and Wayne. There is no viable public transportation. Of course, there are buses, and taxis, and a very strange “People Mover” that runs on a continuous loop downtown, but in Detroit, everyone drives. Everyone. This means there are abundant car washes in every part of town. This also leads to some of the worst traffic and commutes known to man.
Because a lot of Detroit’s infrastructure was set up before the car became ubiquitous, the major exchanges (I-75, I-94, I-96) can get quite hairy. For instance, one sunny Thursday afternoon in July, I was delayed over an hour just attempting to merge from I-75 south onto I-94 west. The crazy thing is that some people do this every day.
Industry in Detroit is all things automotive. There’s what’s known as “The Big Three” (Chrysler, Ford and General Motors), and their suppliers, organized and identified by tiers. As the domestic auto industry continues to suffer, the economy in Michigan worsens. Detroit is much like a very large “factory town.” When the factory suffers, so does everyone else. A recent newspaper article revealed even plastic surgery numbers are down. (“Cosmetic surgery, like economy, needs a lift.” Detroit Free Press, 2/23/07.) Despite the downturn, though, there are positions available in healthcare, non-profits, government, and the media.
Where to Live
At the risk of beating the point to death, the commute is a factor. Not everyone who lives in Southeast Michigan works in downtown Detroit; however, depending upon your work’s location, there may be more choices for setting up camp. Detroit’s suburbs’ populations benefited greatly from the historical phenomenon of “white flight,” and some of them grew into cities themselves: Southfield, Troy, Rochester and Livonia to name a few.
I live in Royal Oak, which is located about 11 miles north of the city. Roads north of downtown are named after their mileage there from. Before I moved here, all I knew of Detroit geography, like many Ohioans, was of course, “Eight Mile.” These “mile” roads extend far both east and west, and number into the high twenties.
Both Royal Oak and Ferndale, which is just south of Royal Oak, are fabulous spots for the fresh-out-of-college (or in my case, law school) set. The housing is relatively affordable- my future husband and I are renting a 2 bedroom house with a nice front and back yard for under $1000/month. Apartments can be had for approximately $600/month, and there are tons of loft and condo options, too. We found the house on Craigslist [www.craigslist.com], butt if you have the time and the luxury, driving around your community of choice armed with a cell phone, a pad and a pencil is likely to be your best bet. Both Royal Oak and Ferndale have a true “downtown” of their own, complete with very lively bar scenes, excellent restaurants, cozy coffee shops, unique boutiques, art theaters, gourmet groceries, and live music venues. Much of the housing is within walking distance to these “main” streets. I found this to be an extremely welcome change from Toledo, Ohio, where I moved from after completing my law degree. In Toledo, I walked to the video store or grocery when I fancied some fresh air, and was on the receiving end of honks and other insults. Here, I’m likely to pass many others on my walk to the pharmacy or to Sweetwaters, a local coffee shop, or back from the farmer’s market (Tuesdays and Saturdays: fresh produce, salsas, meat, and other sundries, on Sundays: flea market extravaganza), as I did this morning.
If you want to live closer to downtown Detroit, safety can be an issue. The Midtown neighborhood, experiencing a renaissance, is the perfect choice for those seeking an edgier scene. The Old Miami [www.theoldmiamidetroit.com], an excellent dive bar started by Vietnam Vets, showcases live music, and features a marvelous back yard, groomed to perfection and a startling contrast to the weed-choked, littered neighborhood. The drinks are cheap, and if it’s liquor you favor, be careful. The ladies pour and pour and pour. Honest John’s is a great sports bar a few blocks over, and culture abounds a few steps away. The Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s [www.detroitsymphony.com] home is in the beautiful Max M. Fisher Music Center. In addition to supplying classical music to metro Detroit, the venue is used for poetry slams, local artists, and this past New Year’s Eve, an amazing offering of techno pioneers for an all-night dance party. Wayne State University is a short walk to the north, and possesses many of the amenities one expects of a first-class campus: theatre, lectures, music and restaurants. Try the Cass Café [www.casscafe.com], a super place to grab lunch. The vibe is Case-esque. Finally, even Fido will love Midtown. Canine to Five [www.detroitdogdaycare.com] is a doggy daycare right on Cass Avenue. In addition to daycare, Canine to Five offers grooming and boarding. If you work downtown, it’s very convenient- plus, your dog will wear itself out yapping and chasing the other pooches. Housing in Midtown will be cheaper than most communities- either buying or renting.
If you’re thinking of raising a family, or already have one, you will most likely be interested in an area with a good public school system. These areas tend to be further from downtown Detroit, with higher property values: Birmingham, Bloomfield, Canton, Livonia, Northville, Plymouth, and Rochester, to name a few. A few have a nice “Main Street” feel- Birmingham is home to two movie theaters, tons of upscale restaurants and bars, and tiny shops full of expensive, exclusive items, all in a very walkable setting. Rochester is more quaint, but just as charming and accessible.
What to Eat
One simply cannot go hungry in Detroit. Detroit is home to some of the absolute best ethnic foods—including Lebanese, Greek, Mexican, Italian, Polish, Soul Food, and a little category I like to call Coney. Seriously, it’s a good thing I do all that walking.
If your experience with Middle Eastern food starts and ends with buggy on wheels parked on Union Street, then prepare to have your mind blown. Dearborn and Dearborn Heights, west of downtown, have pita, hummus, fatoosh, kibbe, tempeh and other delicacies resplendent to satisfy any palate, from novice to expert.
Greektown, located on the east side of downtown, is a gem. Turn down one street and the grit and grime of downtown melts away to an avenue of shops, restaurants, and delightful Greek music piped into the street. A popular spot for lunch for the working crowd, Greektown stays alive into the night- St Andrews Hall [http://www.motorcityrocks.com/stan.htm], a fantastic place for live music, is blocks away, and of course, Greektown Casino [www.greektowncasino.com] bumps into the wee hours. Did I mention the food? You haven’t had baklava till you’ve had it in Greektown.
Mexicantown offers yet another authentic touch. The signs on the buildings are in both Spanish and English, if there’s English at all. The menus reach beyond the usual suspects: the other morning, I had a dish made of scrambled eggs and cactus. Delicious! Plus the margs are great, strong, and cheap (I know the virtues important to an OU crowd).
Roma Café [www.romacafe.com] in the Eastern Market neighborhood is the oldest Italian restaurant in Detroit. It’s a bit like stepping back in time- the wait staff wears tuxedos, and one gets the feeling important deals and weighty political discussions are being had at every table. Plus, the chicken parm is out this world.
Detroit’s Hamtramck neighborhood [http://www.waynecounty.com/commun/hamtramck.html] is Polish pride served with style. The New Palace Bakery is a personal favorite- I bought nut rolls to take to a family gathering in Pittsburgh, Penn. – a tough crowd, considering my grandmother’s maiden name is Pacheski. The nut rolls were a hit, so were the pierogi, chruschici (cookies), and placek (coffeecake). The prices are more than fair, and the high school aged girls who work there all speak Polish. The lines for paczki on Fat Tuesday are rumored to wrap around the block, but ordinarily the line is tolerable.
Detroit takes its soul food seriously, as well. Soul food, into which I’m lumping bar-b-que, is important because its identity is uniquely American. Like its cars, and its music, Detroit prides itself on all things “homemade”. Beans ‘n’ Cornbread [www.beanscornbread.com], located in Southfield, is the top of the heap. Calling itself a “soulful bistro,” Beans ‘n’ Cornbread’s menu features items like fried catfish fingers, the Harlem burrito, Hoppin’ John and cornbread dressing.
In my opinion, the last word on bar-b-que in this city belongs to Slows, refined hole-in-the-wall spot east of the old Tiger Stadium. As an amateur bar-b-que aficionado (i.e. I will eat from roadside stands, trucks, trailers, upscale joints, dives, etc. in pursuit of the perfect rib), Slows [www.slowsbarbq.com] is the ticket. The meat, (which ranges from brisket to pork to chicken to beef) is served “naked,” ready to be dressed tableside with a bevy of homemade sauces. The sides are incredible: mac‘n’cheese, slaw, sweet potato casserole and more. Finally, the beer selection rocks.
