UVM Career Center Blog

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

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?

Heading home for the break? This November we’re focusing on how to talk about all the cool stuff you’ve been up to in college—whether it’s classes, internships, or campus involvement.

• Talk About What You’re Learning: Share the awesome things you’ve been doing in class, clubs, or internships. Make it relatable by connecting what you’re studying to everyday situations.
  • Starter: “In my [class/club/internship], I’ve been working on [describe a project or skill]. It’s been super interesting because it’s helping me understand [relate it to something familiar or useful].”
• Celebrate Your Wins: Whether you’ve tackled tough projects, hit personal milestones, or nailed an internship, don’t forget to share your progress. Your friends and family want to cheer you on!
  • Starter: “Something I’m proud of this semester is [name an achievement]. It was a challenge, but I learned a lot about [what you gained] and pushed myself.”
• Perfect Your ‘College Story’ Pitch: Just like in an interview, having a go-to way of talking about your college experience can help. Summarize your involvement in clubs, internships, or research to show how it’s setting you up for success.
  • Starter: “This year, I’ve been part of [describe an activity]. It’s been a great way to build skills like [name the skills], which I know will come in handy for [describe your future goals].”