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Savvy Seniors: Interviewing

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Sailboats on Lake Champlain

Jen Guimaraes
Associate Director
Community Sailing Center

When a student lands an interview, what should they do to prepare?
Students should make sure to do their “homework” on the organization that they are interviewing with. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the entire organization by researching their website and any other information that you can gather about them. Create a list of questions you have about the organization and the position you are applying for. Employers always ask for your questions at the end of the interview process and having a list shows that you did background research and are very interested in the position. Make sure to dress appropriately, show up on time, and be professional in your communication (word choice and email style) with the prospective employer.

You must interview a lot of applicants for the Community Sailing Center, what makes a candidate stand out?
A candidate stands out if they are energetic, upbeat, and already familiar with the organization. Make eye contact with the employer(s) you are interviewing with and give complete answers to their questions, not just one-word responses. You can almost certainly anticipate what questions an employer might ask you based on the position you are applying for, rehearsing your answers ahead of time is always a good idea. Don’t forget to smile!

What questions should candidates be asking you?
I’ve had candidates ask a number of questions: Do I enjoy my job? What is a typical day like for this position? What is the chain of command with direct and indirect supervisors? Are there any additional duties that I will have not included in the job description?

Learn more about opportunities, classes, rentals and more at the Community Sailing Center!

Don’t miss this workshop to learn more! Savvy Seniors: Interviewing Wed., April 10th 4:15pm, L&L E166

The Work of Loving the World

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Hand Heart

“My work is loving the world.
Mary Oliver

How do we hold core life questions such as:

  • What is our work in the world?
  • How do we love?

We tend to focus on work as a way to pay the bills and value love in terms of who loves us.

May we turn our attention to a larger landscape: our work in the world as love in action.

What might you do today to express love and action?  Here are few examples for inspiration:

Love Letters to Strangers
Honk If You Love Someone
One Million Acts of Kindness
Break the Chain
Messenger by Mary Oliver

May your day be filled with acts of loving the world in small and unanticipated ways.

~Holly

Networking Nights: A Student Perspective

By career

“Our success has really been based on partnerships from the very beginning.”
-Bill Gates

Networking seated event with speaker

Networkers posing for picture

As a senior at UVM, I had finally approached the time where I had to start researching and applying for jobs. I had held various internships and other working positions, but now I had to start seriously thinking about entering the real world.  For the past 3 years, I received various emails and flyers about UVM’s Boston and New York Networking Events which were held over Winter Break. I had secretly avoided them in the past due to anxiety, and stress of networking with complete strangers. To prepare for this event, last semester I attended a workshop on networking, and gained more confidence in this skill. Once the event date arrived, I drove into Boston to start networking.

UVM alum, and CEO of British Beer Company, Mike Fallman, was the keynote speaker. He provided students and alumni with his version of “the most important interview tips,” where he stressed the significance of networking.  Both events paralleled the idea of speed dating. Students rotated between tables and conversed on various topics with alums. With a set amount of time and alternating among tables, networking was far less stressful than anticipated. Discussions were relaxed yet helpful, and alum talked about their career path, networking, and provided us with interviewing and job searching tips.

After the speed networking portion, we were able to individually meet alums who work in industries of our personal interest. The small room was completely packed with alumni and students networking, and exchanging contact information. Overall, the Boston Networking Event was a huge success. It was great to meet the keynote speaker, and hear from other UVM alums about their experience. This year more than 280 UVM alumni and current students gathered in Boston and New York to network, with more to come in Vermont and Washington D.C. I would highly recommend attending one of these Networking Events. I’ve certainly learned that it’s never too late to start networking.

~Tashia, Career Peer Advisor

After the Job Fair: Insights from an Employer

By career

ECHO Center

Amanda Van Vranken
Volunteer/Intern Coordinator
Echo Lake Aquarium & Science Center

What type of applicant is ECHO looking for while at The Job Fair? When it’s over, what is your next step as an employer?

We are always looking for highly motivated individuals whose unique backgrounds and experiences will contribute to our diversity and strengthen our organization. Volunteers and interns bring experience, leadership skills, and enthusiasm to support our mission. After the Job Fair, we look through resumes and begin a conversation with applicants about what might be the best fit for their skills and interests. Since ECHO’s Internships are very competitive, we are often taking applications for the next semester or beyond.

What should students do to follow up with employers of interest?

I highly recommend students always follow up with ECHO. It’s an advantage to show your commitment to the organization, initiative, organizational skills and follow through by asking if an employer needs more information or what the timeline is for hiring. I always appreciate emails from students who are “Just checking in to say hi and say how much they are looking forward to this opportunity”.

How can a student stand out in the application process?

Anything you can do to set yourself apart is welcome.  Identify your skills and use them – If you have strong interpersonal skills, try to meet staff and volunteers. If you have strong writing skills, present a unique resume and cover letter. Draw on experiences or class work and explain why it has initiated growth and contributed to your skill set.  In addition, mention personal contacts or connections that make your reason for applying compelling.

What if a student wasn’t able to attend the Job Fair or didn’t connect with a particular employer?

Students can always go online to look at ECHO’s (or other organization’s) opportunities, as well as apply on-line or email with specific questions. When applying, be pro-active, know your schedule, and be realistic with your time commitments.

Volunteer or Intern at ECHO

The Job Fair: From the Other Side of the Table

By career

Logic Supply display setup

Advice from Lauren Lavallee of Logic Supply, Inc.

Why is Logic Supply coming to the UVM Job Fair?

Logic Supply is attending the UVM Job Fair on March 20th 2013 to connect with students as they prepare to graduate and search for their dream jobs to make them aware of our job opportunities.  Logic Supply has experienced tremendous growth and has been an Inc. 5000 winner for 5 years running. Our success is the result of the high performing individuals that make up our company. We look forward to engaging with UVM students, to explore potential fit with out global growing company.

What should students do to prepare for the Fair?

Students should come to the event with specific objectives in mind. Consider what you’re looking for out of a job and what kind of career path you envision for your future.  Be ready to make an impression, dress appropriately and ask relevant questions to gain a clear understanding of companies and their specific roles.

What makes a student stand out at the Fair?

All companies attending a job fair know you are a student and that this may be your first outreach to a professional company. Don’t let that deter you from expressing your interest or asking tough questions. This career fair offers a unique opportunity to get the potential employer to match who you are as a person with how you present yourself on paper. Be memorable, talk to as many people as you can, engage with people, and use this as a networking event.

We’ll see you at the Job Fair Wed, March 20th 2-5pm 4th Floor Davis Center.

Read Career Services FAQ’s and Preparation and Tips before you go.

Learn more about Careers with Logic Supply

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