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Express to Impress: Expert Tips for Professional Communication

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To realize your professional potential and reach your goals, your communication etiquette needs to be on point. The details of how you get your message across can make a huge difference in the way you are perceived in the workplace.

Tanya White-Earnest, Director of Trident University International’s Center for Career Planning & Workforce Strategies, believes that communication skills can make or break professional opportunities and relationships. She put together an outstanding webinar called Professional Communication Etiquette to help job seekers and employees be more successful.

Below are some helpful and insightful tips from that expert webinar. We’ve broken them down into things that work well and things that don’t work so well in a professional setting.

“Whether you’re applying for a job and want to be sure you communicate well with recruiters and hiring managers or if you’re already in a position where you want to present yourself well to superiors, coworkers, and clients, these tips will help,” said White-Earnest.

Things that Work

According to White-Earnest, there are some things you can do when dealing with professional contacts that help make your interactions more positive, polished, and easy. These are a few:

  • A hand-written thank you note after a good interview. This helps you stand out as a candidate and shows your sincere desire to earn the position. Some people are tempted to text after a job interview because they want to get in touch immediately. While immediacy is important, you can accomplish this by sending an e-mail and then follow up with your hand-written letter.
  • Use good posture and smile when talking on the phone. The person on the other end of the conversation may not be able to see you, but scholars of communications find that these behaviors make a real difference in the way you are perceived. By sitting up straight and smiling, you can help ensure you leave a positive impression. You can even put a mirror in front of your face when on an important call to ensure you convey your meaning with the appropriate expression.
  • Make sure your personal phone is job search/office ready. Ensure you have a basic ring tone and voicemail greeting that projects an image of professionalism.
  • Turn your personal phone off whenever you are in interviews, meetings, or other professional settings. Not doing so is disruptive and makes you seem unorganized.
  • Fully read all of your e-mails and reply appropriately. Do not skim! Address each point that is brought up. If a person brings up three issues, don’t address only two. If you cannot answer all of their questions, tell the person you will find out the information they are seeking and get back to them.
  • Use autoresponder when on vacation or at a conference. That way if you don’t get back to someone right away, they will not be left to wonder why you didn’t respond or assume you are nonresponsive and unreliable.
  • Be sure to have an e-mail signature. This should include all of your contact information and a link to your LinkedIn profile. That way the person will be able to easily contact you in terms with which they are comfortable.
  • Respond even when you’re not interested. If you receive an e-mail requesting an interview for a position you’ve decided you do not want, don’t ignore it. Write the person back, thank them, explain that you don’t think it’s the right position for you, and if you know someone who might be a good fit, mention that person and put them in touch. That way, if an opportunity that does suit you opens up within their company, they will remember your courteous communications and helpful attitude. If you ignore them, consider the bridge burned.
  • Make sure all of your social media profiles are up-to-date and thorough. You want to be sure that anything they check really shows what you bring to the table. And they will check!

Things that Don’t Work

Just like there are things that help your work image, there are also actions that can harm it. Below are some to avoid:

  • Initiating text messaging. Generally speaking, you should never initiate texting with a professional contact. They should text first and then it is okay to answer them. However, just because they texted first, this time, doesn’t mean it is okay to use text the next time you need to communicate with them. E-mail or phone should still be used. Texts should be on a response-only basis in the professional sphere, unless specified otherwise by the contact.

Note: About 60% of recruiters use text. This is because 98% of texts are opened and 90% are replied to in 3 minutes. They know if they text they will probably hear back from you quickly, which is an advantage when they are scheduling multiple interviews. While it is obviously fine to respond to these texts, it is important to remember that other communications should take place via e-mail or phone – never text.

  • Text talk, social media abbreviations, and emoticons should not be used in job search materials. These are simply too casual and personal. Plus, many people will see you as juvenile, LOL. 😉
  • Misspelling the contact’s name or addressing them as the wrong gender. These types of mistakes are a great way to make a bad impression. This is especially important when the stakes are high, as in job search e-mails or when writing to a superior. If you are writing to that person, chances are you want them to help you in some way. Take the time to find the person on LinkedIn or their company website to determine their correct name spelling and whether they are male or female. Note: never assume you know gender by name!
  • Emails without subject lines. Always make sure to write a clean, accurate subject line for your e-mail. Emails without subject lines sometimes end up in spam folders. Subject lines also help your e-mail to stand out and be searchable if someone wants to reference the information in it later.
  • Applying to jobs for which you are unqualified. Recruiters get hundreds and hundreds of applications. Wasting their time by applying to a job for which you don’t qualify is a surefire way to ensure that company never hires you. Of course, more qualifications are possible with an online bachelors degree.
  • Not proofreading and spellchecking. Errors will project an image of carelessness when you want to come across as detail-oriented. Sending sloppy communications is also somewhat disrespectful as it indicates you don’t care enough about them to ensure your communication is correct and professional.
  • Following up more than once or twice per week. If you’ve written your follow-up e-mail clearly and appropriately, you will probably not have to do this anyway. But if you find yourself attempting to contact a company on a more than bi-weekly basis, you should probably realize this opportunity is not for you and move on.

