December - Don't Take a Networking Vacation

Are you thinking about taking the holidays off and starting your job search again in January? Reconsider! Use this month to reconnect and build relationships with not only recruiters, but previous managers, colleagues, and clients. Send a simple email or card to family, friends, and professional contacts expressing gratitude for their previous business, support, or friendship. Feeling down about not having a job? Put your best foot forward and accept all holiday invitations. This is the time of year when feelings of peace on earth and goodwill make networking much easier. Such social occasions can go a long way towards building trust and may help open doors for business opportunities next quarter. The bottom line is when you spend time with people, you remain fresh in their mind.

Brainstorming To a New Career Focus

A you in a rut trying to be creative on how to use your degree? One of my favorite brainstorming strategies is to simply internet search "What can I do with a ______ degree?"

You will be linked primarily to colleges around the country who have answered this question and then you will be able to build a list of alternative career ideas to research.

LinkedIn Alumni Event

Are You LinkedIn? A Crash Course in Social Networking

Tuesday, Dec. 8, 5:30 p.m.
Hilton Suites, Lexington Green

Have you ever wondered how LinkedIn might go beyond reconnecting you with former friends and actually serve as a mechanism to advance your career? Then join fellow University of Kentucky alumni for an informative session, Are You LinkedIn? Crash Course in Social Networking, where you will learn:

-What it is and how it can help in a job search
-How recruiters are using social networking
-How social networking assists with professional development
-Why joining LinkedIn groups and participating in Q&As are important
-How to create a LinkedIn profile that gets results

Presenters include Tammie Geis, senior recruiting manager for ACS, and Molley Rickets, a Luckett & Farley recruitment professional. Admission is free for UK Alumni Association members and $5 for nonmembers. Space is limited, so register today.

Following Up After the Interview

Alumni often wander if they should follow-up after an interview or if it will seem too desperate or aggressive. If you have not heard back by the date the interview committee told you, then by all means follow-up . You really have nothing to lose. Recently an alumni found herself in this situation and contacted me about what to do. After encouraging her to follow-up and even practicing some possible dialogue, she made the call. Fortunately she found out that she was still being considered and the process was just taking longer than they expected. The brief phone call certainly gave her increased confidence.

Hot Jobs

Although Career Counselors encourage clients to primarily focus on their interests, skills, personality type, and values when choosing a career, it is also helpful to be aware of industry trends. Job Bait is one tool to help watch hot industries. Notice the state breakdowns and the green, yellow and red coding system. Recent data from the Burea of Labor Statistics was used in the analysis.

Reinventing Yourself For Your Next Career

-Has your previous career industry tanked?

-Thinking about a career transition?

-Seeking networking opportunitites?

Attend this year's UK Homecoming Career Workshop.

"Reinventing Yourself for Your Next Career"

Thursday, October 29
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Homecoming week isn’t entirely about sports!

Take time to attend this valuable career event
and leave with tips and strategies for:

· Handling a career transition
· Changing the way you approach a job
· Learning the best way to present your "new" self

Where: James W. Stuckert Career Center, 408 Rose St.
Featured Presenter: Patrice Blanchard, State Director of Workforce Programs AARP
Registration: $5, register at http://www.ukalumni.net/homecomingregistration
Sponsors: UK Alumni Association, UK Career Development, UK Career Center, and UK Work-Life

Post-Recession Job Market Survey

I saw this survey and wanted to share the findings.

ANNUAL STUDY FROM ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL AND CAREERBUILDERPROVIDES PREVIEW OF POST-RECESSION JOB MARKET

Key Findings:
-In the next 12 months, more than half of employers polled plan to hire full-time employees, four in 10 will hire contract, temporary or project workers, and four in 10 will hire part-time employees.
-Technology, customer service and sales are the top three areas in which employers expect to add jobs first once the economy rebounds.
-The average time to fill open positions, depending on the job level, is 4.5 to 14.4 weeks, the same time range as last year.
-Despite an abundant labor pool, six in 10 employers are willing to negotiate with qualified candidates for higher compensation.
-Four in 10 employers expect the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to create jobs in their organizations over the next two years.
-More than half of employees polled plan to make a career change or go back to school when the economy recovers.
-Forty percent of hiring managers said that when the economy improves, giving pay raises will be their primary method for retaining top performers.

