UVM Career Services Blog

Savvy Seniors: Interviewing

Posted on April 4, 2013 with No Comments

Jen Guimaraes
Associate Director
Community Sailing Center

When a student lands an interview, what should they do to prepare?
Students should make sure to do their “homework” on the organization that they are interviewing with. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the entire organization by researching their website and any other information that you can gather about them. Create a list of questions you have about the organization and the position you are applying for. Employers always ask for your questions at the end of the interview process and having a list shows that you did background research and are very interested in the position. Make sure to dress appropriately, show up on time, and be professional in your communication (word choice and email style) with the prospective employer.

You must interview a lot of applicants for the Community Sailing Center, what makes a candidate stand out?
A candidate stands out if they are energetic, upbeat, and already familiar with the organization. Make eye contact with the employer(s) you are interviewing with and give complete answers to their questions, not just one-word responses. You can almost certainly anticipate what questions an employer might ask you based on the position you are applying for, rehearsing your answers ahead of time is always a good idea. Don’t forget to smile!

What questions should candidates be asking you?
I’ve had candidates ask a number of questions: Do I enjoy my job? What is a typical day like for this position? What is the chain of command with direct and indirect supervisors? Are there any additional duties that I will have not included in the job description?

Learn more about opportunities, classes, rentals and more at the Community Sailing Center!

Don’t miss this workshop to learn more! Savvy Seniors: Interviewing Wed., April 10^th 4:15pm, L&L E166

Networking Nights: A Student Perspective

Posted on March 28, 2013 with No Comments

“Our success has really been based on partnerships from the very beginning.”
-Bill Gates

As a senior at UVM, I had finally approached the time where I had to start researching and applying for jobs. I had held various internships and other working positions, but now I had to start seriously thinking about entering the real world.  For the past 3 years, I received various emails and flyers about UVM’s Boston and New York Networking Events which were held over Winter Break. I had secretly avoided them in the past due to anxiety, and stress of networking with complete strangers. To prepare for this event, last semester I attended a workshop on networking, and gained more confidence in this skill. Once the event date arrived, I drove into Boston to start networking.

UVM alum, and CEO of British Beer Company, Mike Fallman, was the keynote speaker. He provided students and alumni with his version of “the most important interview tips,” where he stressed the significance of networking.  Both events paralleled the idea of speed dating. Students rotated between tables and conversed on various topics with alums. With a set amount of time and alternating among tables, networking was far less stressful than anticipated. Discussions were relaxed yet helpful, and alum talked about their career path, networking, and provided us with interviewing and job searching tips.

After the speed networking portion, we were able to individually meet alums who work in industries of our personal interest. The small room was completely packed with alumni and students networking, and exchanging contact information. Overall, the Boston Networking Event was a huge success. It was great to meet the keynote speaker, and hear from other UVM alums about their experience. This year more than 280 UVM alumni and current students gathered in Boston and New York to network, with more to come in Vermont and Washington D.C. I would highly recommend attending one of these Networking Events. I’ve certainly learned that it’s never too late to start networking.

~Tashia, Career Peer Advisor

The Job Fair: From the Other Side of the Table

Posted on March 14, 2013 with No Comments

Advice from Lauren Lavallee of Logic Supply, Inc.

Why is Logic Supply coming to the UVM Job Fair?

Logic Supply is attending the UVM Job Fair on March 20^th 2013 to connect with students as they prepare to graduate and search for their dream jobs to make them aware of our job opportunities.  Logic Supply has experienced tremendous growth and has been an Inc. 5000 winner for 5 years running. Our success is the result of the high performing individuals that make up our company. We look forward to engaging with UVM students, to explore potential fit with out global growing company.

What should students do to prepare for the Fair?

Students should come to the event with specific objectives in mind. Consider what you’re looking for out of a job and what kind of career path you envision for your future.  Be ready to make an impression, dress appropriately and ask relevant questions to gain a clear understanding of companies and their specific roles.

What makes a student stand out at the Fair?

All companies attending a job fair know you are a student and that this may be your first outreach to a professional company. Don’t let that deter you from expressing your interest or asking tough questions. This career fair offers a unique opportunity to get the potential employer to match who you are as a person with how you present yourself on paper. Be memorable, talk to as many people as you can, engage with people, and use this as a networking event.

