UVM Career Services Blog

Is the Cover Letter a Thing of the Past?

Posted on February 23, 2012 with No Comments

In a world where time is of the essence, many students ask whether or not they should use a cover letter for an internship application. Over the last few years this question has also been a discussion with Human Resource professionals and Career Counselors alike. At the end of the day, the answer is still up for debate. Below are 5 reasons why you should use a cover letter for your applications:

1. Writing a cover letter gives you the opportunity to reflect on the many reasons why you are a qualified candidate before you go into an interview.
2. It’s a marketing tool to help you explain why you are a good fit for the position and how your experiences qualify you.
3. It will demonstrate your communication skills, which is the #1 skill set employers look for.
4. It builds rapport between you and the organization.
5. And finally, a solid cover letter allows you to tell your story in a fashion that is unique and personalized which in the end, can help you stand out from the crowd.

The only time you wouldn’t send a cover letter is when a company has specifically asked you not to. This is a tricky way to see if you can follow instructions, so be mindful of this when applying.

For more tips, watch this video about cover letters.

~Danielle

Starting Off Your Semester with Helpful Career Services Resources & Meet Our New Staff

Posted on February 2, 2011 with No Comments

Spring semester is here and arriving with it, right on schedule, is career stress.  Every day students come in worried about everything from majors, internships, resumes, career goals, and advanced studies to their purpose in life.

How do students reduce this stress?   By taking action, one small step at a time.  Start that resume, learn about how majors and careers connect, or talk to one person about a career field.  To help, Career Services has a full schedule of workshops and events, as well as a web site jam-packed with resources and job postings, and skilled professionals ready to meet with students to smooth the way.

This semester we welcome 2 new staff members–both UVM alumni.  Lisa Torchiano will be offering career counseling and leading our alumni career programs, and Vanessa Santos Eugenio will be coordinating employer visits and managing our technology.

Here’s a quick list of some ways to get started.  Watch www.uvm.edu/career for more, including events for specific career interests!

Prepare with: See Our Calendar of Upcoming Events
Resume Jump Starts- Mondays at 4:15 in L/L E166
Market Yourself to Get Hired – Tuesdays at 4:15 in L/L E166
Senior Speed Event (Resumes, interviews, job searching)
Resumania! (Experts review your resume while you wait)
Resume Review through Catamount Job Link (upload your resume and we’ll review it)
Etiquette Dinner (Senior Class Council)

Meet with employers or research potential employers:
Job Fair
Catamount Job Link (Job and employer database)
On-campus interviewing
Networking Night – Vermont (3/22 – 6PM Grand Maple Ball Room – Davis Center)
Networking Night – Washington, DC (In April -  TBA)

Use web site resources:

Resumes & Cover letters
Choosing a Major
Career Exploration
Internships
Job Searching
Networking
Interview preparation
Dress to Impress
Considering Graduate School — Pre-law, Pre-health, Education & others

Consult with experts:
Drop-ins–10 minute quick consultations–are available Monday-Thursday between 1:00 and 4:00
Appointments can be scheduled in advance by calling 802-656-3450 or stopping by Career Services in L/L E140

Hope to see you soon!
Pamela