Starting a Job on the Right Foot

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average number of jobs held in a lifetime ranges from 11 to 15. It’s no surprise that we will be the “new kid on the block” during our career. Networking remains the most critical strategy in the job search process and is more than 80 percent effective in landing a new position. UK alumna Liz Cornish ’75 AS, leadership coach and Founder of FHD (First 100 Days) Consulting, says it best, “It’s not who you know. It’s who knows you. Be proactive, be curious and be visible!”
First impressions become lasting perceptions. Do everything in your power to begin your new job on the right foot.

Do as much research as possible regarding your new company, employer, colleagues, industry and products. Investigate the company culture and appropriate professional attire to help you assimilate with the environment and peers. Review the LinkedIn profiles of colleagues in your new department. Learn about their career paths and find something in common. 

You may be nervous to begin your new position. A multitude of emotions can be expected. Employers expect a slight learning curve, and it is acceptable to ask questions. Seek guidance in order to achieve success in your new position. Befriending a veteran employee or asking for a mentor is valuable in becoming familiar with office protocol, management styles and professional growth. Perhaps there are other UK alumni in the organization to reach out to for guidance or support.

Quickly learn the names of your new colleagues. Addressing colleagues by name can help in building professional relationships. Those peers may also be more likely to lend a hand during your adjustment phase. While communicating with new colleagues, avoid comparing your new and previous companies. If your previous employer had a more efficient way of doing something, wait for the appropriate platform to tactfully present your suggestions/ideas. 

Do your work and demonstrate potential. Don’t be afraid to ask for help as you learn the ropes. Appear willing to learn and take initiative. You may find it beneficial to set goals, track your progress and seek regular feedback. A positive attitude and open mind go a long way, leading to a successful transition into a new job.

UK Alumni Association members are eligible for two complimentary appointments per year with an alumni career counselor. Call 1-888-9UK-CATS (852287) to schedule an appointment. Your alumni career counselors are available to review your resignation letter by email.
Visit www.ukalumni.net/career to learn more about Alumni Career Services.

How to Properly Resign From a Position

There are endless reasons why people choose to quit their job, both positive and negative. Regardless of the underlying factors, it is important to submit your resignation in a professional manner.

Prior to submitting your resignation, be sure to have a written job offer from your new employer with a designated start date. Unless the circumstances are dire in your current job, secure another position before you resign. Despite the dynamic between you and your manager, you want to be as professional and direct as possible when submitting your resignation. Go to your manager first before sharing the news with your co-workers. 

Prepare a written letter of resignation to have with you when you speak with your manager. In the letter, state a particular date that you are resigning from your current position. A two-week notice is standard professional courtesy, but not legally required. Some people even give a 30-day notice if conducive to your schedule and accepted by the employer. Note, though not common, the employer may ask you to pack your desk immediately and leave the premises. In the United States, most people are employed ‘at will,’ meaning you can quit your job at any time for any reason. Under this law, employers are legally obligated to pay you only for days worked, no more, no less. They may allow you to work through your effective date, but they are not required to do so.

In your letter, it is fine (but not required) to share that you have accepted another opportunity, but it is not necessary to provide details about your new position or company. You want to thank the employer for the opportunities that you have had while working for them (include a few specific things that you appreciate, for example, spearheading a project, leadership opportunities or professional growth). Communicate that you will do whatever you can to make the transition as smooth as possible. The process of giving notice to your employer can be a scary and stressful time. Be sure to keep the dialogue clear, concise and positive. Don’t burn any bridges.

Common Job Search Misconceptions

Job Boards and the Internet are the best places to find a job.

If it has been a while since you conducted a job search, don’t be deceived. Networking and direct contact are still the best ways to find a job. Use a combination of in-person and social media networking through sites like LinkedIn. Successful candidates have several job search balls in the air. Each week, schedule informational interviews, networking coffees or volunteer activities to better tap the hidden job market.

The greatest qualified candidates get the job.

According to Kimberly Schultz, a UK alumnae and professional recruiter, “Education and experience matter, but they are definitely not the only things that matter. Cultural fit in a company is imperative. As a rule, I am more likely to be drawn to a candidate who I find to have character traits similar to other successful employees over someone who may look better on paper.”

Changing careers is nearly impossible.

Today’s workers will have many jobs in a variety of careers and industries. Changing careers can be a daunting task but one that many alumni successfully maneuver. Often additional education, certifications or training is required to gain entry into a new field. Update your skills. Confidently explain to an employer why you are changing careers.

The job search is extra challenging for candidates over 50.

When times are tight, it is not unusual to see companies letting go of more experienced candidates. Seasoned professionals should ramp up their technology skills and networking efforts and be open to all options. Focus on strengths, such as strong work ethic and an ability to bring in new clients. Explore consulting, freelance or encore careers.

Temporary jobs are a waste of time.

Companies are leaner today and have outsourced many of their human resource functions. Employers are resource conscious and often want to try out an employee before extending a permanent offer. Use temporary positions to test out a company, get in the door, network or to build your resume with new or updated skills.

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.”

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.

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.

Has Your Career Path Been Straight?

In today's tight economy and constantly changing world, we can no longer envision our career path as being a series of upward steps. Most organizations are certainly flatter than they were ten years ago with fewer rungs on the ladder. In fact, there are many times when a lateral or zipzag change can be of benefit. Some examples include:

-An opportunity to learn a new skill set
-A chance to greatly expand your network
-You have become bored with your current industry or field and want to make a change

Like any life transition, do your homework. With adequate preparation, you may not have to begin with an entry level position. Building upon transferable skills and possibly some short-term training, could pave the way. When are some additional times when a lateral career change can be beneficial?

What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up?

Still not sure what you want to be when you grow up? This is a common question that many adults find themselves pondering. Perhaps an unexpected job loss or a personal crisis has you looking deeper into the meaning of life, where you fit, and how you would like to be remembered. If you are at that crossroads and are truly stumped, ask yourself the following questions and look for clues in your responses.

-In a bookstore, what sections do you gravitate towards?
-What are your favorite magazines?
-What hobbies do you enjoy or would like to develop further?
-If you could take a free class at a local University, what class would you take?

Other exploration strategies include taking career assessments, volunteering, conducting informational interviews, and attending events, lectures/talks, or conferences in a field of interest. Hear personal experiences from a panel of career changers at www.ukalumni.net/career.