• by Charlene Weisler , Op-Ed Contributor, January 6, 2016

Gary Klein has a very calming presence about him, which is a good attribute to have as a managing director at Gilbert Tweed International, a corporate executive search firm. In a time when media jobs are fluid, layoffs seem to occur at even some of the most heralded companies, the world of executive search can appear to be frenetic and stressful. But Klein offers some soothing, sage advice on how to navigate finding a job in the media and digital universe.

Klein entered executive search almost by accident, which he says is not uncommon in this business. “I started out with a purpose in life, and my purpose was to be on the people side of the business.” This led to a job in human resources, where he later moved into the entertainment industry. He rose in the corporate ranks before leaving to join an executive search firm.

Here’s some advice for those contemplating a move or who are currently trying to find a new job.

Charlene Weisler: How would you say looking for a job has changed for candidates in media since you first started in executive search 25 years ago?

Gary Klein: I don’t think it has changed that much… [which] may be surprising to many who say that it is totally different than it was years ago.  One of the changes has been that the media industry has been diversified… Between digital/content, virtual reality, gaming, the opportunities are more vast than they have ever been. 

Another difference is that there is more technology involved, and it’s more sophisticated now.

There is a saying in the media industry that it is all about content, content and content — and it still is all about content.  
I think that if there has been any major change it is that there is even more opportunity now than ever before. So it is the best of times if someone is really interested in being in the media business.

Charlene Weisler: Gary, what advice can you give to someone looking for a job in media?

Gary Klein: The key is to always maintain and build on your network. Your network includes business relationships that you have within and outside your company, and being a part of groups and associations that represent your company and industry.

Charlene Weisler: Here is a job-seeker scenario: I have been loyal to my company for 20+ years. Now I’ve lost my job. What advice can you give me to get another job?

Gary Klein: Twenty years of experience is positive. Feel good about it and do something with it. Look for companies out there that are doing something similar to what you have been doing or have voids in that sector and explain to them how you bring value or fill those voids.

Charlene Weisler: Here is another scenario: I am just graduating from college. I am interested in media. How do I get my foot in the door?

Gary Klein: I get this question all the time. If you have a broadly defined interest, do some research and look at what companies comprise that industry. Media has some clearly defined segments to it.  It has a creative element, it has a pure business piece, it has a technology piece, it has a futuristic piece and probably others that I am not mentioning.

It is a matter at looking at who you are and where your passions are and then seeing if you can take those passions and those still developing skills and go out and sell yourself like crazy. People are willing to listen but you need to have a story. Be aggressive, look around, use your Internet skills, convey your interest and get yourself in play.

Charlene Weisler: What do you look for in a resume?

Gary Klein: I am not a great believer in resumes. However, there is a caveat: I deal with C-Suite candidates, who really don’t need a resume. They have history behind them, name recognition and sets of experiences that have been written about. They need more of a capsule bio.

But for the population by and large, some form of a resume can be used.  It can’t be just a listing of where you’ve been; you need to show what you have accomplished in both a qualitative and quantitative sense, so you can be evaluated on your successes