Rat Race - From Dorm room to Boardroom

Sabbatical

2009-06-21T11:10:00.000-07:00

It's been entirely too long since I last updated. For the time being, I've decided to stick to Twitter for a updates, links, and sharing stories. I hope to get back to my blog for larger ideas & thoughts more frequently than I have so far this year.

So, for now check out my Twitter feed @Rat_Race.

Back in Action

2009-03-28T13:43:00.001-07:00

A lot has been going on recently, since my last post... Here's the top-line;

Started a new job at a PR Agency
Moved from Atlanta to Washington DC

The new job has been fantastic - long hours and lots of work, but very engaging and well worth the toil. The move has been a new challenge (which I'll write more about later).

This past week I just became reconnected with the internet so I'll be writing more now -- hopefully =)

In the mean time, check out this great post from Sarah Evans, "Top 4 new skills all PR professionals must have." She talks about 4 skills everyone in PR should have;

Basic HTML code
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for PR
Social Media Release (SMR) or Social Media News Release (SMNR)
Establish an online presence

Think these skills aren't it? What are the skills you would recommend learning?

And there you have it. I will be back to write more, rest assured.

Yes, They're Hiring

2009-01-26T04:35:00.001-08:00

The first thing I did when I arrived at work bright and early this A.M. was check my Netvibes page for news, job openings, and the like. One of the stories I came across was a list put together by Forbes & CNN Money; 25 top-paying companies. It really is amazing how much some companies pay - clearly being in Law is a good place to be.

That's no the article that got me interested though - it was a link on the right side of the page; They're Hiring! Granted, most of the companies hiring don't apply to someone in the Communications field. But, the list is nonetheless encouraging. Knowing someone out there is still hiring helps me keep the faith that someone will hire me.

Here are some from the list that are looking for Communication type positions;

Google - What they're looking for: Engineering, marketing, product management, people operations, legal, sales.
Cisco Systems - What they're looking for: People in engineering disciplines and customer advocacy.
Microsoft - What they're looking for: Microsoft announced Jan. 22 that it would be cutting up to 5,000 jobs in the next year and a half. But it's still looking for software design engineers, financial analysts, human resources, administrative and marketing and sales talent, particularly in online ad sales.
Bright Horizons - What they're looking for: Center and school staff, center and school leadership positions, benefits, client services (sales), payroll, property management, information technology, marketing.
T-Mobile - What they're looking for: Retail sales, customer service, sales, engineering & operations, EIT, finance, product development, legal affairs, business operations, human resources, marketing, integrated customer experience, corporate communications.

So you there you have it - there are companies hiring so keep on searching!

A Powerful Reminder

2009-01-25T12:13:00.000-08:00

Here is even more proof that you need to stay flexible in today's economy;

Lehman Brother top pick for New Grads in 2007
(Before)

Lehman Brother Home page when I Visited this Afternoon
(After)

If nothing else, this teaches us that nothing is permanent.

Job Search Tips & Tricks

2009-01-25T10:59:00.000-08:00

This morning I decided to clean up my Delicious bookmarks. While I was going through my long, long list of sites (almost 1,200) I discovered a few helpful job search links. Armed with the bookmarks, I thought - why not share these resources.

Where to find jobs;
The first section of bookmarks is comprised of places to find jobs/internships.

Ned's Job of the Week - This is a great e-newsletter send out by Ned Lundquist. I met him at a Washington D.C. PRSA meeting - nice guy. He started the newsletter when he found himself without a job. His network of communication professionals would send him a job opening & he would forward it to others if it wasn't a fit for him.
Alltop - Top Job News - Although this site has mostly IT jobs, it links to some great job search websites. Definitely worth a look.
Council of Public Relations Firms - Lists current job openings in PR all over the US. I like this site because you can grab an RSS feed of your search.
MonsterTRAK - This is an entry-level & internship search engine from Monster. It has a cool feature that lets you search by majors.
PRSA JobCenter - Great searchable database of PR jobs. Usually does not post bogus entry-level "PR" jobs looking for *face to face sales* people.

Writing your resume;
You've found a job but need to send a resume - what do you do?

38 More Beautiful Resume Ideas - Some great ideas to help your resume stand out. Warning on this one - know your audience! Don't send a super creative resume to a firm you know to be slightly more conservative.
15 Deadly but Often-Made Resume Mistakes - The biggest take away from this article - Remember to edit your resume/cover letter! If there is a typo on either, you won't get a call or offer.
Cover Letter Template - A cover letter is very important; it lets the company learn more about you. This site has some good templates to draw ideas from.
VisualCV - This website allows you to make your resume into a webpage. I've really enjoyed this site because it allows you to add portfolio pieces to the site. For example, my Visual CV allowed me to put display some graphic art that I've done. They also have an IT & Technology online Job Fair coming up on February 3rd.
LinkedIn - Then there is LinkedIn - if you don't already have a profile on this site, you should!

The Interview;
So you've spent hours looking for an opening, applying, now it's time for the interview.

Job Interview Questions - Great compilation of job interview questions you should be ready for. This site also describes different types of interview you might run into.
25 Most Difficult Questions - A single page of the 25 most difficult interview questions and how to think about answering them.

After the Interview; Don't forget your Thank You note!

Other resources I've extremely helpful;

Entry Level Examiner - Writen by Heather Huhman. I first started talking with Heather on Twitter during a #pradvice chat. She has some great suggestions and advice for job searching. What makes her advice all the better - she understands the changes coming to PR (like Social Media).
Twitter - There are a number of ongoing discussions on Twitter designed to help Public Relations entry-level professionals and graduates-to-be.

Check out #pradvice to connect with helpful PR Pros who are avalible to answer questions about anything from your job search to what life is like as a PR pro.
Another great one is #EntryPR. This hashtag marks tweets about entry-level positions in the PR industry. It's not as active as the #pradvice conversation, but worth keeping an eye on. I've already foudn a few jobs which I've applied for on #EntryPR.
Last but not least, there is #PR Intern. As the name suggests, this is where people will list PR internships.

Hope this list of sites proves helpful for your search! Althought times might get tough breaking into the PR world, there are plenty of resources, websites, and people who want to help!

Identity

2009-01-20T17:24:00.000-08:00

How do you present yourself to the world?

This is a question I’ve been pondering for awhile. My curiosity was kicked into overdrive at the last Social Media Club meeting here in Atlanta. The question of the night centered on a similar question – Does your online identity differ from your offline identity?

