How Employers Notify Applicants About Interviews

How Employers Notify Applicants About InterviewsHow Employers Notify Applicants About InterviewsYouve successfully initiated your career search, crafting a strong resume and cover letter and sending them out to targeted employers. When should you expect to be notified whether you were one of the lucky applicants who has been selected for an bewerberbewerberinterview? It could be shortly after you apply- or it could be never.? When Employers Notify Candidates In many cases, you may never know definitively whether your application was received and then rejected by a company. Some employers do notify applicants that they were not selected, others do not. In some cases, its because they receive hundreds of applications for every available job opening and they may not have an automated system or the resources to notify applicants. Some job postings state that only candidates who are selected for interviews will be contacted. In other cases, you simply dont know if youll hear back or n ot. In addition, the hiring process can be lengthy with multiple interviews, and the employer may not notify applicants until they have filled the job. That could take weeks or months, depending on the position within the company. For candidates who are invited to interview, you may be notified by phone, schmelzglas, or by an automated messaging system if you applied via an applicant management system. Check Your Messages Since you dont know how the company will contact you, check both email and voicemail at least daily, if not more often. You dont want to lose out on an interview because the company couldnt reach you in a timely manner. Also check your email spam box daily, since important emails do sometimes go astray and end up there. How Employers Contact Applicants Employers most frequently notify applicants by phone or email, but you may even receive a written letter inviting you to interview. The email message, letter, or phone call you receive will include details on who you will be meeting with. You may be assigned a pre-scheduled time or you may be offered a choice of interview times. If the company requires that you prepare materials (like a lesson plan for a teaching job, for example) you will be informed as to what you should bring and how you should prepare. You should also be notified about the format of the interview. For example, the company should let you know if you are meeting with a group of individuals rather than a single interviewer. Heres a list of the main ways employers invite job applicants to interview, with samples of the messages and letters you will receive General interview invitationInterview invitation offering reimbursementPanel interview invitationSecond interview invitationInterview invitation asking a candidate to select an interview datePhone call invitation with a specific interview datePhone call invitation with options for interview datesPhone call invitation asking a candidate to select an interview date C ontacting the Employer As a general rule, hiring departments tasked with reviewing hundreds of job applications do not appreciate being approached by nervous candidates who want confirmation that their application has been received and reviewed. Should you contact them, you run the risk of being perceived as needy and annoying which is not the initial impression you want to present. If after a few weeks you absolutely have to have peace of mind, you might send an email (not a phone call) that very simply reiterates your interest in the position and your hope that, if the job is still being searched, that they will give your resume consideration. Do not ask about the status of your application. At this point, youve done the most you can do. If the employer wants to contact you, they will. Accepting or Declining a Job Interview Once offered an interview, you need to be able to provide a courteous and articulate response first impressions are important. Take a look at a sample i nterview acceptance letter you can use to confirm your interview and an example of a letter declining an interview when you are no longer interested in the job. Although you may find them stressful, job interviews are actually an exciting chance for you to display your talents and enthusiasm while shopping for a wonderful new employer. A little preparation before the interview will go a long way in building your confidence and ensuring that you shine.

