ProfNet is a free service that provides journalists, bloggers, authors and other writers with links to experts and story ideas on the topics they cover. You’ll also find links to job opportunities and other news and resources we think you’ll find useful. To receive these updates by email, send a note to profnet@profnet.com with the industries you cover, and we'll add you to the appropriate edition.

If you are in need of an expert source, you can also submit a free ProfNet query and have qualified sources come to you, or search the free ProfNet Connect database, which features nearly 50,000 user profiles, all searchable by keyword. If you are looking for Spanish-speaking experts, you can also opt to send your query via ProfNet en Español; just select that option when submitting your request.

Submit a free ProfNet query

Search the ProfNet Connect experts database

EXPERT ALERTS

• There Is Help for Overqualified Job Seekers in a Difficult Market
• New Job Skills Can Increase Your Chances of Being Hired
• Dressing for Success to Get That Job Is as Important as Ever
• What Mortgage Brokers Need to Know About Realtors

MEDIA JOBS

• Assistant Editor - NYC
• Executive Editor - Washington, D.C.
• Weekend Anchor/Reporter - Memphis, Tenn.
• Web Editor - Huntington, Ind.
• Staff Writer/Blogger - Orlando, Fla.

OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES

• Grammar Hammer: Is June 18 'A' or 'An' Historic Day?
• Seven Ingredients for Crisp Writing
• Ten Business Blogging Mistakes

***************
EXPERT ALERTS

Expert Alerts are listings of ProfNet members who are available to discuss timely news topics. If you are interested in interviewing any of the experts, please contact their media representative at the end of the listing. You can also find Expert Alerts online at bit.ly/pncalerts

There Is Help for Overqualified Job Seekers in a Difficult Market
Sheryl Decker
Director of Career Services
Brown Mackie College -- South Bend (Ind.)
"Today’s highly competitive job market presents challenges for everyone seeking employment. Recent graduates and seasoned professionals alike encounter limited opportunities. After submitting a resume and cover letter, these job seekers sometimes do not get a reply from prospective employers. This is discouraging, but not a surprise when employers often receive hundreds of resumes for every job posted, as reported by GetHired.com (bit.ly/NBpgYK), a website that helps people find the right job and helps companies find the right employees. The tight job market can be especially hard on job seekers with 15 or more years of work experience. As they look through posted jobs, they often find entry-level openings that require less education or experience than they have accumulated."
Decker can offer steps that can help overqualified job seekers find employment.
News Contact: J. Stephen Dobbins, stdobbins@brownmackie.edu or +1-513-830-2005

New Job Skills Can Increase Your Chances of Being Hired
Tammy Newsom
Director of Career Services
Brown Mackie College -- Birmingham (Ala.)
"Many Americans are involved in prolonged job searches these days. With the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bit.ly/LoHMPh) reporting the unemployment rate still hovering around 8 percent at the end of April 2012, competition among job seekers can be daunting. This is a good time to evaluate your viability in the job market, beginning with an assessment of your skills. Employers can be picky. There’s a large pool of applicants to choose from. Candidates must be sure to offer a well-rounded skill set, not just technical knowledge."
Newsom can reveal several must-have attributes employment candidates should possess.
News Contact: J. Stephen Dobbins, stdobbins@brownmackie.edu or +1-513-830-2005

Dressing for Success to Get That Job Is as Important as Ever
Nancy Cerny
Director of Career Services
Brown Mackie College -- Quad Cities in Bettendorf, Iowa
"Remember how you would lay out your clothes the night before you went to school? You may want to continue that habit -- if you’re in the market for a job or want to hold on to your current position. Preparation goes a long way when it comes to making a good impression. Always dress one notch higher than you think is needed. It’s better to err on the side of dressing more conservative. It is also helpful to place a call to the receptionist at the company you are interviewing to ask about appropriate office attire. You really don’t have to spend a lot of money to look professional, but you do need to spend a good amount of time planning for it."
Cerny can offer tips on dressing for success to get that job.
News Contact: J. Stephen Dobbins, stdobbins@brownmackie.edu or +1-513-830-2005

