April-June 2015 Top Picks

Enjoy some of our favorite career articles from April, May and June!

Job Search Strategies

How to Find Flexible and Work From Home Jobs in Retirement

http://www.mylifestylecareer.com/recommended-resources/recommended-sites/how-to-find-flexible-and-work-from-home-jobs-in-retirement-17-helpful-resources/

9 Tips to Help Job Seekers Beat Age Bias

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/9-tips-to-help-jobseekers-beat-age-bias-2012-11-21

5 Things Not to Do During Your Job Search

http://www.glassdoor.com/blog/alienate-job-search/

9 Real Reasons Overqualified Job Seekers Are Rejected

https://jobmob.co.il/blog/reasons-overqualified-job-seekers-are-rejected/

Exploratory Interviews: How to Land Them and Make Them Work For You

http://chameleonresumes.com/2015/04/24/exploratory-interviews-land-and-make-them-work-for-you/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ChameleonResumes+%28Chameleon+Resumes+|+Reinvent+Yourself!%29

Common Salary Negotiation Pitfalls

http://www.masterworkresumes.com/2015/04/20/common-salary-negotiation-pitfalls/

10 Simple Tips to Give You an Edge When Looking for a Job

https://www.myjobmatcher.com/news-and-advice/10-simple-tips-to-give-you-an-edge-when-looking-for-a-job/

Resume

The Resume – But Not As We Know It

http://careerenlightenment.com/the-resume-but-not-as-we-know-it

5 Things to Find Out Before Writing Your Resume

http://robinresumes.com/2015/05/five-things-to-find-out-before-writing-your-resume/

What is Your Email Provider Saying About You?

https://resumewriternatalie.wordpress.com/2015/04/30/what-is-your-email-provider-saying-about-you/

5 Phrases You Never Want to Use in a Resume

http://aneliteresume.com/resume-writing/5-phrases-you-never-want-to-use-in-a-resume/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ResumeWritingServices+%28Elite+Resumes%29

Make Your Resume Shine with the Top Skills of 2015

https://resumewriternatalie.wordpress.com/2015/03/31/make-your-resume-shine-with-the-top-skills-of-2015/

How to Write a Resume

http://careerenlightenment.com/how-to-write-a-resume?

Networking

 12 Types of Job-Search Networkers; the good and the bad

http://thingscareerrelated.com/2015/05/21/the-12-types-of-job-search-networkers-the-good-and-the-bad/
 

Veterans Need a Good Elevator Pitch, Too

http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2015/05/20/veterans-need-a-good-elevator-pitch-too?src=usn_tw
 

This Might Be the Best Way to Network, Ever

https://www.themuse.com/advice/this-might-be-the-best-way-to-network-ever

 

LinkedIn and Social Media

How to Ring Your Bell on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-ring-your-bell-linkedin-joshua-waldman?midToken=AQE6QYrASX5vNA&trk=eml-b2_content_ecosystem_digest-network_publishes-277-null&fromEmail=fromEmail&ut=3LKr2Sr5g6TCE1

Double LinkedIn Recommendations With Style

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/double-linkedin-recommendations-style-joshua-waldman?midToken=AQE6QYrASX5vNA&trk=eml-b2_content_ecosystem_digest-network_publishes-277-null&fromEmail=fromEmail&ut=31FNvD2mRH1mI1

Interviewing

Sorry Recruiters! You’re Not Getting My Salary History

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/sorry-recruiters-youre-getting-my-salary-history-liz-ryan?midToken=AQE6QYrASX5vNA&trk=eml-b2_content_ecosystem_digest-recommended_articles-382-null&fromEmail=fromEmail&ut=2Re2WQ33BU1mI1

How to Ace the Video Interview

http://carolinedowdhiggins.com/how-to-ace-the-video-job-interview/

Interview Insights – Interview Question: What other companies are your interviewing with?

http://melissallarena.com/news/interview-insights-interview-question-what-other-companies-are-you-interviewing-with/

How to Know if You Didn’t Get the Job – 7 Signs Your Interview Didn’t Go Well

http://www.brazencareerist.com/blog/2015/05/25/how-to-know-if-you-got-the-job-7-signs-your-interview-didnt-go-well/

Career Management/Professional Development/Continuing Education

Put Yourself First (Even If You Think You Can’t)

http://www.careerfolk.com/2015/06/09/put-yourself-first-even-if-you-think-you-cant/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=put-yourself-first-even-if-you-think-you-cant
 

4 Ways to Build Success from Scratch

http://www.careerealism.com/build-success-from-scratch/  

Frustrated in Your Role at Work? Understanding Your Personality Type Can Help

http://www.cppblogcentral.com/education-blog/frustrated-in-your-role-at-work-understanding-your-personality-type-can-help/

 

Entrepreneur

The Best Freelance Websites: 50+ to Bookmark Right Now

http://www.brazencareerist.com/blog/2015/05/11/the-best-freelance-websites-50-to-bookmark-right-now/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Brazen+Newsletter+May+14+2015&utm_content=Brazen+Newsletter+May+14+2015+Version+A+CID_811569e2c9162cc9d395c157fbf6bfe1&utm_source=email%20campaign%20monitor&utm_term=Read%20more

Entrepreneur-Thinking is the New Job Security

http://www.jibberjobber.com/blog/2015/05/01/entrepreneur-thinking-is-the-new-job-security/

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.