During our discussion, many people touched on similar points – each drawing from a central truth; Most of us do not act one way, all the time, with all people.

My mother once told me a metaphor I that has always helped me clarify my relationships, professional or otherwise. The metaphor goes something like this;

You have lots of different friends that you want to spend time with;
You have the group you would invite to join you for dinner at your house, but you wouldn’t let them watch you cook.
Then there are the friends you would invite for dinner and talk with while you were cooking, hanging out in the kitchen – but you wouldn’t invite them to stay for a movie.
Then there is a closer, small group of friends you would invite over for a movie, to relax with you and unwind – but you wouldn’t invite them into your bedroom.
Then, lastly, there is the select group of friends you would invite into your bedroom, your dearest friends and companions.
You are no more or less sincere with any one group, you are no more or less yourself – you simply have different boundaries.

So, what on earth does this busy house have to do with online how you present yourself to the world? Simply put, the metaphor has helped me form my boundaries for my online identity, my professional identity, and my personal identity.

How do you form your online identity? Do you have boundaries with your LinkedIn connections that aren’t visible in your personal blog?

The way I see it, at this stage in my career, all of my online dealings are potential representations of my work, my identity to future employers. Some very smart people at our SMC dinner noted, as you gain professional experience, your talent and accomplishments speak loudly.

As the apt quote from Henry Ford goes;

"You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do."
-- Henry Ford (1863 - 1947)

So until you have a reputation that speaks for itself, be mindful of how you present yourself to the world. For heavens sake, don't put forth a false front - Just be, well, smart about it.

So how do you handle you online identity? Do you share everything or keep something only for certain networks?

Food for Thought

2009-01-19T09:59:00.000-08:00

With the dismal economy, it's easy to accept the first job offer that comes your way. Although no offers yet, it has been difficult remaining selective in which jobs I apply for.

An article from Water Cooler Wisdom reminded me that when contemplating a job offer, the company isn't the only one taking a risk... you are as well. The article, 'Are THEY a good fit for YOU?' asks some basic but important things to consider;

Weak credibility in the industry.
A credit record that raises eyebrows.
Being a brand-new business
A revolving door of employees.
A tiny little voice that says, "Don't do it!"

My personal favorite - number 5, listen to that little voice!! If you don't feel a connection with the company or the work they do, you'll be going through the motions at work. Sure, the job might pay the bills and that will keep you satisfied, for a bit. But you'll become bored, disgruntled, and dissatisfied.

It's hard not to jump at whatever openings come your way, because, let's be honest, there are not many. However, if you can hold in sight a job you really want, something will come through that you will enjoy.

I love quotes, and here is a perfect one for this situation;

"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars."
-- Brian Littrell

In speaking of playing in the stars - Here's a clip of Ol' Blue Eyes belting out the tune "Fly me to the Moon."

#JournChat

2009-01-19T09:13:00.000-08:00

Just received a reminder e-mail for tonight’s Journalist & Public Relations chat, #journchat. (from 7-10pm CST, 8-11pm EST)

The three hour chat on Twitter is very beneficial. The diverse group of PR professionals, journalists, students, and teachers cover questions about communications. They range from the importance of social media to the most annoying pitch a journalist has received. Every part is helpful to learn from.

Not to mention this is a great way to get out and make more connections. I also participate in the on-going chat on #PRAdvice. I have already met a number of very helpful professionals by reaching out.

As always, network, network, network – especially in these difficult times.

So, if you are headed to#JournChat this evening, here are some ground rules;

The Official #journchat Rules:

Provide a quick intro with your name, role (journ, blogger, etc) and your company (if you would like)
Send all questions for submission to @PRsarahevans WITHOUT the hashtag
PLAY NICE!
MOST IMPORTANT: stay on topic
DO NOT pitch yourself until last the last 5 minutes, during ONE PITCH PER PERSON

The e-mail reminder also included a great link on how to participate:

Not sure how to participate in the conversation? http://journchat.info/2009/01/06/how-do-i-participate-in-journchat/

Chances are you’ll be online this evening anyway, so come join in the fun!

Adaptation

2009-01-19T08:41:00.000-08:00

Times are tough and resources are appearing scarce. Just this morning CNN had a news story discussing how some states may see unemployment rates as high as 10% before long. Here’s a story from CNNMoney which seems to tout the old adage, it’ll get worse before it gets better… 'Brutal job losses continue in 2009'

"The job market is off to a terrible start this year, with companies announcing more than 80,000 job losses so far, in one of the most painful symptoms of the ongoing recession."

Although there is a certain amount of doom & gloom in the economic air, it is the perfect time for flexibility and adaptation. Take a look at the embattled music industry. Their sales have been slumping since Napster hit the scene. Not to mention the barely-there reputation the industry gave itself after years of expensive lawsuits against individuals.

Now the industry is finally giving in to the unchanging tide, they are emulating the pirates – so says a article from yesterday’s New York Times.

The music industry is taking a hard look at bundling music downloads with the cost of your monthly internet bill or purchase price of a new cellphone. This change will hopefully get the industry on a track to repair its horrendous reputation.

It’s a small, connected world...

Does anyone else see a similarity between the music industry’s unwillingness to change and the auto industry’s current financial woes?

Simply put – if you aren’t willing to change with the times, the times will end up changing you.

Free Advice

2008-12-29T04:34:00.000-08:00

Reading the paper everyday should be a given when job searching. This weekend it paid off when I read this headline; "Job hunting? Free call could change your life."

Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, turns out that a Chicago-based "outplacement consulting organization," Challenger, Gray & Christmas is offering free job search advice today and tomorrow, 12-29 & 12-30. All you have to do is call them between 10:00am and 6:00pm, Eastern. Their phone number is (312) 332-5790.

Even if you think you know everything about the job search, it never hurts to learn more. Take advantage of this once in a year opportunity!!

There is Hope

2008-12-28T17:53:00.000-08:00

Being a 'Young Professional' and looking for full-time employment, I spend most of my free time looking at PR or job search related articles, new stories, and blog postings. What I've read has left me feeling nervous, worried, and sometimes down right scared by recent headlines; Georgia job losses to grow until 2010, Georgia jobless rate jumps to 7 percent.

Just when I thought all hope was lost, I came across a great article from U.S. News, '5 Things Every Young Worker Needs to Know' by Liz Wolgemuth. She has a simple message, "It's easy to be discouraged—but it's also unwise."

