Applicant Tracking System, What's That?

When you apply for a position online, how does your resume get from you to the hiring manager? The process may be a bit more complex than you think. According to Jean Cummings with Career Hub, “The resume you submit to most large companies and many small-to-mid-sized ones get mined for data that then populates fields on a form that the HR employee or recruiter sees (not your resume). Your resume may in fact only be seen at the time of an interview.” Your resume is most definitely a valuable tool in the hiring process, but your resume will likely be scanned first. A leading employer in the Bluegrass, the University of Kentucky, is just one of the many companies that use ATS in the hiring process. 

For companies that use applicant tracking systems (ATS), that system is the first stop for your resume once you submit the document as part of the application process. Before your resume makes it to the hiring manager, it must successfully pass through the tracking system.  According to University of Kentucky System Administrator, Daniel Hacker, “With the system UK uses, which is the leading provider of ATS in higher education in the US, the applicant may attach a resume when applying for positions. Though the resume may be attached in a variety of formats, it is ultimately converted into a PDF file so that our hiring departments may easily view the document. Although many companies use only keywords to review applicant materials, UK forwards all submitted materials to hiring officials when the applicant is referred to the hiring department. During the conversion, however, errors do occur.” Daniel shared a few pointers to help job seekers increase their chances for success. 

        According to Hacker and Cummings, here are a few tips for getting your resume past the ATS system:   

           1.) It is critical to include keywords! Cummings notes, “Don’t assume that it is enough to include common keywords for your position and industry.” Be sure to incorporate “unique-to-the-job-posting” words or phrases in the job listing. These are terms that get noticed by the ATS. Avoid acronyms and abbreviations; sometimes they don’t get processed correctly by ATS.

     

        2.) Avoid including tables, graphs, and graphics in your resume. The content often gets jumbled before making it to the hiring manager. 

3.       3.) Use tab stops when needed rather than the space bar. After your resume is converted to a PDF, spacing is often misaligned when the space bar is used.

4.       4.) Put your contact information at the top of your resume, but not in your resume header section. Depending on the employer’s software, they may not be able to view the content in your header. Your contact information is critical in the job search, and you want to be sure that it is not invisible to the reader.

The next time you apply for a position, keep in mind the popularity of ATS with employers. You may be the best candidate for a position, but if your resume doesn’t get through to the hiring manager, you will miss your opportunity.

Posted by Kelly Allgeier

You’re Doing What With Your Major?

Spotlight on UK Alumnus Allan Barger

Major: Bachelor’s degree from Berea College, and master’s degrees from Duke University and the University of Kentucky (social work).

Current career: Research analyst at Prevention Research Institute

Brief description of career path: I hold an MSW degree and am using it in a somewhat unusual way. Rather than the typical, clinical, case management or other type of social work jobs, I am a research analyst (using the research skills learned in my degree program). I distill research findings down into evidence-based, manualized programs for people heading into trouble with alcohol and drugs.

I have 25 years of experience in the alcohol/drug field, having worked first as a community volunteer and then as a prevention specialist in a mental health center. Currently I am a research analyst/trainer with Prevention Research Institute reviewing research literature on marijuana, other drugs and their effects in the brain and on behavioral outcomes. I am a member of the Research Society on Alcoholism and the New York Academy of Sciences. I live in California but teach nationally to professionals in many systems interacting with alcohol/drug-using individuals, including campuses, mental health centers, juvenile justice, drug court, judicial colleges, prevention, treatment & DUI programs.

I am also currently involved in developing alcohol and drug prevention and intervention programs for soldiers in the U.S. Army. This work involves training other professionals and working to influence public policy to increase support for alcohol and drug professionals and their programs.

Favorite UK class or memory: My favorite class was a surprise because I thought I would hate it. It was a class on public policy. It opened my eyes to how much policy is impacting all of my work. While I, like many others, tended to denigrate “politicians,” they are in fact setting policy that changes how I get to do my job and they’re often doing it based on who talks to them and explains things most clearly. Most policy-makers are well-meaning individuals who want to help (within the constraints of time, finances and re-election where applicable). Social work swims in a sea of policy and the failure to recognize that made me sit on the sidelines instead of using my voice.

Classes I wish I had taken at UK or in college: I wish I had studied some journalism. I’m a decent writer, but the ability to investigate, report and influence public opinion seems crucial and I’m not as well-versed in it as I would like to be.

What I know now that I didn’t know as a student:
Lesson 1: Don’t be so certain you’re right.
Lesson 2: Things work out.

Advice to others considering a job or career change: Go with your interests and your strengths. Don’t be afraid to tackle something you don’t understand but find fascinating, but get some understanding first. Take the time and energy to teach yourself, look for mentors who are already doing what you want to do and follow your passion. Watch for doors to open and don’t get discouraged. Little doors often open the way to big changes if you walk through enough of them.

Anything else you would like to share that others may find interesting about your life/career path? I was a non-traditional student, meaning I finished my degree in mid-life. I completely re-started my career and my life at age 40.

What Are Employers Seeking?

To help job seekers better understand the competencies employers deem most valuable, the Career Advisory Board, established by DeVry University, created the Job Preparedness Indicator study, a new annual survey designed to identify and track gaps between the attributes candidates say they have and what qualifications employers need to fill available positions. The survey was conducted online during September, 2011, by Harris Interactive on behalf of the Career Advisory Board, and surveyed 540 hiring managers and 734 job seekers. Interestly, the findings break down the skills employers are ideally seeking at different levels of employment - entry level (initiative and dependability), mid-level (problem solving and communication) and managerial level (leadership). The article goes on to list some strategies to improve job search success and bridge the gap.