What Mortgage Brokers Need to Know About Realtors
Jim Lowenstern
CEO
Castles Unlimited
"It's no secret that real estate agents may hold they keys to a steady stream of business for mortgage brokers. It's also no secret that permeating this group is not for the faint of heart. Here are some tips to establish a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship with top-tier agents: 1) Feed them. 2) Take their calls. Realtors work 24/7 and need mortgage brokers 24/7. 3) Promote them. Realtors are great networkers and will be happy to promote you, but first you need to promote them. 4) Get to know them. 5) Realtors don’t care about rates. Your average homebuyer will shop the rate, but in order to get that buyer to call you, you need to stop relying on rate sheets to entice the Realtor."
News Contact: Anna Steinbock, anna@exposeyourselfpr.com

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MEDIA JOBS:

Following are links to job listings for staff and freelance writers. You can view these and more job listings on our Job Board: bit.ly/pncjobboard

• Assistant Editor - NYC
• Executive Editor - Washington, D.C.
• Weekend Anchor/Reporter - Memphis, Tenn.
• Web Editor - Huntington, Ind.
• Staff Writer/Blogger - Orlando, Fla.

See more listings here.

******************

OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES:

Following are links to other news and resources we think you might find useful. If you have an item you think other reporters would be interested in and would like us to include in a future alert, please drop us a line at profnetalerts@prnewswire.com

• GRAMMAR HAMMER: IS JUNE 18 'A' OR 'AN' HISTORIC DAY? ProfNet Editor Grace Lavigne reviews when to use "a" vs. "an": goo.gl/zGSti

• SEVEN INGREDIENTS FOR CRISP WRITING: Steve Vittorioso recaps a writing webinar on how communicators can sharpen their prose: goo.gl/7bEPz

• TEN BUSINESS BLOGGING MISTAKES: ProfNet Director Maria Perez summarizes a BlogWorld & New Media Expo workshop on how to improve company blog content: goo.gl/3lMgc

ProfNet, a service of PR Newswire, has helped journalists and experts connect since 1992. Writers can search the ProfNet Connect database of more than 50,000 profiles; send a ProfNet query by email to thousands of subscribers around the globe; or get timely experts and story ideas by email.

ProfNet is a free service that provides journalists, bloggers, authors and other writers with links to experts and story ideas on the topics they cover. You’ll also find links to job opportunities and other news and resources we think you’ll find useful. To receive these updates by email, send a note to profnet@profnet.com with the industries you cover, and we'll add you to the appropriate edition.

If you are in need of an expert source, you can also submit a free ProfNet query and have qualified sources come to you, or search the free ProfNet Connect database, which features nearly 50,000 user profiles, all searchable by keyword. If you are looking for Spanish-speaking experts, you can also opt to send your query via ProfNet en Español; just select that option when submitting your request.

Submit a free ProfNet query

Search the ProfNet Connect experts database

EXPERT ALERTS

• Best Practices in Prevention-Based Employee Health Programs
• Decision May Help Curb Debt Collector Suits
• Preparation Is Key as Hurricane Season Begins

MEDIA JOBS

• Multimedia Journalist - Sacramento, Calif.
• Reporter - Seattle
• News Editor - NYC
• Reporter - Morris, Ill.
• Associate Editor - Norwalk, Conn.

OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES

• Seven Deadly Social Sins
• Dear Gracie: How to Tactfully Edit Someone's Writing
• Tool Spotlight: Infogr.am
• #ConnectChat Recap: How to Develop an Integrated Marketing Campaign

***************
EXPERT ALERTS

Expert Alerts are listings of ProfNet members who are available to discuss timely news topics. If you are interested in interviewing any of the experts, please contact their media representative at the end of the listing. You can also find Expert Alerts online at bit.ly/pncalerts

Best Practices in Prevention-Based Employee Health Programs
Jennifer Turgiss
Vice President, Health Management
Virgin HealthMiles
"Forward-thinking employers know helping their employees make healthy lifestyle choices will help curb rising health care costs and improve workforce productivity. National Employee Wellness Month, which is in June, is a perfect milestone for companies at any stage of the wellness curve to learn proven best practices from their peers about creating a stronger culture of health within their organization. One critical success factor for companies doing wellness right: they not only offer a relevant mix of health and wellness benefits, but also effectively promote and manage these programs so employees take full advantage of them. If employees aren’t aware of their employers’ health and wellness programs and how to participate, health behaviors won’t change."
Virgin HealthMiles is a provider of corporate programs and technologies that engage the workforce in good health.
Website: bit.ly/JSPAOa
News Contact: Marian Hughes, mhughes@tieronepr.com or +1-708-246-0083