Career Fair October 7 & 8th

UK Alumni are invited to attend this week's campus Career Fair. For more information, go to www.uky.edu/CareerCenter. How can you make the most of a Career Fair??? First, research employers that will be attending and the positions for which they are recruiting. Select a few companies that may be a good match with your educational background, career goals, experience or values. Prepare a tailored resume for those targeted employers. Practice your 15 second commercial. Dress professionally and put on a big confident smile. One can never expect to leave a Career Fair with a job offer. However, if a Career Fair can help alumni learn more about a company or obtain an inside contact, you have been successful. Hope to see you there.

Salary Negotiation 101

Even in a tough economy, employers usually leave some room to negotiate salary offers. Picture this scenario. You have been out of work for a few months and finally get a genuine offer. However, the offer is a bit lower than you would like. What do you do??? First, always ask for at least 24 hours to think about an offer. Then follow-up to negotiate. Begin by thanking the employer for their time and interest in you as a candidate. Next share that based on your background and experience, you felt the offer was low. Now stay quiet and let them talk. If they seem open to negotiate, reaffirm your immediate value to their organization. Discuss any other relevant skills or experiences that they seemed to want in their ideal candidate and focused on in the prior interviews. Know the market in your area and be prepared to cite relevant salary surveys. We all like to start new jobs feeling valued and good about our acceptance offer.

"Why Should I Hire You?"

Being able to confidently answer this question in your next interview may make the difference between you and another candidate. Bottom line, employers want to know how you can help them save money, solve problems, make something more efficient, or bring in new business. Document a few past examples to add strength to your case. And always end the interview with three reasons why they should hire you.

Quick Cover Letter Tips

Try to always get a contact name and send it specifically to that person. If that is not possible, “Dear Selection Committee” is appropriate.

The first paragraph should state what you are applying for and how you heard about the position. Bold the position title and number (if listed).

The middle paragraph(s) should take a few of the key qualifications listed in the job description and list some examples of where you have gained that experience.

The last paragraph should cover when you are available and how they can best reach you.
Somewhere in the cover letter mention why this is a good fit.

Professional Development Fall Plan

The past several months have demonstrated that no one is truly recession proof or completely immune from a poor economy. Putting your career on auto-pilot by not keeping up with technology and professional development and limited networking certainly makes us more vulnerable. Now is the time to proactively take control of your career. If you are gainfully employed, strategize on three things you can do this fall to make yourself more valuable to your employer, clients, or customers. If you are job seeking, is there anything that you will do differently in your next position? Take an honest look at yourself and evaluate your job search plan. What can you do to step it up a notch? Talk with people who have recently landed a new job. Learn more about what strategies they found most effective.

Job Search Strategies

-Trying to find your supervisor from a job ten years ago where you made an outstanding contribution?
-Wish you could find a contact at XYZ company before you submit a resume and cover letter?
-Wanting to learn more about the career background of the person who will be interviewing you next week?

These are some of the reasons alumni are choosing to utilize social networking job search tools like LinkedIn.com. Although you can’t count on simply filling out a profile and waiting for employers to find you, tools such as LinkedIn can help aid your job search in the above ways. Also join the “Official University of Kentucky Alumni Group” LinkedIn group.

Share Your Expertise

Do you enjoy your work? Are you willing to let fellow alums in career transition or UK students interview you about your career path? WE NEED YOU!!!

You’re invited to participate in the new UK Mentoring & Shadowing Network to provide mentoring shadowing opportunities for current UK students. Share your professional experiences with UK students by getting involved in this great program – make as large or as small of a commitment as you’d like. Registration for the UK Mentoring & Shadowing Network is completely online, and it only takes a few minutes to sign up. If you would like to be a part of the UK Mentoring & Shadowing Network, you may complete your mentoring profile by visiting https://uky-csm.symplicity.com/mentors. You are also welcome to contact Brooke.Brown@uky.edu with any questions.

Should I Follow-Up?