Work-Life - Is It In Balance?

Do you find that while at work you are preoccupied with responsibilities at home (childcare, eldercare etc.) and after work you are worried about returning emails and planning for upcoming meetings?  If so, you are not alone. Americans are working 47 hours per week and struggling to maintain a healthy balance. Robynn Pease, University of Kentucky Director of Work-Life, recently joined us for an alumni teleconference call - Balancing the Management of Work & Life Responsibilites. Robynn shared many strategies to more effectively meet the challenges that so many of us face in today's world. Review the powerpoints from Robynn's excellent presentation and learn more about how to more effectively blend your work-life responsibilities.

Some of Robynn's resources included:
Kossek, Ellen Ernst (2007) CEO of Me: Creating a Life That Works in the Flexible Job Age. Pearson Prentice Hall.


•http://ellenkossek.lir.msu.edu/

•Yost, Cali Williams (2004) Finding the Fit That’s Right for You. Riverhead Books.

You're Doing What With Your Major?

 

Spotlight on UK Alumna Michelle Harris

Major: BS Chemical Engineering (1994)

Current Career: Strategic Planner for Gresham, Smith and Partners

I am currently a strategic planner for a large architectural and engineering Firm headquartered in Nashville, TN.  I currently report to the Firm’s CEO, helping the management team develop their strategy to position the firm for success now and in the future.

Brief Description of Career Path:

After graduating from the University of Kentucky, I began my professional career in engineering consulting as a chemical engineer.  Through years of process engineering experience, I eventually transitioned into project management and senior level consultancy.  Along my journey, I learned quite a bit about strategy, which included identifying a strategy to save my job. I put my background in engineering to use in a different capacity; as manufacturing moved overseas, I found a place in the job market in site selection and economic development for manufacturing facilities overseas(working remotely from the states) and consulting communities on what kind of industry to attract as they began to lose manufacturing jobs locally.“Change is inevitable, and I realized I had to embrace it.” As the job market continued to transition, I continued to evolve professionally and continued to expand my network.  While reconnecting with colleagues and quite happy in my role as a consultant, I had no idea I was about to connect with individuals at Gresham, Smith and Partners who would give me the opportunity of a lifetime, to write my own job description!

Favorite UK memory/class:

Teaching UK 101 to freshman. I have always enjoyed giving back to others, especially where something so great had been given to me.  When I took UK101 as a Freshman it helped me understand the new world I was signing onto in college.  It connected me with peers and faculty that would help me all throughout my college education.  Being able to be a part of teaching the class and truly connecting with the apprehensions of some of the freshman gave me the opportunity to give back. 

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

Real world application! So many classes were so theoretical.  Even with a summer internship, many times the classes were not translated well enough into real world application.  In some cases I had been working years before I realized what I was supposed to be learning in the theoretical classes and more importantly, why I needed to learn it.

Advice to others considering a job or career change:

Change is inevitable. Embrace it.  Also, realize that in everything you do, you are creating an experience for yourself and for others whether it is for your clients, your supervisor, your peers or an interviewer.  Keep up with change, don’t grow stagnant in the role you are in and strive to create the most rewarding experience possible. If you are passionate about it, it makes good business sense (personally and professionally), continually monitor the situation around you and you may find an opportunity to give it a try.  One of the fastest growing elements of change to stay on top of is technological advancement and how it impacts us individually and the world we live in.

You’re Doing What With Your Major?

                                      
                                         Spotlight on UK Alumnus Dr. D. Lamont Smith

Major: Advertising/Journalism (Communications-1997)

Current career: Doctor of Chiropractic, specializing in Active Release Techniques (ART)

Brief description of career path: Upon graduating from UK, I got “stuck” in a sales position. Although I was good at it, I did not enjoy what I was doing .So I found myself at a crossroads when I was selling cell phones in a mall kiosk. I had a talk with myself and said “This is for someone else. This isn’t the place for you.” After speaking those words to myself, I decided to reflect on the things I enjoyed doing and classes I enjoyed taking in the past. And then I remembered when I was in the 10th grade, at Lakota High School, taking Mr. Moore’s athletic training class and loving it! I also recalled being in the training room and the Nutter Practice Facility, and knowing the “medical” lingo I was hearing. At that moment I decided to talk to my dad about chiropractic school, because he’d mentioned going back to school for chiropractic in the past. He introduced me to his chiropractor and my mom’s friend introduced me to his chiropractor, and within two weeks of the initial thought, I was enrolled in school to start taking my prerequisites. I became a Doctor of Chiropractic in 2005.

Favorite UK memory/class etc.: There are many, but I will only share three. Academically, the one that really sticks out for me is when I was in my Advertising/Journalism class we were paired into groups to work on ads for the “new” Kentucky Thoroughbreds hockey team. After presenting our ads to the Kentucky Thoroughbreds ad/marking executives, several of our ads were chosen. Another memory was when the football team beat Alabama (1997) for the first time in 71 years. I was on that team. And lastly, I have fond memories of interning in the UK Media Relations office the summer before my senior year. I met so many good people and wished that I would have had more time to spend with them.
Class I wish I would have taken at UK: Biology and Chemistry because it would have fast tracked me into my new career - LOL!

Next dream job: To be the football team’s chiropractor for my alma mater…(smiling).