September 2017 Jobs Report Summary

September 2017 Jobs Report SummarySeptember 2017 Jobs Report SummaryThe U.S. lost 33,000 jobs in September, according to the latest jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This marks the first time in seven years that payrolls have contracted.fruchtwein sectors of the economy saw some job growth in September, though, including the followingHealthcare added 23,000 jobs. Over the past 12 months, healthcare employers have created an average of 27,000 positions per month, according to the BLS.Professional and business services payrolls increased by 13,000 jobs.Financial activities grew by 10,000 jobs. This includes insurance-related positions, which employers added last month because of hurricane-recovery efforts.These gains were offset, however, by losses in a handful of areas. Most notably was the leisure and hospitality industry, which shed 111,000 jobs.Analysts generally consider the massive hurricanes in Texas and Florida to be a primary reason for last months job los ses. Even with Septembers results, job growth has been strong in 2017, with mora than 1.3 mio positions created so far this year.A bright spot from Septembers job report was the unemployment rate, which edged down to 4.2 percent, the lowest since February 2001. The unemployment rate for college-degreed workers who are 25 or older - the most sought-after candidates by employers - also declined, to 2.3 percent.What employers need to knowSeptembers jobs report is likely a blip on the radar rather than an indication of a larger trend. The fact remains that skilled workers are in high demand. And theyre very difficult to find, as indicated by the low unemployment rate.As you launch recruiting efforts, be aware that speed is of the essence. Top candidates may be considering multiple job offers and arent going to wait long for you to reach a decision. Research by our company shows that a quarter of job seekers will wait just one week after an interview to hear back from an employer befor e moving on to other opportunities.What job seekers need to knowThe employment market is always shifting, but many employers are still struggling to staff open roles. In fact, the latest Job Openings and Labor Turnover Summary from the BLS notes that there were more than 6.2 million open positions in the U.S. at the end of July.Many employers are scouring the landscape for talent, but they are still selective when hiring. They want to make sure they are bringing in the right people to complement existing staff - and avoid making a costly bad hire. Use your resume and the interview to explain how you can add value to an organization and why you feel youd fit well within an employers corporate culture. Let us help you find the right fitREQUEST TALENTSUBMIT A RESUME

8 Signs of a Bad Company to Work for

8 Signs of a Bad Company to Work for8 Signs of a Bad Company to Work for8 Signs of a Bad Company to Work For Interviewing for a job is such a tricky proposition, isnt it?There is no shortage of uncertainty, as both parties do all they can to present themselves in the best light leid unlike dating, but with a salary and a job title on the line. And, just as in dating, it can be difficult to see the true colors of the situation, particularly if you desperately want to like the new opportunity. Getting seduced is the easy and fun part. However, accepting a job at a company that is not a good fit for you, or is a downright terrible distribution policy to work, is a sure recipe for misery.So, whats a job candidate to do? My advice is to pay attention to all things, big and small, in every single interaction with your prospective employer. Think of your bewerbungsgesprchs, emails, phone calls and office visits as a glimpse behind the veil and use it to your advantage. After visiting an o ffice, your gut will be able to tell you if there are signs of it being a bad company.The reality is that no one enjoys turning down an opportunity, but it is preferable to taking a job at a company that you wont be happy with. Here are some early red flags to pay attention to.You are not given an opportunity to interview with your future managerBelieve it or not, this has actually happened to me I welches interviewing for an accounting team leader position at a large company, and was surprised that the interview schedule did not include the accounting manager the very person I would be reporting to. My request to get an introduction and a quick conversation with him was turned down, ostensibly because he was not the decision maker.That set off my radar as a sign of a bad company. Did I really want to work at a company where my boss would not get a say in selecting the person who reported to him? Did I want to accept a position in a department where my direct manager was not truste d to make a hiring decision? Will I be trusted to make any decisions at all? That may be a sign of a bad company culture.Needless to say, I turned down that opportunity after the first round of interviews. If you are ever in a similar situation, I strongly recommend you think through whats actually going on. A personality and working style fit with your manager is a key factor for job satisfaction. Personal autonomy is also critical for being happy at work. If you are not given the chance to interview with your future manager, beware of the overall potential for a bad company culture.The job responsibilities are unclearIf the job description is vague, and no one can explain what success in your role will look like, run in the other direction. Accepting a position without clear responsibilities and expectations is like stepping off a ledge and hoping there are cushions and ice-cream at the bottom of the canyon. Even for those of us who are comfortable going with the flow, a position that is this open-ended can spell frustration, endless fire drills, and poor performance reviews. It can also signal a difficult place to grow personally and professionally how can you expect meaningful and actionable feedback if no one knows what youre supposed to be doing?The company is disrespectful or unprofessionalIn my experience, most companies do their best to come across as professional and pleasant, at least in the interviews (think first date). It is that much mora of a shock when you come across one that endorses disrespectful behavior. From interviews cancelled at the last moment without apology, to hiring managers texting during the interview, you dont have to tolerate unprofessional antics. The same goes for racist or sexist jokes and slurs. Those are very clear signs of a bad company you dont want to work for.Even something as seemingly innocuous as allowing long stretches of time to pass between communications and updates can be an early sign of an unprofessional o utfit. My advice is to treat the interview process as a preview of what it will be like to work at this company. Unprofessional behavior is a sign of a bad company, and do you really want to work there?Sure, its easy to make excuses, especially if you really want to like the position (They have dozens of candidates to interview and They must be busy this week). Having other candidates to consider and being busy are not valid reasons to leave you hanging. All it takes is some consideration and one minute to send a quick We did not forget about you, here is the status of the interview process email. It is OK to hold a company to a professional standard.The company has a bad reputationThe Internet makes a reputation check easier than ever. Check sites like Glassdoor for reviews and youll get a great idea of signs of a bad company or not. Be sure to read all of them and pay attention to details mentioned. What trends do you pick up on? If you know someone who worked at this company (or is currently there), consider reaching out with a few open-ended questions. Ask what it was like to work there, what was most appreciated or most frustrating, and listen well to learn as much as you can.There is a pattern of people leaving the departmentIf you observe a pattern of people jumping ship, take it as a red flag and a reason to ask more questions. I like to ask everyone I come in contact with how long they have been with the company. If you notice that virtually everyone is new, it could be a sign of a bad company. In that case, the situation warrants a closer look, unless you are interviewing at a startup.People are talking behind each others backIf the hiring manager is gossiping or complaining about interactions with employees or other departments in an unprofessional manner, its a bad sign. Negative talk about people as a cultural norm spells a low level of trust and collaboration. Its also a sign of an overall bad company culture.The initial impression is one of dist rustOn the subject of trust, if you feel that the interactions with you as a candidate are fueled by distrust, pay attention. Background and reference checks are normal in fact, I would be suspicious of any company that is quick to extend an offer without going through due diligence. However, all checks must be done in a neutral, non-accusatory manner. If you feel like you need to explain or defend yourself without having done anything wrong, start looking at your other options.The office feels depressing or unhappyI know this is a touchy-feely one, but do trust your gut on this. It can signal a bad company culture.Your brain notices and connects more than just logical facts and numbers, and a sense of unease and dread may be your early warning sign that something is off. Pay attention to the tone of the posted signs, the expressions on peoples faces, and snippets of interactions you overhear. Imagine yourself working in the office every day, and pay attention to how it makes you f eel.Overall, use the job interview as a test-drive of what it will be like to work there. As the progress moves along, consider a visit to the area in the morning to test out your daily commute. Check out lunch places and coffee shops. Remember that this is your chance to learn everything you can to make an informed decision. Finally, pay attention to your gut - that will give you all the signs of a bad company you need. If you are not enjoying dating, chances are you wont like a long-term arrangement eitherNeed help with your resume? Take advantage of our free critique todayRelated Articles