Abosolutely! Many job seekers wonder if they should follow-up after submitting their resumes. Dan Parker, Employee Relations Manager with Trane Commercial Systems, shares this advice.

“As a recruiter, I receive lots and lots of resumes through the mail, internet, fax, under my door, etc. I do think it pays to follow up with a phone call to ensure that, whatever mode of delivery you used, it actually worked and got into the employer’s hands. There have been many times when people call me up and I cannot locate the resume they sent in. So, a follow-up phone call can be a win-win occasion: candidates rest assured the employer actually received their resume, and the employer is able to connect a resume —at least over the phone—to a real live person.” A panel of recruiters shared this same advice at last fall's Alumni event "Job Search Advice from Executive Recruiters and HR Professionals".

Keeping Up In A Down Economy

Although many alumni have been job seeking for several months now, I'd like to stress the importance of remaining positive when networking. In your network are individuals who can help you with your job search. Avoid using time with them to rehash layoff stories. Instead, use networking events to meet new people and learn more about their work history, community involvement, hobbies, etc. Also, be sure to share your key skills and career accomplishments and specific companies or industries that you are targeting.

Caroline’s Favorite Job Search Resources

LinkedIn.com a social networking tool that helps job seekers find former colleagues, research employers, obtain references, and search for leads. Join the University of Kentucky Official Alumni Group to network with other graduates and share leads.

Simplyhired.com or Indeed.com job boards with 100’s of crawlers. Fill in “keywords or what” and “where” and let the internet do your work in seconds.

Expert Resume book series by Wendy Enelow and Louise M. Kursmark gives examples of current trends in resume writing complete with excellent examples.

More Job Search Advice from Fellow UK Alumni

Networking and Direct Contact is Still How 80% of People Find Jobs

“As has been the case with every job I've ever had, I got the lead through networking, specifically through an old business colleague who knew I was job hunting and mentioned my name to the owner of the company. I never would have thought -- on my own -- to look in the medical field, or that this person would be the one to help me finally land a job. I’d like to stress to other alumni to not only network, but to cast a wide net, because you just never know.”
-UK Alumni who recently landed a position in a new field after experiencing a lay off

Do Not Give Up!

“Job seeking is a time consuming process but if one is persistent and sets goals the end result is possible. Be organized and do not give up!”

-UK alumni who recently changed fields and obtained a position in non-profit

Job Search Advice from Fellow Alums

The recession and challenging economy have unfortunately left many alumni out of work. The following is some sound job search advice from fellow alumni who are in the search or who have recently landed new positions.

1) Utilize Social Networking Tools Such as LinkedIn.com

“In the very first week of signing up for LinkedIn, I had over 30 contacts accept me into their network. These contacts were previous managers, supervisors, and agents who had worked for me. More importantly, the contacts were people that have seen my work, have been impressed with it, and would ultimately recommend me for a position internal or external to their organization. Some of the contacts were unaware that I was looking for a position until they saw my profile. So far, all communication has been positive and professional on the LinkedIn site. LinkedIn makes it painfully easy to give someone a recommendation and encourages the reciprocation of a recommendation even if someone is not looking for a new job; these recommendations seen by the public could ultimately lead to promotions etc.

Within three days of signing up a previous manager had added me to his network and saw my qualifications. He asked me to show up on site the next day for an interview about one of my main experiences. This turned out to be pro-bono work but could ultimately lead to employment when his organization is able to hire a resource. If I had a LinkedIn account immediately when I was laid off, I would most likely be employed by now. You cannot pay enough for the networking that LinkedIn provides on a daily basis to thousands of professionals.”
-J.D. Allen, UK alumni seeking project management position

Homesick for KY?

From time-to-time, I get emails from homesick alums who want to return to Lexington or Kentucky. We sure love our mamas and our Wildcats. As for job search advice, here are some initial suggestions: attend UK homecoming weekend events (Offered in both the spring and fall); schedule vacation time through Lexington and make plans to meet with targeted employers, friends, family etc. letting them know about your areas of expertise, skills, and interests in returning; utilize keyword searches on LinkedIn and job boards etc. (i.e. indeed.com, simplyhired.com); read local business publications (I.e. Lane Report, Herald-Leader, Business Lexington). What are some tips from others have successfully relocated back to Kentucky?