Decision May Help Curb Debt Collector Suits
Brandon Starling
Debt Collection Attorney
Shackelford Melton & McKinley in Dallas
“The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision to hear arguments on whether debt collection agencies can collect legal fees against debtors who sue them has the potential to shift the legal landscape, and this might make law firms that file massive numbers of these fair debt collection suits think twice. Media reports indicate that claims against debt collectors increased nationally from about 3,200 in 2006 to more than 12,000 in 2011. Many of these cases against debt collectors are filed by firms whose business models focus on filing a large volume of lawsuits, in part because if debtors win, the debt collection firms often must pay for the plaintiff’s legal fees. If the Supreme Court were to say these debt collection firms can be awarded fees and costs in their legal defense, it might make these plaintiff firms more reasonable and easier to deal with.”
News Contact: Rhonda Reddick, rhonda@androvett.com or +1-800-559-4534

Preparation Is Key as Hurricane Season Begins
Phillip Sanov
Attorney, Head of the Bad Faith Insurance Practice Group
The Lanier Law Firm in Houston
“Although hurricane season did not officially start until June 1, the two named storms in May were a reminder that homeowners and business owners along the Gulf Coast should be prepared. Now is the time to make sure your insurance policies are up-to-date, and to document the condition of homes, offices and belongings. Too often we see insurance companies that deny, delay or vastly underpay legitimate claims, often citing ‘pre-existing’ conditions. Perhaps the No. 1 tip I have is to take lots and lots of pictures now, so you have good visual evidence showing the existing condition of your walls, roof, floors and belongings.”
News Contact: Alan Bentrup, alan@androvett.com or +1-800-559-4534

***************

MEDIA JOBS:

Following are links to job listings for staff and freelance writers. You can view these and more job listings on our Job Board: bit.ly/pncjobboard

• Multimedia Journalist - Sacramento, Calif.
• Reporter - Seattle
• News Editor - NYC
• Reporter - Morris, Ill.
• Associate Editor - Norwalk, Conn.

See more listings here.

******************

OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES:

Following are links to other news and resources we think you might find useful. If you have an item you think other reporters would be interested in and would like us to include in a future alert, please drop us a line at profnetalerts@prnewswire.com

• SEVEN DEADLY SOCIAL SINS: ProfNet Director Maria Perez recaps BlogWorld & New Media Expo's session on how to use social media effectively: goo.gl/16JOk

• DEAR GRACIE: HOW TO TACTFULLY EDIT SOMEONE'S WRITING: ProfNet Editor Grace Lavigne discusses how to effectively critique writing without being harsh: goo.gl/Rxowk

• TOOL SPOTLIGHT: INFOGR.AM: ProfNet Editor Jason Hahn reviews Infogr.am, a website that allows users to create their own infographics and charts: goo.gl/kok8m

• #CONNECTCHAT RECAP: HOW TO DEVELOP AN INTEGRATED MARKETING CAMPAIGN IN A DIGITAL ERA: ProfNet Editor Grace Lavigne recaps her interview with marketing expert Gini Dietrich on how to break down business "silos": goo.gl/ySPNK

ProfNet, a service of PR Newswire, has helped journalists and experts connect since 1992. Writers can search the ProfNet Connect database of more than 50,000 profiles; send a ProfNet query by email to thousands of subscribers around the globe; or get timely experts and story ideas by email.

ProfNet is a free service that provides journalists, bloggers, authors and other writers with links to experts and story ideas on the topics they cover. You’ll also find links to job opportunities and other news and resources we think you’ll find useful. To receive these updates by email, send a note to profnet@profnet.com with the industries you cover, and we'll add you to the appropriate edition.

If you are in need of an expert source, you can also submit a free ProfNet query and have qualified sources come to you, or search the free ProfNet Connect database, which features nearly 50,000 user profiles, all searchable by keyword. If you are looking for Spanish-speaking experts, you can also opt to send your query via ProfNet en Español; just select that option when submitting your request.

