Why Measuring Progress in a Job Search is Critical

Why Measuring Progress in a Job Search is CriticalConducting a job search can be an intense process that requires a lot of effort on a daily basis. With so much energy set forth, its easy to overlook small aspects of the search that could significantly impact the process. One aspect that could potentially have a major impact is whether or not you measure your progredienz. Keeping track of how the process is moving could make a huge difference in your getting hired.Note Which Resumes Seem to Work Best for YouA great way to see which resume styles get the best results is to create multiple versions of the saatkorn one and post them on different Web sites. You can tweak which information is placed higher at the top and make subtle changes to the styles. Then keep track of which ones seem to get the most responses. This can help you when sending out resumes to employers seeking candidates.Determine Which Sites/Job Boards Bring the Best ResultsAnother way to measure your progress is to si gn up with a handful of generic and niche job boards for your field. Keep track of which boards seem to have setups that bring in the most interest so that you can narrow down your options and focus on the boards that can get you hired.Keep Track of Friends Who Connect You With OpportunitiesIf you have friends and networking associates who have connected you with great opportunities, be sure to keep track of those names. This way you can shoot them opportunities from time to time, and even send them thank-you cards/notes for their help. Strengthening your network relies heavily on noting who your friends are and how theyve helped you.Be Sure to Keep Track of Employer Thank-You NotesWhen youre busy sending out applications and resumes, going on interviews, and starting your search again, it can be difficult to keep track of all of the steps in the process, including sending out thank-you notes. But this critical step could make or break your chances of being hired. By keeping track o f all of the companies youve interviewed with, then listing whether youve sent them a thank-you note, you can ensure you dont miss this important step.Measuring your progress can be just as important to a job search as sending out applications, connecting with your networks, and interviewing effectively. By setting up a system to keep track of how the search is going, you can make adjustments along the way to improve your likelihood of securing your desired job.For additional tips and advice on resumes and cover letters, follow us on Twitter GreatResume or visit our blog.

3 Common Habits That Are Destroying Your Credibility At Work

3 Common Habits That Are Destroying Your Credibility At Work A successful career in public relations is dependent upon forming strong working relationships (go figure, given the name of the industry). And some of the fruchtwein important relationships PR professionals need to cultivate are with members ofthe media, the gatekeepers of the ever-important third party validation that so many marketers are seeking. The PR/journalist relationship is symbiotic we need each other, but also recognize that the balance can be fragile. And believe it or not, some of your seemingly minor everyday communication habits could be destroying your professionalism and undermining your credibility, no matter what industry youre in, when trying to keep that balance in check. Here are three of those common habits and how to put a stop to them. 1. Not meeting deadlines.One of the best ways to become an indispensable resource to journalists is to deliver when you say you will the earlier, the better. Writ ers are on deadline more often than not, so getting them the client quote, infographic, fact-check confirmation or other piece of information theyve requested by the time theyve requested it is key to succeeding in PR. After all, PR is about relationship building, so one of the surefire ways to destroy your credibility and ensure that journalists will steer clear when you reach out to them in the future is to blow by their deadlines.If theres a holdup thats hindering your ability to deliver on time, let the reporter know sometimes they have a little wiggle room. At the very least, providing a heads up will signify that you understand the importance of meeting their deadline, and will increase the likelihood that theyll be willing to work with you again.This applies to your colleagues, too. Being respectful of deadlines, even those tischset internally, is a crucial to maintaining your professionalism. Think back to group projects in college where there was always one slacker you do nt want to be that person at your job, do you? If youre having trouble prioritizing your projects or have multiple coinciding deadlines, ask your manager for help. Chances are he or she will be able to help you shift things around so youre not pulling your hair out in frustration--and so that you wont have to write emails that begin with Sorry for the delay on this. No one likes being the recipient of that email.2. Being overly casual in emails. While public relations and advertising agencies are known for being laidback workplaces, theres such a thing as being too casual when it comes to communicating with the media, particularly those youre pitching for the first time. Doing some research on who youre targeting to ensure your story is a good fit for their beat is always a good idea, but how you use that information can make or break your chances of success. Mentioning how a piece they recently wrote resonated with you for a specific reason? Go for it, but keep it brief. Commenting on their weekend activities that you spotted on Instagram? Not a good idea. Creeping journalists out by acting like theyre your BFF when youve never emailed, let alone met, them is a good way to ensure your pitch ends up in their trash folder.Tone is important, as well. You dont want to sound like a robot when you communicate via email, so infusing your personality in your writing is A-OK. But its probably best to hold off on the use of internet slang, GIFs, and the like until youve developed a solid working relationship. When in doubt, err on the side of being straightforward.Again, heeding this advice with your coworkers as well is wise. While youre undoubtedly on friendlier terms with those you work with day in and day out, its best to save the emojis, abbreviations and other super-casual communication for those youre closest with. 3. Not speaking confidently. Public speaking is a key component of a career in PR, and not just when it comes to client presentations or new business pitches. Being able to communicate confidently and articulately applies to working with the media, too. While fruchtwein pitching happens via email ansicht days, phone calls and in-person meetings still play a role in the PR/journalist ecosystem. Reporters are short on time, so stumbling over your words, using fillers like um and you know, or freezing up entirely will diminish your professionalism and will likely mean youll hear a dial tone pretty quickly.To avoid this scenario, whether youre in the aforementioned client presentation or youre at a media event, think about the three to four key points you want to make. Write them down for reference if you need to, but dont agonize over memorizing the exact wording--overly scripting will only trip you up. Remember that a few beats of silence isnt the end of the world, and in fact, silence is far better than filling the gap between talking points with a drawn-out ummmmm.While these habits are seemingly innocuous, they can do big-time damage to your professionalism. Awareness is half the battle, so if you can catch yourself before you slip into your old ways, youll be on your way to becoming a well-respected, credible PR pro in no time.--Kaitlin Bitting is vice president of public relations at Allen and a certified health & wellness coach.