Senior Series 2024: Getting Started in Your Job Search
Leading up to the end of the semester, the UVM Career Center presents Seniors and soon-to-be-graduates with an assortment of focused topics to start your career chapter off right. This week: Getting started in your job search. So, let’s start at the beginning – knowing what you want in a job.
Know What Is Possible
The first step in beginning your job search is understanding what career paths are possible based on your major, skills and experience. You might be surprised by the number of options you have.
A Note On Stress
We know all of this can be stressful. Some level of stress is actually a good thing – it motivates us and helps us grow – check out this article on Job-search-anxiety. That said, if you’re finding stress is getting the better of you – do reach out to CAPS for help.
Refer to the Occupational Outlook Handbook for career ideas that appeal to you. This site also provides salary information and educational requirements.
Use UVMConnect as a research tool. You could start searching by major and noting what jobs other alums have pursued. Remember, most people have labeled themselves as “Willing to help”, so you should have no hesitation sending them a short message with questions. See example messages.
To find more UVM alums, do some more research with the LinkedIn Alumni tool. Like UVMConnect, you can look at their profiles to see their unique career journey. You can also message them with a question, and don’t forget to mention your common Catamount bond!
Know What Is Important
By now you probably have a good sense of what is important to you for your career. If you are still deciding, try using some of these tools.
- The O*Net Interest Profiler – discover what fields match your strengths/interests.
- Work Values Matcher – push yourself to prioritize what matters to you most in a future career.
- Salary Calculator – get a sense of how much you’ll earn based on job, education and location.
Know Where to Find It
Many job boards are for a general audience. However, if you are looking for a specific field, be sure to use the appropriate board for that job.
An expansive list of general job boards.
Remember: Not everyone approaches their career journey the same way, and that’s okay! It’s important to remember you’re not embarking on this new journey alone. We’re here to help you along your path. Here’s a handy checklist which we will explain more in future posts.
If you have any questions, don’t be afraid to drop in at Davis Center Room 204 and talk with our peer leaders. We’re available Monday to Thursday 10 am to 2 pm, we’d love to connect with you!
Don’t lose touch with valuable career tools you have access to for life! Your @uvm.edu email won’t last forever so be sure to:
- Add your personal email to Handshake to maintain access to all the opportunities there.
Learn how to update your primary email in Handshake. - Create or Update your UVMConnect account with a personal email to engage with a robust network of alums.
Smart Job Search Strategies
As you search for jobs, keep in mind that the process will probably take longer than you think. Devote a few hours each week to searching and applying to positions.
- Adjust your search terms to get different results. Ex: “medical laboratory scientist” and “medical laboratory science” will yield different results and think broadly – not just “teacher” but also “educator” and “instructor.”
- Use filters and save searches so that you will be notified when your criteria are met.
- Stay organized in your job search using a spreadsheet – sample at the bottom of this checklist.
This video will help you reflect on your values and interests to determine the kind of job / workplace you seek. Search strategies to quickly sift through job postings are also discussed. Learn how to decode a job description and how to leverage LinkedIn to find jobs.
Decoding a Job Description
- Typically, the most important requirements are written first.
- Education level or certifications are typically not flexible.
- Years of experience might be flexible.
- Don’t get hung up on titles – a coordinator at one company might be a manager at another.
Second: Read between the lines – phrases like “self-starter” may mean you will be working alone a lot so be sure to highlight your ability to work independently; jobs seeking a “team player” may want to hear more about your experience collaboration.
Stay tuned for our next installments every Monday morning in your inbox! And remember the Career Center is available to alums for life!
ALSO: Don’t lose touch with valuable career tools you have access to for life! Your @uvm.edu email won’t last forever so be sure to:
- Add your personal email to Handshake to maintain access to all the opportunities there.
- Learn how to update your primary email in Handshake.
- Create or Update your UVMConnect account with a personal email to engage with a robust network of alums.