menu

UVM Career Center Blog

Posts

Find the Right Fit

By career

Choosing a Job that “Fits” Your Unique Journey

 

Embarking on the journey of choosing a job is much like exploring a vast wardrobe filled with possibilities. Your career is a significant aspect of your life and finding the “right fit” is crucial for long-term satisfaction and success. In this blog post, we’ll delve into key considerations and strategies for selecting a job that aligns with your diverse set of skills, passions, and aspirations. 

Taking Time to Reflect To Know What Is Truly Important 

Just as diverse fashion styles reflect various personalities, consider the richness of your passions and interests. What activities make you lose track of time? What subjects ignite your curiosity? Identifying these aspects helps you understand what truly matters to you in a job, embracing the uniqueness of everyone’s journey. 

Similar to choosing clothes that complement different body shapes and styles, celebrate the diversity of your skills and strengths. What are your natural talents? Which skills do you excel in? Reflecting on your abilities provides valuable insights into the roles where you can thrive and make a meaningful impact, recognizing the strength in diversity. 

Fashion choices are personal, so are your core values. Consider what values are important to you in a work environment and how your long-term priorities align with your career goals. Choosing a job that resonates with your values ensures a fulfilling and meaning-driven career journey, embracing the diversity of perspectives.  

So, how do you get started? Here are some reflection questions recommended by our staff and values sorter tool help you think about what is most important to you. We also have a Brightspace page with a module to help you Reflect on Your Interests, Values and Skills and other career related resources like our Gear Up to Graduate section. Still open to exploring, check out this resource called My Next Move. 

What are others saying about the importance of reflection? Check out these two articles from Indeed and LinkedIn – Why Self Reflection is Key to Making the Right Choice & 100 Reflection Question for Personal and Professional Growth. 

What are your Job Criteria?

Before you dive into the world of job opportunities, take a moment to identify the criteria that matter most to you. Just as your wardrobe reflects your personal style preferences, consider what elements are non-negotiable for your ideal job. These criteria can serve as your guiding principles as you navigate the diverse landscape of career options. 

Selecting the right job is like choosing an outfit that suits the occasion, and that occasion is your unique lifestyle. Reflect on the lifestyle you envision for yourself. How important is work-life balance to you? What working hours and schedule best suit your preferences? Ensuring that your job aligns with your desired lifestyle acknowledges the diverse ways individuals find balance.  

Here are some helpful resources to help you identify and prioritize job criteria: 

How to Figure Out What You Want to Do 

Finding the Right Career 

Personal Decision Criteria When Considering Possible Jobs 

After identifying your job criteria, you can approach your job search with a clearer understanding of your preferences. Remember, the key to a fulfilling professional life is not merely finding a job but discovering one that harmonizes with all aspects of your life – resonating with who you are and aligning with your distinct journey. By embracing your uniqueness and aligning your criteria with your career choices, you’ll be well on your way to discovering opportunities that perfectly suit you. 

Building Your Industry Community & Staying Informed about Market Trends

Much like embracing diverse fashion trends, staying informed about current and future trends in the job market is crucial. Explore whether the chosen career is in demand or might face potential changes. Being aware of market dynamics helps you make informed decisions and position yourself for long-term success, acknowledging the diversity of career landscapes. 

Take the initiative to join industry forums, attend networking events, and subscribe to relevant publications to actively engage with your professional community. By staying connected and well-informed, you’ll not only navigate the evolving job market more effectively but also foster valuable connections that can contribute to your career growth. 

You’re not alone.

 

The Career Center is here to support you, even after you’ve graduated. Reach out for personalized career guidance, job search assistance, and resources to ensure your continued success in the ever-evolving professional landscape. Our commitment to your career journey extends beyond graduation, and we are here to help you thrive in your chosen field.

Contact us at careers@uvm.edu  

Sample Networking Questions

By career

Getting started on networking might feel a little daunting, but we are here to help.

Here are some sample communications that can guide your outreach to alums through UVM Connect and LinkedIn. Consider dropping by the Career Center for help crafting a message of your own, or use these samples as inspiration as you reach out to alums or prospective employers.