Managers, Help Your Team Take The PTO They Need Heres How!

Managers, Help Your Team Take The PTO They Need Heres HowManagers, Help Your Team Take The PTO They Need - Heres How Attention all managers, your team may be burnt out. While you may not be micromanaging or piling too much work on their plates, a new survey from Glassdoor shows that American workers are forfeiting half of their vacation time. Its true T the average U.S. employee (of those who receive vacation/paid time off) has only taken about half (54 percent) of his or her eligible vacation time/paid time off in the past 12 months.And while this maybe positively affecting your success metrics, it may be detrimental in the long term.Unused vacation days compound stress , taking a toll on workers well-being and the well-being of their families. In addition, unused vacation time can reduce productivity and innovation at work.And managers are at the front lines of preventing this type of burnout by setting a positive example of work-life balance and encouraging employees to take time off.However, many leaders and executives fail to model healthy behaviors. Yahoos Melissa Mayer said she used to do 130 hours workweeks, General Electric CEO Jeff Immelt claims to have worked 100-hour weeks for a quarter century, and Apple CEO Tim Cook gets up at 345am every morning. Its no surprise employees take cues from this.According to Project Time Off , 65% of employees reported that they hear nothing, mixed messages, or discouraging messages about taking time off from managers, while 80% said if they felt fully supported and encouraged by their boss, they would be likely to take more time off. Plus,Millennials are the generation most likely to forfeit time off, even though they earn the least amount of vacation days.Work martyrdom and the always-on nature of the Internet-driven work environment may be contributing to Americas vacation deficit.Constantly rewarding or honoring staff who burn the candle at both ends and dont take vacations ca n lead those who value work-life balance and family time to feel ashamed of their desires and set up for mediocre performance reviews compared to overachievers. Working hard doesnt have to mean working long hours.Remember, creating a vacation-friendly culture is important for employees well-being, since multiple studies have linked the practice of taking vacations to good health. Healthy employees are more likely to be productive and happy employees.