What I know now that I didn’t know as a student: What do you mean? I was like every other college student… I knew it all! Seriously, I wish that I was more informed about internships. If I would have known about internships, it would have been a great opportunity for me to gain experience in my field of study.

Advice to others considering a job or career change: Decide what you are interested in. Weigh the pros and cons and if the pros outweigh the cons, consider conducting informational interviews with someone in that field.

You're Doing What With Your Major?

 

Spotlight on UK Alumnus Jared Bonshire

Major: BS Telecommunications (2001)

Current Career: Broker Associate at Cushman & Wakefield

Please provide a short summary of your career path from college to present.

Wow, keeping it short could be difficult.  After graduation, I was involved in a startup company, partnering with someone I thought was a visionary. However, as a 24 year old I was given the opportunity to write, produce, direct, shoot, and edit a pilot for a TV show aired on the Fox Sports network, called Big Blue Nation TV.  In addition to production of the TV show, I also wrote articles for the website and magazine and assisted in the editing of both media formats.When my time with BBN (which became Nation Media) came to an end, I attended graduate film school at the Savannah College of Art and Design for one year, when I was offered a position to run Inside Kentucky back in Kentucky, which was a chance to return to the industry I had grown to love. Unfortunately this, too, did not lead me to where I wanted to go, as it dissolved after a short year of operation. This reality was devastating, and I proceeded to work different dead end part-time positions when my then girlfriend (now wife) and I decided to move to Florida.  I felt I needed a career path change, and I had always had an interest in the field of real estate.  It was 2004, and real estate in Florida was booming.  With family in the area, we made the leap, packing as much into three cars as possible, and a new life was born. Eventually, I landed as a commercial real estate broker for Cushman & Wakefield (one of the world’s largest real estate brokerage firms). I also followed my passion of Kentucky sports and TV/film production,running a website (KentuckyInk.com) and partnering in the production company Neverending Light Productions with a good friend from film school. Recently, Neverending Light wrote, directed and won an Emmy Award for the short documentary “Jacobs Turn.”  Also, I have been blessed to have won numerous awards in the real estate brokerage business.  Kentucky Ink was sold in 2010, and now operates as Catspause on the 247sports network.

Did you have a mentor? If yes, how was this helpful for you?

Carl Nathe, who I worked closely with in college, was a great mentor for me. He always taught me to never limit my goals and to always push for what I wanted in life. Although we do not stay in touch as much as I would like, he has always offered a reference to who I am and what I stand for, and I’ll always be grateful for the two years I was able to work alongside him.

Describe your best boss/supervisor.

My current partner and boss, Lee Morris, has been absolutely one of the greatest influences I have ever encountered in my career. He has not only taught me how to execute the profession of real estate brokerage with the upmost character and professionalism, but also how to balance work life, work ethic, and understanding. He has shown me that work isn’t just about awardswon, the money made, or the accolades received, but also about the relationships you make and the lives you help improve.

What do you do for networking and professional development?

I am involved in numerous organizations, from the local Orlando Economic Development Commission (EDC), National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP), CCIM, and more.  Most important, I’m a jovial person, I enjoy making people laugh and keeping a smile on my face. Life is far too short not to enjoy. While I make sure that I understand my business and how to handle it on a day to day basis, I also always want to be sure I am easily approachable and trustworthy, which helps networking immensely.

How would you describe a successful job search strategy?

This is a difficult question because it is so different for every individual, but the best job search strategy is understanding not only what you have done, but what you can do. You will never continue to progress in your profession without a thorough understanding of your own capability, which may not match your job title. Being true to this skillset will not only help you align your skills to the highest pay, but will also provide for a much happier work existence.

When going through the hiring process, what do you look for in a job candidate?

Honesty, sense of humor, and someone who is simply themselves in the interview chair.  Too many people have come in to interview with me feeling as if they need to detail key words.  That is true of a resume, it gets you in the door, but absolutely throw away that mindset the second you walk into the interview. People hire people they think they can work with, not just who has the best credentials.

What career advice would you give to students and alumni?

Keep an open mind.  This country has its flaws, but it has a ton of great opportunities that you can take advantage of if you keep an open mind.Make good decisions in your personal life, bad ones can greatly alter your path.  Always listen and learn from those who have succeeded before you.  They may not always have the right answers, but they will always have answers you can use to guide your own perspective and decisions. Most of all, do what you believe will make you happy.  If you follow the path that others believe you should take, you may be successful financially but there will be something missing in your life that cannot be replaced.  And I am not saying that you should only do something fun in your career.  Sometimes work isn’t about doing what is fun.  But do something that challenges you, that pushes you, that keeps you up at night because you are thinking about what you need to do tomorrow, or how to solve a problem, or how to approach it differently.  This will lead you in the direction you were meant to go.

What's Your Calling?

At the recent Alumni Career Services Conference in Atlanta, we had the opportunity to hear from Gregg Levoy author of Callings.  Mr. Levoy defined a calling as "any leap you want to make in your personal or professional life that will align or re-align you with your passion and sense of purpose, your deepest values.  That calling could be to leave your job altogether or come to it in a new way, to take on a new role or let go of an old one, to make a creative leap or launch a new venture or style of leadership, or to simply make the kind of course-correction in your life or work that will make your life literally come true."


