Use Keywords to Stand Out from the Crowd

Q: Where can I find industry “keywords” to include on my resume and LinkedIn profile?

A: If you’re on the job hunt, it is critical to be conscious of industry keywords. From application materials to resumes and social media sites, you want to be sure to remain on-brand with your target industry. Your goal is to make it easy for the employer or recruiter to see that you have exactly what they are looking for in a job candidate. It is your job to anticipate the keywords that employers and recruiters will search. Here are two ways to identify “keywords” to get an employer’s attention:

1.) Print out the job description for each position you are interested in. Highlight specific skills, technical experience, job responsibilities, and knowledge that match your qualifications for the position. Include the exact language and terminology used in the job description on your application materials. (Synonyms won’t cut it!) Many employers and recruiters do keyword searches. You may be the most qualified candidate for a certain position, but if you do not have the appropriate keywords on your resume and/or LinkedIn profile, you will not show up in the employer’s search. Tailor your resume for each individual position to help the employer recognize that you are a good fit for the position.

2.) Use Word Clouds! A word cloud is a grouping of keywords generated from a mass of text. A visual representation of word frequency in a given text is produced. For example, if you were to copy and paste a job description into a word cloud database, the word cloud system will identify the most significant terms from the text and group them into a word cloud. You can then implement keywords that were determined into your LinkedIn profile and resume. It is a good idea to create a word cloud of your resume, and compare it to the word cloud of a particular job description. Ideally, you will have the same keywords in both word clouds. If you don’t, perhaps you could rework your resume to reflect the job description.  Wordle is a great source. “Wordle is a toy for generating “word clouds” from text that you provide. The clouds give greater prominence to words that appear more frequently in the source text.”wordle.net

The importance of keywords can’t be stressed enough. Many companies, large and small, use Applicant Tracking Systems to screen candidates before they ever make it through the application system to a hiring manager. This helps companies weed out unqualified candidates. Unfortunately, the computer system is not always the best judge. Click here to learn more about Applicant Tracking Systems on the CareerCat Blog. Use keywords to stand out from the crowd and get noticed. 

Posted by Kelly Allgeier

Alumni Job Search Success Story

A UK alumna updated me with the following information regarding her job search. With permission, I would like to share her story with you. 

“When I met with you, I knew there were jobs out there with titles I had never heard of that I would want. My position at X Company is just that. I came in for an interview as a selling supervisor just when someone gave notice about leaving their merchandising job. I snuck in without the position even being publicly posted. Talk about right-place-right-time! I count myself lucky that ALL those other jobs DIDN'T work out, so I could stumble upon this one. It only took 9 months, 115 applications, 4 placement agencies, and 12 interviews. Also networking parties, extra volunteering & public presence, custom Etsy business cards, and shamelessly promoting myself to anyone who would listen. Heck, my insurance agent got me an interview for a promising marketing position. It seems some of my acquaintances that I liked the least had the best connections -- I'm glad I'm not one to burn bridges!

It might have been high hopes, but my biggest criteria I judged positions against were something I was interested in (so design related), near home, flexible hours/"work-life balance," and/or at least $15/hr. I figured I would be flexible on one or two if the others panned out, and money was the one mark I missed. Oh well, I've set myself off on a new career path and you can't put a price on that! ;)

During my job hunt, I commiserated with acquaintances and former classmates in the same boat. I told them how helpful it was to meet with you. I harped on about immediate thank you cards, LinkedIn, and reference letters. My new employer actually thanked me for writing a thank you note. I said, "That's what you're supposed to do!" Meanwhile, other folks who interviewed me didn't even have enough decency to call me back and say I didn't get the position. I think the work atmosphere and the level of respect I can look forward to in the future were demonstrated by these initial employer contacts. There was even one interview where something felt off -- empty office, extra levels of security, and a boss that wanted to work from home. Instances such as these I knew were wrong for me at the gut level and luckily, since I was on unemployment, there were other factors so I could rightfully opt out. Oh, and the unemployment office/personnel, don't even get me started....

So, sorry for the over-sharing, but I figured my experiences are one of your "success stories" that you might relay to your downtrodden job seekers. Thanks again for all your help and sharing your expertise.”

Federal Job Application Tips

As you may have encountered, the federal employment application process is quite different from that of “corporate America.” So, what gives?