Submit a free ProfNet query

Search the ProfNet Connect experts database

EXPERT ALERTS

• Recall Election of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker: Impact on Labor Relations
• Thirty-Year Anniversary of Plyler v. Doe

MEDIA JOBS

• Reporter - San Francisco
• Contributing Editor - NYC
• Associate Editor - NYC
• Features/Arts Reporter - Manchester, N.H.
• Reporter - Waynesboro, Va.

OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES

• Freelance Focus: Pinterest for Writers
• The Three Best Places to Start Your Journalism Career
• Grammar Hammer: Who or Whom Wants a Cat Hug? Me-ow!

**************
EXPERT ALERTS

Expert Alerts are listings of ProfNet members who are available to discuss timely news topics. If you are interested in interviewing any of the experts, please contact their media representative at the end of the listing. You can also find Expert Alerts online at bit.ly/pncalerts

Recall Election of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker: Impact on Labor Relations
Kenneth G. Dau-Schmidt
Willard and Margaret Carr Professor of Labor and Employment Law
Indiana University Maurer School of Law in Bloomington
Dau-Schmidt is a nationally recognized teacher and scholar on labor and employment law, and is available to comment on Tuesday’s recall election of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker.
"The election reflects the current polarized climate surrounding labor relations. The gravity of the labor issues surrounding Walker’s recall and the lack of effort at a bipartisan resolution signify the deep differences of opinion on public-employee collective-bargaining rights. This election is an important test between the continuing political power of unions and the growing political power of corporations and wealthy out-of-state donors."
News Contact: Brianne O’Donnell, brianne.odonnell@gabbe.com or +1-212-220-4444c

Thirty-Year Anniversary of Plyler v. Doe
Michael A. Olivas
William B. Bates Distinguished Chair of Law
Director of the Institute of Higher Education Law and Governance at the Law Center
University of Houston
"June 15 marks the 30th anniversary of a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision that required public school districts to educate all K-12 children regardless of their citizenship status. The decision was the best our country has to offer: compassion, a fierce belief in reducing inequality, and political and personal courage. The case continues to require vigilance because some states still attempt to enact their own laws on the schooling of undocumented children, as Alabama did when it passed a statute requiring registration of its schoolchildren. We desperately need to enact comprehensive immigration reform, and until then, we need a robust DREAM Act."
Olivas is a national expert on education and immigration law, and can offer unique insight on the Plyler v. Doe ruling, its impact during the past 30 years and the future course of immigration. He is the author of "No Undocumented Children Left Behind: Plyler v. Doe and the Education of Undocumented Children."
News Contacts: Carrie Criado, cacriado@central.uh.edu or +1-713-743-2184; and John T. Kling, jtkling@central.uh.edu or +1-713-743-8298

***************

MEDIA JOBS:

Following are links to job listings for staff and freelance writers. You can view these and more job listings on our Job Board: bit.ly/pncjobboard

• Reporter - San Francisco
• Contributing Editor - NYC
• Associate Editor - NYC
• Features/Arts Reporter - Manchester, N.H.
• Reporter - Waynesboro, Va.

See more listings here.

******************

OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES:

Following are links to other news and resources we think you might find useful. If you have an item you think other reporters would be interested in and would like us to include in a future alert, please drop us a line at profnetalerts@prnewswire.com

• FREELANCE FOCUS: PINTEREST FOR WRITERS: ProfNet Director Maria Perez explains how writers can use the social network to promote their work: goo.gl/sD5Zm

• THE THREE BEST PLACES TO START YOUR JOURNALISM CAREER: Professor Tony Rogers shares insight on how to break into hard news: goo.gl/ZjTEv

• GRAMMAR HAMMER: WHO OR WHOM WANTS A CAT HUG? ME-OW! ProfNet Editor Grace Lavigne reviews when to use who vs. whom: goo.gl/6gtF4

ProfNet is a free service that provides journalists, bloggers, authors and other writers with links to experts and story ideas on the topics they cover. You’ll also find links to job opportunities and other news and resources we think you’ll find useful. To receive these updates by email, send a note to profnet@profnet.com with the industries you cover, and we'll add you to the appropriate edition.

If you are in need of an expert source, you can also submit a free ProfNet query and have qualified sources come to you, or search the free ProfNet Connect database, which features nearly 50,000 user profiles, all searchable by keyword. If you are looking for Spanish-speaking experts, you can also opt to send your query via ProfNet en Español; just select that option when submitting your request.