Conference attendees had time for reflection and a chance to do a little soul searching of our own as we pondered the following questions:

1. Imagine that you have just passed away and are looking back upon your life. What did you like best about life?

2. What one problem were you born to pursue or understand?

3. What section of the bookstore do you gravitate towards (purpose, passion)?

4. What would be the subject of your one great novel/book?

5. In school, shat subjects came most naturally?

6. If you could go back to school and study anything your heart desired, what would it be?

7. If you could test drive any other profession, what would it be?

8. When were you the happiest that you have ever been?

9. Throughout life, where you have consistently excelled?

10. If you were told to “just go for it”, what would the”it” be for you right now?

If you are looking to make a career/life transition, put Callings on your reading list and enjoy the journey.

You’re Doing What With Your Major?

As a new blog initiative, we will periodically spotlight UK alumni who are doing something unusual or out-of-the ordinary with their major. We hope you will enjoy these alumni spotlight features.

Spotlight on UK Alumni Nick Such

Major: BS Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics [minor] (2009)

Current Career: Co-Founder Awesome Touch
Since graduation, I have worked in venture capital, started a touchscreen software company (a spinout from a friends' senior design project at UK), helped launch the Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame, and was accepted to Stanford’s MBA program.

Brief Description of Career Path:
While working at GE and Toyota as an engineering co-op student, I discovered that I loved solving problems and making systems more efficient. Leading UK’s Solar Car Team during my senior year, I got a taste of the world of technology-based entrepreneurship, and decided I wanted more.

Favorite UK memory:
Running across the finish line in Calgary, Alberta, Canada next to Gato del Sol III, the University of Kentucky’s solar-powered car. We started in Plano, Texas and covered 2400 miles in 9 days. The team was founded in 1999, and that year, 2008, was the first time a UK Solar Car Team vehicle ever completed a cross-country race. After nearly a decade of R&D, two fully-constructed vehicles, hundreds of student team members, and thousands of extracurricular hours, it felt pretty good for my teammates and I to finally see the checkered flag.

Class I wish I would have taken at UK:
Psychology or anthropology. When running a business, I’m always trying to understand what motivates people to make decisions. As an engineer, I think I overlooked many human aspects of creating new technologies. Perception is reality, more often than I expected. A new gadget is only as good as the ability of people to understand how to use it.

Future Dream Job:
Exactly what I’m doing right now. It’s not uncommon for technology entrepreneurs to start one company, sell it, and start another. There are a few ideas I’d like to pursue after we build AwesomeTouch into something of significant value.

What I know now that I didn’t know as a student:
You don’t need a degree to start a business. In fact, there are several advantages to starting a business while still in school, including easy access to a broad alumni network, and being surrounded by lots of smart people who are potential co-founders. The UK Entrepreneurs Club is making it a lot easier to learn about these resources, and helping more students try their hand at starting a business.

I also never realized that a business is just a malleable vehicle for pursuing a passion. I didn’t really start off liking “business”, but I did like solving hard problems by creating new technologies. I eventually realized that if I found a problem that a lot of people were experiencing, and solved it for them; they would be willing to exchange money for that solution. All of a sudden, a fun project had become a business!

Advice to others considering a job or career change:
The best time to find a great option is when you have a good option on the table.

An MBA is a great way to make a functional or industry career change. And don’t write off top programs like Stanford and Harvard. They are well within the reach of UK graduates, and it really strengthens your application if you’re pursuing interesting projects on top of your normal role at work.
Consider learning how to write software. It’s a hot skill set, as demand is super-high right now for people who are decent programmers. Thanks to the internet, there are some quick and easy ways to become a decent programmer. Even if you don’t pursue it as a career, it will help when that day comes along that you inevitably will work on some project with a programmer. And with all the things that run on software today, from refrigerators, iPhones, our financial system, and even your car, it might offer some perspective on the very human logic that operates the world around you.

Favorite books:
I'm a huge Michael Crichton fan. He's a great example of someone who pursued his passion instead of more obvious career choices (how many Sci-Fi authors have Harvard MD's?). I recently finished Atlas Shrugged, and learned a lot from its perspective on the balance between profit and social good. Malcolm Gladwell's books all seem to have a way of turning my brain on. The whole list is here: www.shelfari.com/nicksuch/shelf

Favorite blogs:
Some entrepreneurs and investors I've learned from: steveblank.com, avc.com, jasonlbaptiste.com

The "news" in the tech startup world: techcrunch.com

Where I go to relax: xkcd.com (ok, it's a webcomic, but it's brilliant!)



Questions to Ask in an Interview

When preparing for interviews, alumni are often confused about appropriate questions to ask the interviewer. Always be prepared with at least 5-8 questions that could not be answered by basic web research. Lack of questions may imply minimal preparation or that you are just uninterested in the position. Shy away from salary questions in the first interview unless initiated by the employer.

The following list may give you some ideas as you prepare for your next interview:

What would you add to the list?

Position Description

• Can you tell me about the primary people with whom I would be interacting?
• Are support services are available to carry out the responsibilities of this position?
• To whom would I be reporting? Will I have management responsibilities?
• How and when would my performance be evaluated?
• Could you describe a typical day?

Career Paths

• Are you willing to describe the career path this position offers?
• How does this position fit into the organization chart?
• Could you tell me about the people who have preceded me in this position and in the department? Where are they now, and what are they doing?
• How are promotions or transfers determined within the company?
• Does advancement to upper management usually require an advanced degree?

Education & Training

• What additional training might be necessary for this position?
• Are there training programs available to me so that I can learn and grow professionally?