Now, for the dark horse: I suppose my obsession with diners began in high school, when friends and I indulged in eggs, waffles and endless coffee at Waffle Houses and truck stops. And of course, my time at OU supported my habit: just writing this, my cravings for Union Street’s garbage omelets are audible. But there’s no place like the Detroit Metro area for a quick bite in a diner atmosphere. “Coney Island” or more popularly, “Coney’s,” are everywhere. They come in different variations: “Alex’s Coney Island,” “National Coney Island,” and sometimes, the word “coney” is not even in the title. But these smaller diner-style restaurants guarantee a few things: hot coffee, good fries of the shoestring variety, and of course, the coney dog: a hot dog juiced up and souped up with an assortment of accoutrements- onions, chili, cheese, you name it.
To understand the coney dog, one must start at Lafeyette Coney, in downtown Detroit. Here’s a sample order: “one up on two, light onion, heavy chili, with hot red pepper flakes and a Diet Vernors over ice on the side.” All walks of life frequent this Detroit Landmark. As with most all-night joints, the later it gets, the crazier it gets. See above reference to Union Street.
What to Do
Motown is not a nickname without reason. Although Berry Gordy packed up for L.A. decades ago, the reverence for music in Detroit is alive and well.
A few weeks ago, I stopped by the Oak City Grille here in Royal Oak. I figured I’d grab a spot at the bar and listen to a band I’d read about the in the paper. The place was swarming with people who all had the same idea. Once two seats finally opened up, beers were ordered, and fantastic music (no cover!) was enjoyed: the Gypsy Strings [www.myspace.com/gypsystringsofdetroit], a trio, performed well into the night. This is no extraordinary event: many smalls clubs, large clubs, restaurants and bars feature local artists. Midtown Underground [www.midtownunderground.com], a sweet funk band, plays all over and is definitely worth catching. Also, the Detroit Metro area has tons of indoor and outdoor venues that can host huge names. I saw the Red Hot Chili Peppers at the Palace of Auburn Hills [www.palacenet.com], a large indoor venue about 40 minutes north of the city. The tickets were under $60/person, even with all the convenience charges. The beers were seven bucks a pop, but you can’t have it all.
The list of homegrown talent isn’t short, either. Kid Rock, Eminem, Bob Seger, The White Stripes, Aretha Franklin are just a few with ties to Michigan.
If you’re the sports-loving type, then you, too, will have no less than four pro-sports teams to root for, and no, that does not include the University of Michigan. The Lions, The Tigers, The Red Wings, and The Pistons all play at home in Detroit, or close to it. Tickets are relatively affordable; even Tigers tickets can be had for under $15- which is pretty remarkable considering last season’s record. Comerica Park, home of the Tigers, is a fabulous place to see a game.
History is rich, too. The Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History [www.maah-detroit.org] is housed in a newer building. Here’s an offering from the museum’s permanent collection, “And Still We Rise”:
“The journey begins in prehistoric Africa, the cradle of human life. Guests then witness several ancient and early modern civilizations that evolved on the continent. Crossing the Atlantic Ocean, they experience the tragedy of the middle passage and encounter those who resisted the horrors of bondage, emancipated themselves and sometimes took flight by way of the Underground Railroad. Throughout this trip, the efforts of everyday men and women who built families, businesses, educational institutions, spiritual traditions, civic organizations and a legacy of freedom and justice in past and present-day Detroit are hailed.”
- http://www.maah-detroit.org/exhibitions/and_still_we_rise.html
The Henry Ford [www.hfmgv.com] is another must-see. This “history destination” brings the American Experience early American life via Greenfield Village, a pseudo-town that shows the sights, sounds and settings of America’s past. Try the Ford Rouge Factory Tour and witness the intricate operation of manufacturing. The Henry Ford is purely American, and proud of it.
The Detroit Institute of the Arts [www.dia.org] is also worth the trip. An Ansel Adams exhibit runs through March, and though the collection is currently abbreviated due to construction, it is more than worth the “suggested” donation of $6/ per adult. Be sure to check out Detroit Industry, the enormous frescoes by Diego Rivera, which he considered his most important American work.
Finally, the state of Michigan is rich in natural beauty. North Michigan, which refers to the northern part of the Lower Peninsula, is border on both sides by Great Lakes, and as a result, has gorgeous lakeshores ripe for boating, sailing and swimming. The “U.P.” refers to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and it too possesses abundant wild landscapes. An overnight canoe trip in the fall with future husband and beagle consisted of 20+ miles of unbelievable foliage, and hardly a soul to share it with (nice!). Outfitters abound, and so do pet-friendly, cheap motels on the way up. If you ask for pasties, which are a regional delicacy that resemble meat pies, make sure you say PAST-EE, not PAY-STEE, like this author; else they will recommend a trip to Las Vegas.
What to Read
An article for Scripps alums isn’t complete without a shout-out to our local publications in Detroit. Hour Magazine [www.hourdetroit.com], produced right in Royal Oak, is a monthly magazine spotlighting local events, restaurant reviews, and offering profiles of the movers and shakers. Detroit is one of those lucky American cities that actually have two newspapers- The Detroit News [www.detnews.com] and the Detroit Free Press [www.freep.com]- both excellent with very good local news coverage, as well as national. The tabloid style Detroit MetroTimes [www.metrotimes.com] and Real Detroit [www.realdetroitweekly.com] are great, too, if you can get past the sheer number of scantily clad women in their advertisements. A number of other rags are attuned to specific interests or groups: Between the Lines [www.pridesource.com], a gay and lesbian paper, and the various community-specific papers that are delivered or available for free, such as the Birmingham Eccentric [www.observer-eccentric.com].
Megan Rose is a 2003 Scripps graduate.
I can say, though, here in the Detroit Metro area, the answer is indubitably, “yes.”
Some Basics
First, a point of distinction: “Detroit” refers to the city and its neighborhoods: Midtown, downtown, Greektown, Mexicantown, Eastern Market, and the like. “Detroit Metro” area refers to all the suburbs and exburbs and counties and townships that extend, sometimes as far as 50 miles, from the city.
Detroit is known for cars, and that association is more than just reputation-based. The metro area extends to at least three counties: Oakland; Macomb; and Wayne. There is no viable public transportation. Of course, there are buses, and taxis, and a very strange “People Mover” that runs on a continuous loop downtown, but in Detroit, everyone drives. Everyone. This means there are abundant car washes in every part of town. This also leads to some of the worst traffic and commutes known to man.
Because a lot of Detroit’s infrastructure was set up before the car became ubiquitous, the major exchanges (I-75, I-94, I-96) can get quite hairy. For instance, one sunny Thursday afternoon in July, I was delayed over an hour just attempting to merge from I-75 south onto I-94 west. The crazy thing is that some people do this every day.
Industry in Detroit is all things automotive. There’s what’s known as “The Big Three” (Chrysler, Ford and General Motors), and their suppliers, organized and identified by tiers. As the domestic auto industry continues to suffer, the economy in Michigan worsens. Detroit is much like a very large “factory town.” When the factory suffers, so does everyone else. A recent newspaper article revealed even plastic surgery numbers are down. (“Cosmetic surgery, like economy, needs a lift.” Detroit Free Press, 2/23/07.) Despite the downturn, though, there are positions available in healthcare, non-profits, government, and the media.
Where to Live
At the risk of beating the point to death, the commute is a factor. Not everyone who lives in Southeast Michigan works in downtown Detroit; however, depending upon your work’s location, there may be more choices for setting up camp. Detroit’s suburbs’ populations benefited greatly from the historical phenomenon of “white flight,” and some of them grew into cities themselves: Southfield, Troy, Rochester and Livonia to name a few.