UVM Connect Messages

Dear Mr. DeSoto,

As a senior at the University of Vermont, I am currently exploring career options and am setting up informational interviews with alums in the finance field. I found your profile on UVM Connect, noticed that you were also a Political Science major, and was wondering if you’d be willing to share some advice regarding pursuing a career in finance.

Would it be possible for us to schedule a time to talk on the phone for 20 minutes? I’d be very grateful for any suggestions you might have.

Thank you for your time and I look forward to your reply.

Sincerely,
Sarah Bevin 


Hello Sidney,

I am a 2018 UVM alum with a degree in English. I found your profile on UVM Connect and was wondering if we could set up a time to speak, on the phone or in person, for 30 minutes about your work and career path.

I am exploring my options for work and am interested in finding out more about merchandising. Since graduation, I have worked as an Account Executive in advertising sales with Time Inc. While I greatly enjoy communicating with clients and developing advertising, I’ve found that sales is not the right fit for me. Any insight or advice you would be willing to share about merchandising would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you.

Warm regards,
Robert Cross

LinkedIn Messages

Hello Robin,

I am a UVM senior studying Public Communication and am interested in a career in publishing. I am wondering if we could arrange a half hour to meet, on the phone or in person, about your work at Random House and your career path.

Thank you for your time.
Darren


Dear Ms. Brown,

As a UVM’er interested in pursuing law school, I was excited to see your profile on LinkedIn. I am wondering if we could connect here on the platform and set up a half hour to meet about your career and experiences in law school. I look forward to your reply.

Thank you,
Lucy

Sample Networking and Informational Interviewing Questions

By career

The key to a successful informational interview or networking opportunity is preparation.

Below, you’ll find some questions to help you brainstorm what you want to talk about.

JOB QUESTIONS

  • Why did this type of work interest you and how did you get started?
  • What jobs and experiences have led you to your present position?
  • What are the responsibilities in your job? What does a typical day or week look like for you? What percentage of your time is spent on which responsibilities?
  • What kinds of problems do you deal with? What kinds of decisions do you make?
  • What knowledge, skills, abilities, and other qualifications are desirable for this job?
  • What do you view as the critical skills for a position in this field?
  • What is your favorite and least favorite element of your job?

CAREER FIELD QUESTIONS

  • What are typical entry-level jobs in this field?
  • What is the typical pattern of career development in this field?
  • What are the trends and hot issues in this field? What journals or web sites do you read to keep up with trends and developments in your field?

LIFESTYLE QUESTIONS

  • What obligations does your work place upon you, outside of the ordinary workweek? What are your working hours like?
  • How often do people in this field change jobs?
  • How much flexibility do you have in terms of dress, schedule, vacation, etc.?

CAREER PREPARATION ADVICE

  • How did UVM prepare you for this work? What kind of background is necessary to enter this field?
  • How can I acquire the required skills? Are there courses, or experiences, paid or otherwise, which you would recommend?
  • If you were to hire someone to work with you today, what factors would be most important in your hiring decision and why?
  • Is a graduate degree recommended? Are there specific programs that are valued in this field?
  • What other related types of work should I consider and research?

JOB SEARCH ADVICE

  • Given my education and experience, would I be a competitive candidate for entry-level positions in this field?
  • How do you suggest that I break into this field?
  • How can I identify both advertised and unadvertised vacancies in this field?
  • Can you suggest anyone else whom I can contact for additional information? May I use your name when I contact them?

RESUME REVIEW QUESTIONS

  • Is this an appropriate resume for the jobs I will be seeking? 
  • If an employer received this resume, how do you think she or he would react to it?
  • How might I best improve the form and content of my resume?

Sample Interview Questions

By career


What are commonly asked questions?

If you think through and practice interview questions ahead of time, you will be more poised, confident and prepared. Here’s a list of common interview questions broken out by theme. At the bottom, you’ll find a list of possible questions for you to ask an employer. 