Liz breaks down the job search process for Young Professionals into 5 need-to-know ideas;

"Media reports may not be relevant to you"
"You're not expected to have it all figured out"
"Personal branding should begin early"
"Passion counts "
"Companies will look at your relationship skills"

Reading this well crafted article calmed my nerves and helped put some perspective on my current situation. Although I am without a full-time, salary position, I have a fantastic internship that is teaching me great lessons every day. I am also meeting wonderful people who seem genuinely interested in the success of my overall career - regardless of where my career path might take me.

For another breath of fresh air, take a look at Lindsey Pollak's collection of "Essential recession reading: 5 new articles for young job hunters." The U.S. News piece is one of the 5. I also enjoyed #3, 'Finding an Internship or Entry-Level Job Abroad.' Gives my international nomad side some hope that more travel is in my future - maybe within the next 5 years? Here's hoping!

So remember, when you start to feel like freaking out, just breath, relax, and remember that "This too shall pass."

If that doesn't work, check out The Office online at Hulu. The show is always good for a few laughs... Perhaps, even some insight into what you might be in for once you find that awesome job.

Happy Hunting!

'Tis the Season... for Change

2008-12-26T16:09:00.000-08:00

What better time for change than now? Christmas has come and gone. The New Year is almost upon us. While I was thinking about how much my life has changed, I thought, why the heck haven’t I changed my blog layout?!

I’ve been meaning to make this blog look a bit nicer for awhile. But, have been a bit distracted by work, life, and Twitter.

After a few hours of fiddling around with a template I found and trying out a few pictures, I finally did it. My layout went from the default to what you see before you. Although I think it looks much better, I’m not completely finished with the changes.

What do you think? Anything you’d like to see on here?

Here is what the layout use to look like;

Must See

2008-12-22T17:08:00.000-08:00

Every time I'm online, there are great new articles online. There are fascinating stories about Social Media and how it impacts Public Relations, Advertising, and Marketing. Since many of the articles are worth reading, I'm going to start posting a few here.

First, a new study from the The Bivings Group shows how America's large newspapers are using the internet. Their research found that "the number of newspaper websites allowing users to comment on articles has more than doubled in the last year. Seventy five percent of newspapers now accept article comments in some form, compared to 33 percent in 2007"
In speaking of studies, how about this study from AdWeek taling about what a client wants in an agency. Although the article comes from an advertising pub, the points made can be transferred to any client service industry.
How's this for a stat from Media Week & Nielsen Online; "During the traditional nine-to-five work week, 65 percent of online video viewers streamed at least one piece of content in October." Remember that Work-Life Blend I talked about last time? Here is more proof that people spend time on life at work. See, it will blend!
Compete.com, a fun and imformative analytic tool to compare unique visits to the website(s) of your choice. Check out Twitter vs. Facebook v. MySpace - anyone else notice a nose-dive from MySpace.

This last one is the most interesting, in my humble opinion, a recap from #journchat's third session (December 16). This one has some good tips on;

Pitching Tips - miketempleton: @jezebelcapture If you’re really good you can pitch your release in 140 characters http://is.gd/bbXz
Tweets about Journalists - cyberprvideo: Another good point. Blogs are editorials by their very nature. Not necessarily “reporting.
Tweets about Social Media - fsutoby: Great point, but clients need to be aware Social Media TAKES TIME to grow an audience! It’s rarely an overnight thing.
Tweets about PR - pitchengine: @fsutoby #journchat - not true - soon, PR will begin to be less about journalists and more about direct communication to consumers via sm (social media)

Still Searching

2008-12-22T16:35:00.000-08:00

I have been noticing that more and more blogs, papers, and news segments are about people looking for work.

I mentioned last time that the downturn in the economy has caused an upturn in job search resources. The trick is figuring out how to effectively use these resources. Here are a few I found just within the last couple of days...

Lifehacker, Five Best Online Job Search Sites; this is a pretty good list. In true social media fashion, the list was created by people submitting their favorite search sites. (I'm a fan of LinkedIn personally)
How to Split an Atom, 33 Ways to Find a Job Online

Almost every article says the same thing, Have a plan! If you set off on your search without a clear goal in mind, you'll end up walking in circles until rent is due and your wallet is empty.

When I was going about my search, full steam, I had to break down my days and weeks into attainable goals. I knew I needed/wanted a job. But how does that translate to individual days, individual tasks?

So, I set goals; reach out to 5 contacts today, set up 3 informational interviews by the end of the week.

By having these smaller goals, I was able to grown my network, stay in touch, and ultimately find an internship. I was also lucky enough to meet some great people who helped me along the way.

All that to say, don't let the news get you down. There are tons of resources out there to help you find your next gig.

A Job Search & the Silver Lining

2008-12-16T16:37:00.000-08:00

I have discovered a bright spot to the faltering economy – everyone is talking about how to improve your job search. I’ve seen articles on how to keep your job, more places to look for work, and so on.

With so many more people looking for work, you need to make sure that you bring your ‘A’ game every time… No longer will a forgotten or belated Thank You note be acceptable.

I’ve picked a few of my favorite job search posts from the last week. Enjoy and feel free to post your own!

My favorite post of the week has to be Mashable’s Career Toolbox: 100+ Places to Find Jobs. This is by far the most comprehensive list I’ve come across yet! While your taking a look at this article, be sure to browse through a few of Mashable’s other posts. This site is a treasure trove of information from the digital space. It is one of the many blogs I check daily.

Another great post is from Joseph Jaffe’s blog, Jaffe Juice. Jaffe is a great commentator for those interested in communications (with a lean towards advertisements). I highly recommend his book, Life After the 30 Second Spot. So much so, Life After 30 is on my recommended reading list!

So what did Jaffe do that merits retelling? In a recent post, Jaffe put out an offer to help. He realized that “It's unbelievable how many … friends, colleagues, clients, etc are being laid off. All great people. All talented.” The one question he asks… “How can I help?” Check out his post – maybe he’ll even make a guest appearance on your blog or website.

Another great resource is Twitter. A number of people on Twitter will post jobs as they receive offers/tips. A quick search on twitter and you’ll find countless people posting about their job search; some happy, some not so happy, and lots offering advice.

Basically, get out there, look around, and stay positive! After all,

"This too, shall pass”

Update: Just found another great website that quickly aggregates a bunch of job/career feeds -> http://career.alltop.com/

Work, Life – Will it Blend?