Submit a free ProfNet query

Search the ProfNet Connect experts database

EXPERT ALERTS

• Recall Election of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker: Impact on Labor Relations
• Using Brain Science to Improve Online Video Clicks
• Effective Marketing Tips for Garage Sales

MEDIA JOBS

• Reporter - San Francisco
• Contributing Editor - NYC
• Associate Editor - NYC
• Features/Arts Reporter - Manchester, N.H.
• Reporter - Waynesboro, Va.

OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES

• Upcoming #ConnectChat: How to Develop an Integrated Marketing Campaign
• Technology Blogs: Geeking Out
• Freelance Focus: Pinterest for Writers
• The Three Best Places to Start Your Journalism Career
• Grammar Hammer: Who or Whom Wants a Cat Hug? Me-ow!

****************

EXPERT ALERTS

Expert Alerts are listings of ProfNet members who are available to discuss timely news topics. If you are interested in interviewing any of the experts, please contact their media representative at the end of the listing. You can also find Expert Alerts online at bit.ly/pncalerts

Recall Election of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker: Impact on Labor Relations
Kenneth G. Dau-Schmidt
Willard and Margaret Carr Professor of Labor and Employment Law
Indiana University Maurer School of Law in Bloomington
Dau-Schmidt is a nationally recognized teacher and scholar on labor and employment law, and is available to comment on Tuesday’s recall election of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker.
"The election reflects the current polarized climate surrounding labor relations. The gravity of the labor issues surrounding Walker’s recall and the lack of effort at a bipartisan resolution signify the deep differences of opinion on public-employee collective-bargaining rights. This election is an important test between the continuing political power of unions and the growing political power of corporations and wealthy out-of-state donors."
News Contact: Brianne O’Donnell, brianne.odonnell@gabbe.com or +1-212-220-4444

Using Brain Science to Improve Online Video Clicks
Sophie Lebrecht
Postdoctoral Fellow
Carnegie Mellon University
Lebrecht’s recent research published in Frontiers in Psychology shows that the brain’s visual perception system automatically and unconsciously guides decision-making through valence perception. With support from the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Innovation Corps (I-Corps), Lebrecht has spent the past six months transitioning the research’s scientific application to the online video market with the startup company Neonlabs. The company's approach streamlines the process of choosing the most visually appealing thumbnails for online videos, based on science.
“Everything you see, you automatically dislike or like, prefer or don’t prefer, in part because of valence perception. Valence links what we see in the world to how we make decisions. Thumbnails are a huge problem for any online video publisher."
News Contact: Shilo Rea, shilo@cmu.edu or +1-412-268-6094

Effective Marketing Tips for Garage Sales
Marcela Iannini
Department Chair of Advertising, Design and Media Management
Miami International University of Art & Design
"Garage sales are great opportunities to employ basic marketing principles in a fun way. A little innovation and creativity can go a long way to maximize sales."
Iannini can discuss: 1) Product and Price: Product mix is important in retailing. You can either focus on one type of product (kids' toys or garden tools, for instance), or a broad mix of products. 2) Place (Scheduling/Location): Think about a high-traffic area; retailers pay a premium for high-traffic locations. Perhaps you can team up with several neighbors and choose the house that has the most street visibility. 3) Promotion (Advertising/Marketing): A successful garage sale requires careful planning and promotion using proven advertising strategies to make your sale stand out. One successful strategy is choosing a theme related to the items to be sold and carrying out the theme in all aspects of the sale.
Website: www.artinstitutes.edu/Miami
News Contact: Marcia Gomez, magomez@aii.edu or +1-305-428-5676

***************

MEDIA JOBS:

Following are links to job listings for staff and freelance writers. You can view these and more job listings on our Job Board: bit.ly/pncjobboard

• Reporter - San Francisco
• Contributing Editor - NYC
• Associate Editor - NYC
• Features/Arts Reporter - Manchester, N.H.
• Reporter - Waynesboro, Va.

See more listings here.