Judgment Questions for Interviewer

• What kind of personal attributes and qualifications does your company value?
• What skills are necessary to succeed in this position? What do you consider ideal education/experience for this position?
• What is the most significant challenge facing your staff now? Is there anything unusually challenging about this position?
• What have been some of the best results produced by people in this position?
• What are the 30/60/90 day projections for this department/position? (Specify type of projections, e.g. sales, production, products, profits, etc.)
• What are some ways that previous people have had an impact?
• Where do you see your company going in the next 5 years?
• What are your plans for expanding the (research, programming,  etc.) departments?

General Questions for Interviewer

• Are there any additional questions or concerns about my qualifications (resume) that I can answer?
• What are the backgrounds of the leading individuals in my area of interest?
• Are there any other assignments not specifically mentioned in the position description? 
• What do you like most about working for XYZ company?
• When do you expect to make a hiring decision for this position?

UK Alumni Career Spotlight - James W. Stuckert

We recently spoke with Mr. James Stuckert about his career and asked him to share a bit about his professional journey. Mr. Stuckert is extremely active on campus volunteering on many committees and attending annual campus events.

Mr. Stuckert received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering (1960) and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (1961) from UK. His first job after college was with Cummins Engine Company in Columbus, Indiana. After a few years, Mr. Stuckert realized that his true passion was the stock market and finances. Subsequent to interviewing several firms, Mr. Stuckert joined W.L. Lyons & Company. After just six years, he became a partner of the then merged J.J.B. Hilliard, W.L. Lyons & Company. He was responsible for equity trading at Hilliard Lyons prior to assuming the roles of Chairman and CEO in 1995. He has served on the Board of Directors of Hilliard Lyons, Inc. since its incorporation in 1972 until his retirement as Chairman of the Board in 2003.

As for advice, Mr. Stuckert shares repeatedly “Don’t get discouraged. Keep going. Do what you love!” He also encourages everyone to watch Steve Jobs’ inspirational Stanford graduation speech. When hiring, Mr. Stuckert says that he always tries to find candidates who are self-starters and those who have “moxy” – the ability to look at a situation and figure it out. As a manager, he has mentored many young professionals and uses six tenets as a guide. These tenets transcend many industries.

1) Clients are first and foremost

2) Maintain uncompromising Integrity

3) Keep it Simple

4) Hire and invest in the best

5) Do the right thing right

6) Utilize a teamwork approach

Mr. Stuckert is a Past President of the National Alumni Association and still remains on the Board of Directors. In 1980, he received the Distinguished Service Award for Exceptional Service to the University of Kentucky Alumni Association.

Mr. Stuckert serves as Chairman of the Board of the University of Kentucky Development Council. He was the Chair of the Capital Campaign recently concluded, which raised over $1 Billion for the University of Kentucky. Mr. Stuckert also chaired the Corporate and Foundation Committee for the new William T. Young Library Campaign in the early 1990s. Mr. Stuckert is a UK Fellow.

Mr. Stuckert was inducted to the Alumni Hall of Fame at the University of Kentucky Carol Martin Gatton College of Business and Economics in February 1997. He was also elected to the University Of Kentucky Hall Of Distinguished Alumni in May 2000, and was inducted into the School of Engineering Hall of Fame in April 2002.

As of July 1, 2009, Mr. Stuckert was appointed to the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees for a term of 6 years. His wife, the former Diane Vittitow of Owensboro, along with their three children, Steve, Susie and Scott, are all graduates of the University of Kentucky.

Interview Blunders

From time-to-time I see a list of interview blunders. In working with recruiters and human resource professionals they quickly confirm items on the list. Many of the following seem so obvious, yet they continue to be common issues for candidates when interviewing. Review the following and share what you would add.

1) Failing to Prepare - going beyond what is on the official company website
2) Poor Communication Skills - talking too much or too little
3) Inappropriate Dress
4) Failing to Answer the Interview Question or Sketchy Answers
5) Badmouthing Former Bosses or Employers
6) Forgetting to Follow-Up

Social Influence Scores and Your Future Career Path

AOL recently shared that the next wave of employment and hiring trends may have a lot to do with your social influence rating. If you have a Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter account, you are already being scored. Companies such as Klout, PeerIndex and Twitter Grader are also beginning to score people in such areas as influence and how many followers or friends they have accumulated. Did you post something that caused others to respond or act?

While employers have been using Google for quite some time to conduct background research on possible candidates, social influence ratings are about to take things to a whole new level. The Federal Trade Commission has recently allowed background check company Social Intelligence to start using information on social networking sites as part of routine background checks. Information that is Federally and State protected is excluded from the reports. Perspective employers will be able to obtain a report that has information on your Facebook likes, photos, LinkedIn special groups, tweets, blog comments etc. This could be cause for concern if employers find digital dirt that may reflect poor judgment, illegal activity, or questionable behavior on your part. On the positive side, employers will also have access to information that would be viewed favorably such as professional recognition and involvement.

So use this as a wake up call to review your social media privacy settings and be even more cautious of anything you would not want an employer to find.

Things To Do When You Have A New Boss

Even though you may not change jobs, from time-to-time you are likely to have a new boss. Be open minded about change and use this time as a career management opportunity. First, when the new boss arrives, take time to share with them what you do in your job. We can't assume the new boss will know each report's job description. Specifically, share with them how your position contributes to the organization's bottom line, mission, or goals. Also, discuss your current and projected projects. Ask if these will still be priority for the new manager or management team. There may be different priorities and it is best to know this up front so that you can readjust and quickly fit it. Additionally, take time to learn their management style and how they like to receive information. Best of all, use this breaking in period as a time to get a fresh start on your personal career goals and build new allies.