I live in Royal Oak, which is located about 11 miles north of the city. Roads north of downtown are named after their mileage there from. Before I moved here, all I knew of Detroit geography, like many Ohioans, was of course, “Eight Mile.” These “mile” roads extend far both east and west, and number into the high twenties.
Both Royal Oak and Ferndale, which is just south of Royal Oak, are fabulous spots for the fresh-out-of-college (or in my case, law school) set. The housing is relatively affordable- my future husband and I are renting a 2 bedroom house with a nice front and back yard for under $1000/month. Apartments can be had for approximately $600/month, and there are tons of loft and condo options, too. We found the house on Craigslist [www.craigslist.com], butt if you have the time and the luxury, driving around your community of choice armed with a cell phone, a pad and a pencil is likely to be your best bet. Both Royal Oak and Ferndale have a true “downtown” of their own, complete with very lively bar scenes, excellent restaurants, cozy coffee shops, unique boutiques, art theaters, gourmet groceries, and live music venues. Much of the housing is within walking distance to these “main” streets. I found this to be an extremely welcome change from Toledo, Ohio, where I moved from after completing my law degree. In Toledo, I walked to the video store or grocery when I fancied some fresh air, and was on the receiving end of honks and other insults. Here, I’m likely to pass many others on my walk to the pharmacy or to Sweetwaters, a local coffee shop, or back from the farmer’s market (Tuesdays and Saturdays: fresh produce, salsas, meat, and other sundries, on Sundays: flea market extravaganza), as I did this morning.
If you want to live closer to downtown Detroit, safety can be an issue. The Midtown neighborhood, experiencing a renaissance, is the perfect choice for those seeking an edgier scene. The Old Miami [www.theoldmiamidetroit.com], an excellent dive bar started by Vietnam Vets, showcases live music, and features a marvelous back yard, groomed to perfection and a startling contrast to the weed-choked, littered neighborhood. The drinks are cheap, and if it’s liquor you favor, be careful. The ladies pour and pour and pour. Honest John’s is a great sports bar a few blocks over, and culture abounds a few steps away. The Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s [www.detroitsymphony.com] home is in the beautiful Max M. Fisher Music Center. In addition to supplying classical music to metro Detroit, the venue is used for poetry slams, local artists, and this past New Year’s Eve, an amazing offering of techno pioneers for an all-night dance party. Wayne State University is a short walk to the north, and possesses many of the amenities one expects of a first-class campus: theatre, lectures, music and restaurants. Try the Cass Café [www.casscafe.com], a super place to grab lunch. The vibe is Case-esque. Finally, even Fido will love Midtown. Canine to Five [www.detroitdogdaycare.com] is a doggy daycare right on Cass Avenue. In addition to daycare, Canine to Five offers grooming and boarding. If you work downtown, it’s very convenient- plus, your dog will wear itself out yapping and chasing the other pooches. Housing in Midtown will be cheaper than most communities- either buying or renting.
If you’re thinking of raising a family, or already have one, you will most likely be interested in an area with a good public school system. These areas tend to be further from downtown Detroit, with higher property values: Birmingham, Bloomfield, Canton, Livonia, Northville, Plymouth, and Rochester, to name a few. A few have a nice “Main Street” feel- Birmingham is home to two movie theaters, tons of upscale restaurants and bars, and tiny shops full of expensive, exclusive items, all in a very walkable setting. Rochester is more quaint, but just as charming and accessible.
What to Eat
One simply cannot go hungry in Detroit. Detroit is home to some of the absolute best ethnic foods—including Lebanese, Greek, Mexican, Italian, Polish, Soul Food, and a little category I like to call Coney. Seriously, it’s a good thing I do all that walking.
If your experience with Middle Eastern food starts and ends with buggy on wheels parked on Union Street, then prepare to have your mind blown. Dearborn and Dearborn Heights, west of downtown, have pita, hummus, fatoosh, kibbe, tempeh and other delicacies resplendent to satisfy any palate, from novice to expert.
Greektown, located on the east side of downtown, is a gem. Turn down one street and the grit and grime of downtown melts away to an avenue of shops, restaurants, and delightful Greek music piped into the street. A popular spot for lunch for the working crowd, Greektown stays alive into the night- St Andrews Hall [http://www.motorcityrocks.com/stan.htm], a fantastic place for live music, is blocks away, and of course, Greektown Casino [www.greektowncasino.com] bumps into the wee hours. Did I mention the food? You haven’t had baklava till you’ve had it in Greektown.
Mexicantown offers yet another authentic touch. The signs on the buildings are in both Spanish and English, if there’s English at all. The menus reach beyond the usual suspects: the other morning, I had a dish made of scrambled eggs and cactus. Delicious! Plus the margs are great, strong, and cheap (I know the virtues important to an OU crowd).
Roma Café [www.romacafe.com] in the Eastern Market neighborhood is the oldest Italian restaurant in Detroit. It’s a bit like stepping back in time- the wait staff wears tuxedos, and one gets the feeling important deals and weighty political discussions are being had at every table. Plus, the chicken parm is out this world.
Detroit’s Hamtramck neighborhood [http://www.waynecounty.com/commun/hamtramck.html] is Polish pride served with style. The New Palace Bakery is a personal favorite- I bought nut rolls to take to a family gathering in Pittsburgh, Penn. – a tough crowd, considering my grandmother’s maiden name is Pacheski. The nut rolls were a hit, so were the pierogi, chruschici (cookies), and placek (coffeecake). The prices are more than fair, and the high school aged girls who work there all speak Polish. The lines for paczki on Fat Tuesday are rumored to wrap around the block, but ordinarily the line is tolerable.
Detroit takes its soul food seriously, as well. Soul food, into which I’m lumping bar-b-que, is important because its identity is uniquely American. Like its cars, and its music, Detroit prides itself on all things “homemade”. Beans ‘n’ Cornbread [www.beanscornbread.com], located in Southfield, is the top of the heap. Calling itself a “soulful bistro,” Beans ‘n’ Cornbread’s menu features items like fried catfish fingers, the Harlem burrito, Hoppin’ John and cornbread dressing.
In my opinion, the last word on bar-b-que in this city belongs to Slows, refined hole-in-the-wall spot east of the old Tiger Stadium. As an amateur bar-b-que aficionado (i.e. I will eat from roadside stands, trucks, trailers, upscale joints, dives, etc. in pursuit of the perfect rib), Slows [www.slowsbarbq.com] is the ticket. The meat, (which ranges from brisket to pork to chicken to beef) is served “naked,” ready to be dressed tableside with a bevy of homemade sauces. The sides are incredible: mac‘n’cheese, slaw, sweet potato casserole and more. Finally, the beer selection rocks.
Now, for the dark horse: I suppose my obsession with diners began in high school, when friends and I indulged in eggs, waffles and endless coffee at Waffle Houses and truck stops. And of course, my time at OU supported my habit: just writing this, my cravings for Union Street’s garbage omelets are audible. But there’s no place like the Detroit Metro area for a quick bite in a diner atmosphere. “Coney Island” or more popularly, “Coney’s,” are everywhere. They come in different variations: “Alex’s Coney Island,” “National Coney Island,” and sometimes, the word “coney” is not even in the title. But these smaller diner-style restaurants guarantee a few things: hot coffee, good fries of the shoestring variety, and of course, the coney dog: a hot dog juiced up and souped up with an assortment of accoutrements- onions, chili, cheese, you name it.
To understand the coney dog, one must start at Lafeyette Coney, in downtown Detroit. Here’s a sample order: “one up on two, light onion, heavy chili, with hot red pepper flakes and a Diet Vernors over ice on the side.” All walks of life frequent this Detroit Landmark. As with most all-night joints, the later it gets, the crazier it gets. See above reference to Union Street.
What to Do
Motown is not a nickname without reason. Although Berry Gordy packed up for L.A. decades ago, the reverence for music in Detroit is alive and well.