******************

OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES:

Following are links to other news and resources we think you might find useful. If you have an item you think other reporters would be interested in and would like us to include in a future alert, please drop us a line at profnetalerts@prnewswire.com

• UPCOMING #CONNECTCHAT: HOW TO DEVELOP AN INTEGRATED MARKETING CAMPAIGN IN A DIGITAL ERA: ProfNet Editor Grace Lavigne will interview marketing expert Gini Dietrich on Tuesday, June 5, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. EDT: goo.gl/5Sf7i

• TECHNOLOGY BLOGS: GEEKING OUT: PR Newswire's Thomas Hynes reviews his favorite tech blogs: goo.gl/uJoz3

• FREELANCE FOCUS: PINTEREST FOR WRITERS: ProfNet Director Maria Perez explains how writers can use the social network to promote their work: goo.gl/sD5Zm

• THE THREE BEST PLACES TO START YOUR JOURNALISM CAREER: Professor Tony Rogers shares insight on how to break into hard news: goo.gl/ZjTEv

• GRAMMAR HAMMER: WHO OR WHOM WANTS A CAT HUG? ME-OW! ProfNet Editor Grace Lavigne reviews when to use who vs. whom: goo.gl/6gtF4

ProfNet is a free service that provides journalists, bloggers, authors and other writers with links to experts and story ideas on the topics they cover. You’ll also find links to job opportunities and other news and resources we think you’ll find useful. To receive these updates by email, send a note to profnet@profnet.com with the industries you cover, and we'll add you to the appropriate edition.

If you’re in need of an expert source, you can also submit a free ProfNet query and have qualified sources come to you, or search the free ProfNet Connect database, which features nearly 50,000 user profiles, all searchable by keyword.

Submit a free ProfNet query

Search the ProfNet Connect experts database

EXPERT ALERTS

• Facebook IPO: The Media Calling 'Flop' Are Wrong
• Is Your Local School System Increasing Your Equity?
• Closing a Home Sale
• Urban Renewal
• How New Job Skills Can Enhance Your Chances of Being Hired
• The Importance of Soft Skills During Your Job Search

MEDIA JOBS

• Content Specialist - Yuma, Ariz.
• Reporter - NYC
• Reporter - Newburyport, Mass.
• Video Journalist - Chicago
• Managing Editor - Washington, D.C.

OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES

• #ConnectChat Recap: Best Practices for Social Media Privacy
• Dear Gracie: Tips and Tricks for Interpreting Polls
• Tool Spotlight: Concentrate

****************

EXPERT ALERTS

Expert Alerts are listings of ProfNet members who are available to discuss timely news topics. If you are interested in interviewing any of the experts, please contact their media representative at the end of the listing. You can also find Expert Alerts online at bit.ly/pncalerts

Facebook IPO: The Media Calling 'Flop' Are Wrong
Charles Trzcinka
Professor of Finance
Indiana University Kelley School of Business
Trzcinka can discuss the Facebook IPO and his predictions for the stock, as well as Nasdaq's problems and the related SEC investigation.
"Facebook floated a $24 share price at the beginning of the road show. They raised it to $38 and it ‘fizzled.’ Keep in mind that Facebook raised the capital it wanted and didn't leave much on the table. This is evidence it will be a good investment over the next few years. Nasdaq's failure may have had a material effect on the end-of-day price. The hype was dampened by computer problems. Still, the price was well set. The valuation was the highest they could get, especially given that a substantial number of shares were not traded. It's not at all surprising that it's dropped below $38 and I expect it will settle below that."
Trzcinka previously served as senior economist with the Office of Economic Analysis of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. He has also been a consultant to a variety of investment organizations, including the Virginia Retirement System and the New York State Attorney General's Office. He has published extensively in well-respected financial academic journals such as the Journal of Finance and Journal of Financial Economics.
Bio: bit.ly/KwJ7DL
Website: www.kelley.iu.edu
News Contact: Olivia Goodman, olivia.goodman@gabbe.com or +1-212-220-4444

Is Your Local School System Increasing Your Equity?
Kristin Brown-Orr
Realtor
"There are several factors to a home's location that will play in to its overall value. This includes proximity to major highways, accessibility to amenities such as shopping and hospitals, and the quality of the local school system. Even if you don't have children and never plan to utilize the public school system, the education district associated with your home is very important to your home's ability to retain value and gain equity. It is also important to consider when it becomes time to resell. When you live in an area that touts an award-winning public school system, and you don't fall within the district, selling your home to buyers with children can be extremely difficult."
News Contact: Anna Steinbock, anna@exposeyourselfpr.com