Why People Arent Discussing Pilot Resume

Why People Arent Discussing Pilot Resume Resume objectives can be a bit controversial. Even if yur information is in bullet format, it may still be hard to quickly recognize the pertinent abilities and accomplishments which are important to the possible employer. The intent of a pilot resume is to supply an overview of your qualifications and experience. Your resume should clearly demonstrate your capacity to accomplish your objectives, and your capacity to make an impact on others. A Secret Weapon for Pilot Resume Developing your resume is critical. Task aspirants ought to take note of a resume schablone rather than a courses vitae template. Career aspirants must take note of a resume template rather than a programs vitae template. They should watch out for a resume template rather than a courses vitae template. There are several such things that you may be including in your pilot resume which may impact your application negatively. The new position may result in an in terruption in your preferred quality of life. Much like the condition formulation, the overall objective has to be framed in 1 sentence. The important point to keep in mind is that you need to get across the skills you have that is going to be an asset to their value system and company for a whole. The Little-Known Secrets to Pilot Resume Furthermora, your letter has to be compelling and professional. Be sure that your resume is sending the proper message about you. You can receive the templates downloaded and edited as per your particular details in minutes. A template can spare you plenty of time. It is fully customizable and very easy to use. The web templates help you in selection of means. Generally do not compose what you want in work. As with the majority of jobs wherever your job experience is minimal, its always advisable to put more in-depth info about your training, education and any real-life experiences that might be helpful to the position. Especially any excess security systems checks or training you might have undertaken during your career. In addition, you are able to learn about travel service careers and search for pilot jobs on Monster. Make the work description short and include where the provider is situated. It isnt required to compose a long and in depth overview of your experience here, and you need tont. Take a look at our most recent job offers A day or two prior to the interview, allow a little extra time working on a few of the questions that you may be asked. The Advantages of Pilot Resume In it, youll have an opportunity to convey that youre the sort of guy or gal they can receive along with on the street, which is equally as important to you getting the job as your pilot abilities. Rather than telling the company what you will like coming from the job, its most effective to indicate what you have to present the company. Flying around the world often leads to jet lag and a whole lot of time away from home, therefore its not for everybody. In the present competitive pilot job market, you should make certain that everything appears perfect. Your academic CV is a fundamental portion of your task hunt and might be the difference between finding your fantasy job and ongoing around the hunt. A great deal of really decide to start together with the newest job or employment experience and you also work the most suitable path back. Therell be occasions when a job appears very appealing but your experience clearly falls somewhat short. From that point it welches clear I was going to be searching for a software engineering job. Your references contacts have to be good as theyll surely be checked If youre a highly knowledgeable pilot with a lengthy history, you should look at condensing your information to fit within 2 pages. Fortunately, theres s a huge collection resume formats made by specialists that can provide you a hand. PDF format, the very best location to talk about your resume with Airline Recruiters is on a comparatively new website named PilotPool.com. If you plan an aviation career or wish to fly long distances for company or pleasure, the private pilot certificate could possibly be most appropriate for you. You ought to know the current aircraft youre flying very well. Dont neglect to create a highly appealing and professional resume with assorted pilot resume templates readily available online created particularly for enthusiasts looking for a fully grown career for a pilot. Commercial pilots fly aircraft for assorted purposes. An investment objective might also be accomplished by a man or woman managing his own portfolio. Mentioning your very own first job in a restaurant might not be great for the applications developer position you would like. An clickfunnels cost is actually a promoting tactic whereby youre going to be consistently funneling new prospective customers into your organization, in the hopes of constructing a sale and relatio nship together with the individual. Our commercial airline is centered on providing the very best service in the business to our clients who are a number of the biggest names in the organization.