A few weeks ago, I stopped by the Oak City Grille here in Royal Oak. I figured I’d grab a spot at the bar and listen to a band I’d read about the in the paper. The place was swarming with people who all had the same idea. Once two seats finally opened up, beers were ordered, and fantastic music (no cover!) was enjoyed: the Gypsy Strings [www.myspace.com/gypsystringsofdetroit], a trio, performed well into the night. This is no extraordinary event: many smalls clubs, large clubs, restaurants and bars feature local artists. Midtown Underground [www.midtownunderground.com], a sweet funk band, plays all over and is definitely worth catching. Also, the Detroit Metro area has tons of indoor and outdoor venues that can host huge names. I saw the Red Hot Chili Peppers at the Palace of Auburn Hills [www.palacenet.com], a large indoor venue about 40 minutes north of the city. The tickets were under $60/person, even with all the convenience charges. The beers were seven bucks a pop, but you can’t have it all.
The list of homegrown talent isn’t short, either. Kid Rock, Eminem, Bob Seger, The White Stripes, Aretha Franklin are just a few with ties to Michigan.
If you’re the sports-loving type, then you, too, will have no less than four pro-sports teams to root for, and no, that does not include the University of Michigan. The Lions, The Tigers, The Red Wings, and The Pistons all play at home in Detroit, or close to it. Tickets are relatively affordable; even Tigers tickets can be had for under $15- which is pretty remarkable considering last season’s record. Comerica Park, home of the Tigers, is a fabulous place to see a game.
History is rich, too. The Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History [www.maah-detroit.org] is housed in a newer building. Here’s an offering from the museum’s permanent collection, “And Still We Rise”:
“The journey begins in prehistoric Africa, the cradle of human life. Guests then witness several ancient and early modern civilizations that evolved on the continent. Crossing the Atlantic Ocean, they experience the tragedy of the middle passage and encounter those who resisted the horrors of bondage, emancipated themselves and sometimes took flight by way of the Underground Railroad. Throughout this trip, the efforts of everyday men and women who built families, businesses, educational institutions, spiritual traditions, civic organizations and a legacy of freedom and justice in past and present-day Detroit are hailed.”
- http://www.maah-detroit.org/exhibitions/and_still_we_rise.html
The Henry Ford [www.hfmgv.com] is another must-see. This “history destination” brings the American Experience early American life via Greenfield Village, a pseudo-town that shows the sights, sounds and settings of America’s past. Try the Ford Rouge Factory Tour and witness the intricate operation of manufacturing. The Henry Ford is purely American, and proud of it.
The Detroit Institute of the Arts [www.dia.org] is also worth the trip. An Ansel Adams exhibit runs through March, and though the collection is currently abbreviated due to construction, it is more than worth the “suggested” donation of $6/ per adult. Be sure to check out Detroit Industry, the enormous frescoes by Diego Rivera, which he considered his most important American work.
Finally, the state of Michigan is rich in natural beauty. North Michigan, which refers to the northern part of the Lower Peninsula, is border on both sides by Great Lakes, and as a result, has gorgeous lakeshores ripe for boating, sailing and swimming. The “U.P.” refers to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and it too possesses abundant wild landscapes. An overnight canoe trip in the fall with future husband and beagle consisted of 20+ miles of unbelievable foliage, and hardly a soul to share it with (nice!). Outfitters abound, and so do pet-friendly, cheap motels on the way up. If you ask for pasties, which are a regional delicacy that resemble meat pies, make sure you say PAST-EE, not PAY-STEE, like this author; else they will recommend a trip to Las Vegas.
What to Read
An article for Scripps alums isn’t complete without a shout-out to our local publications in Detroit. Hour Magazine [www.hourdetroit.com], produced right in Royal Oak, is a monthly magazine spotlighting local events, restaurant reviews, and offering profiles of the movers and shakers. Detroit is one of those lucky American cities that actually have two newspapers- The Detroit News [www.detnews.com] and the Detroit Free Press [www.freep.com]- both excellent with very good local news coverage, as well as national. The tabloid style Detroit MetroTimes [www.metrotimes.com] and Real Detroit [www.realdetroitweekly.com] are great, too, if you can get past the sheer number of scantily clad women in their advertisements. A number of other rags are attuned to specific interests or groups: Between the Lines [www.pridesource.com], a gay and lesbian paper, and the various community-specific papers that are delivered or available for free, such as the Birmingham Eccentric [www.observer-eccentric.com].
Megan Rose is a 2003 Scripps graduate.
Columbus: Not to be Overlooked
Not to be Overlooked
Forget what you think you know about this former cowtown. Columbus is one of the fastest growing metro areas in the Midwest and is the 15th largest city in the country. With Midwest values and a reasonable cost of living, this varied and much-growing city has a lot to offer the young professional crowd.
On the economic front, Columbus has the best economy in Ohio and the 7th strongest economy in the nation. This is according to a 2006 study done by Policom Corp., which determined the rankings of the nation’s 361 metropolitan areas by analyzing standard of living, income, job availability, unemployment conditions and other economic factors.
Just to name a few of the major players that help invigorate this city’s economy, Columbus serves as the headquarters for Cardinal Health, Limited Brands, Nationwide Insurance, American Electric Power and Battelle (the world’s largest private research institution). Two great places to start a job search in Columbus are columbus.careerboard.com and columbusjobs.com.
But it’s not just the economy that helps fuel this city. Columbus has many lively neighborhoods with their own unique offering of restaurants, pubs, coffee houses and specialty shops.
One of these popular areas is the Short North (theshortnorth.com). Located just north of downtown, most of the action can be found along High Street. The first Saturday of every month offers the perfect opportunity to grab a couple of friends and explore this part of town, when the art galleries and shops stay open late for Gallery Hop. Be prepared for a crowd however, since not even inclement weather can keep hoppers away from the galleries, restaurants and bars.
Another highlight of the Short North is the North Market. This indoor shopping market is filled with independent merchants and artisans who offer everything from fresh, local produce, fish and free-range meat to kitchen gadgets and a custom framing store. Also found in the North Market is Jeni’s Ice Creams. Signature flavors like salty caramel, dark cocoa gelato and Thai chili have helped to put this shop on the map. In fact, in 2005, owner/operator Jeni Britton was named a Tastemaker by Food & Wine magazine, an award given to “top young talents who’ve changed the world of food and wine by age 35.”
Bordering the Short North is the Arena District (arena-district.com). This is the site of Nationwide Arena where Columbus’ NHL team, the Blue Jackets, play. In addition to many restaurants and a movie theater, the Arena District boasts several bars and a few clubs. For cheap drinks it’s hard to beat It’s Brothers Bar and Grill (aka Brothers), Gaswerks or The Lodge Bar. All are within walking distance of each other and offer generous happy hour specials. If looking for a more fashionable scene or someplace to dance, check out Sugar or its sister club Spice.
On the other side of downtown Columbus lies German Village (germanvillage.com). Brick streets run through this historic section of the city situated primarily between Livingston Avenue and Greenlawn Avenue east of South High Street. There are numerous restaurants in German Village, but one that can’t be missed is Thurman Café, known for its humongous burgers and hefty portions. The wait can be long even on weeknights, so be sure to arrive early and before you are hungry.
For an after-dinner treat check out The Book Loft also located in German Village. It’s a 32-room bookstore that is unparalleled. Maps are provided for visitors at the front door, but each room is clearly labeled, so feel free to wander.
While these three downtown locations are quite trendy and offer plenty of places to patronize, they can be quite pricey for living. To help your rent or mortgage payment go further, living in the suburbs is a great solution, and downtown is never more than a 20-minute (or less) drive away. To get a clearer picture, check out an illustration of surrounding neighborhoods on the Columbus Chamber of Commerce Web site (http://www.columbus.org/lifestyle/neighbor.aspx). Clicking on the neighborhoods in the illustration will open a PDF with information specific to that area. Because of their locations and easy access to downtown, I’m partial to Upper Arlington and Grandview in the near West vicinity and Hilliard and Dublin in the Northwest.
