In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

Phil, Roseburg, Oregon — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 05:35:46 GMT

Lighten up! It was funny!

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

Michael Russell — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 14:50:02 GMT

The first two links are now dead "due to a copyright claim by Monster.com."

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

Jim Kershner, Indianapolis, IN — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 14:53:28 GMT

All ads have been removed due to Monster requests

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

Steve, Rockland, ME — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 15:17:22 GMT

Wierd, odd? It would seem that Monster would have more potential job seekers than job offerings. Something doesn't add up here.

Is this a snub at the recently unemployed? A play to what Monster may think is the potential stupidity of their prospective job seeker clients? What jerks!

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

Monique, Farmington, MN — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 15:24:24 GMT

the ad where the EMT faints is the first commercial in quite a while to make me actually laugh out loud. some commercials warrant a chuckle or a thought of how creative it was, but most get only an eyeroll or thought of "i hope i never see THAT again." the EMT one just really struck me funny.

and i think they're appropriate because i know myself, working for an airline, i am looking for something else because i know i'm very close to losing this job. not by my merit but because we've recently merged and there will be some overlap, and i'm relatively low in seniority in my classification. the commercial is a good reminder that nothing's forever and it doesn't hurt to look around if you're unhappy in your current job. i'd rather be happy and make less than stay in a job that i hate to go to every day. but then again i only have myself to worry about, no spouse or family.

either way, comedy on tv that actually makes ya laugh is good!

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

Sean G, Omaha, NE — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 15:35:23 GMT

Crummy! Monster forced Youtube to pull the first two links. As of 0934hrs on 01/20/2009, the third link still works for the construction commercial. I haven't seen the 'band' commercial, yet.

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

TLK, NY, NY. — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 15:39:21 GMT

I think you are being overly critical. Both my husband and I have been laid off this month. However, it is nice to have a little humor, I thought the construction worker ad was particularly funny. I am probably more offended at seeing the amount of money spent on Hollywood, NFL, Politcal Parties, etc.

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

Brooke, In, Ohio — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 15:52:10 GMT

Get over it. Don't be so whiney. They are funny. Period.

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

JimR — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 15:56:37 GMT

Have to disagree. I've found that in tough times, it is more important than EVER to have a sense of humor, and find laughs where you can. Yes, I am happy to have a job. That doesn't mean I've stopped wanting a better one. There's nothing wrong with wanting to improve your situation, no matter the times.

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

Ed Severance, Chandler, Arizona — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 16:23:47 GMT

I think the person writing this article needs to lightened up and get a life. These Ad's are very funny and do nothing that 'seems particularly off target.'
This country needs to be laughing, especially those of us laid off due to bad government fiscal policies, lack of regulation and accountability.
By-the-way; many of us have to redesign ourselves because work is so hard to find. Over ten million without work has forced us to ask what color is our parachute.
I find the Monster advertising fresh, enjoyable and right on target.

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

A.H., New Port Richey, FL — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 16:37:19 GMT

I have to agree with you on this one. Monster really missed the mark. There are thousands of people (my boyfriend included) that are trying to find a job in this dismal economy. They should have taken a different approach to using their website.

Bad form, Monster.

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

james — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 17:22:12 GMT

I love them, makes a point
research and reality are still required.

They make sense, and that's lacking nowadays.

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

john doe — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 17:23:18 GMT

what a hoot!!! we need more like these!!!!!!!! perhaps mr. obama should use Monster!

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

james — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 17:23:22 GMT

all 3 are there now as of 1123 central am

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

Joe, Colorado — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 17:36:15 GMT

So, depressing times require depressing commercials? (Because people simply love being reminded how bad things are.) It's also ironic that they take Monster to task for being upbeat and entertaining while lower on the page they ridicule Sprint for its boring and serious commercials.

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

Me, Huntsville, AL — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 18:16:17 GMT

The ads are funny, and all 3 links worked for me 1/20/09, 1215 CST.

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

RJ, San Antonio, TX — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 18:33:51 GMT

We have been taking ourselves too seriously for too long... time to stop worrying about what is politically correct and just get about business.

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

John DOe — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 18:34:05 GMT

Seriously msnbc must make money of this whole "ads of the weird" nonsense right? Because reviewing ads seems like a colossal waste of time.

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

Alex A, Minneapolis, MN — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 18:35:08 GMT

I just didn't have the same take-away as you. I thought they were clever and made a good point about aspirational goals and finding your joy as well as what your best suited for, I don't know if your a parent, but I don't teach my children to be happy in a "safe" job regardless of the economy. I think your letting some of your own baggage seep in to your op-ed, not a sign of a good writer.

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

Scott, Columbus GA — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 19:00:37 GMT

This article shows why Ms. Linn TALKS about ads instead of making them.

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

FiredForNow — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 19:04:52 GMT

Hey all, you're missing the point.