The Argument About Writing a Resume for a Pharmacist

The Argument About Writing a Resume for a Pharmacist The Benefits of Writing a Resume for a Pharmacist If youre asking for an entry-level pharmacy job, then you need to give details that match your work description. A good way to ascertain if your CV is prepared to help you reach your intention is to review a Pharmacist CV example like the one below. If possible, tailor your CV to the job that youre applying for. Its also important to personalize your pharmacist CV for certain positions. If youre unsure as to the way to compose your pharmacist resume, dont worry. Because being a pharmacist isnt as simple as it may look. As any very good pharmacist knows efficiency is critical. Whether you wish to be a clinical pharmacist or an industrial pharmacist there are lots of chances to land an outstanding pharmacist job. Why Almost Everything Youve Learned About Writing a Resume for a Pharmacist Is Wrong You do not just wish to be qualified for the job, you should fill a need, an d that need will differ for each employer. Yes, the job is stressful and youll have no opportunity to even have a breath. When you make an application for a specific job you have just one chance to be successful. Possessing a good resume is something that you must take seriously in case you dont need to get rid of the work so easily. The One Thing to Do for Writing a Resume for a Pharmacist You may also find out more details on the internet or pay a trip to the practice or pharmacy. For example, if youre applying for your very first pharmacy job, you would emphasize you are in possession of a strong knowledge of suitable pharmacy principles instead of any jobs you had before. Usually, pharmacists need a lot of schooling. A friendly and beneficial pharmacist will also guarantee that customers keep coming back. The Debate Over Writing a Resume for a Pharmacist A pharmacist guarantees that theres a smooth workflow in a healthcare organization. Another attribute beyond your he alth care expertise that any employer will be searching for is your advertising acumen. Besides knowledge and the level, there are a number of things that need to be followed if someone are interested in being a prosperous orthopedic physician assistant. Great examples of pharmacist resume skills vary based on the work description and the area. Likewise there is in fact no official right way to compose a CV. You might have to carry out many tasks all at the exact same time with no mistakes. Remember that your resume is your very first line of defense with respect to touchdown your ideal job. Its highly important that you know how much you can expect to earn when you begin the practice of training for work. Not use a pharmacist theres a curriculum vitae writing work outside of industries. Writing a cover letter is a critical parte of the procedure for requesting work. Pharmacist jobs call for a high amount of qualified education, so writing a resume education section is ju st one of the main characteristics of the work search. Students are also permitted to select the exam as frequently as required. Writing a Resume for a Pharmacist - the Conspiracy There are many locations where you are able to acquire good resume examples. The online UK recruitment procedure or post a job on-line service offers easy accessibility to millions of resumes for various openings in the company. Resume examples without having to spend a dime are available nearly wherever. Resume examples at no cost will help you in a step-by-step process on find out the way to compose your resume. Employers wish to realize that it is possible to interact nicely with consumers and be in a position to market solutions. A Pharmacist has an important part in patient healthcare. If youre looking to be hired, you must present an eye-catching Pharmacist resume that shows how you are able to be a priceless asset to the institution.