In addition to these dos and don’ts, White-Earnest says there is one thing that will help you earn favor more than anything else in business communications: “The most important thing is to make connections and build relationships,” she said.

In the words of Maya Angelou, “people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” If you made your contact feel friendly, at ease, and confident in your abilities, then you are well on your way to success.

Good luck!

Photo credit: Pixabay

 

 

5 Tips to Getting the Best Job

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Word Tags Circular Wordcloud Of ResumeIn the job market that is latter 2016; many Americans are keeping their fingers crossed for the New Year.

For many, the hope is that 2017 will produce more job opportunities, opportunities that rise above either part-time work or low salaries for full-time work. Either way, 2016 has been a rough year for many individuals either out of work or working several jobs just to make ends meet.

How many of these workers got in the positions they are in today varies.

For some, they’re stuck in low-paying jobs; jobs that at least help keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. Others, meantime, can’t get their foot in the door for an interview, this after either being let go via layoffs or firings.

If you find yourself in the position of needing a job (or at least a better one at that), what are you doing to improve your odds?

Review Your Approach to Finding Work

For starters, how you go about getting interviews and ultimately offers is as important as anything else you will do.

While there are no guarantees that a stellar resume and/or a great interview will provide you with an offer, they are critical nonetheless.

That said remember these 5 tips to getting the best job possible:

  1. Resume – First and foremost, how good is your resume? Given how competitive the job market is these days, an average resume just won’t cut it. Although you may think you are a wordsmith extraordinaire, you are better off turning to the pros in putting together this critical document. Take note that great resumes can make the difference when searching for that ideal position. Don’t hesitate for a moment to use a professional resume writing service if that is what it will take to get you noticed;
  2. Interview – Once you get your foot in the door for an interview, you simply can’t blow it. The interview will tell a prospective employer much about you. He or she will not only want to know your background and how it benefits their company, but also how you’d work with others. It sounds like commonsense, but you’d be amazed how many people flunk the part of the interview that involves being on time, dressing appropriately etc. Don’t take any of those important tasks for granted.

How Bad Do You Want the Position?

  1. Motivation – Just how motivated are you for the position you’re interviewing for? While some candidates can pull off the fake smile and/or the fake attitude, many others simply can’t. Go into your interview knowing as much as possible about your prospective employer. Without turning the interview around on them, ask pertinent questions about the position, the company, the staff etc. When someone sees you’re motivated, it tends to rub off positively on you;
  2. Personality – Even though it is great to be motivated about a potential job (you should be), don’t go overboard. Most employers and/or recruiters can see through someone’s fake exterior. While you should definitely show interest in the job and the people working there, don’t lay it on too thickly;
  3. Follow-up – After your interview, be sure to send a thank you note to the employer and/or recruiter. Letting them know (in writing) that you appreciated their time can go a long way. Even if you don’t get the position this time around, another one could open down the road. When an employer sees that you took a few minutes to thank them for having you in, it can separate you from others not choosing to do so.

Finding the right job in today’s world can prove challenging, but would you have it any other way?

Accepting the challenge and meeting it head-on can do wonders for you. If you’re still looking for the right job, don’t give up hope.

Remember…. quitters never win, winners never quit.

Photo credit: BigStockPhoto.com

About the Author: Dave Thomas covers business topics on the web.

Do You Have the Executive Knowledge for a New Employer?

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job interview isolated on white background man and womanIn a world where jobs can be hard to find at times (especially on the executive level), it is important for candidates to put their best foot forward when going on interviews.

That said getting to those interviews in the first place can oftentimes prove to be the biggest challenge of them all.

If you are not feeling 100 percent confident in penning your own resume, turning to an executive resume writing service can make all the difference in the world.

For starters, such a service is geared towards helping those executives who are considering a new job (be they presently employed or out of work), though may be struggling somewhat to write a winning resume, one which will get them in the door for an interview.

In the event you feel it is time for such a writing service to come to your rescue, do you know where to begin your search?

Use the Internet to Get Started

While word-of-mouth is still a good way to go about finding the products and services you need in today’s digital age, the Internet itself proves a fantastic resource.

By doing a Google search of executive resume writing services, you will have a number of them with which to choose from, setting you off in the direction of what you need.

Once you have that service selected, it then comes down to connecting one-on-one with a professional resume writer.