A recent article posted by the National Career Development Association (NCDA) discussed seven key tips to follow when applying for a federal job. Here is an outline of Andreas Lucido’s findings:

1. As a federal job applicant, make your resume as comprehensive as possible. Don’t worry about length; the more details the better! Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are commonly used as an initial screening tool. It is essential to include keywords from the job description to help the screener recognize you as a “good fit.” After you receive an interview invitation, consider sending your standard 1-2 page resume to the interviewer. It might be easy for a computerized ATS to quickly recognize your qualifications, but that likely is not the case for the human interviewer. Even federal interviewers can have trouble comprehending resumes built through the USAJOBS system.  By sending your standard resume, you are helping the interviewer identify your qualifications and relevance as a job candidate.

2. Networking can be your ticket to a federal position. Word of mouth communication can open doors and fill vacant positions. Informed job candidates who are well networked have an increased chance of being noticed, and selected for an interview.

3. Veterans have preference.  Lucido explains, “Veteran’s Preference is a federal law that gives eligible veterans preference over other applicants in most all competitive and excepted federal appointments.”

4. The interview process is developed to determine the federal candidates overall qualifications. This is the case for most job interviews, federal or not. You are selected for an interview because it is clear that you are “qualified” for the position. However, employers often want to learn more about what sets you apart from your similarly qualified competition. Your interviewers are often direct supervisors and potential colleagues. They want to learn about how you will fit into their company culture. Before going in for your federal interview, research the department, research your interviewers, know your strengths and weaknesses, and practice effectively communicating your accomplishments. A UK alumni career counselor would be happy to conduct a mock interview with you.

5. Tick Tock! Federal hiring is not a quick process. This is especially true if the target position requires a security clearance. There is currently no standard time frame for the federal job application process, as each federal agency varies in depth of screening, speed, and efficiency. I worked with a client once who applied for a position, underwent several computerized and in-person screening steps, interviewed over the phone and in person, only to result in a lengthy dead period with no activity. Nine months later, a job offer was made.  The moral of this story; It’s never too early to apply for a federal job.

6. Not much room for negotiation. Federal hiring is a bit unique in terms of salary negotiation. Due to the standardization and regulated hiring process, there’s not much wiggle room. For example, if you apply for a GS-12 position, you will get GS-12 pay. If you want to make GS-14 pay, you will need to find a GS-14 position and apply.

7. Know yourself and learn the system.  As Lucido states, “Knowing what you want to do and where you want to do it is not necessarily the best advice for federal applicants. For those who want to work in the government, I would say it is more important to know what rank you are looking to serve based on your qualifications and goals. In addition, you should apply to as many departments and agencies as possible.”

 “Key Job Search Lessons from a U.S. State Department Intern” by Andreas Lucido

  NCDA March 2012 Career Convergence Web Magazine

Posted by Kelly Allgeier

You’re Doing What With Your Major?

Spotlight on UK Alumna Anne Pennington

Major:  Equine Science and Management (2010)

Current Career: Registrar and Social Media Curator

Description of Career Path:

After graduation, I transitioned from a job teaching riding lessons to working as a part-time customer service and operations agent at Equibase, the racing information and statistics division of The Jockey Club.  After six months, I was promoted to a full-time quality control coordinator, managing and distributing racing data and part-time employees; I also got my first taste of website design and management working on the new Equibase site that premiered Spring 2011.  I worked my way through the hectic Triple Crown Season, learning to handle a busy corporate environment and teaching myself basic website and graphic design along the way.  When I made the move to Maryland in July 2011, I was hired (thanks to a contact at Equibase) by the Maryland Horse Breeders Association, which also encompasses Maryland Million and the Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred magazine.  Not only did they require a registrar with experience in data control for their state-bred programs, they recognized the need for someone who could navigate the realm of social networking. As such, my job description continues to evolve; I manage the website and social media, connect with thoroughbred farms and owners for social marketing, help organize events and develop new strategies to promote thoroughbred breeding and racing in Maryland.

Favorite UK memory/class etc.:

In 2009, I spent the summer studying grass as an intern for the UK Equine Initiative Pasture Evaluation.  Working with UK faculty and graduate students, I sampled for tall fescue toxicity, identified weeds and grasses, and provided pasture management techniques based on current forage research to farms. Not only did I get to spend some time on some beautiful horse farms, but the addition of forage knowledge I believe is a unique and useful skill.

Class I wish I had taken at UK:

I wish I had taken a graphic design class, because I think I would have fallen in love with it and changed my major (for the fourth time).  Then again, I’d probably still be in school.

           

Future Dream Job:

Working on my own farm, raising my own horses.  Cliché I know, but I didn’t grow up with my own horse, so it’s still a life-long dream.  Perhaps some graphic and web design freelancing on the side, when I’m not riding.