But this city isn't just a great place to live. With events like the Columbus Arts Festival, it’s also a great place to visit. Kick-off summer along the Downtown Riverfront at this four-day street festival when over 300 nationally acclaimed artists display their work. In addition to the artwork, there’s also gourmet fare from local restaurants as well as live performances to enjoy. Then in July, return to the Riverfront when 500-700 thousand people flock to downtown to taste award winning ribs from around the country and to listen to live music performances at the Jazz and Rib Fest.
Columbus may not be a booming metropolis, but it certainly isn’t a cowtown. It’s a growing city that somehow has kept its small town-feel, and there lies its charm. Ready to take a closer look? For additional information on Columbus, check out the detailed article on Wikipedia.com at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbus,_Ohio.
Lezlie Grubb is an Account Executive at GSW Worldwide, a pharmaceutical advertising agency in Columbus, Ohio.
Forget what you think you know about this former cowtown. Columbus is one of the fastest growing metro areas in the Midwest and is the 15th largest city in the country. With Midwest values and a reasonable cost of living, this varied and much-growing city has a lot to offer the young professional crowd.
On the economic front, Columbus has the best economy in Ohio and the 7th strongest economy in the nation. This is according to a 2006 study done by Policom Corp., which determined the rankings of the nation’s 361 metropolitan areas by analyzing standard of living, income, job availability, unemployment conditions and other economic factors.
Just to name a few of the major players that help invigorate this city’s economy, Columbus serves as the headquarters for Cardinal Health, Limited Brands, Nationwide Insurance, American Electric Power and Battelle (the world’s largest private research institution). Two great places to start a job search in Columbus are columbus.careerboard.com and columbusjobs.com.
But it’s not just the economy that helps fuel this city. Columbus has many lively neighborhoods with their own unique offering of restaurants, pubs, coffee houses and specialty shops.
One of these popular areas is the Short North (theshortnorth.com). Located just north of downtown, most of the action can be found along High Street. The first Saturday of every month offers the perfect opportunity to grab a couple of friends and explore this part of town, when the art galleries and shops stay open late for Gallery Hop. Be prepared for a crowd however, since not even inclement weather can keep hoppers away from the galleries, restaurants and bars.
Another highlight of the Short North is the North Market. This indoor shopping market is filled with independent merchants and artisans who offer everything from fresh, local produce, fish and free-range meat to kitchen gadgets and a custom framing store. Also found in the North Market is Jeni’s Ice Creams. Signature flavors like salty caramel, dark cocoa gelato and Thai chili have helped to put this shop on the map. In fact, in 2005, owner/operator Jeni Britton was named a Tastemaker by Food & Wine magazine, an award given to “top young talents who’ve changed the world of food and wine by age 35.”
Bordering the Short North is the Arena District (arena-district.com). This is the site of Nationwide Arena where Columbus’ NHL team, the Blue Jackets, play. In addition to many restaurants and a movie theater, the Arena District boasts several bars and a few clubs. For cheap drinks it’s hard to beat It’s Brothers Bar and Grill (aka Brothers), Gaswerks or The Lodge Bar. All are within walking distance of each other and offer generous happy hour specials. If looking for a more fashionable scene or someplace to dance, check out Sugar or its sister club Spice.
On the other side of downtown Columbus lies German Village (germanvillage.com). Brick streets run through this historic section of the city situated primarily between Livingston Avenue and Greenlawn Avenue east of South High Street. There are numerous restaurants in German Village, but one that can’t be missed is Thurman Café, known for its humongous burgers and hefty portions. The wait can be long even on weeknights, so be sure to arrive early and before you are hungry.
For an after-dinner treat check out The Book Loft also located in German Village. It’s a 32-room bookstore that is unparalleled. Maps are provided for visitors at the front door, but each room is clearly labeled, so feel free to wander.
While these three downtown locations are quite trendy and offer plenty of places to patronize, they can be quite pricey for living. To help your rent or mortgage payment go further, living in the suburbs is a great solution, and downtown is never more than a 20-minute (or less) drive away. To get a clearer picture, check out an illustration of surrounding neighborhoods on the Columbus Chamber of Commerce Web site (http://www.columbus.org/lifestyle/neighbor.aspx). Clicking on the neighborhoods in the illustration will open a PDF with information specific to that area. Because of their locations and easy access to downtown, I’m partial to Upper Arlington and Grandview in the near West vicinity and Hilliard and Dublin in the Northwest.
But this city isn't just a great place to live. With events like the Columbus Arts Festival, it’s also a great place to visit. Kick-off summer along the Downtown Riverfront at this four-day street festival when over 300 nationally acclaimed artists display their work. In addition to the artwork, there’s also gourmet fare from local restaurants as well as live performances to enjoy. Then in July, return to the Riverfront when 500-700 thousand people flock to downtown to taste award winning ribs from around the country and to listen to live music performances at the Jazz and Rib Fest.
Columbus may not be a booming metropolis, but it certainly isn’t a cowtown. It’s a growing city that somehow has kept its small town-feel, and there lies its charm. Ready to take a closer look? For additional information on Columbus, check out the detailed article on Wikipedia.com at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbus,_Ohio.
Lezlie Grubb is an Account Executive at GSW Worldwide, a pharmaceutical advertising agency in Columbus, Ohio.
Breaking News: Crises Impact Everyone Regardless of Sequence
Breaking News
Crises Impact Everyone Regardless of Sequence
by Aaron Brown
“The only constant thing in this world is change.” If the saying is true, then it may be safe to say that the only certainty for journalism school graduates is that they will be impacted by a crisis.
Crisis journalism, sometimes broadly known as breaking news to those outside the profession, is understandably first linked with print, broadcast and online media outlets. Yet, behind the scenes public relations and advertising professionals may also be strategically planning a response or altering a program.
During this past year, the concept of citizen journalism has surfaced through new technologies as another outlet of breaking news communications. Yet it remains the responsibility of professionals to utilize news writing, information gathering and, perhaps most importantly, ethical decision making to report and communicate at the highest level. And for better or worse, it is often performance in these situations that can propel or alter a career path.
Realizing that crises will impact journalism careers should prompt us to analyze past events and case studies. Learning from those who have gone before can prove valuable when making decisions amid a crisis situation.
Reporting Crises
When covering disasters, reporters are exposed to scenes they likely have never witnessed previously. In the October/November issue of The Quill, the official publication of the Society of Professional Journalists, Meera Pal of the Contra Costa Times (Northern California) wrote that in her two weeks covering the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, she “learned more about journalism, human nature and myself, than I had in my lifetime.” Read the full article.
In addition to personally dealing with challenges, reporters are tasked with providing information that may not be readily available or fully accurate. Often, their sources are suffering or have been personally impacted by the crisis. And of course, all of this must be managed within intense time periods.
New technologies and the increased use of online media, such as blogs (See Baseline magazine article, “Are You Ready to Love Blogging?”), have empowered journalists to share more stories amid a crisis. Consider how embedded reporters (See Journalism.org article: “Emdedded Reporters: What Are Americans Getting?”) have changed Americans’ view of a war.
Despite what may seem less than desirable circumstances, crisis situations often help reporters realize their passion for their work. Most reporters love the business because of the thrill of the moment, the challenging conditions, and above all, the power to tell the world the story of what they see through their own eyes.
Managing Crises
For public relations and advertising professionals, crises require a similar passion for journalistic excellence. Public relations professionals must quickly write and distribute crisis communications pieces that ensure impacted employees, residents or other constituencies are safe and buildings secure. Meanwhile, those dealing with the media must have statements prepared and be equipped with information to provide to reporters should the situation warrant.
An article from the October issue of PR Tactics, the official newspaper of the Public Relations Society of America, notes “how important it is for action and communications to be aligned” in crisis situations. Read the full article.
“When action and communications are inconsistent, credibility goes out the door and the public’s trust disintegrates,” Dan Keeney of DPK Public Relations says in the article. “What is being communicated must be consistent with what’s being done.”