2008-12-14T15:12:00.000-08:00

I am about to start week 5 of my internship. It still feels like I just started - Hard to believe time has passed so quickly. My work area still has that new cubicle smell. Here is a quick clip that asks a very important question; will it blend?

One of the big lessons I’ve learned so far – there is always a deadline to contend with. My question, where do you find the time to do all this work & have time for a life? There have been two bits of advice that stand out as I talk to people around the office.

First – “You will always have work to do. Figure out what is most important, make a list, and do it.”
This one stood out for me because it puts emphasis on what you want to accomplish. You’ll always have a deadline to worry about, some report to finish. But, if you really want to go to a seminar or a friends wedding, that is important as well. The trick is finding a way to get it all done. Maybe going to that wedding means you have to bring some work with you to be done between rehearsal and dinner.

The second bit of advice is wonderful example of how you frame a message; the concept of “Work-Life Blending.” The individual that shared this gem with me pointed out that ideas don’t necessarily come between clocking in and clocking out. Ideas might come when you are at the gym, doing laundry, or eating out. Because of the finicky nature of ideas, it is difficult to completely turn off work; Especially in Public Relations.

All the more reason to find something you love doing, and do it. This weekend I brought some work home to look over. My logic being, if I spend an hour or two looking over everything, I’ll be less stressed about meeting my deadlines next week.

I love good quotes, so I’m going to leave you with a few gems about work;

"Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work." - Aristotle

"People forget how fast you did a job - but they remember how well you did it." - Howard Newton

"The more I want to get something done, the less I call it work." - Richard Bach

Observations about a Public Relations Agency

2008-12-04T19:21:00.000-08:00

An update is long over due. I have been working away at my internship for a few weeks now. So far all those things I’ve heard about Agency life is mostly true; Everyone is super busy. Yet, a work/life balance does exist.

Every day is super busy – I am always juggling multiple deadlines. And to think, I am only a mere intern. Although I am usually pressed for time, the work is engaging and fun. The multiple projects appeals to my inner multitasker. I really enjoy having different clients to work on, each with their own unique problem or assignment.

I’ve come to understand a universal truth of offices as well – there will always be politics. Not the “Who did you vote for” kind of politics… The kind that require you to act a certain way or to go out of your way to help certain people. Office politics are just something to be aware of – no need to excessively stress about them.

Another thing that will always be true, rarely does anything happen in the office without the Administrative staff's knowledge or approval. Be nice and get to know the Admin people in your office. In my experience, Admin people are sometimes overlooked as resources or contacts. If you make an effort to talk to them, your positive attitude will not go unnoticed.

I have started to bring an extra writing pad to work to jot down more observations or thoughts that may prove helpful.

Oh! The best advice I’ve been given at work so far…
My question; “There is so much work to do, how do you get it all done and still have a life?”
Their answer; “You have to decide to get it all done – then, do it.”

Now I’m off to get more things done!
I might have brought some work home with me…

Shout Out

2008-11-18T17:47:00.000-08:00

Heard a rumor that my college PRSSA chapter was talking about my blog tonight. In light of this, I wanted to give a shout out to all of the George Mason PRSSA members (and maybe members to-be)!

PRSSA & PRSA is worth every penny! After moving down here to Atlanta, I went to a PRSA luncheon and met some very helpful contacts. Thanks to those contacts and people I've met since, I am now working at the top Independent PR Agency in the world. Crazy stuff right?

I hope that this blog proves useful for you. There are older posts with great links to information about social media & general job search tips.

Basically, this blog is a collection of all the questions I faced when I graduated - things I didn't learn while at Mason. If anyone has any questions or feels like chatting about job search or new media, feel free to drop me a line. I can be reached @ StChris85@gmail.com or you can find me on LinkedIn.

Last thing - If you don't know about it already, look into New Media! Everyone in PR is trying to figure out how to use it to help their clients/companies. If you have something to offer them, they'll love you for it!

In Speaking Of Change

2008-11-15T13:25:00.000-08:00

"The only Constant is Change."

This saying has been my mantra for some time. It so accurately describes what to expect from life.

Change has taken on a new meaning for me today. Today is exactly six months since I graduated from. I was so excited to graduate and get started with my new adult life. Little did I know how much work lay ahead to get me where to the present. Looking back, I am grateful to have experienced these last months… Talk about a learning experience!

When I started this blog, I was another one of the huddled masses yearning for a spot in a Public Relations Agency. I was taught in school that if I worked hard and showed initiative, I would get far. What my professors failed to mention was how difficult it can be to get out the starting gate!

The first truth I learned was to get an entry-level job, you needed experience. But how do you get experience if you don't have a job? Aren't entry-level jobs all about gaining experience?

Graduation was a huge transition and now I feel as though I am at the cusp of another transition. Monday will begin a whole new chapter in my search to move beyond the classroom and into my very own cubicle. Figuratively speaking of course, I'd much prefer a corner office... eventually =)

Food for Thought...

2008-11-15T13:18:00.000-08:00

As I was reading through the latest Edelman Digital Blog post I saw this great video;

Really makes you think for a moment. Hard to believe just how quickly our world is changing.

Surviving the Job Search

2008-11-04T08:04:00.000-08:00

When you are getting ready to graduate from college, things tend to fall through the cracks. As I was preparing to go up and accept my diploma, health insurance and student loans weren’t at the top of my mind. Fast-forward six months later and they are in the fore front.

Some practical things to consider about your health care as graduation approaches;

The whole idea of Health Insurance confused the heck out of me. Luckily, there are some excellent resources out there. This guide put together by the Department of Health & Human Services is worth a look. It covered most of the questions I had. Then I found this site with specific considerations broken down by your life situation.

How about paying for Dental work? This came up the other day as I was scheduling a teeth-cleaning appointment. It seems everything dealing with medicine costs, well, an arm and a leg if you are uninsured. Luckily, there are options. The receptionist at the counter kindly told me about DentRite. DentRite is a discount plan that may work in your area. It will help bridge the gap between Dental Insurance providers.

There are many affordable options out there to make sure you stay healthy. As with all things, finding the right solution for you will take some research.

Student loans present a tough challenge. There hundreds of options for repaying them. The Federal Student Aid website is a great place for a few FAQs. For something a little more interactive, there is YouCanDealWithIt.com. You Can Deal With It takes a comprehensive look at student loans and how you are going to repay them.