6 tips to help you enjoy a vacation without feeling guilty

6 tips to help you enjoy a vacation without feeling guilty6 tips to help you enjoy a vacation without feeling guiltyA lot goes into planning the perfectvacation. You need theright luggage. You have to rally yourtravel buddies. You need to figure out the perfect balance betweenactive excursionsand well-deserved downtime. You have to push through thatoverpacked to-do listat the office so youre not stressed about coming back to work afterwards swamped. Perhaps most importantly, though, you need to squelch all of your guilty feelings about going on vacation in the first place.Thats right even though youre excited about your travel plans, youre probably also worried about how it might look to others that youre taking time away from work and family. Weve rounded up six expert suggestions to help you platzset aside those sneaky feelings so they dont sabotage your vacay. Youll travel a lot lighter when you can leave your guilt at home and thoroughly enjoy your trip.1. Change your mindsetMass achusetts-based licensed psychotherapist Lisa Hutchison notes the importance of mindset when going on vacation. Instead of feeling like you are taking time away from your family and work, think of your time away as an opportunity to replenish your energy, she says. You give more from a full cup. Youll be a better employee, boss, friend, partner, mother, fill-in-the-blank when you prioritize that time for yourself.2. Realize that vacation can help with stress managementWhen you remove yourself from the typical routine and put up that OOO auto-responder for your email, you do more than just forget all of the triggers that are causing you stress - you learn to actually deal with that stress Stepping away from the office allows us the mental space to consider how we tend to handle stress and to work on improving those skills, Dr. Steven Stein, a clinical psychologist in Toronto, tells us. Your boss will notice a positive change in your overall job performance when you return.3. Focus o n what youll be doing instead of what youll be missingIts not your responsibility to shape your life around everything youre expected to do, Minnesota-based coach Rebekah Buege advises. Shape your life around things that bring you joy and happiness. Put the family and work commitments out of your mind - at least for the time being - and get excited about all the fun experiences waiting for you on your travels Being fully present with what youre doing there will allow you to get more enjoyment from work and family when you get back.4. Judge whether youve earned the vacation based on your own standardsIts easy to question whether or not youre deserving of a vacation but thats only because youre probably worried about whether or not other people think youre deserving of a vacation. Ask yourself if youve earned it by your own definition - no one elses, Maple Holistics health and wellness expert Caleb Backe says. If you can honestly say that you have earned the vacation time, then it shouldnt matter what anyone says or thinks. But if you cant shake those guilty feels, it might be because youre feeling - by your own standards - that you need to put in a little more hard work before you get that downtime.5. Disconnect from (or at least limit) work emailsIf the mere idea of taking time away from the office wracks you with guilt, imagine how much worse youre going to feel when you can actually monitor the comings and goings of your inbox while youre on vacation. Assuming youve covered all of your bases before you took off (e.g., returned all pressing emails, informed the key players of your impending absence, and designated other people on your team to take care of urgent issues that might come up), you need to let yourself unplug if you want to keep the stress minimal. If youre one to worry about whats going on at the office, I recommend silencing your email notifications so your top assignment is having a once-in-a-lifetime trip, Topdeck Travel trip leader Sarah Jasmine Labib says. You can always check when you have some downtime if you are still expected to chime in, but set a couple times per day to do this and stick to that schedule so it doesnt take over your vacation.6. Use your vacation as an opportunity to learn something newIf youre really struggling to let go of work guilt, think about how you can use your time on the road for some professional growth. Labib credits travel for her communication skills, ability to work with many kinds of people, independence, and general cultural awareness. If youd rather learn something a little more concrete to take back to your boss, consider reading a professional development book or stocking up on trade magazines for the flight.This article was originally posted on Brit + Co.

How where you live changes your chances of getting the flu

How where you live changes your chances of getting the fluHow where you live changes your chances of getting the fluIf you wonder why you always get struck down by the flu while your relatives in another city stay happily healthy, consider where you live. A new study in Science found that living in a metropolis or a small city can change the intensity of a flu season.Looking at doctor visits for flu-like symptoms from 2002 to 2008 in more than 600 cities in America, the researchers found that epidemics in smaller cities are focused on shorter periods of the influenza season, whereas in larger cities, incidence is more diffuse. If you live in a big city, your flu season is likely to be longer but may not be as intense as it would be in smaller cities.We are not saying that any one city is more dangerous than another,Benjamin Dalziel, the lead author of the paper, told Gizmodo. That said, we did find that in small towns the influence of cases appear to occur in a smaller period of time . So that more intensely focused pattern can affect the capacity of a healthcare system.How to beat flu seasonToo many flu cases can overwhelm an overworked healthcare system. To get ahead of having to schedule a visit with your doctor, focus on prevention. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu activity begins to increase in October and is likely to peak in February.To do your part in the fight against the flu, get your vaccine shot from your local healthcare provider and remember to wash your hands. In on study, it only took one participants infected hands four hours to contaminate more than half of all communal doorknobs, toilet handles, and light switches. There is strength in numbers. Getting vaccinated can increase herd immunity if you work in a collaborative workspace with many germ-filled surfaces.And if despite your best efforts, you still get flu symptoms, do not be a martyr. Go home and take a sick day. Good office hygiene not only means knowing when to wash your hands and disinfect your workspace - it also means knowing when to call it quits and stay in bed.