On another level, it is these same public relations professionals who will likely help coordinate corporate responsibility initiatives to raise funds and organize resources for those impacted by the crisis.
For advertising professionals, think about the challenge of altering a campaign or program impacted by a tragedy. For example, the major television networks were requiring all advertisements featuring or mentioning New Orleans to be changed after Hurricane Katrina. Statewide advertising was impacted by the crisis, including cancellation of a $7 million television and print campaign.
The October 10 issue of AdWeek features a story on how Louisiana is already planning to launch ads in October that “will remind people that some areas were unharmed, like New Orleans’ French Quarter.” Advertising associates at Peter A. Mayer Advertising, which handles the state’s travel and tourism account, will be strategizing ways to bring tourists back to New Orleans.
Maintaining Perspective
The examples presented above come from one of the most dramatic disasters experienced by the United States. The reality of the journalism profession is that crises of similar magnitude aren’t a regular occurrence; rather, reporters and public relations and advertising professionals deal with much smaller crises more frequently.
Regardless of your journalism background or the magnitude of the crisis, the most important professional objective is to communicate the truth to your audience. And in doing so, journalists must be committed to learning from each crisis they encounter in their career so that when the next one arrives, best practices can be deployed.
Aaron Brown (BSJ 2001) is an account supervisor with Fahlgren Mortine Public Relations in Columbus, Ohio. Aaron can be reached at aaron.brown@fahlgren.com.
Crises Impact Everyone Regardless of Sequence
by Aaron Brown
“The only constant thing in this world is change.” If the saying is true, then it may be safe to say that the only certainty for journalism school graduates is that they will be impacted by a crisis.
Crisis journalism, sometimes broadly known as breaking news to those outside the profession, is understandably first linked with print, broadcast and online media outlets. Yet, behind the scenes public relations and advertising professionals may also be strategically planning a response or altering a program.
During this past year, the concept of citizen journalism has surfaced through new technologies as another outlet of breaking news communications. Yet it remains the responsibility of professionals to utilize news writing, information gathering and, perhaps most importantly, ethical decision making to report and communicate at the highest level. And for better or worse, it is often performance in these situations that can propel or alter a career path.
Realizing that crises will impact journalism careers should prompt us to analyze past events and case studies. Learning from those who have gone before can prove valuable when making decisions amid a crisis situation.
Reporting Crises
When covering disasters, reporters are exposed to scenes they likely have never witnessed previously. In the October/November issue of The Quill, the official publication of the Society of Professional Journalists, Meera Pal of the Contra Costa Times (Northern California) wrote that in her two weeks covering the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, she “learned more about journalism, human nature and myself, than I had in my lifetime.” Read the full article.
In addition to personally dealing with challenges, reporters are tasked with providing information that may not be readily available or fully accurate. Often, their sources are suffering or have been personally impacted by the crisis. And of course, all of this must be managed within intense time periods.
New technologies and the increased use of online media, such as blogs (See Baseline magazine article, “Are You Ready to Love Blogging?”), have empowered journalists to share more stories amid a crisis. Consider how embedded reporters (See Journalism.org article: “Emdedded Reporters: What Are Americans Getting?”) have changed Americans’ view of a war.
Despite what may seem less than desirable circumstances, crisis situations often help reporters realize their passion for their work. Most reporters love the business because of the thrill of the moment, the challenging conditions, and above all, the power to tell the world the story of what they see through their own eyes.
Managing Crises
For public relations and advertising professionals, crises require a similar passion for journalistic excellence. Public relations professionals must quickly write and distribute crisis communications pieces that ensure impacted employees, residents or other constituencies are safe and buildings secure. Meanwhile, those dealing with the media must have statements prepared and be equipped with information to provide to reporters should the situation warrant.
An article from the October issue of PR Tactics, the official newspaper of the Public Relations Society of America, notes “how important it is for action and communications to be aligned” in crisis situations. Read the full article.
“When action and communications are inconsistent, credibility goes out the door and the public’s trust disintegrates,” Dan Keeney of DPK Public Relations says in the article. “What is being communicated must be consistent with what’s being done.”
On another level, it is these same public relations professionals who will likely help coordinate corporate responsibility initiatives to raise funds and organize resources for those impacted by the crisis.
For advertising professionals, think about the challenge of altering a campaign or program impacted by a tragedy. For example, the major television networks were requiring all advertisements featuring or mentioning New Orleans to be changed after Hurricane Katrina. Statewide advertising was impacted by the crisis, including cancellation of a $7 million television and print campaign.
The October 10 issue of AdWeek features a story on how Louisiana is already planning to launch ads in October that “will remind people that some areas were unharmed, like New Orleans’ French Quarter.” Advertising associates at Peter A. Mayer Advertising, which handles the state’s travel and tourism account, will be strategizing ways to bring tourists back to New Orleans.
Maintaining Perspective
The examples presented above come from one of the most dramatic disasters experienced by the United States. The reality of the journalism profession is that crises of similar magnitude aren’t a regular occurrence; rather, reporters and public relations and advertising professionals deal with much smaller crises more frequently.
Regardless of your journalism background or the magnitude of the crisis, the most important professional objective is to communicate the truth to your audience. And in doing so, journalists must be committed to learning from each crisis they encounter in their career so that when the next one arrives, best practices can be deployed.
Aaron Brown (BSJ 2001) is an account supervisor with Fahlgren Mortine Public Relations in Columbus, Ohio. Aaron can be reached at aaron.brown@fahlgren.com.
5 Ways to Impress a Hiring Manager
Five Ways to Wow a Hiring Manager
by Allison Stacy
You’ve heard the statistics: For any job opening you pursue, dozens (if not hundreds) of other applicants are vying for the same position. If you find those figures disheartening, you’re not alone. The hiring manger—that is, the person who has to root through that mountain of resumes and arrive at the right candidate for the job—shares your trepidation.
I know this because I’ve been on both sides of the resume pile. As editor of a national consumer magazine, I have the responsibility of hiring the editorial and design staff, including entry-level positions. From this experience, I also know that going up against a zillion other applicants doesn’t have to be a disadvantage—it can actually be an opportunity. Hiring managers look for people who stand out from the crowd, and the truth is that few applicants do. But you can: From the resume to the interview, here are five ways to impress the person who holds the key to your employment fate.
Make your resume distinctive. A hiring manager’s first impression comes from your resume, so be sure you’re truly putting your best foot forward. When you describe your work experience, emphasize accomplishments, not job functions. Suppose you spent a summer interning in the marketing department of the local arts council. Saying that you “wrote press releases” and “maintained the Web site” won’t tell a hiring manager anything she doesn’t already know. (What PR intern doesn’t write press releases?) Nor does it showcase how well you did the job. But if you instead explain that you “devised a low-cost online publicity campaign to encourage donations” and “created e-newsletter content that drove a 20 percent increase in Web site traffic,” that will make her take notice.
Tailor your cover letter. A lot of hiring managers see cover letters as a necessary evil: Managers enjoy reading them about as much as you enjoy writing them. But that’s only because they usually all sound the same—and they merely reiterate what’s in the stack of resumes. This is a shame: Why waste this prime opportunity to impress a potential employer?
When I’m reviewing applicants’ materials, I’m always delighted to come across an original cover letter—especially one that shows me why the author is an ideal candidate for the open position. (Note that I said show, not tell.) This can be as simple as forging a personal connection to the work you’d be doing. For example, because I work for Family Tree Magazine, a how-to publication for genealogy, I’ll sometimes get cover letters relaying how the applicants have researched their own family trees or how their families’ history and heritage have influenced their lives. That kind of letter always makes me give that person a second look. (Warning: This could backfire if you become cliché, such as telling the Chicago Cubs you’re a lifelong fan.)
Subtle flourishes can be even more effective. Editors don’t stop thinking like editors while they’re reading your cover letter. That means they’ll notice your attention to details, such as your conscious correct usage of a common grammatical faux pas or that you penned your letter according to the publication’s house style (which you’d discern from studying recent editions).