LinkedIn and the Job Search

Here's a great article on using LinkedIn for your job search. http://blog.guykawasaki.com/2009/02/10-ways-to-use.html

Resume Boosters

According to Susan Ireland in the Perfect Resume, include the following at the top of your resume when using a “Summary of Qualifications” section:

-Amount of experience in the field (i.e. Over ten years experience as a controller for a mid-sized company).

-Technical skills, languages, or credential(s) (i.e. Fluent in Spanish; MBA; Oracle certified.)

-How would your best friend describe your abilities that would make an employer want to call you? (I.e. Led a team that …; Restructured IT department resulting in more efficient…)

-How is success measured in the target job objective? (I.e. Reputation for consistently exceeding sales quotas.)

Gap Years

Thinking of staying home for a few years to care for young children or a sick family member? In order to keep the network alive and pave the way for future job opportunities, be strategic about your exit. Offer to help your current boss train a replacement. Offer to do contract work during the busy season. Schedule a quarterly lunch meeting with your former co-workers or supervisor in order to stay up-to-date in the field. Remain active in your professional organizations and attend their monthly networking luncheons/events. Consider using your professional skills in a part-time volunteer capacity with a non-profit agency in order to avoid critical resume gaps.

Resume Updates

Are you having trouble writing job descriptions that will get attention? Try variations of these action phrases to update your resume.

Recognized for excellent_________________
Managed __ strategic accounts with sales of _____
Trainer for a staff of __
Analyzed emerging technology and made recommendations to senior management
Supervised customer service for __ regional accounts
Implemented new ___ resulting in ___
Met and exceeded all quarterly and annual sales goals

An Unexpected Job Loss and Having Realistic Expectations

Each year millions of workers are terminated. Working through the job loss grief cycle has many ups and downs and can be similar to experiencing a death. During this time, it is natural to have an identity crisis, however, if you find yourself experiencing prolonged periods of anger and depression seek professional counseling. Remember to establish positive coping strategies, join a job loss support group, and try to do something each day on your job search.

Little Things that Can Make a Difference

The obvious may not be so obvious. Employers who are in the hiring capacity continue to tell us that it often comes down to the little things when they are putting together their final interview lists. Tops on the list are: candidates who include a cover letter addressed to the right person (Be a detective and do your research); resumes and cover letters that clearly document how your skills are a match for the job (include specific examples); and neat and error free resumes and cover letters. Top interview errors include candidates who have not adequately researched the company and candidates who spend too long answering interview questions.

How to Be the Employee Your Company Can’t Live Without

According to Glenn Shepard in How to Be the Employee Your Company Can’t Live Without, one must become a highly valued employee if you desire to indispensable. Shepard’s tips include: learn what your supervisor expects of you and then give regular updates, be low maintenance, broaden your circle of influence, take charge of your future, and become a perpetual problem solver.

Graduate School Personal Statements

When writing personal statements for graduate school admission, think about your life and try to find an unusual slant that you can relate to your professional goals. In essence, what makes you a unique applicant? Provide specific examples to back up each point. Above all, make the statement interesting for the readers and edit thoroughly.

What Employers Need to Know about Recruiting Millennials

The Millennial generation (born between 1981 - 2001) is just beginning to reshape the workplace. They are known for being achievement oriented; technologically savvy, and socially conscious. In addition, they are strong advocates for diversity and teamwork. As baby boomers are exiting the marketplace and competition increases for new grads, progressive employers are changing their recruiting strategies to be more attractive to those in the millennial generation. Some changes include: offering earlier and frequent opportunities for responsibility, project management and supervision. Employers who offer internships, mentoring and opportunities to give back to society (i.e. increasing the company match on charitable donations, allowing employee’s time to teach at local schools during the workday or supporting community service events for the company) will have a lead on keeping pace with their hiring needs. An excellent example of a company that supports their employees becoming involved in the community is Dean, Dorton & Ford, CPA’s (This firm also recruits at the UK James W. Stuckert Career Center). They encourage employees to give back to the community by serving on boards and participating in a wide variety of charitable and professional activities.