Becoming a Product Manager

Becoming a Product ManagerBecoming a Product ManagerProduct Managers work to understand the needs and challenges of their targeted customers and to translate those insights into ideas for investment and new product development or existing product enhancement. They create the business cases or plans for investment ideas and when these are approved by management, they work closely with engineering or research and development teams to identify requirements and support the process of translating an idea into a new product.Once a product has moved through the development phases, the product manager works to help prepare the organization to market, sell and support the offering. A Challenging and Valuable Role The challenging role of product manager is increasingly sought after by professionals looking to gain broad organizational exposure and management experience. The product managers responsibilities span the entire organization and extend into the marketplace typically focusing on one or mora industry and customer groups. During the products life, the product manager is involved in monitoring performance, recommending adjustments to pricing or versetzung to counter competitor responses and working with customers to identify potential enhancements. Eventually, the product manager plans a replacement product while managing the discontinuation of the older offering. Product Managers become subject matter experts in their markets and technologies and are often called upon to meet with customers or prospects and speak at industry events or contribute to relevant publications. And they do all of this by guiding, engaging with and leading individuals and functions across their organization, often with no more formal authority than their ability to persuade others to back their ideas. This is a challenging, demanding job and one that is increasingly sought after by new college and MBA graduates. Serving as a product manager offers an opportunity to gain high visibil ity in the organization and to cultivate the skills and reputation necessary to advance in future general management roles. The Evolving Role of Product Manager The classical role of product manager originated within consumer products companies such as Procter Gamble or Unilever, where these product or category champions served as CEOs of their offerings. From market research to product development, packaging, promotion and selling, these individuals managed their offerings for growth and profits. Over time, practically every industry sector has adopted some form of the role of product manager. Even service-focused firms rely upon a version of the product manager role to translate customer needs and market insights into new services offerings. In a number of markets, the role has been split into two, including the product manager and product marketing manager. The product marketing manager focuses more on the outbound marketing and coordination, while the product manager tends to focus a majority of his or her efforts on internal coordination, particularly with the firms research and development or engineering teams. In this split role situation, the two parties work closely together to ensure consistency and coordination across stakeholder groups. Not a Project Manager While there is a great deal of cross-group coordination involved in carrying out the role of product manager, the job should not be confused with that of the project manager. The project manager is responsible for coordinating and guiding teams working on temporary and unique initiatives, while the product manager approaches his/her offerings from a business case and management perspective. The project manager has the benefit of well-defined industry standards and certifying practices, while the role of product manager is considerably less formalized on an industry basis. There are a number of firms involved in training product managers, but as of this writing, there is no standardized body of knowledge or certifying body, such as those that exist in the field of project management. It is common for both individuals- the product manager and the project manager- to work together on a new product development or product enhancement initiative. Skills Required for Success as a Product Manager Given the broad scope of the role of product manager, there are a number of skill sets essential for success. These include The ability to cultivate a deep understanding of a particular market segment or customer grouping.Familiarity with the specific application of the products in customer settings.Curiosity to explore and identify customer challenges and translate those challenges into product or service ideas.The ability to develop a business plan and investment case for new product development or current product enhancement. A degree in business, especially an MBA is particularly helpful in this role.Critical thinking skills essential for assessing customer needs, compet itor offerings, and key trends and translating this knowledge into investment plans. The ability to guide and lead others informally- without formal report-to authority.Outstanding written and spoken communication skills, with an emphasis on persuasion skills.Depending upon the nature of the offering, a deep level of technical expertise may be required in the role. Many product managers have technical backgrounds, including engineering degrees. Career Path Into Product Management Product managers come from all manner of backgrounds, including Engineering, Research DevelopmentQuality or Operations ManagementTechnical SupportMarketing CommunicationsCustomer SupportSales Support Additionally, some firms hire individuals directly from firms in the target market segment. There are many paths into this interesting and important role. Career Path for Product Managers While product managers can advance their own functions or departments, it is common for experienced product manager s to advance into general management or functional management roles.I have personally promoted product managers into sales, marketing, and other general management positions. Their broad-base of industry, offering, and operations knowledge make them highly desirable for a number of roles in an organization. A career in product management is rich in challenges and opportunities to learn and to contribute to the success of an organization. The role is part entrepreneurial and part general management and individuals who prefer to operate with a high degree of responsibility and independence enjoy working in this position a great deal. There are few roles in our modern workplace that rival the opportunity the product manager has to shape the future success of an organization.