Is Face-to-Face Networking Still of Value?

Q: With social media and on-line application systems being so prevalent in today’s job search, is face-to-face networking still needed?


A: This question was recently asked during a presentation I made to a regional Project Management International (PMI) Group. Before I had time to even respond, the audience did it for me. There was an overwhelming response of “Yes, now more than ever!”

While on the subject of networking, here are some common networking mistakes. First, too many people leave home without business cards. I personally keep business cards in my car; coat pockets/suit jackets and purses, wallet and gym bag. If you are currently unemployed or seeking a career transition, by all means, have your own business cards prepared. Second, once we meet someone new, we forget to quickly follow-up. Perhaps you will extend a LinkedIn invitation or follow-up with some information referenced in your conversation. Lastly, we stop networking once we have found a job. It has been very obvious during the recession that those who dig their well before they are thirsty, land on their feet faster after a job loss or career setback.

And remember, summer cook outs are a great way to network and make new business connections.

Lots of Activity at UK's Coldstream Research Campus

UK’s Coldstream Research Campus has been in the news lately featuring many new business and career opportunities. Last week, our staff visited with George Ward, Executive Director of UK’s Coldstream Research Campus to learn more.


The mission of the Coldstream Research Campus is to cultivate an innovative community by combining UK’s research strengths with private enterprise to create high-tech startup companies, expand existing businesses and grow high-paying jobs. UK has a strong patent portfolio in drug development and drug design, plant biotech, equine health, and materials for medical implants, drug delivery systems, and medical devices. The University also has programs in emerging technologies such as renewable fuels and plant-based alternatives for industrial products.

UK quickly delivers applications to the marketplace which have resulted in long-standing partnerships with business and industry. According to Len Heller, UK's vice president for Commercialization & Economic Development, "Now more than ever it is important that we commercialize UK technology and create spin-off companies and new jobs."

Once a prominent Bluegrass horse farm, Coldstream is now home to 1,000 employees working in biotech, pharmaceutical and equine-related companies, and a wide range of businesses including HP, Coldstream Laboratories Inc. and Embassy Suites Hotel. Coldstream Park, a public, multi-use area maintained by the city of Lexington, is located within the research campus and has a network of biking and walking paths as well as two dog parks. Restaurants, shopping, the Blue Grass Airport, and residential communities are conveniently located nearby.

UK will use a new law that permits the establishment of a tax increment financing (TIF) district on the Coldstream Research Campus to help finance much needed laboratory and incubator space. UK will solicit a master developer to build a mixed-use "town center “and use the taxes generated to fund new research buildings and be a catalyst for retaining and recruiting biotech companies to Coldstream. According to George Ward, “The town center will be comprised of various uses such as offices, residential units, and ancillary services which may include food and beverage outlets, banking, a fitness center, day care, and a dry cleaner. Completion of the town center will provide the necessary social infrastructure to seed research and technology development in other areas of the Coldstream Campus.”

Recent Coldstream announcements include:

Lexington-based Tempur-Pedic, an international company focused on innovative sleep products, is reaffirming its commitment to Kentucky with the expansion of its global headquarters. The company will build a 100,000 square-foot facility in the University of Kentucky's Coldstream Research Campus and will employ 300 people, including the addition of 65 new jobs in the next five years.

UK Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory expansion is complete. In 2008, the University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory broke ground on a $28.5 million expansion and renovation journey. Now the state-of-the-art project is complete and the lab is better equipped to serve Kentucky's animal agriculture industries.

Allconnect Inc., a leading consumer services company, is locating a new in-bound sales and customer care center in Lexington. The company is investing nearly $7 million to establish an approximately 32,000 square-foot facility in the Coldstream Research Campus that will add up to 220 new jobs in the community.

Construction began on the new Eastern State Hospital in 2010, with an expected completion date of fall 2012. The $129 million facility is part of a unique agreement between UK, Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC), the state and the city of Lexington in which Eastern State will move from its campus on Newtown Pike to the Coldstream Research Campus location; BCTC will move from UK's Lexington campus to the current Eastern State location; and UK will take over BCTC's location on Cooper Drive. The hospital will employ a total of 700 people over 3 shifts.

It is expected that the Coldstream on-campus employee population will grow to 2,200 by the end of 2012.

For more information on Coldstream see UKColdstream.com. To keep up with current Coldstream news and all of UK’s economic development news, subscribe to the UKEconDev News (econdev@uky.edu), a quarterly e-news.

Business with Ties to UK Makes Plans to Come Home to the Bluegrass

Total Quality Logistics (TQL) is the nation’s 4th largest freight brokerage firm. Headquartered in Cincinnati, OH, TQL has satellite offices in Charleston, Charlotte, Chicago, Columbus, Denver, Indianapolis, and Tampa. TQL recently announced the addition of a Lexington, KY office in the coming months. UK alum, Lincoln Hendricks (’07 CIS) has been selected to lead the new Lexington office. He currently works at the Cincinnati site, and will be relocating back to the Bluegrass.

Lincoln shared the following, “My wife, Devin (’08 Communications) and I are both UK alums, with personal ties back in Lexington and the Central Kentucky area. We have always considered Lexington home, and hoped that we would ultimately end up there. After college I came to Cincinnati to begin my career at TQL in sales. It’s a terrific company with new challenges on a daily basis. I now have the opportunity to open and manage a TQL satellite office in Lexington beginning in August. I am thrilled with the opportunity.” By the end of 2011, TQL will open offices in Louisville, KY and Dayton, OH as well. With the help of successful staff members who want to transfer, this rapidly growing firm plans to open an office in every Tier I city across the U.S.