"Knowledge itself is power."
- Francis Bacon

As you run into problems or challenges with the practical side of entering the work force, mentors or parents are invaluable. I have been extremely fortunate to have very supportive parents. They have been able to answer questions, offer advice, and give support when I have needed it most. The more you know, the better prepared you will be to take on whatever challenges come your way.

It’s a Small World After All

2008-10-24T11:39:00.000-07:00

I was reminded at a recent PRSA Luncheon that it really is a small world we live in; you never know who you are talking to or how they might be able to help you. This will ring true regardless of what field you’re interested in or where you live.

After joining the Georgia PRSA Chapter, I signed up to be a ‘greeter’ at events. The job description greeting people as they arrive. We also answer questions about membership should the need arise.

During a more recent luncheon, I was greeting with two other people. While introducing ourselves, it turned out that one of my fellow greeters works at the company I am to intern with. We talked about what their responsibilities were at the office, office culture, and what I can expect as an intern. This conversation was invaluable! I was able to make another contact at the office and boost my confidence level. I was pretty nervous about the first day so hearing what the office is like made me feel more at easy.

The ‘Golden Rule’ is extremely important in the world of business. If you are unprofessional or unkind to someone, the interaction will more than likely it will come back to haunt you. To avoid stepping on possibly helpful/powerful toes, exercise common courtesy.

Energetic Black Holes

2008-10-15T13:19:00.000-07:00

Some days you might get up with all of the best intentions in the world. You think, I’m going to conquer that ‘To-Do’ list and take no prisoners! You read the paper, check e-mail, read a couple of blogs.

Somehow, by the time you’ve finished your cup of coffee, it hits. All of your well-intentioned super charged energy has been zapped out of you. Maybe your morning toast was burnt or the coffee was brewed for too long. Whatever it is, your day is ruined.

Today, sadly, was one of those days. I was hoping to receive a new cell phone in the mail today. After a few hours of waiting and working on projects, I am here... still waiting.

Although I accomplished very little today, I was lucky. There were no major fires to put out or projects to complete. Sometimes a day where nothing gets done is just what the doctor ordered.

More times than not, however, you have to shake it off and move on. I tried, honest. I even changed to go to the gym but didn’t quite make it out of the driveway. I had this terrible feeling that as soon as I left, the courier would come with my cell.

During one of my relentless tracking sessions of the cell phone package, I was informed that the courier had tried to deliver my cell but I was not at home. I was extremely surprised since I have spent most of my day at my dinning room table working (and sometimes goofing around). After calling to inquire about my package, the nice lady on the phone said I should expect it this evening. Gah! Talk about feeling disconnected.

I guess this experience is a lesson in patience. But I can’t help thinking that waiting in our instant society feels seems so wrong.

Staying up on the World

2008-09-30T17:23:00.001-07:00

I'm currently watching The Daily Show on Comedy Central. Although it is a rerun (September 29th) the show reminded me of somethign important, staying in touch with the world!

On a recent interview, I was asked how I kept up with daily news. I responded with a list including my local paper, local news channels, and NPR. Interestingly, the follow up question was what new media outlets did I used to access news. This was a first for me. Luckily, I am actively involved with sites like Digg, Twitter, and others.

When I was taking classes in college, my professors would sometimes require us to read a newspaper daily for class. I use require loosely... As well intentioned as we students were, the daily readings started out strong then dissipated. However, the professors had an important point.

In order to have informed conversations in the working world, you must know what is going on in that world.

Here is a sampling of news organizations I check in on during the week;

World & Business News; Cnn.com, BusinessWeek.com, BusinessWeek - Business Exchange, The Wall Street Journal
Public Relations & Communication News; PRWeek, AdWeek, BrandWeek, MediaWeek, Advertising Lab, ADFreak, Ads of the World
New Media News; Digg.com, Technoratie
NetVibes is a great homepage - it lets you combine many of the above sources into one homepage. It also lets you search multiple blogs from multiple blogs right from your personalized page.

Hope those links help you get started on your excursion into the world we inhabit. Perhaps a bit corny, but remember, Knowledge is Power - Power that you can use during interviews, networking opportunities, and everyday life.

The Rollercoaster is Worth It!

2008-09-23T17:32:00.000-07:00

I received a great call this week – I was offered a full-time internship with a Public Relations firm!

There is a bit of back story with this offer that might be useful, so here we go.

I moved to Atlanta around June 1st and went to my first PRSA Meeting June 5th. At that meeting, I met a few wonderful contacts that have been a huge help in my job search. They suggested I contact a PR Firm in town. Taking their suggestion, I e-mailed another contact at the company. Thankfully I was called for a phone interview. The interview was nerve-racking as it was my first honest to goodness professional interview. I made sure I had all of my notes and research in front of me and did as well as I could.

The interview went well and I was asked in for a face-to-face interview. By now, it is the middle of June and I’m feeling pretty jazzed that I have a meeting. The meeting went well and was wonderful experience. After a week, I started to be less excited – I was use to hearing back within days for a job. Then again, all the jobs I had applied for previously were retail jobs, part-time gigs.

After three weeks I still had no news on the position I had applied for. At this point, I’m worried. I sent off another e-mail and made a couple phone calls. One month later I heard the news that I had not gotten the position. Although the news was a bit of a blow it gave me a new perspective.

I decided to refocus my efforts from an entry-level position to a paid internship. The refocus turned out to be a fantastic new direction for me. Between moving to Atlanta and today, I applied with over 25 companies. Each rejection gave me another lesson and put me a step closer to a successful application.

The lesson I learned overall, tenacity wins the day. That company that I applied with when I first moved to Atlanta, the one I did not get the entry-level position with – I am working with their intern program. How’s that for coming full circle?

Claiming My Blog

2008-09-19T07:02:00.000-07:00

I had an older account on Technorati but have since changed e-mails. So, as I start up my new account I am able to claim my blog with a nifty bit of code;
Technorati Profile

I suppose this means I have to update my profile on Technorati doesn't it?

Welcome to the Wonderful World of the Webinar

2008-09-18T13:56:00.000-07:00

Today I was able to participate in my first web-seminar. Also known as a webinar. I wasn't sure what to expect but it ended up being pretty awesome. It amounted to a conference call while we all looked at the same computer screen.

Some precautions about webinars that I found out today -

Always be ready to sign on early so you have time to check your mic is working.
Allow a few extra minutes in case there are technical difficulties.
Do not assume that the session will go as planned - be prepared to talk through your presentation if the slide show doesn't work.

