Have you heard about LinkedIn's Alumni Tool?

The LinkedIn Alumni Tool is a hidden gem on the world’s No.1 professional social networking site.  Currently, over 81,000 UK students and alumni have a LinkedIn profile, and this number is rapidly growing. Whether you’re job searching, looking to expand your network, relocating or exploring career paths, I suspect you will find the LinkedIn Alumni Tool to be an invaluable resource.  Through this website, you can research UK (or any institution for that matter) alumni who are on LinkedIn, personalizing your search based on preferred geographic location, industry, company, college major and skill set. 

If you’ve never visited this site before, www.linkedin.com/alumni, take a few minutes to check it out. If you don’t yet have a LinkedIn account, consider creating one so that you can reap the benefits of this feature.

When you initially access the site, be sure to expand the “Attended” dates to broaden your search. Personally, I have my dates set as broad as allowed to ensure that all of my fellow Wildcats on LinkedIn are captured in my search. (Note: You can also change schools if you have additional alma maters or want to research professionals who graduated from a grad program or institution you are considering to attend.)

Let’s say you are planning to relocate to Chicago, you are in the marketing field and you are in the process of researching viable companies in the Chicago area.  You will want to select “Greater Chicago Area” from the “Where they live” column. Then select “Marketing” from the “What they do” column.  Just by two clicks of your mouse, you will see that there are 105 UK alumni on LinkedIn who live in the Chicago area and are in the marketing industry. If you look under the “Where they work column" you can view a list of companies where these alumni work. Better yet, their LinkedIn profiles are generated for you and voilà! Not only will you gain insight on possible companies to consider, but you also have a list of Wildcats to network with!

Your UK alumni network is an exceptionally valuable resource of professionals. The LinkedIn Alumni Tool helps you learn ways to strategically tap into that network and connect with Wildcats across the globe. 

- Posted by Kelly Allgeier

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

Informational Interviewing - A Career Management Strategy

Have you ever conducted an informational interview? If not, consider adding it to your career management to-do list. Informational interviewing is a great strategy for expanding your professional network. Whether you’re actively job searching, interested in learning about a new field or company, or just looking to broaden your network, informational interviewing is a strategic tool to help you reach your goal.

The purpose of an informational interview is to gain knowledge and insight directly from professionals in your career field of interest, while making important contacts for your network.  Take advantage of your UK alumni network and reach out to fellow alumni in your target field. LinkedIn’s new alumni tool (www.linkedin.com/alumni) is a good resource to find alumni in your geographic region, industry and/or company of interest. Informational interviewing is not the platform to ask for a job; rather, it’s a chance for you to meet new professionals and gain advice from others in your field. We recommend that you prepare a list of specific questions that you’d like to address prior to the meeting. Think about what you’d really like to take away from the conversation, and customize your questions accordingly.

Dress to impress. First impressions are lasting, and you want to put your best foot forward. Ask for 20-30 minutes of their time, and be sure to send a thank you note after the meeting.

Here’s a list of sample informational interview questions to help you get the ball rolling:

·         How did you get started in this career field?  Describe a typical day at work.

·         What do you like most and least about your career/job?

·         What professional organizations would you recommend for someone in this field?

·         What advice would you give to someone who is considering a career in your field?

·         Where do you see this industry going in the next 3 – 5 years? What trends are emerging?

·         How have career assessments and knowledge of self been helpful in getting into this field?

·         Who/what have been some of your greatest career influences.

·         What role has networking played in your career? How did you build your network?

·         What do you know now that you wish you would have known when you graduated from college?

·         Have you had mentors along the way? Describe what you have learned from them.

·         What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your career?

·         How do you balance work and family life in your career?

·         Talk about how the connections you made at UK continue to help you in your career.

·         What was your greatest career challenge/mistake and what did you learn from it?

·         In hindsight, what college courses did you miss out on taking that would have been helpful?

·         What are your future career goals?  

·         In this tight economy, what job search advice would you like to share with others?

·         What do you do for professional development and/or what are some things you do to remain competitive in your career?

·         What advice would you give someone interested in breaking into this career field?

·         If someone with my experience were applying for an entry-level position in this field, what suggestions would you have to increase the likelihood of obtaining an interview?

·         Do you know another professional in this field that would be willing to talk to me as well?

15 Things Successful Job Seekers Know & Do

1.)     Do NOT rely solely on job boards. Job boards are less than 5% effective if they are the sole means of one’s job search. Get out of the house and in front of people. Face-to-face meetings are essential. Network constantly, strategically and effectively.

2.)      Be able to clearly articulate how you can help your future employer. What is your value proposition?

3.)      Master your 30 second commercial and use it frequently.

4.)     Use social networking tools (LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.) to connect with and build your professional network.

5.)      Schedule regular informational interviews with new or existing contacts in your target industry or company.

6.)     Seek professional development opportunities.

7.)      Take care of yourself physically, emotionally and intellectually so you can put your best foot forward and project a positive attitude.

8.)      Volunteer in your community to keep your skills fresh or develop new skills. Build your resume.

9.)      Clearly identify your support system.

10.)   Keep your warm contacts updated on your job search.

11.)   Regularly revise and improve your resume, cover letter, professional portfolio, and LinkedIn profile. Have your resume critiqued.

12.)   Monitor your online footprint. Make sure it is easy for employers and recruiters to review your brand, profile, strengths, and skills.

13.)   Practice your interviewing skills. Be ready to confidently answer why you are no longer employed or are looking for a new opportunity with a positive spin.

14.)   Systematically follow up on all applications and leads.

15.)   Remain flexible and look at all opportunities.

A positive attitude and self-confidence are critical in your job search!

Capitalize on the Holidays!

 

Are you thinking about taking the holidays off and starting your job search again in January? We strongly encourage you to reconsider! Networking is more than 80 percent effective when it comes to landing a job. Even if you are not actively job searching, networking is a key contributor to successful career management. About 70-80 percent of positions that are currently available are not advertised. They are filled through word of mouth. The more networking you do, the more you will learn about these hidden positions.

Use this month to reconnect and build relationships not only with recruiters, but with 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. There is a myth that no one hires in December or that December is the worst month of the year to be job seeking. Based on the volume of employers with open positions and the number of alumni who have been calling and emailing about interview tips and salary negotiation strategies, this couldn’t be farther from the truth.

No matter what your current employment status, a positive attitude is critical while networking. Put your best foot forward and accept all holiday invitations. Take advantage of holiday open houses and parties. Send LinkedIn invitations to new people you meet at these events. This is the time of year when feelings of peace on earth and goodwill make networking much easier. Social occasions and year end networking can go a long way toward 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.

Career Counseling: The University of Kentucky Alumni Association is proud to offer Alumni Career Services as a benefit to our members. UK Alumni Association members are eligible for up to four complimentary appointments with an alumni career counselor per year. Call 1-888-9UK-CATS (852287) to schedule an appointment.

Visit www.ukalumni.net/career to learn more about Alumni Career Services.