Professional Development Question of the Quarter

In order to remain professionally on track and have balance in my life, ask yourself the following questions, and take action:

-How will my resume be stronger next quarter than it is now?
-What new person would I like to ask to lunch this quarter?
-What is one thing that I can do to help make my boss’s life easier?
-What can I do after work hours to reconnect with an old hobby?

Portfolios and the Interview

Graphic artists and teachers have long been expected to take a portfolio containing samples of their work to the interview. Now job seekers in other industries have an opportunity to prove their worth by bringing portfolios or “show me” pieces when they interview. Portfolios contain not only work samples, but copies of your resume, brochures that you helped create, promotional material for products you helped launch, pictures of you involved in successful projects especially with a team, testimonials from satisfied customers/clients, past performance evaluations, sales statistics, and copies of credentials or relevant CEU certificates. Portfolios are excellent backup documentation to refer to when answering behavioral or situational interview questions. When using portfolios make sure they are professional in appearance and have sections clearly tabbed for quick reference. Always offer to leave your portfolio behind for a few days for the selection committee to review.

Being Upfront About Learning Disabilities in Job

Employees with learning disabilities are often in Catch-22 situations. Should they disclose their learning disability and risk being stigmatized or not disclose and risk being let go for not meeting expectations or poor performance? Consider disclosing your disability before it impacts performance, be specific about your requests, and offer examples of your past successes. Your local Vocational Rehabiliation Department can also be a great resource if you are unsure about disclosing or not.

Worried about a Bad Reference?

Many individuals are looking for another job due to a strained relationship with their current supervisor. This creates a challenge when interviewers request a reference. During the application and interview process, ask that your current boss not be contacted. Instead use references who perhaps previously supervised your work, colleagues you trust or who have moved on to other employers, satisfied customers or consultants. Providing copies of evaluations and testimonials may also support your work ethic, reputation, and value-added potential. If still pressed for a current supervisor, you may have to explain this is a large reason you are job seeking and you can’t be sure what type of reference will be given.

Branding and the Job Search

We are hearing a lot these days about personal branding. In a tight economy being recognized in your field is a strong asset. A few ways to increase your name recognition include contributing to industry blogs, posting a review for a industry related book, and having a professional profile at a site such as LinkedIn .

Wildcat Networking Tip

According to Phyllis Wagner with Corporate Collaborations, “There is no question that the current job market is extremely tight, but the good news is that top companies continue to seek outstanding talent. They are, however, being more selective than ever, so it is critical that you are prepared, since competition is fierce. Getting focused, having an outstanding resume and the ability to really market your unique ability to impact their business is critical. Networking is also a primary key to a successful job search. Leverage your personal and professional network and resources as you embark upon your job search. Be prepared and be patient, since a successful job search can take months.”

With the tight economy we each have family, friends, and colleagues who are in the job market. Use this time to consciously go out of your way and connect them with people in your network. Invite them to a local business networking meeting, to join you on a Habitat build or to attend a social fundraiser. Many job seekers feel as if they have exhausted their network. These small gestures are much appreciated and may be just what is needed to launch a new opportunity. The job search truly is a numbers game!

Volunteer to Serve On a Hiring Committee

Although your job may be secure today, one never knows what tomorrow will hold. Network with business professionals and become more adept with job search skills (before you may need them) by volunteering to serve on a hiring committee. Perhaps it will be for an opening in your current place of employment, a board on which you serve, your church, or other community organization.

Recession & The Job Search

Fear of recession certainly has been in the news lately. Many companies all over the country are experiencing hiring freezes, layoffs or cutbacks. If you find yourself in a job search situation, recognize that it may take longer than you think to land your next position. Commit yourself to an industrious job search plan that includes reconnecting with former colleagues from previous positions; actively seeking networking situations, and utilizing temp or contract work. For many an unexpected job loss can be a blessing in disguise that allows you to re-evaluate your life, values, and professional goals. If your current position appears stable, devote the next few months to updating your skills and taking on new projects which can ultimately be translated into a stronger, more competitive resume.

UK Mentoring Network Needs YOU!

