Check out UK Wildcat CareerLink, our online database of jobs and internships, used exclusively by UK students and employers who are interested in UK talent. All full and part-time job postings that come to the Career Center are posted in Wildcat CareerLink for you to peruse and apply online.

Finding a job is not only about getting hired somewhere, but going to work at a place and in a position that is a good fit for you. Your Career Counselor can assist you in all phases of your career/job search decision making including: exploring career fields, identifying marketable skills, polishing your resume, refining your interview skills, researching employers, preparing for an on-campus interview or customizing a job search campaign. Students/graduates should call 859-257-2746 to contact the advisor assigned to their college and/or major. See your specific Career Counselor, who is familiar with your major and employers who are looking for candidates with your skills, to find out what's out there for you.

Drop In Hours are available at the James W. Stuckert Career Center for quick questions about job search topics during the fall and spring semesters Monday - Friday, 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. This is a great chance to have someone take a quick look at your resume or cover letter or get a quick question answered. No appointment is needed. You will see a career counselor though it may not be the career counselor assigned to your particular college.

The Katherine Kemper Career Library, located in the Career Center, is full of information related to career planning and job search research and activities. Inside, you'll find many resources to help you with your next step, including books, online tools, and audio-visual materials on such topics as career planning/career decision-making strategies; resume development; job search techniques; looking for a job online; business etiquette; directories of profit and non-profit U.S./International organizations; job bank books; salary information; and employer literature/annual reports. It is open to all UK students and alumni during normal business hours of the Career Center.

Every year, the Career Center hosts over 150 companies who come to campus specifically to interview and hire UK students and alumni. During the Fall and Spring Semesters, local, state and national employers conduct on-site interviews at the Career Center. Students and graduates of the University of Kentucky who are registered with the University Career Center are eligible to participate in the on-campus interview program. Application and interview scheduling are performed online through UK Wildcat CareerLink.

Networking is one of the most efficient ways to spend your time when you're looking for a job. Networking yields about an 80% success rate. Networking means talking to friends, professors, family, co-workers, former supervisors, customers, and all of the people your contacts know. Do not be afraid to utilize your network. Most people remember what it's like to be job searching and are happy to help out. In addition, people usually like to talk about themselves and their careers. If you are respectful, professional, and enthusiastic, you will probably find that networking can work for you! In order to begin networking follow these steps:

1. Brainstorm a list of all the people who can help you find a job. Don't leave anyone out. Your contacts don't have to be CEO's to be helpful!
2. Let all of your contacts know what type of position for which you are looking.
3. If possible, give each of your contacts a copy of your resume to circulate.

UK Wildcat CareerLink has a networking function that allows you to connect with professionals working in your field! Your Career Counselor can assist you in strategizing the networking process and can suggest employers to talk to beyond those you know.

Another great way to network is to conduct an informational interview. An informational interview allows you to "interview" someone in your chosen field, or a field that you are considering. The purpose of an informational interview is twofold: a) to find out more about the field in which you are considering employment, and b) to make contact with professionals who can offer information and possibly help you along the path of finding the right job for you.

The idea is to dress professionally, to ask great questions, and to make a positive impression and a valuable connection while finding out the "inside scoop" on your field. Follow the steps below in order to complete a successful informational interview!

1. Make a list of people you know who have a connection to your line of work/ area of interest.
2. Call each person on your list and suggest a brief meeting (10-15 minutes) in order to learn more about their line of work. Suggest a meeting (information interview) at their place of employment or wherever is most convenient for them.
3. Be on time for the meeting and ask for information and suggestions, not a job. Be brief and respectful of the person's time.
4. Have good questions prepared. Be sure that you have researched the field, the company, and that person's position adequately before you arrive. This will help you ask better questions and appear more professional. These will help you get started:
   • How did you decide to go into this field?
   • How did you get your position here?
   • What type of degree / training do you possess?
   • What do you like best about your job?
   • What are some of the challenges of your job?
   • What opportunities for advancement exist in this field?
   • What do you see as the future of this occupation?
5. Take your resume with you in case they ask to see it or to circulate it for you.
6. Close the meeting at the scheduled time.
7. Thank the person for their time. Ask for 2-3 other names of people in the field. Be sure to ask the initial contact if you can use his/her name when you contact the names he/she gave you. Repeat the process above for each new contact.
8. Write the initial person a thank-you note immediately.
9. Be sure to follow-up on all leads and write thank-you notes to everyone who helps you.
10. Remember all you need is a nod of recognition to take your resume from the bottom of the pile to the top of the pile. If you don't have contacts now -- make them!

If you have any questions or concerns about networking or informational interviewing, contact the Career Center to set up an individual appointment with a career counselor.