In case you haven’t yet gotten the hint, you should be customizing your cover letters for every position or company. Yes, it’s extra work—but if you’re not willing to make that effort, what message are you sending to the person you want to hire you?
Show you’ve studied your subject. The last thing a hiring manager wants to do is find himself in the same place—understaffed and in serious need of a replacement. So he’s going to be considering your level of interest in the position and company in addition to your qualifications. The best way to express that you really want the job (and not in a I-can’t-go-back-to-living-with-Mom-and-Dad kind of way): Let him know you’ve done your homework.
Of course, this starts with research. Learn everything you can about the publication, station, or organization. What’s its mission? What audience does it serve? Broaden your investigation to the parent company. What other products does it produce? How has it been making news lately? Such information is now easy to track down on Web sites, such as I Want Media.
You can weave some of your newfound knowledge into your cover letter. In fact, that’s another good way to let the hiring manager know he hasn’t gotten yet another generic form letter. But you’ll totally knock his socks off if you put your awareness to work: Along with your resume, cover letter and work samples, include a list of article pitches perfectly suited to the magazine, a new ad campaign idea for one of the agency’s clients, or whatever project is appropriate. Not only does this showcase your research skills, it shows the hiring manager you want the position badly enough that you’re willing to work for it.
Know the competition. Every Web site, publication, TV news operation, ad agency, and PR firm has competitors. You’ll really impress a hiring manager by coming to an interview with an understanding not just of your prospective employer, but also of who its rivals are. If you were the editor of Modern Ferret, wouldn’t you be wowed by an applicant who knew that Ferrets Magazine also serves the ferret-owning public? The interview questions will probably give you a chance to show off your knowledge; if they don’t, work it in when you have the opportunity to ask questions.
Go the extra mile. No matter what position or journalistic discipline you work in, managers like employees who take initiative. So show you’re a go-getter: If you’re asked to complete a test or assignment as part of the application process—and you most likely will be—go above and beyond the requirements. To give a couple of real-life examples: I was impressed by a managing editor candidate who, in her test edit of a feature article, included artwork and design ideas based on my magazine’s past feature designs. Likewise, I asked art director candidates to devise a photo or illustration idea for a particular article and describe their instructions for the photographer or illustrator. The graphic designer I ultimately hired went a step further and provided a sketch of her illustration concept. Follow her cue, and you’ll get hired, too.
Allison Stacy (BSJ ‘99) is editor of Family Tree Magazine, published by F+W Publications in Cincinnati, Ohio. Allison can be reached at allisonstacy@yahoo.com.
by Allison Stacy
You’ve heard the statistics: For any job opening you pursue, dozens (if not hundreds) of other applicants are vying for the same position. If you find those figures disheartening, you’re not alone. The hiring manger—that is, the person who has to root through that mountain of resumes and arrive at the right candidate for the job—shares your trepidation.
I know this because I’ve been on both sides of the resume pile. As editor of a national consumer magazine, I have the responsibility of hiring the editorial and design staff, including entry-level positions. From this experience, I also know that going up against a zillion other applicants doesn’t have to be a disadvantage—it can actually be an opportunity. Hiring managers look for people who stand out from the crowd, and the truth is that few applicants do. But you can: From the resume to the interview, here are five ways to impress the person who holds the key to your employment fate.
Make your resume distinctive. A hiring manager’s first impression comes from your resume, so be sure you’re truly putting your best foot forward. When you describe your work experience, emphasize accomplishments, not job functions. Suppose you spent a summer interning in the marketing department of the local arts council. Saying that you “wrote press releases” and “maintained the Web site” won’t tell a hiring manager anything she doesn’t already know. (What PR intern doesn’t write press releases?) Nor does it showcase how well you did the job. But if you instead explain that you “devised a low-cost online publicity campaign to encourage donations” and “created e-newsletter content that drove a 20 percent increase in Web site traffic,” that will make her take notice.
Tailor your cover letter. A lot of hiring managers see cover letters as a necessary evil: Managers enjoy reading them about as much as you enjoy writing them. But that’s only because they usually all sound the same—and they merely reiterate what’s in the stack of resumes. This is a shame: Why waste this prime opportunity to impress a potential employer?
When I’m reviewing applicants’ materials, I’m always delighted to come across an original cover letter—especially one that shows me why the author is an ideal candidate for the open position. (Note that I said show, not tell.) This can be as simple as forging a personal connection to the work you’d be doing. For example, because I work for Family Tree Magazine, a how-to publication for genealogy, I’ll sometimes get cover letters relaying how the applicants have researched their own family trees or how their families’ history and heritage have influenced their lives. That kind of letter always makes me give that person a second look. (Warning: This could backfire if you become cliché, such as telling the Chicago Cubs you’re a lifelong fan.)
Subtle flourishes can be even more effective. Editors don’t stop thinking like editors while they’re reading your cover letter. That means they’ll notice your attention to details, such as your conscious correct usage of a common grammatical faux pas or that you penned your letter according to the publication’s house style (which you’d discern from studying recent editions).
In case you haven’t yet gotten the hint, you should be customizing your cover letters for every position or company. Yes, it’s extra work—but if you’re not willing to make that effort, what message are you sending to the person you want to hire you?
Show you’ve studied your subject. The last thing a hiring manager wants to do is find himself in the same place—understaffed and in serious need of a replacement. So he’s going to be considering your level of interest in the position and company in addition to your qualifications. The best way to express that you really want the job (and not in a I-can’t-go-back-to-living-with-Mom-and-Dad kind of way): Let him know you’ve done your homework.
Of course, this starts with research. Learn everything you can about the publication, station, or organization. What’s its mission? What audience does it serve? Broaden your investigation to the parent company. What other products does it produce? How has it been making news lately? Such information is now easy to track down on Web sites, such as I Want Media.
You can weave some of your newfound knowledge into your cover letter. In fact, that’s another good way to let the hiring manager know he hasn’t gotten yet another generic form letter. But you’ll totally knock his socks off if you put your awareness to work: Along with your resume, cover letter and work samples, include a list of article pitches perfectly suited to the magazine, a new ad campaign idea for one of the agency’s clients, or whatever project is appropriate. Not only does this showcase your research skills, it shows the hiring manager you want the position badly enough that you’re willing to work for it.
Know the competition. Every Web site, publication, TV news operation, ad agency, and PR firm has competitors. You’ll really impress a hiring manager by coming to an interview with an understanding not just of your prospective employer, but also of who its rivals are. If you were the editor of Modern Ferret, wouldn’t you be wowed by an applicant who knew that Ferrets Magazine also serves the ferret-owning public? The interview questions will probably give you a chance to show off your knowledge; if they don’t, work it in when you have the opportunity to ask questions.
Go the extra mile. No matter what position or journalistic discipline you work in, managers like employees who take initiative. So show you’re a go-getter: If you’re asked to complete a test or assignment as part of the application process—and you most likely will be—go above and beyond the requirements. To give a couple of real-life examples: I was impressed by a managing editor candidate who, in her test edit of a feature article, included artwork and design ideas based on my magazine’s past feature designs. Likewise, I asked art director candidates to devise a photo or illustration idea for a particular article and describe their instructions for the photographer or illustrator. The graphic designer I ultimately hired went a step further and provided a sketch of her illustration concept. Follow her cue, and you’ll get hired, too.
Allison Stacy (BSJ ‘99) is editor of Family Tree Magazine, published by F+W Publications in Cincinnati, Ohio. Allison can be reached at allisonstacy@yahoo.com.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
The Perfect Handshake
You may look at the title of this article and think, “Really? What’s the big deal about a handshake? How hard can it be?” Well, take it from someone who has shaken a lot of hands over the years: handshakes matter.