These ads were wrong not because they used humor -- I believe humor can be used to connect with people on any issue -- it's that the ads failed to connect on the issues facing people right now. And th issue isn't if I didn't find my right calling.

There was so much territory here to mine, that could have been funny. Monster just wasn't using the right shovel.

ffn
firedfornow.coom

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

Dave - Columbus, Ohio — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 19:25:42 GMT

Perhaps in bad economic times with rising unemployment, these Monster ads are just the right medicine to drive applicants to your website. The news is so bad about everything that when a company lightens it up a little bit - it's probably a good thing.

So lighten up. The ads might be predictable, but they're still funny and they still get their message across: Come to Monster for your job search.

(No, I don't work for them - or the ad agency).

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

SmilingMom, Knoxville TN — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 19:36:43 GMT

I recently lost my second job in 18 months due to downsizing, and I use Monster.com. The ad with the EMT made me laugh out loud! Trust me, you have to lighten up and have a sense of humor, or you'll never survive this economic downturn!

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

euclid, anywhere, usa — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 20:29:10 GMT

Leave it to the doom and gloom media to find no humor in funny commercials. Optimism goes a long way when looking for a job and humorous commercials may be the impetus some need to find the confidence to get a job that suits them. This is truly a mental recession and the weak need to get over it!!!

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

Angela, Boston, MA — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:13:03 GMT

I like the strategy here . . . just b/c the economy is crappy doesn't mean you have to settle for a crappy job, and check your sense of hunor. Yes, unemployment is high, but there are certain industries that are still growing (tech, education, healthcare).

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

RC, Westfield, IN — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:21:42 GMT

Funny ads. Nice to see some humor that is not insulting. I took no offense to the ads at all. I saw them on Youtube. I heard there is one more that I have not seen about the NFL for the SuperBowl. Can't wait for that one if these are any indication of what is in store on that one.

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

Sarah P. — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:25:42 GMT

You know, my husband was recently laid off from his job, and I still found those commercials to be funny! We're in a worrisome situation, but that doesn't mean there's no place for humor!

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

Joe, Indianapolis, IN — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:47:59 GMT

The author of this article missed the point of the ads...they were not talking about not liking your job. They were talking about being in the wrong job.

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

Arcadian Duran — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 22:08:37 GMT

Ohh boo hoo I dont have a job!, Excuse me theres LOTS of jobs, just one people dont want, Im sure theres a burger king or a mcdonald out there that need burger flippers, people are so money hungry about jobs, there are jobs, just ones that people dont want to do!
they just want to sit in a chair and get paid while doing nothing! you people who cry about not having a job makes me sick!
the ad was funny, and hits the truth right in the face! society think that they can con thier way into getting a job that other people are more qualified for it. so please dont get a job your not capable of

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

Marketing Prof — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 22:59:05 GMT

Monster wants them off of youtube?? Idiots!! They pay to buy air time and then don't want free exposure to those who don't watch the media that cost them money. Again, idiots!!

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

Susan — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 23:34:08 GMT

Monster needs to fix their site before they try to get more users. Their overhaul got rid of a few useful features, broke a few others, and generally caused their loyal users to become confused and disgruntled. I guess that's why they felt the need to step up their advertising.

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

Susan — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 23:38:56 GMT

Also, the EMT commercial is in extremely bad taste! I am totally disgusted with monster.com.

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

Laura, Colorado — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 23:59:33 GMT

Yes, the ads are funny. I think Allison's point has more to do with whether they are fitting in our current economic crisis, which Monster ignores in this campaign.

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

Tom, Atlanta Georgia — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 14:56:30 GMT

Once again a media pundit taking herself too seriously because all other topics are covered professionally. If we lose humor all is lost.

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

Jane, Missouri — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 15:11:48 GMT

All Monster wants is name recognition for companies to advertise on their site. Few people get jobs by posting on Monster. Also, Monster doesn't get the economic times the country is in.

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

Robb, Allenton, WI — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 19:22:02 GMT

I LOVE the Monster ads! They are great; but maybe I have the "wrong" perspective, I'm employed.

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

NicK M. Minneapolis, MN — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 22:16:44 GMT

[one can’t help but think that you could do a lot worse than having a job you don’t particularly like. At least these workers are drawing a paycheck (although perhaps not for long if they keep up that sort of behavior).]

I can't decide whether Allison Linn is projecting or forshadowing her career here. I am hardly a critical person, but she makes a terrible ad critic/reviewer, sorry (she goes for the 'Gotcha' question too much). Anyway, I probably should quit reading this blog.

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

T. Stirew — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 22:55:35 GMT

The monster ads also say they have a million openings worldwide. Only one million for the whole world? Isn't that a ridiculously low number?

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

John Doe, Seattle, WA — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 22:56:01 GMT

Ok people, lighten up a little here. Some of you may want to use this downtime to find your true calling, and stop accepting some of the crap employers are offering. Monster knows this, and so do I. So stop being spineless wieners and do something different for a change!