So that you are able to put your best foot forward when it comes to being considered a strong candidate for an executive position, remember these tips as you and your writer put your career highlights in writing:

  1. Resume – First and foremost, what will your resume say about you? It is important that you have a resume that catches eyes, not electronic trash cans. To do the former, work with an executive resume writing service, knowing that these professionals can make your resume stand out for all the right reasons. As an example, your experience as an executive is your best attribute, but you don’t want to go on and on about that experience. A professional resume writer can help you get to the meat of the matter, all the while avoiding a lot of leftovers. Also make sure your resume is directed towards your target audience. Once again, an executive resume writer will want to sit down with you and discuss the type or types of jobs you are going after. Always make sure you provide as much direct information as possible, making it easier for a professional writer to come up with a winning resume, not one that will get tossed in a heap with many other unattractive ones;
  2. Attitude – Nothing screams more that you are not the right person for the job than going into an interview with a negative attitude. Do your best to come across as a go-getter, not someone just looking to collect a paycheck. As an executive, you would be expected to be one of the leaders of a company, so leadership means going out there and accomplishing things. If you have led on a number of pertinent projects over the years, discuss them with the writer preparing your resume. He or she can highlight one (perhaps a couple) that will jump out when an employer or HR recruiter goes over your resume;
  3. Drive – Finally, your executive resume writer can do a fantastic job on your resume, but it is up to you to then sell it, along with selling yourself when an interview or interviews present themselves. Be sure to show that you have the drive necessary to not only handle the prospective position, but exceed at it. While experience and education are certainly key ingredients to getting a new job, your drive can never be taken for granted. For many employers, they want to see someone walk through their door that is passionate about the job they are interviewing for, not someone who just appears lukewarm to it.

Finding the best executive resume writing service for your needs does take some time and effort, so give it your best shot.

Once you find that service, it is up to you and your professional writer to combine on the resume that will turn heads for all the right reasons.

Photo credit: BigStockPhoto.com

About the Author: Dave Thomas covers business topics on the web.

 

Engineer a Better Career Approach Moving Forward

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How to Get Ahead words on a board game advance your career
How to Get Ahead words on a board game advance your careerWhat is your career approach?

Whether you want to be an engineer or a CEO, a nurse or a big data scientist, the right approach to your career will give you a valuable boost.

What are some things you can do to keep a positive attitude and make sure you have the best approach to your career?

Make Your Career Your Business

It is all too easy to drift along, even in a career you’re successful at. That’s why you need to make your career your business.

Make time for a career review; ask yourself where you would like to be in five or 10 years. What would you like to achieve before you retire? Once you know where you want to be, map out a plan of how to get there, and regularly review where you are.

Think about your talents, motivations and likes.

If your career is the right one for you, how can you use your skills to make it even more rewarding? If it’s not, ask yourself what you would like to do instead, and how you can use your existing skills in a new way.

Keep Learning

One of the keys to engineering a better career for yourself, is learning. Keep abreast of what’s hot in your industry from new technology to new ideas.

Be willing to invest in your education (sometimes employers will be able to help you with this). Continuous learning will keep your skills up to date, making you more valuable to an employer, and helping you get more satisfaction from what you do.

If you want to move in a different direction, learn as much as you can about your intended career so you can figure out if it’s right for you.

Make the Most of Mornings

Making the most of mornings can help you advance your career.

The morning provides prime quiet time, before the rush of work, family commitments and deadlines. As the article “Boost Your Engineering Career” says, you can use that time for making plans, motivating yourself, and starting your day with a goal in mind.

Time spent in the morning planning your day is a good career booster.

Start every morning with a clear plan of what you want to achieve, and which tasks are most important to that end. You’ll be taking charge of every day and making sure you use your time in the best way possible.

Look For Opportunities

If you want to forge the best career path for you, keep your eye out for opportunities. Having a positive attitude and being willing to seize opportunity will help you move forward.

Be proactive in looking for chances to boost your career.

That might mean taking a new course, attending an event, or simply connecting with the right person. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, make suggestions and start conversations. You never know what might come of it.

If you want to go in a new direction, look for chances to learn and grow on your new path.

Don’t wait for the perfect training course, for example. Read books, talk to other people in your desired industry, or even look for ways you can volunteer to find out what it’s all about.

Being in a career that you love is fulfilling and rewarding.

Make sure that’s the case for you with a positive attitude, great time management, and a nose for opportunities.

Photo credit: BigStockPhoto.com

About the Author: Tristan Anwyn writes on a variety of topics including social media, how to build customer relationships, content marketing and how to move forward in your career.

Benefits or Salary When Thinking About Leaving a Job?

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asalaryIf you’re considering quitting your job, it’s important to not only factor in the salary that you will be losing but also the benefits package.