QUESTIONS AN EMPLOYER MAY ASK YOU

Personal assessment and career direction

  • Tell me about yourself.
  • What are your long- and short-range goals? How have you prepared to achieve them?
  • What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
  • How would someone who knows you describe you?
  • What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?
  • Why should I hire you?
  • What qualifications do you have that will make you successful in this field / position / organization?
  • In what kind of work environment are you most comfortable?
  • Describe how you work under pressure.
  • How would you describe your ideal job?
  • What two or three things are most important to you in your job?
  • What are some examples of your creativity?

Work attitudes

  • How do you define success?
  • What qualities should a successful manager possess?
  • Describe the relationship that ideally exists between a supervisor and supervisee.
  • What criteria are you using to evaluate the company for which you hope to work?

Academic assessment

  • How has your college experience prepared you for a career?
  • Describe your most rewarding college experience.
  • What changes would you make in your college or university? Why?
  • Do you have plans for continued study? An advanced degree?

Knowledge of the employer

  • What do you know about this organization? Where did you find this information?
  • What contributions do you think you could make to this organization?
  • If you were hiring a graduate for this position, what qualities would you look for?
  • Why did you decide to seek a position with this organization?

Other interests and experiences

  • What two or three accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction? Why?
  • What major problem have you encountered and how did you deal with it?
  • What have you learned from your mistakes?

Situational or behavioral questions

  • Describe the most difficult interpersonal situation you’ve had with a professor, supervisor, supervisee or colleague. How did you handle it?
  • If your supervisor were setting impossible deadlines, what would you do?
  • How would you handle a situation where your direct supervisor asked you to do something that was not consistent with your professional judgment?

Sensitive issues

  • How did you get along with your last supervisor?
  • You seem overqualified for this position. Can you explain why you applied?
  • What is the hardest job you have ever performed?
  • How much do you think this position pays?
  • Tell me your position on drug testing.

 

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE INTERVIEWER

  • What qualifications do you expect the successful candidate to have?
  • What are the main issues that need immediate attention?
  • What resources are available to solve these issues?
  • Do you support professional development? How?
  • What are the established guidelines and procedures for making decisions in this position?
  • What are the reporting relationships of this position?
  • What are the short-term and long-term goals of the department and how are they set?
  • How would successful performance be measured in this position?
  • How often is performance reviewed in this position?
  • What is culture of this organization? 
  • Describe the interdepartmental relationships.
  • What has the turnover rate of the department been?
  • What happens next?

The Most Important Thing To Do After the Job & Internship Fair

By career

Write a thank you note! Read why and when you should send below…

A prompt and sincere note of thanks helps you stand out among the hundreds of other people the employer met at the fair. It illustrates your sincere interest and motivation about their company, demonstrates your writing skills, and it can make you more memorable than any other candidate. Send a thank you note within 24 hours of the fair.

Here are 5 tips to making your thank you note successful:

1. Make it professional.

This isn’t a text message or a Facebook post with your friends, so don’t use slang or abbreviations. Address the email formally with “Dear Ms. Hoppenjans” instead of “Hi Jill!” Sign it with “Sincerely” instead of “TTYL.” Remember that this could be your future employer.

2. Make it grammatically perfect.

Re-read your note several times to make sure it is as perfect as a resume or cover letter. You want the employer to remember you and what you’ve said, not that you misspelled the company’s name!

3. Make it personal.

You don’t have to send a note to every person you met. Send notes to employers you are really interested in and/or want to stay connected to. Don’t send a mass email to many employers at once. Write an individualized email and try to incorporate the conversation you had with the employer, particularly if there is something about the conversation that might be memorable for the employer.

4. Make it meaningful.

At a minimum, you are thanking them for attending the fair and for speaking with you. If the employer gave you some next steps (i.e.: apply online, look at their website, talk with another colleague), give them an update on your progress. If you don’t have more to say, don’t add fluff or filler.

5. Make it easy for the employer.

Attach a copy of your resume so that the employer can be quickly reminded of who you are.

Skip to toolbar