Most people don’t realize that there are right and wrong ways of shaking hands. Believe me, you don’t want to be known around the office as the “wet noodle” or the “bonecrusher.” People DO notice your handshake and they DO make judgments about your character and level of confidence through your handshake. Communicating confidence and reliability are crucial to your success in not only business, but life. A well-executed handshake is probably the best and easiest to develop business skill.
While a handshake might seem like a straightforward no-brainer, there are a few things you need to remember:
1. Shake hands whenever you are introduced to someone, whenever you introduce yourself to someone, and whenever you say goodbye.
2. Say something when you shake hands. “It’s very nice to meet you Mr. Smith” and “It’s great to see you again” are appropriate.
3. Make sure your hands are dry. No one likes clammy hands. In fact, sweaty hands communicate nervousness and can make people think you are not up to the job or that you have something to hide. Experts recommend carrying Kleenex or baby powder with you to absorb excess moisture.
4. Think about your grip. A medium-firm grip conveys confidence and authority, which is what you want to exude.
5. Respond with pressure that meets the pressure you receive and don’t try to overpower the other person if their grasp is more timid.
6. Shake palm to palm and keep your hand perpendicular to the ground.
7. Know when to let go. The ideal handshake lasts about three seconds. The hands can be pumped once or twice, but that’s enough. Continually pumping hands comes across as overzealous and, quite frankly, kind of awkward.
8. Make eye contact and smile.
9. Only do the hand-in-hand handshake when congratulating someone you know well. The hand-in-hand is when you sandwich the other person’s hand with both of your hands. If you do this to someone you don’t know very well or have just met, they can feel uncomfortable, overpowered, or even threatened. So be careful and use this handshake sparingly.
In today’s business world, both men and women shake hands. The idea that a woman should not extend her hand first or a man should wait for a woman to extend her hand is outdated. Both men and women can feel free to extend their hands out first when meeting someone. In fact, I recommend it. The perfect handshake is one that conveys a friendly, welcoming attitude. A firm handshake helps make a good first impression for both men and women.
Below are some common types of “bad handshakes.” Pay attention because you don’t want to be the person who greets others with these handshakes.
The “Wet One”: Hand is clammy and cold. This type of handshake is universally unpopular and is read by the receiver as a lack of commitment to the encounter.
The “Dead Fish”: Hand is limp, lifeless and just hangs. This type of handshake leaves the impression that you don’t have an interest in the meeting and conveys a lackluster personality.
The “Bone Crusher”: Handshake is hard and forceful and involves squeezing the other person’s hand tightly. A trademark of the overly aggressive person, this type of handshake reveals a desire to dominate and assume early control.
The “Fingertip Grab”: A handshake where the fingers are grabbed instead of the entire hand. This type of handshake shows a lack of confidence.
The “Stiff Arm Thrust”: Hand is stiff and body is leaning forward. This type of handshake is used by aggressive types to keep others at a distance and show control.
The “Pumper”: Hand is pumped with energy and a rhythmic series of rapid vertical strokes. This handshake is overly eager and insecure. This person doesn’t know when to quit and stalls because he/she doesn’t know what to do next.
The “Don’t Touch Me”: Hand is not even fully offered. This person will barely put three or four fingers in your hand—and then withdraw them quickly, almost as if afraid of catching a disease. This appears timid, sheepish, and distant.
The “I’m You’re Best Friend”: Hand and arm are clasped forcefully. This person comes across as too familiar, clasping your arm and perhaps attempting to hug you. This behavior may be appropriate at a funeral, but it comes across as condescending and inappropriate in a business setting.
Please take note of the above mentioned handshake types because they can help you become a better “shaker.” Jill Bremer, a professional image consultant and co-author of It’s Your Move: Dealing Yourself the Best Cards in Life and Work says, “Handshakes are the only consistent physical contact we have in the business world. They happen first, so they set the tone for the entire relationship,” and everyone knows how important first impressions are.
Sharon Metzung (BSJ 2003) is the Publications & Graphics Manager at Lake Metroparks in Concord Township, Ohio. She can be reached at s_metzung@yahoo.com.
Most people don’t realize that there are right and wrong ways of shaking hands. Believe me, you don’t want to be known around the office as the “wet noodle” or the “bonecrusher.” People DO notice your handshake and they DO make judgments about your character and level of confidence through your handshake. Communicating confidence and reliability are crucial to your success in not only business, but life. A well-executed handshake is probably the best and easiest to develop business skill.
While a handshake might seem like a straightforward no-brainer, there are a few things you need to remember:
1. Shake hands whenever you are introduced to someone, whenever you introduce yourself to someone, and whenever you say goodbye.
2. Say something when you shake hands. “It’s very nice to meet you Mr. Smith” and “It’s great to see you again” are appropriate.
3. Make sure your hands are dry. No one likes clammy hands. In fact, sweaty hands communicate nervousness and can make people think you are not up to the job or that you have something to hide. Experts recommend carrying Kleenex or baby powder with you to absorb excess moisture.
4. Think about your grip. A medium-firm grip conveys confidence and authority, which is what you want to exude.
5. Respond with pressure that meets the pressure you receive and don’t try to overpower the other person if their grasp is more timid.
6. Shake palm to palm and keep your hand perpendicular to the ground.
7. Know when to let go. The ideal handshake lasts about three seconds. The hands can be pumped once or twice, but that’s enough. Continually pumping hands comes across as overzealous and, quite frankly, kind of awkward.
8. Make eye contact and smile.
9. Only do the hand-in-hand handshake when congratulating someone you know well. The hand-in-hand is when you sandwich the other person’s hand with both of your hands. If you do this to someone you don’t know very well or have just met, they can feel uncomfortable, overpowered, or even threatened. So be careful and use this handshake sparingly.
In today’s business world, both men and women shake hands. The idea that a woman should not extend her hand first or a man should wait for a woman to extend her hand is outdated. Both men and women can feel free to extend their hands out first when meeting someone. In fact, I recommend it. The perfect handshake is one that conveys a friendly, welcoming attitude. A firm handshake helps make a good first impression for both men and women.
Below are some common types of “bad handshakes.” Pay attention because you don’t want to be the person who greets others with these handshakes.
The “Wet One”: Hand is clammy and cold. This type of handshake is universally unpopular and is read by the receiver as a lack of commitment to the encounter.
The “Dead Fish”: Hand is limp, lifeless and just hangs. This type of handshake leaves the impression that you don’t have an interest in the meeting and conveys a lackluster personality.
The “Bone Crusher”: Handshake is hard and forceful and involves squeezing the other person’s hand tightly. A trademark of the overly aggressive person, this type of handshake reveals a desire to dominate and assume early control.
The “Fingertip Grab”: A handshake where the fingers are grabbed instead of the entire hand. This type of handshake shows a lack of confidence.
The “Stiff Arm Thrust”: Hand is stiff and body is leaning forward. This type of handshake is used by aggressive types to keep others at a distance and show control.
The “Pumper”: Hand is pumped with energy and a rhythmic series of rapid vertical strokes. This handshake is overly eager and insecure. This person doesn’t know when to quit and stalls because he/she doesn’t know what to do next.
The “Don’t Touch Me”: Hand is not even fully offered. This person will barely put three or four fingers in your hand—and then withdraw them quickly, almost as if afraid of catching a disease. This appears timid, sheepish, and distant.
The “I’m You’re Best Friend”: Hand and arm are clasped forcefully. This person comes across as too familiar, clasping your arm and perhaps attempting to hug you. This behavior may be appropriate at a funeral, but it comes across as condescending and inappropriate in a business setting.
Please take note of the above mentioned handshake types because they can help you become a better “shaker.” Jill Bremer, a professional image consultant and co-author of It’s Your Move: Dealing Yourself the Best Cards in Life and Work says, “Handshakes are the only consistent physical contact we have in the business world. They happen first, so they set the tone for the entire relationship,” and everyone knows how important first impressions are.
Sharon Metzung (BSJ 2003) is the Publications & Graphics Manager at Lake Metroparks in Concord Township, Ohio. She can be reached at s_metzung@yahoo.com.
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