TQL has hired 58 UK alumni since July 2007, a handful of them former UK athletes. Among those 58 hires is former UK baseball player Brian Hastings who has been with the company since June of 2009. He will also be part of the founding team for TQL’s Lexington office. Former UK football Guard, Mike Webster, has been with the company for the past 8 years. He is now TQL’s 2010 #2 Account Executive in the company. UK graduate, Kelly Tate is another founding member of the Lexington Team. She has been with the company since October of 2008. TQL is dedicated to their continued partnership with the University of Kentucky in their recruiting efforts. TQL representatives have attended UK Career Fairs, and have spoken at numerous career-related workshops and special events. We look forward to our continued partnership with TQL throughout their expansion. Click here if you are interested in viewing TQL employment opportunities in the Bluegrass and across the country. TQL currently has positions posted in Wildcat CareerLink, the UK Career Center’s online job database. This database is free to all UK students and alumni.

-Posted by Kelly Higgins

UK Alumni Career Spotlight

“Savvy job seekers know the paper resume is a dated approach to your job search. Having a professional video profile complete with your traditional resume, personality profile and relevant accomplishments will increase your chance for hire by 30% or more – it just works”.


-David DeCapua, CEO TalentRooster, UK Alumni (1990 BA Communications)

Here in Alumni Career Services we recently learned about emerging video resume technology called TalentRooster. Even better, we learned that TalentRooster was developed by UK alumn David DeCapua. TalentRooster allows job seekers to create a full blown digital video profile, complete with traditional resume, video resume, links to social media sites, a personality profile and much more. Plus it can be posted on all of your favorite social media sites. Employers, staffing agencies, and recruiters are also using TalentRooster to conduct initial candidate screenings and to determine who to invite to the interview. Good Morning America even recently spotlighted this new tool.

David has fond college memories of attending UK basketball games when Pitino was the new coach in town. David’s first job out of college was an account executive with Physician’s Sales and Service where he started a territory from the ground up in North Miami, Florida then moved to central Ohio and replicated this same feat. David went on to join Dawson Resources, an executive search, recruiting and staffing firm in the Columbus, Ohio area that focuses on positions in accounting & finance, call centers, creative, industrial, IT, office and VMS areas. During the economic downturn, it became clear to David that with the advent of social media, the way people job search has drastically changed. He wanted to be a part of that exciting time and developed TalentRooster. David says that while taking a huge financial risk, starting TalentRooster was probably the best career decision he has ever made. In between running two businesses, David is also a city council member and, enjoys spending time with his wife and three young children as well as, studying Civil War history.

David has generously offered a link for any UK alum or student to create a free digital video profile http://talentrooster.s3.amazonaws.com/Misc/TRSite/TRUniversityProgram.htm.

Informational Interviews: Gain Insight and Expand Your Network

Informational interviews are a great way to not only learn about possible career fields, but to expand your professional network. It is a common assumption that informational interviews are conducted solely by students, however that is a myth. This form of interviewing has become a regular component of career exploration for all stages of one’s career. If you are considering a career change, looking to learn more about a given field or company, or just want to grow professionally, consider seeking out a fellow professional to interview. If you do not have a contact in your target industry to interview, search on LinkedIn. Join on-brand groups and discover the leaders in your industry of interest. Be sure to make your intention clear; you are not soliciting a job, just gathering information. We suggest preparing structured interview questions to maximize your time. Show up professionally dressed and organized. Though this is not a job interview, you still want to put your best foot forward. As the interview is coming to an end, be sure to ask for the name and contact information of two other people in the industry that may be helpful for you to contact. This will help grow your professional network in a new field and gain a slightly different perspective.


Steps to a successful informational interview:

1. Identify a professional in your field of interest and contact them, clearly stating your intention.

2. Arrange a meeting (in person, over the phone, or via email.)

3. Arrive early with structured interview questions.

4. Express your appreciation, get a business card, and leave.

5. Follow up with a thank you note.

- Posted by Kelly Higgins

Interviewing Advice From Recruiters

We recently surveyed some regional recruiters and gained their perspective on interview questions. First, we wondered if there were any particular questions that candidates had trouble answering. We also were curious if they had weed out questions. Here were some of the responses.

Daniel Bergmann with Total Quality Logistics shared the following:
- Believe it or not, I’ve found many candidates still struggle with what I would consider to be questions they should know they’re going to be asked. “What do you know about our company? Why are you interested in TQL? Why are you interested in sales?” Too many times I’ll get poorly thought-out responses (e.g. “I’m not really sure what your company does”) or canned answers (e.g. “I like working with people”). A little research and self-reflection can go a long way.

-My favorite weed out question is “what other positions have you been applying to?” If we’re the only sales job, I can safely bet that the candidate isn’t truly passionate about sales, and if they’re all over the map, I can safely bet that they have little idea what they want. Part of my job is identifying whether or not they truly want this job and not just a job.

Molley Ricketts, Recruiting Team Leader with Yoh for GE, Home and Business Solutions, shared the following:
-My favorite question; If you were able to write your ideal job description, how would it read? I find that this is not a 'typical' interview question and candidates don't have a rehearsed response. This allows me to truly get a clear understanding of their communciation skills AND if they don't have a good response, it also weeds them out.