The James W. Stuckert is actively seeking UK Alumni and Friends to join the UK Mentoring & Shadowing Network. If you would like to be a part of the UK Mentoring & Shadowing Network, you may start your mentoring profile by visiting https://uky-csm.symplicity.com/employers/index.php?signin_tab=2&cck=1&au=&ck=, completing the information required (make sure that your “contact type” is “mentor"). You are also welcome to Brooke Brown (Brooke.Brown@uky.edu or 859- 257 - 7377) with any questions.

Challenging Interview Questions

I have recently spoken with several professional candidates who have been caught off guard by the basic interview question “Tell me about yourself”. This question is typically presented at the beginning of an interview and often appears to be more conversational in nature. As a word of caution, this is not the time or place to get personal (i.e. number of children, family situation, where you have lived etc.). Seize the opportunity to immediately highlight your relevant education, skills, and experience (especially recent work experience), tailoring it to the position for which you are interviewing. Keep your response to 2 – 3 minutes. To best prepare for an interview, use the internet to research other common interview questions.

New Age Networking

Unquestionably, personal contacts are the most effective job search method; however, internet social networking sites have made the process much easier. Professional sites such as LinkedIn.com are quickly gaining popularity with features that not only allow you to multiply your contacts but also cross reference your email contact list with those who may have links to your targeted employers. Recruiters are also increasing their usage of such sites to identify and pre-screen candidates.

Another way to expand your network, increase your online visibility and build your professional presence is through blogging. This tool is quickly emerging as a way to identify industry experts. Consider adding these tools to your career management tool box.

Reason You May Not be Getting Interviews or Job Offers

Many job seekers are spinning their wheels wondering why they are not getting contacted by employers. True the economy may be partially to blame. However, other top reasons include: unclear job goals, a resume that does not sell the employers targeted job skills, and a candidate’s lack of enthusiasm. In today’s job market top candidates must be able to clearly and succinctly communicate their relevant job strengths (in writing and in person) and sell themselves to employers. For example, being able to confidently state three characteristics that would make you the ideal candidate for any job for which you are applying and backing that up with specific examples.

Recession Proof Your Career

Although the last six months have demonstrated that few industries are recession proof, here are a few things you can do to help recession proof your career.

-Diversify your skill set. Take classes or sign-on for new projects that will expand your network, skills, expertise and ultimately build your resume.

-Be visible in your industry or field by increasing your on-line presence. Contribute to blogs. Learn more about on-line networking tools (i.e. LinkedIn.com, visualcv.com etc.).

-Keep your resume up-to-date and constantly evolving.

Clinching the Interview By Using A Closing Statement

Mike Hammond, Group Recruiter with Enterprise Rent-Car, suggests the following strategy for closing the interview. When asked if you have any questions or as the interview is nearing the end, pose this question to the recruiter, “Based on our initial interview, do you perceive anything that would prevent me from performing well in your organization?” or “Now that you know a little more about my background, education and experience, is there anything that would prevent you from extending an offer or hiring me?” The beauty of this strategy is that it allows you to address any concerns the interviewer may have before you walk out the door.
Another closing strategy suggested by Carla Hunter of Career Span, Inc in Lexington, Kentucky is to ask the interviewer the following “May I have permission to make a closing statement?” Rarely will you be denied. Next thank them for their time and consideration. Then, share three of your most relevant strengths for the position.

Battling Unemployment Blues

Unemployment and the job search process can shake even the most confident of individuals. Although bills and rejection letters may be mounting, follow these daily suggestions to keep your job search positive, focused, and moving forward. Nothing ever happens as fast as we would like, however, even bumps in the road like this will eventually pass.

- Get out of the house every day and be exposed to professional, working people. Few jobs will come knocking on your door.
- Don’t be embarrassed to ask for help from your network. Email them a fifteen second commercial that focuses on your most marketable strengths and skills.
-Seek out supportive people, besides your family, who can give you a jolt if needed.
-Combine efforts with others who may be searching for a job. Form your own job club or support group.
-Brainstorm a list of industries or employers who may be thriving given a recession.
-Seek personal counseling if you are having an exceptionally difficult time of functioning.

It really is true that job seeking is a full-time job. Remember, that hope and maintaining a positive attitude are two essential keys to turning your situation around.