Consider updating your resume- use simpler fonts, no splashy templates/designs. Remove any outdated phrasing. 

Ensure the most relevant information is near the top of the resume- the most recent job experience, or most relevant messaging should be in the top half of the document. Many recruiters will not read the entire document. 

Edit- remove outdated skills and certifications. If anything is older than ten years and is not relevant to the position for which you are applying, consider removing it. 

Education- make sure it is at the end of the document. 

Keywords are KEY- use contemporary jargon for the position/field. 

Beat the system- an overwhelming percentage of resumes are scanned by applicant tracking systems (ATS) or AI-driven software. Utilize appropriate keywords and phrases to increase your chances of making it through to a live recruiter. If a keyword is repeated in the position description, it is more important! Consider using AI-driven software to predict your chances of matching a specific job opportunity. (e.g. Jobscan)

Update your LinkedIn Profile- update your profile with a current resume. Highlight your professional headline. Take a nice headshot. Make as many connections as possible. Be sure your profile URL is included on your resume. 

Connect/reconnect with colleagues, peers, and former students- establishing relationships in a community can help leverage helpful connections and leads. Identify potential references and referrals. 

• Try a career self-assessment- onetonline.org, careeronestop.org, Careerassessmentsite.com
• Research and read current job descriptions
• Research your connections on LinkedIn, where are your peers working?
• Start with volunteering
• Network!

Set goals- set a long-term goal- what career do you ultimately want? What steps need to be taken to get there? Set short-term goals as benchmarks to attain the long-term goal.

Make S.M.A.R.T. Goals about your career 

S- Specific

M-measurable

A-Achievable

R-Realistic

T-Timely

Learn to decode the position description- pickup on keywords used multiple times. The more often a keyword is used, the more important it is in the job. In the list of qualifications, the most important ones will be listed first. Compare the keywords to your skills listed in your resume. 

Use your Jobscan account- compare your resume against the positioon description for a useful skills analysis

For current UVM Public Health Graduate students, click here to create your Jobscan account.

For UVM Public Health Alumni, please email Career@uvm.edu to request a Jobscan account.

Don’t forget that you’ve been trained for this work- over the course of your education, you’ve learned important skills in the following areas:

• Data Analysis
• Public Health Policy Development and Analysis
• Public Health Communication
• Health Management
• Community Health

Most federal jobs are posted on a central website, USAJOBS.gov 

Agencies may also post job openings on their own website as well, so be sure to look at individual websites. A list of federal agencies can be found at USA.gov 

The federal application process can be slow and lengthy. Be sure to have all documents in hand when starting an application. 

Consider using a Career Coach when applying for a federal position.

Do a skills gap analysis- compare your resume to the position description- make a chart with the list of qualifications in one column. Complete the table by filling in how proficient you are in each skill. 

Skills Gap Analysis Chart:

The key to a good job interview is research, preparation, and practice. You’ve already cleared one hurdle by having your resume selected. The interview is a chance to survey which qualified candidate is the best fit for the organization. Here are some helpful hints for interview preparation:

Research the organization and the specific department/project

Use LinkedIn to look up the people who will be on your interview

Practice your interview skills with a trusted peer, mock interview, or Career Coach

Anticipate some of the most common interview questions:

“Tell me about yourself”

“How did you hear about this position?”

“What are your strengths?”

“What are your areas for improvement?”

“Tell me about a time when you failed/made a mistake?”

“When you are balancing multiple projects, how do you stay on task?”

“What are your salary expectations?”

“Tell me about a time where you had to adapt to a major change in your job?”

“Where do you see yourself, moving forward?”

“Why do you want to leave your current position?”

Interviewers may also ask you to put a situation into the S.T.A.R method

The S.T.A.R method is a tool that gets the interviewee to recall and describe a scenario, what was needed to address the situation, actions taken, and how the situation was resolved. 

S- Situation (provide information on the situation/scenario)

T- Task (describe the role you played)

A-Action (describe what actions you took to resolve the situation)

R-Results (describe the outcome and lessons learned)

Get ready for action- dress the part, log in to virtual interviews early to alleviate any nerves about technology glitches and take a deep breath, practice a moment of positive self- promotion

Public Health Career Clusters

 https://www.careersinpublichealth.org/career-clusters

• Academic/Research
• Biostatistics
• Emergency Management/Preparedness
• Environmental & Occupational Health
• Epidemiology
• Health Communication
• Health Education
• Health Policy
• Public Health Senior Leadership
• Regulatory Compliance
• Research and Analysis
• Technology and Informatics
• Community Health