The Facebook Generation at Work

During several recent speaking engagements (e.g. Louisville Alumni Lunch and Learn, UK Business Marketing classes, Northern Kentucky Alumni event, and Project Managers International meeting), we have talked about the challenges of having four generations working side-by-side and how we often stereotype each generation. New resources continue to emerge on how to better manage multigenerational workplace challenges. Father-daughter team Larry and Meagan Johnson recently published Generations, Inc.: From Boomers to Linksters - Managing the Friction Between Generations at Work. They specifically focus on the Facebook generation, also known as the Linksters. These 15-19 year olds have some common traits. They live and breathe technology; are more tolerant of alternative lifestyles; are best friends with their parents; and are very involved in green causes and social activism. The Johnsons go on to share 10 Tips for Managing the Facebook Generation. A few of the highlights include:

- Provide them with job descriptions and very clear directions
- Incentivize task accomplishments
- Treat them as valued coworkers
- Create microcareer paths
- Lead by example

What advice would you give to young professionals entering the world of work?

Always Follow Up

Have you ever submitted your resume to an employer, receiving no response in return? This is a scenario that I hear from job seekers quite frequently. Realistically, employers are flooded with resumes on a daily basis, and often don’t have time to review every resume they receive. Ask yourself how you can get the employer to pay attention to your resume. Answer: follow up! According to Daniel Bergmann, Sales Recruiter for TQL, following up can set you apart from your competition. “Following up on an application shows that you are proactive and serious about the job. This gives the employer or recruiter a reason to move your resume to the top of the pile.” Dan Parker, Employee Relations Manager at Climate Solutions Ingersoll Rand, couldn’t agree more. “Always follow up. This puts a name and voice with a resume.” If you can connect a real person to your resume, employers are more likely to select it out of the stack of hundreds to review. After you apply for a position, give the employer a call to ensure that they have received your application material. Career coach, Mary Jeanne Vincent stated in her February monthly online newsletter, “The rule of thumb is no more than three interactions (phone, email, voice mail) within 10 days. Don’t call back every day for an update — that is harassment and will earn your resume a place in the round file.” Convey your interest in the position, and inquire about a timeline for the interviewing process. - Posted by Kelly Higgins, UK Alumni Career Counselor

Lexington, KY Makes Top Employment List

According to a recent survey conducted by Manpower employment services firm, the job market is rebounding. The survey of more than 18,000 employers in 100 metropolitan areas found that employers in all 50 states report positive hiring expectations, with 33 of the states reporting strong hiring expectations. In fact, the survey revealed that Lexington, Kentucky had the most optimistic forecast of all the metropolitan areas. According to Bob Quick, CEO of Commerce Lexington, the city has a diverse economy that has helped it weather the recent recession. He goes on to say that health care, bioscience, life science and high tech have emerged strongly over the past few years. Many related spin off and research companies have benefitted from their close association with the University of Kentucky. Also, Lexington has a growing reputation for small business start-ups and being the home of lots of creators and inventors.

LinkedIn Profile - What to include under Experience?

Q: I have a LinkedIn profile, but don’t know what to put in the Experience section of my profile. What should I include? Is this important?

A: LinkedIn can be a valuable job search tool. LinkedIn offers opportunities to connect with professionals in your field, which can lead to the hidden job market and awareness of career prospects. The Experience section of your LinkedIn profile is intended to give fellow professionals, employers, and recruiters a good idea of your professional history and capabilities for future endeavors. If you only share your titles and places of employment, you are not illustrating anything specific about the value you could bring to a company or organization. This section should mirror your resume. Include current and past job titles, places of work, and a description of skills and achievements you acquired in each. Be sure to highlight on-brand content tailored to your industry. Employers and recruiters have expressed a preference for the use of bullet points in this section (much like you would see on a resume). This helps with clarity and quick viewing.

- Submitted by Alumni Career Counselor Kelly Higgins

The Art of Negotiation

Q: I just interviewed for a promising job and expect an offer in the near future. Salary negotiation, however, makes me nervous – especially in a tight economy. What tips do you offer?

A: Remember that all job offers are negotiable. In fact, this may be the only time when you have the upper hand - so you have more power than you think. According to Dr. Giuseppe (Joe) Labianca, Ph.D., UK Gatton Endowed Associate Professor of Management, there are many strategies for improving your negotiating ability. “First, never begin a negotiation until you have a firm written offer. Some firms may ask about your bottom line number, expectations, etc. before offering you the job – dodge and deflect. Believe in the value of what you are selling. Emphasize the positive aspects.” Next Dr. Labianca suggests that you must have data in order to negotiate effectively. Conduct extensive on-line research and also talk to a wide variety of people when trying to gauge your value. Then, open aggressively with your highest defensible offer. Dr. Labianca states that, “Most negotiations end at the midpoint, therefore, when giving concessions on that point, try to get concessions that are more valuable to you on other issues (e.g., vacation time, good schedule, travel expenses, tuition reimbursement). While it’s healthy to take a broad view of your interests in a negotiation, don’t assume that you have to trade those interests off for wages and bonuses. Present wages form the basis for all future wages, and giving up on them has a huge cumulative effect over your career. But don’t get hung up entirely on wages, naïve negotiators focus too much (and sometimes exclusively) on wages to the detriment of other issues that can provide more value.” To learn more about Negotiation, watch Dr. Labianca’s recent UK Alumni Association presentation at www.ukalumni.net/career (Career Related Videos).