Those are the biggest points I learned from today.

Also, finally some great news to report - I have an interview!

I just received a call from a company I've been talking with sine July. I applied for a position with them but realized I didn't have the requisite experience. So, I asked to be considered as an intern. However, my timing was slightly off so I had to wait for the next round of internships; Which is finally here.

In speaking of internships... It seems that most companies run on a three or four internship cycles a year; Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter.

When you start looking for work, keep the deadline dates in mind. I found this out the hard way after applying for an internship I really wanted a couple of days too late.

I'll let you know how tomorrow goes. Hopefully it will be productive and successful!

Musings from the Coffee Shop

2008-09-15T08:38:00.000-07:00

I realized it has been awhile since I updated on my progress. Sadly, that is because there is not terribly much progress to report.

I had two possibilities up in the air. Unfortunately, they both came back as rejections last week. In an attempt to keep moving, I applied with four new companies the same day… Two steps forward, one step back (but in a positive way..?).

I haven’t had too much time to think about the rejections because I have a big report to be finished by tomorrow morning. I mentioned once or twice that you need to keep busy to keep your hopes up and thoughts positive during the job search. Every day I am amazed at how true this is.

To prove a point, I put together a list of things I’ve been doing since I got to Atlanta;

Joined a Gym & work out daily (Cardio 7 times a week, Lifting 4 days)
At night when I can’t slow my stressed mind down, I read.
I am taking a motorcycle safety course next week as a step in getting my motorcycle license.
Following shows like House & Project Runway.

When you have particularly stressful days it is so important to keep things in perspective and not freak out. I’ve had a time or two when I needed to simply lie down for a minute to collect myself. It’s okay to freak out (or at least I hope it is).

Let me elaborate on the motorcycle license. I currently live with my parents. This is a great deal because they offered to let me stay with them rent free, in exchange for helping them as needed. Staying with my parents is extra helpful because I can use their car from time to time to get to interviews or around town. My car, lamentably, was totaled earlier this year in an accident caused by an inattentive driver.

So what does all of that have to do with a motorcycle license you ask? The motorcycle license is the first step in buying a motorcycle, allowing me to transport myself.

And now, my point – When you are not able to be independent because of your fiscal situation, you must focus on ways to increase your feeling of independence. I am focusing on getting a motorcycle because it will help me feel like I am making progress in my job search. I will be able to make plans independent of whether or not my parents need to use their car. It is a small thing, but it matters a great deal to me.

Sometimes the littlest things will help you feel better about your job search, about your situation. Time permitting, focus on those things and take steps to attain them.

Thank You's

2008-09-10T06:54:00.000-07:00

Something occurred to me this morning as I was checking my e-mails; I say thank you a lot. It's a good thing.

Here's how I work with Thank You's...

First Round; I send an e-mail to a contact asking for information or an interview. At the end of the e-mail I'll say something like "Thank you in advance for any advice you are able to provide." This is a great way of saying "I'm expecting you to respond so please don't write me off. Also, by thanking the person for their time before they do it, some might even feel obligated to respond. Either way, it doesn't hurt to end your first e-mail with a thank you.

Second Round; Depending on what sort of communication I receive, I will sometimes start the e-mail with a quick "thank you for the valuable information you were able to share." It is always polite to thank your contact after they help you by providing information. Because remember, no has to help you, they choose to help. If the communication includes some very useful information, I will rarely end the e-mail with a "Thank you again" for the info.

Most importantly do not forget to send thank you notes after meetings or interviews! I forgot to send a thank you note after an interview once and my contact wasn't happy. The interview was months ago and I am still trying to mend the relationship. Being polite and courteous goes a long way so why not give yourself that extra edge?

Some would argue that handwritten notes are most effective. But, I find that the hand written notes take too long to get to the recipient. Everyone is moving at light speed and a well crafted thank you note via e-mail will suffice most of the time. For me, it has been appropriate all of the time. Should the occasion call for it, I will happily break out my pen and paper.

A final thought on being polite and having good manners while job searching;

"Manners are of more importance than laws. Manners are what vex or soothe, corrupt or purify, exalt or debase, barbarize or refine us, by a constant, steady, uniform, insensible operation, like that of the air we breathe in."
- Edmund Burke

Rebounding from Bad News

2008-09-09T17:31:00.001-07:00

Another day on the roller coaster. I received two notices today that I was not selected for a job I had interviewed for. In the interest of honesty, it was a crushing blow.

But I did my best to not let it get to me. Remember, I thought, it's not personal while job searching. So, after allowing a few minutes to let the disappointment hit & sink in I went back to work. I pulled out my job search file and got to work. Using my job search table, I went through and made sure I was up-to-date with all of my contacts.

One great of the great positives was I have an interview for Thursday.

When I was going through my list of places to apply to, I came across one company I did not have a contact at. The last thing I wanted to do was send a resume and cover letter into the void that is "info@company.com"

Instead, I checked on LinkedIn to see if anyone in my network had a contact they could connect me with. Luckily, I did know someone who connected me with a Vice President in Human Resources. Within 30 minutes of my e-mail to the VP, I had a phone meeting scheduled for later this week.

Just goes to show that your network is a powerful thing. Could I have gotten a meeting without my contacts? Perhaps - But I highly doubt it would have taken a total of 30 minutes.

Lessons learned - don't let the bad news of the day keep you down. Like it or not, you will get rejected during a job search. Those that prosper are those who can rebound quickly from it. My favorite professor said it best;

"In order to do well in this business, you must have think skin."

Dealing with the Roller Coaster

2008-09-08T19:55:00.000-07:00

I mentioned in Prologue, Prelude, and Other Introductions, the job search is a roller coaster of emotion. Some days are fantastic; you get the interview, someone calls you with a possible contact, you have a productive meeting.

However, you should be prepared for the bad days. Days when you feel like you've accomplished nothing - when no one returns your calls or e-mails. For example, awhile back I had a great interview. I was subsequently offered an internship. A paid internship no less. To say the least I was excited. I would finally be putting money back into my quickly dwindling bank account. So why is this a bad day?

The bad day came 3 days later in the form of a voice message. I missed a call from my contact at the company which had hired me. The message said that the higher-ups has decided to put the Intern program on 'hold' until further notice. I was stunned. I had not even made it into the office and I was fired! WHAT?! Who does that?