Closing a Home Sale
Chip Poli
CEO
Poli Mortgage Group
"After the seller accepted an offer, the appraisal came back under what you agreed to pay. What do you do now? First and foremost, talk to your Realtor to see if they have some additional comparable homes that would support the value of the purchase price. If your Realtor does have some that fit the requirements, they may be used for the appraiser to redo their appraisal to reflect the comps and raise the value accordingly. On the other hand, if the property will just not appraise at the purchase price agreed upon, it is time to put on your negotiation hat. Do you want to pay more for the house than the area indicates it is worth, or do you walk from the deal and begin shopping again? A lot of this depends on your individual situation."
News Contact: Anna Steinbock, anna@exposeyourselfpr.com

Urban Renewal
John McGrail
CEO
Mayo Group
"Whether to avoid overcrowding, employ new technology or 'clean up' crumbling city spaces, the concept of urban redevelopment has a lengthy and successful history in metropolitan areas throughout the U.S. and all over the world. Urban renewal has been changing the faces of cities and neighborhoods since the late 19th century, when the purpose and usefulness of existing urban development began to change and necessitate re-imagining. There is an increasing demand for modern residential properties in large urban areas. People want to be able to live near work, and they also appreciate the easy access to city parks, museums, theaters and other downtown attractions."
News Contact: AnnaSteinbock, anna@exposeyourselfpr.com

How New Job Skills Can Enhance Your Chances of Being Hired
Tammy Newsom
Director of Career Services
Brown Mackie College in Birmingham, Ala.
"Many Americans are involved in prolonged job searches these days. With the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bit.ly/Li0haP) reporting the unemployment rate still hovering around 8 percent at the end of April, competition among job seekers can be daunting. This is a good time to evaluate your viability in the job market, beginning with an assessment of your skills. Employers can be picky; there’s a large pool of applicants to choose from. Candidates must be sure to offer a well-rounded skill set, not just technical knowledge. But one skill that cannot be overlooked is computer competency. If you don’t know how a right click can help, or you can’t find a drop-down menu on the browser, you need to take a class in basic computer skills and learn the programs used in your field. You’ll be glad you did -- you will definitely become more marketable."
Newsom reveals several must-have attributes that employment candidates should possess.
News Contact: J. Stephen Dobbins, stdobbins@brownmackie.edu or +1-513-830-2005

The Importance of Soft Skills During Your Job Search
Barbara Schafer
Director of Career Services
Brown Mackie College in Boise, Idaho
"As many Americans continue to search for employment, everyone is looking for ways to make the most of every interview opportunity. Of course, a good resume will reflect your technical training and experience. However, there is more to your overall qualifications than that. Your soft skills are an important part of the whole package. Confidence and a positive attitude are important soft skills that many employers value as much as technical ability. Other examples of soft skills include a strong work ethic, flexibility, time management skills, good communication skills and working well in a team environment."
Schafer can offer advice to help you make a more comprehensive case as an optimal candidate for the position you seek -- a case that includes your soft skills.
News Contact: J. Stephen Dobbins, stdobbins@brownmackie.edu or +1-513-830-2005

***************

MEDIA JOBS:

Following are links to job listings for staff and freelance writers. You can view these and more job listings on our Job Board: bit.ly/pncjobboard

• Content Specialist - Yuma, Ariz.
• Reporter - NYC
• Reporter - Newburyport, Mass.
• Video Journalist - Chicago
• Managing Editor - Washington, D.C.

See more listings here.

******************

OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES:

Following are links to other news and resources we think you might find useful. If you have an item you think other reporters would be interested in and would like us to include in a future alert, please drop us a line at profnetalerts@prnewswire.com

• #CONNECTCHAT RECAP: BEST PRACTICES FOR SOCIAL MEDIA PRIVACY: ProfNet Editor Evelyn Tipacti interviewed expert Ari Zoldan on how to protect business interests on social media: bit.ly/KkzRE2

• DEAR GRACIE: TIPS AND TRICKS FOR INTERPRETING POLLS: ProfNet Editor Grace Lavigne explains how to know when a poll is accurate or biased: bit.ly/JdG0iy

• TOOL SPOTLIGHT: CONCENTRATE: ProfNet Editor Jason Hahn highlights this Google Chrome add-on that enables users to block distracting sites for a set amount of time: bit.ly/KpQlv1