What I know now that I didn’t know as a student:

Networking is important, but merely socializing isn’t always enough.  If you prove that you are willing to work hard and always strive to improve yourself and your work, people are going to remember you.

Advice to others considering a job or career change:

Don’t be afraid to seek out knowledge for yourself and don’t be limited by the curriculum provided to you in the classroom.  Seek out new, different experiences on your own.  Learning a somewhat related skill set (or completely unrelated in my case with web design) could prove instrumental in securing a future career.

Favorite books:

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien and Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café by Fannie Flagg

Favorite blogs:

Currently obsessed with the Retired Racehorse Training Project, http://www.retiredracehorsetraining.org, which is proving that off-the-track thoroughbreds (OTTBs) can be inspiring and valuable in a second career.

Tips for Building Your Professional Network

Networking is the most critical component of the job search process. In today’s market, more than 80 percent of available positions are unadvertised. They are found and filled through networking. By interacting face-to-face with other professionals in your target industry, you will ultimately find out about more opportunities. Employee referrals and internal candidates continue to be a growing source of new hires.
Networking Tips:

• Stay connected to your professional network.
• If you don’t have one, build a network. Informational interviewing is a valuable strategy in the networking process. The purpose of an informational interview is to gain insight directly from professionals in your field of choice, while making new contacts. LinkedIn is a powerful tool in the networking process (research professionals in your industry, geographic region, fellow UK alumni, individuals working for a company of interest, and professional role models).
• Nurture existing relationships and purposefully seek out new contacts.
• Get comfortable telling your contacts what you need, as well as what kinds of problems you can solve, highlighting your strengths.

If you’re in career transition, networking is your job. People with developed networks get more opportunities and land on their feet faster after a job loss.

5 Career Fair Tips

When working with clients, we constantly emphasize the importance of professional networking. Networking is one of the most critical components of a job search. Firing your resume into cyber space through online job sites is commonly described as “cold and impersonal.” Online applications alone very rarely result in employment.  The key is personal contact!

Although you can’t attend a career fair and expect to walk away with a job offer, they are a great resource for networking with employers and learning more about possible opportunities. Here are a few ways to maximize your career fair experience:

1.      1.) Research the list of registered employers prior to attending the career fair. This will allow you to strategically target specific companies and employers that match your target industry.

2    2.) Prepare and practice your “30 second commercial” or “pitch” in advance. A strong and confident introduction gives a positive impression. You will likely have a limited amount of time to spend with each employer, so you want to make your first impression a lasting impression. Ask yourself, “What do I want this employer to know about me? What will help me stand out from the crowd?” Include your name, demonstrate your knowledge of the organization or company, express interest in the company, and highlight how you will be an asset to the company.

3.      3.) Dress to impress. Treat a career fair much like a job interview. Professional business attire is recommended. Carry your resumes in a leather portfolio or folder, and have a nice pen and paper. Greet everyone with a smile and firm handshake. Be confident, enthusiastic, and respectful.

4.      4.) Ask Questions. Prepare intelligent questions to ask the company representatives. Avoid asking questions that could be answered by simply looking at the company’s website. This will demonstrate your knowledge of and interest in the company.

5.      5.) Relax and be yourself. Career fairs provide an opportunity to meet new people and expand your professional network.

The UK Career Center’s Spring 2012 Employer Showcase is just around the corner and alumni are welcome to attend. More than 120 employers have already registered for the February 14 and 15 event. Click here for a list of attending employers.

Career Counseling Homework Assignments

When working with motivated alumni, we find that many actually really enjoy it when we assign homework between sessions. This may seem strange until you think about it. First, it makes clients feel like they are doing something productive towards their goal of becoming gainfully employed. Second, the process of soul searching is one that few people have been given the tools to do in life and can be very enjoyable and satisfying.

One of the homework assignments that we recently put together and are just starting to use is the Randomly Acquired Knowledge (RAK) assignment. We are finding this assignment particularly helpful when clients do not have a clear focus. Here are the basic directions that we have put together in a handout.

“What do you know about? What knowledge have you accumulated? What information do your family and friends come to you for? Even if you don’t think something is relevant, a big deal or useful to know, write it down.”

Our other standby homework assignment is the good old Brainstorming List exercise. Most of our clients get this in their first session or at a workshop. It includes space to start listing careers to explore with a pro and con column.

If you are a UK alumni and would like a copy of these assignments, please email cfrancis@uky.edu.