Here's the key - Rather than letting my disappointment get the better of me, I sent a short e-mail to my contact. This is what I said;

"I just received your voice mail. Although I am disappointed, I understand hard decisions must be made during these difficult economic times. Hopefully this pause will be brief. In the mean time I will be continuing my internship search.
Thank for the opportunity to work with you."

By being polite and understanding you gain a lot - you gain a contact that will now be helping you look for work.

One trick of the job search, you never know who you are talking to so always put your best foot forward.

Changes

2008-09-08T18:12:00.000-07:00

I have moved my blog from Tumblr to Blogger. After trying Tumblr out for awhile, I decided I did not like the set up. Here is the link if you want to take a look.

From now on I'll be updating on this blog. You can also check out my Twitter (Rat_Race) for up-to-the-minute updates. (redundancies make me chuckle)

Dealing With Stress

2008-09-08T18:03:00.001-07:00

Back to the roller coaster metaphor for the job search. Almost as important as looking for work is keeping your spirits up.

Not every day will be filled with meetings or things to do, so find something you enjoy doing to fill the time. I joined a gym and took an unpaid internship. This way I stay in shape and use my communication skills. Not to mention I am now able to add to my resume.

Additionally, having something to do related to your field gives you something to talk about when networking. I noticed that people were much more talkative when I told them about my internship. I was afraid that having an internship would scare off potential employers. But, it gives me real-life experience and something to share. When networking, people are interested in what you are doing now not six months ago.

Also, working on something or volunteering shows that you have a good work ethic and are dedicated to furthering your knowledge of your field.

If you don't have something professional to do, no worries. There are plenty of places to look and volunteer.

Addressing the stress factor. Yes, your job search will leave you stressed out some days. Here is a helpful article on reducing stress. Take what works, leave the rest.

Above all else, remember that something will come along. If you hold out for the job you want, you won't be disappointed. I leave you with a quote...

"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life."
- Confucius

Business Cards

2008-09-08T17:54:00.000-07:00

When I first moved down to Atlanta, all I had was a resume that needed polishing. I quickly (very quickly) learned that a business card is a necessity!

My first week in town I attended a PRSA Luncheon. There, I was asked a few times for my contact info. I had to write it down on a bit of paper - not very professional. Not to mention a terrible first impression. So shortly after the luncheon I went down to the print store (Kinkos/FedEx/etc) and put together a card.

Here is how my card is set up. Minus the parentheses.

(First Name) (Middle Initial). (Last Name)

(Mailing Address)
(E-mail) (Phone Number)

I kept my information simple & put in a few ways to get a hold of me. Make sure the phone number is attached to a professional sounding voice mail. Last thing you need is someone calling about an interview and getting your voice mail you haven’t changed since the last kegger you went to.

Now you have a calling card. The cards are a way to show that you are a professional looking for a professional position. Being a young professional, the business card will help other take you more seriously.

So now that you have a wonderful business card go forth and network!

Networking is like Air...

2008-09-08T17:51:00.000-07:00

Not for long anyway.

I attended a PRSA Luncheon yesterday about Social Media. The Luncheon was a great way to network. In fact, one of the people I interviewed with yesterday was there. My PRSA chapter has a ‘Greeter Program’ which I volunteer for. We welcome people to the events and answer questions as they arise; where do I sit? Who is speaking? Etc.

What is so great about this volunteer position is you get to rub elbows with some pretty powerful PR types – maybe even your next boss. This is going to be a shameless plug for PRSA but here’s why.

Did you know that more than 60% of all jobs are found by networking?!

PRSA offers a great way to get involved and meet the people who will help you find a job. When I moved to Atlanta, the first thing I did was attend a PRSA Luncheon. I was warmly greeted and given a number of contacts, one of which resulted in a request for an interview.

I was only asked in for the interview because someone in my network knew the Senior Vice President who was hiring. I wouldn’t have even gotten a call back on my application had I not had that connection.

The Luncheon, applying for the job, and the interview all happened in a matter of two weeks of arriving in town. In case you’re wondering, that short time-frame is extremely rare in job searching.

Aside from Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), there is also the American Marketers Association (AMA), your local Press Club (great for forming relationships with journalists), and a host of other options. The key is finding an organization where you feel comfortable and able to network comfortably.

Social Media - the New Bubble

2008-09-08T17:38:00.000-07:00

In 'Suggested Readings' I began to talk about Social Media. The more experience you have with this new way to communicate, the more competitive you will be in the job market. In this spirit I found a pretty basic video describing what Social Media is.

Once you get through the ice-cream bit, it actually makes pretty good sense.

There is a counter point to social media. If you plan on making a go at a career in PR or Communication you'll want to know every angle of your field. Here are 3 Problems with Social Media.

"Bottom line, there is no silver bullet or secret formula. To be successful in social media is much harder than ’starting to Blog.’ It’s about building a real relationship. That’s hard for Marketers to do and it’s not something that all consumers want."
Mitch Joel - Twist Image

On Time & On Point

2008-09-08T17:36:00.000-07:00

Went to my interview today. I’m pretty sure it went well; I had a great conversation with a few people in the office.

The experience reminded me of a truth of job searching – life is a roller coaster. There are amazing highs and crushing lows when looking for a job. The lows, frankly, suck. But you have to take them all in stride. I wrote that you should take all the interviews you are offered. Interviews are great learning experiences. Learning how to stay on your toes during an interview is a great skill.

Just as importantly, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to find the office you’re interviewing at. I usually give myself at least 30 minutes more than I think I’ll need. This way you have time to get lost or to wander around the building. It is always better to spend a few extra minutes in the car than running late on an interview.

I was raised on the idea that 10 minutes is on time and on time is late. So far I’ve found this is true of the professional world. When you are going to an interview arriving 10 minutes early is good form. It shows you are punctual and well organized.

More on Interviews

2008-09-08T17:29:00.000-07:00

Here is a great video from YouTube on tips for how to act, what to wear, and so forth for an interview. It's a great starting place if you've never been on an interview or if it's been awhile. The video has an instructional tone to it... But if you can get past that, there are some gems buried in there. For example, grooming suggestions.

Interviews can be pretty stressful. To keep things light and calm you (and me) down, here is some funny takes on the interview; 20 Worst Job Interview Questions Ever.

Interview Prep

2008-09-08T17:28:00.000-07:00

I just received a call today about a job interview I have tomorrow. So, what better time to give some tips on interview prep?

When I first started interviewing I didn’t know what I was doing – it was pretty much try and try again. After my first informational though, I got the hang of it. (What is an informational interview? What should I ask?)