We’ll see you at the Job Fair Wed, March 20^th 2-5pm 4^th Floor Davis Center.

Read Career Services FAQ’s and Preparation and Tips before you go.

Learn more about Careers with Logic Supply

Savvy Seniors: Job Countdown!

Posted on March 11, 2013 with No Comments

Cindy Conquest, ‘10
Bachelor of Arts in Biology (Neurobiology), Bachelor of Arts Spanish
Recruiter/ Managing Director with Readak Educational Services

Working in HR, you must see a lot of resumes every day. What helps a candidate stand out?

Sometimes with resumes, less is more. I see resumes that resemble a wordy mockup of an autobiography. Candidates should be able to fit their relevant qualifications on a single, well-structured page. My company often hires for entry-level positions, so we know our applicants will generally be young and have limited experience. I’m looking for quality of experience over quantity. The best resumes are clear and concise.   Keep in mind that relevant skills can come from a wide variety of experiences.

How do you suggest that students follow up on an application most effectively?

A short and sweet follow-up note is always good. Sometimes I am so swamped that I haven’t had a chance to review a particular application and a well-worded note from a candidate will draw my positive attention to that application. The follow-up is most effective right around a week after submittal. It is important to stay in touch with tact.

Once someone makes it to the interview stage, what can they do to seal the deal?

The age-old firm handshake test still rings true. Consistent eye contact shows self-confidence and honesty. Be well-poised and professional, yet amicable and approachable.  Your words and anecdotes should show what they can contribute to the company. Have some well-worded questions of your own that follow up on the research you’ve done. Finally, a thank you note is always well appreciated.

What are some frequent mistakes that you see applicants making?

Typos in resumes/cover letters show lack of attention to the application process. E-mails shouldn’t be written in the same colloquial language that students would use to write to their peers. A red flag in the interview process is when an applicant walks in the door with questions that can easily be answered from our website. Do your research and nicely demonstrate your knowledge.

Want to learn more?

Attend  Savvy Seniors Workshop: Job Countdown, Wed, March 13th, 4:15pm, L&L E-166 (With Special Guest Alison Keefe a Recruiter from Green Mountain Coffee Roasters!)

Attend Readak’s Information Session regarding positions as Traveling Teachers! Wed, March 13th, 6pm, L&L E-166

World of Work: Alli Morse ’12, State Street Bank

Posted on December 11, 2012 with No Comments

Alli Morse ‘12
Project Manager/Business Analyst
State Street
Major: Mathematics

What are employers looking for?

During senior year of college family, friends, professors, and fellow students are all asking the golden question: “What are your plans after you graduate?” For some students, it’s a question they love to be asked because they have an answer. Maybe it’s graduate school, a full-time job, or traveling throughout Europe for a summer. But I would argue that for most students, it’s a question they dread. Come December of my senior year, I fell into the latter category.

After ruling out graduate school and the trip to Europe, due to the damages it would cause on my bank account, I began looking into ways of incorporating my math skills into the business world. I knew I wanted a large, global and reputable company that would allow me to develop as a financial professional and grow within the company.

After a lot of research and submission of online applications to multiple companies, my friend recommended looking into State Street. With hopes of networking with State Street colleagues, I attended the annual UVM Boston Career Networking Night. After giving my well-planned spiel to a Senior Vice President from State Street, she gave me her business card and told me to follow up with her offline. The next day, I emailed all alumni with whom I connected, including the SVP from State Street. The next thing I knew I was headed into Boston for “Informational Interviews.” After four hours of draining interviews, including an unsolvable math problem, I left One Lincoln Street thinking I would never get a job there. But I was determined to continue on my search.

The next month I dedicated to my job search, which consisted of networking with people at both State Street and other financial institutions. For the most part, many people never responded but I was persistent which, in the end, was key. Over a month after my visit to State Street in Boston, I received an offer from State Street within SSGM ERM Department. It turned out I had key competencies they value. I graduated Cum Laude in May 2012 and in June I moved to the North End in Boston and started at State Street.

I am currently a Project Manager/Business Analyst for the Risk Management department within SSGM. So, landing a job after graduation is possible! It takes time and effort. While beginning your search, here are some tips from a lead recruiter at State Street to assist your efforts.