The resources on this page will are intended to support your exploration and preparation through the job application process and beyond. While most career resources apply to all job seekers, we do have specific resources near the bottom of this page for people seeking academic and non-academic positions.
Understanding your strengths and how they translate across careers will make your job search more meaningful and more effective. You will be better positioned to tell your story and explain how your experience matches an employer’s requirements. Explore the assessment tools below.
- MyIDP - This online tool can be used to assess your skills, interests and values.
- NACE Competencies - The 8 Career Competencies are the skills that employers value the most.
- Career Competencies Reflection Tool – This tool will help you reflect on your level of career readiness.
Unlike a CV, a resume is a 1-2 page document listing your professional experience. Your resume should be concise and tailored to a specific position. The resources below will help you with the process of developing a resume or converting an existing CV to a resume.
Academic positions will require you to provide a CV - an extensive record of your academic and professional achievements.
Your cover letter will answer the why while your resume or CV will answer the what. A resume/CV is an objective recounting of your experience, but a cover letter allows you to be more personal as you highlight your most relevant experience and what drives you. Like a resume, you should tailor your cover letter to the specific job requirements.
Plan Your Cover Letter + Example
You may think “networking” is reserved for the business world and some may even consider it awkward. However, if you think of networking simply as sharing information and building relationships, you will realize that it is a natural extension of your academics and a perfect bridge to your future career. And it has never been easier.
Informational interviews are a way for you to learn about a career path while building relationships. Determine professionals in the field you want to pursue and reach out to them.
What it is:
What it is not:
Establishing an online presence can help make you a known quantity to potential employers. Get started easily with these common platforms.
Having an updated and active LinkedIn profile will increase your visibility, open more opportunities, and help you search for career opportunities.
An exclusive online platform for the UVM community, UVM Connect is ideal for connecting with alums who have volunteered to help fellow Catamounts in their professional journeys.
You might be surprised how active graduate students are on Twitter. This is another great way to make connections with people in your field. To start, search #academictwitter and #academicchatter.
Think of this as an opportunity to expand on your CV/resume. Post about your current projects, research areas of interest, or get more personal and blog about the non-career/non-academic side of your personality.
The way you prepare for a job interview is fairly consistent across positions. However, your discipline may have some additional requirements.
Prepare a Short Evelvator Pitch
Tips for Discussing Research
Example
After getting a job offer, it is important to consider all relevant factors when negotiating your salary.
This short video provides a plan for how you can approach negotiating a salary.
This salary calculator will help you determine a salary range based on location and experience.
In addition to salary, you should also consider:
Promotional opportunities
Salary progression expectations
Commissions and bonuses
Monetary benefits (401k, pensions and stock options, tuition reimbursement/waiver)
Non-monetary benefits (vacation, child care, healthcare)
Relocation assistance
The resources below are specifically for people who want to pursue an academic career.
Cover Letters for academic positions
The resources below are for people with advanced degrees who do not want to work in academia.
- The Cheeky Scientist - a website containing articles with practical advice for PhD job seekers.
- Imagine PhD - specifically for Humanities and Social Sciences majors, this site offers tools for career exploration and self-reflection.
- PhD Career Guide - an online source to help PhDs determine the best career path.
- Versatile PhD - join this online community for advice building a career outside academia
Getting ready to apply for a job? Submit application documents for feedback from Career Center staff.
Need more resources? Gain access to an extensive career resource library.
Watch this short video to learn how to access these services:
Make an appointment for in-person or virtual counseling through Handshake.