Before you even leave your place for the interview there are a few things you can do to ensure a great interview.

Make sure you have done your homework on the company you’re interviewing with;

What do they do?
Who makes up their clients/market?
What is the company history?
Has the office made headlines recently, for what? (Check local papers & trade publications)
Who are you interviewing with? What can you find out about that person? (LinkedIn is great for people searches - more on LinkedIn later)

Also, before you go in to an interview, look over your resume a moment. Have an idea in your head of the major points you want to get across. For example, I have some experience with web design and I bring it up and elaborate when asked about how I work with design.

An interview is all about you, and don’t YOU forget it! When you answer a question, incorporate an experience you’ve had – something that highlights why you’d be so good at this new job. When it is your turn to ask questions, ask questions that show you know about the company, that you are thoughtful. For example, “Do you pay overtime?” is not a good question. “You mentioned that the office stays fairly busy, how would you describe the work/life balance here?” - now there’s a question that shows you were listening to the interviewer & that you plan on living a life, not just working. Employers like people who are well rounded.

Here are some 23 Questions that might come up if you want to practice. Just in case you want more, here ya go; here is a whole site on interview questions.

Interviews are the wonderful oases of the job hunt desert. Even if you don’t want the job, take the interview! The mere act of going out to an interview will lift your spirits. It will make you feel like you’ve accomplished something. And believe you me, keeping your spirits up is as important to the job search as the job is!

I’m off to listen to my own advice and research. Wish me luck!

Sometimes the Status Quo has a Point... Ish

2008-09-08T16:59:00.000-07:00

During my attempts at putting off my job search, I signed on and signed up with job sites. The usual suspects, Monster and Career Builder were my first pit-stops.

Now comes the part when I get to figure out if those services actually helped. What follows are some truths I have realized about job search sites;

Although they are great depositories for entry-level job, I ran into way too many ‘customer service’ jobs. Translation; making sales calls all day. If that’s your thing, by means enjoy the endless supply of these ‘face-to-face’ jobs for ‘highly motivated’ individuals.

Check out this ad for The Ladders. It is the best way to describe the double-edge sword that is the job search site.

Job search sites are great because it provides companies an even playing field to attract potential employees. However, by letting every employer play you sometimes end up with dead-end postings.

But, and this is a BIG but. Just because these sites let everyone play does not mean that you shouldn’t play too.

I posted my updated resume to Monster, CareerBuilder.com, HotJobs (by Yahoo!), and my local newspaper’s online job section. I posted my resume not because I expected to sit back and get a job offer, but because it was another way to put myself out there professionally. And karma does have a sense of humor…

After I finished updating my profile on the five or so different job search sites, I got a hit. On a sunny morning in July, I received an e-mail asking if I would be interested in a position with a Public Relations firm. Here’s where karma gets funny – the firm was located in Washington DC and the position was an unpaid internship to last 3 months. Although the job offer clearly wasn’t a plausible option for me, it was a legitimate offer.

The lessons I learned;

Although you shouldn’t rely on job search sites to find you a job, they are another means of getting your resume out there and in front of HR types.
You have to give the workforce a reason to notice you & job search sites help.

The more ways you get your resume out and build your network, it becomes a ‘when’ you get a job offer, not ‘if.’

Suggetsed Readings

2008-09-08T16:23:00.000-07:00

This is the first of a series of Recommended Readings to help explain what Communication is and becoming.

As I began my search, I realized there was a lot I still had to learn about Communication. I recently read Life After the 30-Second Spot by Joseph Jaffe. Even though this book was written in 2005, it is already slightly out of date. The book shows some great ways to communication with an audience that you probably haven't thought about. I know it was an eye opener for me.

The inherent advantage that the "Young Professionals" have is that we are digital natives. Many young professionals entering the work force have grown up around New Media and social aspects of that New Media. Every new communication campaign worth it salt has some new media aspect.

A friend said it best - "Companies might not know what New Media is, but they know they want in."

Below are some links to information about New Media & Social Media. However, the best way to learn is to get involved. Outside of this blog I am using Twitter, FaceBook, NetVibes, Digg, and occassionally Del.icio.us.

As promised, a list of Suggested Reading;

Prologue, Prelude, and Other Introductions

2008-09-08T16:17:00.000-07:00

As I was getting ready to graduate from George Mason University with a B.A. in Communication this past spring, I halfheartedly began my job search. I didn’t really know how to start or where to look. One thing I was confident about; late nights out with friends were soon to be replaced by late nights at the office.

I was expecting to work hard for my first job, to slave away for not very much money. After all, you are taught that hard work pays off so wouldn’t you want to work hard? Wouldn’t the degree to which you are working hard be a measure of your success? What minimal job search research I did while still attending classes seemed to support my thoughts.

Beginning my job search while classes were still in session was an attempt to appease my uneasy nerves. I knew that reality would deliver a swift kick if I did not at least think about finding a job after graduation – a real job. Somehow I understood that a part-time gig at the mall just wouldn’t cut it. (Here’s one for all of you jaded retail workers who ever worked a holiday)

During all of my preparation I failed to find a printed resource or website that described the realities of a job search. No where did I find anything that spoke to the emotional roller coaster that I find myself currently strapped to. With this void in mind, I set about to chronicle my trial and error with my job search. My lofty hope being that someone else may take a lesson or two. A more realistic goal - to let other ‘Young Professionals’ know that the job search is a tough process for us all.

Keeping Track of it All

2008-09-08T09:35:00.000-07:00

I noticed quickly that it is monumentally hard to keep track of all of your job searching efforts. Between all of the e-mails, phone calls, interviews, and meetings, it is easy to loose track.

I asked my parents for some advice. My dad suggested making a table to keep track of all of my job search efforts. That was a great idea! So below is how I set it up. Feel free to use this idea - it really helps to keep track of it all.

First I used 6 columns; Name, A, Contact, Date, Action, Comments.

Name - Last Name
A - Action M = Meeting, E = e-mail, X = Resume Sent, N/A = No further action required
Contact - Full name, Position, Company
Date - This one should be obvious
Action - Write out what you did - if you had an interview how did it go? If you sent an e-mail, what did you say/ask in it?
Comments - Record comments as necessary. Did the person respond? When is the interview?

I tried to upload a photo from my search log. Unfortunately it was a blurry mess. So the bullet list above will have to do for now. I'll try and figure out if I can fix the image and post it later.