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

Jill-Anna Philadelphia, TN — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:52:37 GMT

My husband and I are both EMT's so we always get a laugh out of the fainting EMT bit.

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

Rob, St. louis, MO — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 18:25:28 GMT

1 million jobs available? Half of them are "Make millions from home". The others are so specific in their requirements that few can qualify unless they've tailored their careers for it. Funny, yes. But Monster is a joke, too.

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

Laschus, Renton, WA — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 23:34:32 GMT

Does anyone have any idea of the lead time between the generation of an ad campaign and the time it actually gets to market? When this campaign was drawn up there probably was no reason for Monster to even consider any of these naysayer issues. So they are supposed to waste a ton of money because the tenor of what they represents changes? We really have become a nation of crybabies. A little adversity will probably do us some good.

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

Howie D. — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 15:47:23 GMT

oh COME ON people... these are funny just for the right reason, because these are trying times. and it is an AD, so they are trying to get people to use their site, whether they are employed in the wrong job or not employed at all... sheesh...

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

Tami Bruner (EMT-P) - Dayton, TX — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 15:29:13 GMT

Oh, please people!!! I LOVE the Monster ad with the EMT that passes out! That ad made me laugh so hard! I guess maybe because I have actually seen that happen before! I have been a Paramedic for over 10 years, precepted many students, and that scenerio actually happens!!
For all the folks out there looking for work... consider a job in HEALTHCARE!!!! I think that is really the only field that I have not seen a huge amount of layoffs. And when I say "healthcare", I don't only mean nurses, there are lots of jobs in hospitals for clerical support, IT support, and even marketing. Who knows, look into becoming an EMT/Paramedic, the hours are good (with lots of O/T available), wages are decent, and EMS is ALWAYS hiring!!!!

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

ad biz — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 15:34:05 GMT

Have to agree with "Firedfornow." Funny, but wrong message. They should've saved this creative for when unemployment was low - and strategy of job switching would be logical to drive site traffic.

My only other thought - and this is a stretch - is job switchers increase their conversion rate and the open job created by leaving could be another posting. Churn baby.

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

Stu — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 22:40:35 GMT

The real irony is that 90% of monster's jobs are all sales and marketing type jobs that obviously either pay too little or have such a high turnover that they will post wherever they can. I used them in the past and got nothing but weird interest such as insurance salesman jobs, real estate, etc (I have a degree in Networking)

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

Jim Meyer Cherokee, IA. — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 01:29:17 GMT

What are we going to complain about next? That the M&M's commercials are soft porn?
People sometimes look for the sad side of life.
If we let them win, then life is not worth living.
This commercial has nothing to do with the recession, it has to do with improving your own personal life.
Why not complain about the college online commercials.
I was an EMT at one time, and I thought it was a very funny commercial.
Former EMT

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

Marie, Nevada — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 21:46:02 GMT

At least these workers are drawing a paycheck (although perhaps not for long if they keep up that sort of behavior).

Ok, is it just me or did this writer COMPLETELY miss the point?? It says ARE YOU IN THE RIGHT JOB?

Now, the fainting EMT made me; an unemployed person; laugh my butt off. My mom is a clerk in a hospital, she was in hysterics. I know doom & gloom is out there, you don't need to remind us. Laughter does help. Some people think a particular job is for them, sometimes it isn't and you find out at the wrong time.

I will admit I don't use monster, tried it, they do not work for me, I get offers completely unrelated to my resume and most are "work from home".

If you are happy in your job and it's right for you--stay there if you can. If you're not, do what is right for you. You don't have to use Monster.

For me, the fainting EMT was a good laugh in hard times. I don' need a depressing commercial, for depression I can turn off the tv and stare at my bills on the counter.

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

MK, Florida — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 19:49:42 GMT

Commercials are about making money! Who wants to watch a boo-hoo everything sucks commercial? I would rather watch (and therefore buy into the business) a funny ad from Monster than a crushing, horrible ad from a competitor.

In dark days for job seekers, Monster makes light

John Doe, Seattle, Wash. — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 03:23:07 GMT

I just saw one of these ads for the first time - the EMT fainting upon arriving at a grizzly scene. Having a dry, crass sense of humor, 99% of the time, I have little tolerance for this sort of campaign.

It's little surprise it sponsors Dateline NBC - a show which covers serious topics responsibly, but arguably grossly over-sensationalizes them.

This sort of advertising campgain would be much better used by the National Safety council - along with dash cam footage I wish I had of the idiot in a large Ford SUV obviously TXT'ing and swerving at 50mph - effectively an unstable 5,000lb obstacle for traffic moving at 60mph.

To this front, there's a lot more job search engines out there than Monster - I urge job seekers to use them. I sure plan to. I got laid off last month, I drive a gas sipper, and I ignore my phone when it rings in the car.