Health insurance can be costly, and with unpaid medical bills being the leading cause of bankruptcy in the U.S., it’s not something you can afford to skip out on.

Before quitting your job, take a close look at what types of benefits you’re receiving, especially if you have a family, and make a decision from there.

Questions to ask about your current job

It’s not just a matter or whether or not your job provides health insurance, but a matter of how good it is.

Are your family members covered at an affordable cost? What type of plan are you covered under? What is your monthly payment compared to your deductible? In addition to health care coverage, do you receive dental and vision insurance?

And let’s not forget about sick time and vacation time.

Some companies offer a very competitive paid time-off plan, including holidays, sick time and plenty of vacation time. Is this something you’re willing to give up in addition to your salary and health insurance benefits?

Is Money Everything?

Most people are focused on their salaries. But, the reality is you can find a way to live off of a wide range of salaries.

If you do end up in a catastrophic situation without a good benefits plan in place, you will most likely go bankrupt even if you were making a decent living. Medical bills crush many Americans year after year because they’re not properly insured.

According to the article saving on family health insurance, it’s very rare that companies provide full benefits to employees and their dependents.

If you work for one of these one-of-a-kind companies, you’ll definitely want to think twice about quitting.

On the same token, some employers only offer plans to their employees and not to any additional family members. If this is the case, you’ll have to get your family members on a private health insurance plan of their own.

Is Work Benefiting You?

Though you do have to consider a wide array of things when looking for a job, including salary, benefits, paid time-off, expected weekly hours, travel and job duties, it’s safe to say that benefits should rank towards the top of your considerations.

Employers can pay anywhere from a few thousand dollars per year for an individual plan up to $15,000 per year for a family plan.

If you factor that into your yearly salary, you’re most likely getting paid a decent amount more than you thought. If your employer is also contributing to a 401(k) plan for you, that should be factored in, as well.

Quitting a job is a tough decision.

Many factors need to be thought about in-depth before a decision can be made.

Don’t think lightly about benefits, though, as good packages from employers can be extremely hard to come by.

Photo credit: Image courtesy of imagerymajestic at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

About the Author: Sarah Brooks is a freelance writer living in Charlotte, NC. New to the city, she enjoys spending time outdoors and exploring the area. She writes on a variety of topics including health insurance, small businesses and personal finance.

Keeping Your Employees and Budget Healthy

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asuccessHealth insurance can turn into a crazy puzzle for small business owners.

Where larger companies, by law, must provide health insurance to their employees, small businesses have more leeway; however, this sometimes can just add to the confusion.

The bottom line, if you can afford to offer good medical coverage and health insurance to your employees, no matter how many you have – do it.

What if it’s a financial struggle?

There are instances where offering health insurance may not be feasible to your company financially.

If your company is small, you may not legally have to offer health insurance so you can consider these things in deciding to offer or not….

• Longevity of employees – It’s rare that part-time, independent or short term employees will receive medical coverage, and you’re not obligated to do so. Save the insurance benefits for your full time, permanent employees.

• If you have a tiny company, say just a handful of employees, you are not legally in a place to provide health insurance. If it’s financially not possible, you may choose to wait until your company grows financially and physically to offer health coverage.

• With the new laws in place under Obamacare, many small businesses can qualify for tax incentives by providing health coverage to their employees. Before writing it off as not possible, take a look into what you may gain by offering health insurance.

How does offering health insurance to your employees help you?

If you can, it will pay off in the long run if you provide health benefits to your employees….

• For one, some possible great employees may pass you up for a company that can provide health coverage for them. You don’t want to risk not getting the best because you don’t offer health care plans.

• Your employees may be more apt to stay for the long haul if they feel comfortable with the health care plan you can offer. People will shift companies depending on health care these days, as it a big expense to pay for it on your own. If you can offer it, do so.

• You can help your employees by avoiding lapses in health insurance coverage. When they come on board, you can have your plan go right into effect rather than having your employees search out medical insurance in the midst of taking on a new job.

• Employees with an insurance tie will feel more invested in the company itself and this can improve their satisfaction, engagement and overall well-being with your company and their job.

• You’ll save on sick days and illness within the work place. Those with medical coverage are more apt to visit a doctor than those without. Though you may lose a few hours or a day to a doctor visit, it beats a week or more for those who don’t get the needed medical care. It also can prevent sickness from spreading in the office, like strep throat or the flu – two things which can really take an office down.

No one likes to talk about medical coverage – it’s a big expense and a lot to think about it.

But if you want happy, healthy employees, you probably need to consider it.

Photo credit: hipstercrite.com

About the Author: Heather Legg is a writer covering topics related to small business, health and well-being, and social media.