February 'Best Picks' Career Articles

Job Club facilitators read dozens of career blogs and publications each week.  Attached is a compilation of  their 'best picks' for the month of February.

Job Search Strategies

3 Reasons Employers Give Good References for Fired Employees

http://www.avidcareerist.com/2014/01/16/references-fired/

6 Habits of Remarkably Likeable People

http://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/6-habits-of-remarkably-likeable-people.html

One Small Communication Change That Could Help You Land The Job

http://www.thedailymuse.com/job-search/one-small-communication-change-that-could-help-you-land-the-job/

Surprise! You Shouldn’t Answer the Phone When Recruiters Call

http://jobmob.co.il/blog/dont-answer-when-recruiters-call/#axzz2rySmRtkE

15 Things You Should Know About Job Searching

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/best-tips/fl/15-things-you-should-know-about-job-searching.htm

Companies Hiring Unemployed Workers 
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/jobsearchtips/fl/companies-hiring-unemployed-workers.htm

Job Search Dos and Don’ts

http://jobsearch.about.com/b/2014/02/02/job-search-dos-and-donts.htm

Laid Off at 60: What to do Next 
http://www.nextavenue.org/article/2012-05/laid-60-what-do-next

Resume

6 Overused Resume Statements to Nix

http://money.usnews.com/money/careers/slideshows/6-overused-resume-statements-to-nix

This Resume Tip is Almost Too Easy 
http://ezinearticles.com/?This-Resume-Tip-Is-Almost-Too-Easy&id=8291653

Networking

6 Habits of Great Connectors

http://www.inc.com/ilan-mochari/6-habits-connectors.html
 

7 Steps to Delivering a Powerful Elevator Pitch

http://www.businessinsider.com/7-steps-to-delivering-a-powerful-elevator-pitch-2014-1

LinkedIn and Social Media

How Recruiters Fine Top Talent on LinkedIn

http://www.vault.com/blog/networking/how-recruiters-find-top-talent-on-linkedin?utm_source=WCU_Letter&utm_medium=Newsletter&utm_campaign=1_23_2014&referer_ID=7778&utm_source=WCN012314&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=86264
 

10 Steps Toward a Successful LinkedIn Plan (Part 2)

http://thingscareerrelated.com/2014/01/14/10-steps-toward-a-successful-linkedin-plan-part-2/

LinkedIn Activity Feed: Optimizing Your Exposure to Stay Top of Mind

http://chameleonresumes.com/2014/01/14/linkedin-activity-feed/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ChameleonResumes+%28Chameleon+Resumes+|+Reinvent+Yourself!%29

Random Social Media Thoughts for #Jobseekers

http://recruitinginferno.com/2013/05/07/random-social-media-thoughts-for-jobseekers/

Interviewing/Salary Negotiation

Why Would I Hire You?

http://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20140123120812-32175171-why-would-i-hire-you?trk=tod-posts-post7-ptlt
 

How to Negotiate a Job Offer

http://www.forbes.com/sites/lizryan/2014/01/27/how-to-negotiate-a-job-offer/

9 Stept to Countering a Lousy Loball Job Offer

http://www.avidcareerist.com/2010/06/06/9-steps-lowball-job-offer/

Career Management/Professional Development/Continuing Education

10 Things to Think About Before Going Back to College

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/10-things-to-think-about-before-going-back-to-college-again/
 

Resignation Letter Samples

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/resignationletters/a/resignationlet.htm

Mentors and Sponsors Throughout Your Career

According to the book “Your Career Game: How Game Theory Can Help You Achieve Your Professional Goals,” what we need from mentors and sponsors will change over the course of our careers. 

Traditional mentoring relationships, where a senior professional advises a junior protégée, occur early in one’s career. This can be in areas such as office politics, corporate culture, professional image, as well as any aspect of the job itself. Other benefits of mentoring relationships include role modeling, encouragement and strategic introductions. 

Sometimes mentors are needed to help fill a specific professional gap. Many larger companies even have structured mentoring programs where formal matches are made and regular check-ins are expected. These programs often result in higher company retention rates and greater employee satisfaction while those in mentoring relationships may land quicker stretch assignments, promotions and pay raises. 

Since drastic career changes occur through our lifespan, the mentor protégée relationship is no longer based on age but more on experience and knowledge that can be shared with those new to a company or field.

Directly asking someone to be your mentor can be awkward. Consider slowly developing a relationship. Invite a higher-level professional to lunch, to be a guest speaker or serve on a panel. Approach a respected colleague for professional advice or with a specific question. Be respectful of their time and open to their feedback. Always follow up with outcomes of previous advice or discussions. Be mindful of ways you can give back to the relationship, perhaps by reverse mentoring on new technology, some aspect of social media or sharing industry relevant articles. 

By mid-career, it is strategic to have sponsors or colleagues at a higher level who will use their influence to pull you along or advocate on your behalf. Often mentoring and sponsoring relationships are formed because individuals have a common interest (attended the same college, volunteered for same charity) or simply because junior members remind the more senior members of themselves.

By late career, we should seek higher-level professionals who can be brutally honest with us about our strengths and weaknesses, confront us about our failures and challenge our thinking. This is also when we need to be conscious of giving back and serving as a mentor. It can often be a rewarding experience and keep us from getting stale late in our careers.

Consciously manage your career and be strategic throughout career stages regarding what you need to maneuver challenges and be successful.

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.