CAREER GUIDE
OVERVIEW OF SERVICES
Career Connections offers a variety of services for all UTC students and alumni. Whether you’re a freshman, Ph.D. student, entry-level professional, or the president of a large company, we have you covered!
CAREER COACHING
Individual career coaching appointments are available to assist students and alumni. Some topics that can be covered include:
• Career exploration
• Personal branding
• Networking
• Job search strategies
• Mock interviews and interview strategies
• And more!
Schedule an appointment through Handshake or by contacting the department at career@utc.edu or 423425-4185.
CAREER PEER ADVISING AND WALK INS
Our Career Peers provide career development assistance on a peer-to-peer level. They offer walk-in appointments to cover topics like professional document reviews, interview preparation, mock interviews, and locating resources for career planning
Check out our website at utc.edu/career to see our current Career Peer walk-in hours.
REVIEW OF PROFESSIONAL DOCUMENTS
We can assist with the creation or refinement of your resume, curriculum vitae, cover letter, personal statement, or essay for graduate school admission. You can email your resume to career@utc.edu for asynchronous, virtual feedback. You can also stop by during our Career Peer walk-in hours or make an appointment for a more in-depth conversation.
PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOTS
Professional headshots are free for any UTC student or alumni. Sessions last 20 minutes and the photos will be emailed to you within 5-7 business days. Appointments can be made through Handshake.
HANDSHAKE - JOBS, INTERNSHIPS, EVENTS, AND MORE!
Handshake is your one stop virtual shop for all things career. It hosts a nationwide job board that includes full and part time jobs, on and off campus jobs, internships, and volunteer opportunities. It also hosts a list of all of our career related events, such as career fairs and programs. Learn more about how to create your Handshake profile below!
ASSESSMENTS
PathwayU helps you explore paths and majors based on predictive science following a series of mini assessments. The platform also has a library of career resources on topics like interviewing and cover letter writing. Create your account at utaa.pathwayu.com
CAREER FAIRS AND NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
Career Connections hosts a variety of career fairs each semester that bring representatives and recruiters from a wide variety of career fields and employers. These events are an opportunity to network with professionals in various fields and discuss career opportunities within their industries and organizations.
PROGRAMMING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Take advantage of opportunities to develop your professional skills through workshops and presentations offered by Career Connections. You’ll learn how the things you already do on campus shape who you are as a professional, identify the skills you can strengthen, and how to articulate these abilities when networking with others.
Check out our programming on Handshake, MocSync, or through our monthly student newsletter.
CAREER CLOSET
The Career Closet is vailable by appointment on Handshake at the Career Connections office, University Center 103.
Current students can make an appointment (once per semester) to shop the Career Closet for one free gently used professional outfit for an upcoming interview, career fair, or internship. Students can make this appointment through Handshake. Walk-in appointments are not available.
Please note that the inventory fluctuates, and all sizes may not be available. This service is only possible through generous donations from the university community and partners. If interested in donating your clean and gently used professional attire, email career@utc.edu or call 423.425.4184. Thank you!
CAREER EXPLORATION TOOLS
Our website hosts a number of tools that you can use to explore your career options, including
ConnectUT: designed specifically for UT system students and alumni, ConnectUT helps you connect with alumni who have been in your shoes - and who can now open doors
What Can I Do With This Major?: a website featuring 106 major profiles with information on common career paths within each major, types, of employers that hire in each field, and strategies to maximize opportunities.
O*Net and the Occupational Outlook Handbook: includes information about the nature of work, working conditions, training and education, earnings, and job outlook for hundreds of different occupations in the United States.
Chaotic Careers video series: a video series that helps you learn more about diverse professions directly from professionals in those fields!
Resume/CV Templates and Checklists: templates that are fully editable and align with current resume standards. Checklists help you keep track of what you need in a resume and check off each element as you go.
Explore these resources and more at utc.edu/career.
HANDSHAKE USER GUIDE
Handshake is UTC’s career services platform and includes postings for jobs and internships – both on/off campus and full/part time. You can access your account from our homepage at utc.edu/career or by visiting utc.joinhandshake.com/login.
Here are some tips to maximize your use of Handshake, giving you the best chance of connecting with jobs and employers that are right for you!
UPDATE YOUR PROFILE
Note: students with a full profile are 5x as likely to be messaged by employers!
• Log into Handshake using your UTC log in information
• In the drop-down menu under your initials in the top right corner, click “My Profile.”
• Update your education section with your major(s), GPA, and expected graduation date. Stand out to employers by completing the ‘Your Work Interests’ form and updating your work & volunteer experience, organizations & extracurriculars, etc.
• You can use the “Upload Resume” tool to autofill your profile
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
• Click “Career center” in the left-hand menu
• Click “Appointments” and “Schedule a New Appointment”
• Select the type of appointment and meeting modality you want
• You will see a calendar of available dates and times, select the one you prefer. Try to pick a day 1-2 days in advance
SEARCHING FOR JOBS/INTERNSHIPS
• Click “Jobs” along the left side menu
• Click “View all filters” in the top menu bar. Some of the filters you can use include:
• Part or Full Time jobs and Internships (on or off campus)
• Onsite, Remote, or Hybrid
• By industry or major
• “Favorite” a position by clicking the ribbon to the right of the job posting
FIND EVENTS AND CAREER FAIRS
• Click “Events” along the left side menu
• You can either view all events, or you can narrow it down to “Career fairs at your school” or “Events hosted by employers.” Register for events ahead of time so the organizers can prepare for you!
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
Every year, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) surveys a wide and diverse pool of employers regarding the skills they find most important for new employees. We call these transferable skills, or skills that are necessary and important regardless of your career field. These are the skills that you will want to develop throughout your college experience and highlight on your resume.
Below we have listed the top 5 skills identified by NACE’s Job Outlook 2025 survey, along with the percentage of employers looking for this skill. Complete this brief exercise to see how/if you might exhibit these skills. While doing this exercise consider all of your experiences to date, including hobbies, student organizations, internships, part-time and full-time jobs, sports, or even within your personal life.
You will be ranking your proficiency in each skill area on a scale of 1-5. For those that you rank between 3-5, describe an example of when you used this skill and how this shows proficiency. For those you rank between 1-2, describe some steps you can take to gain proficiency in these areas.
Problem Solving Skills (88.7%): the ability to determine the source of a problem and find an effective solution.
• Someone who is highly efficient at this skill may utilize active listening, research, and creativity to solve problems in a quick and efficient fashion
• Someone who may need to work on this skill might struggle to solve problems independently or need help brainstorming solutions
Ranking: 1 2 3 4 5 Examples or Ways to Improve:
Ability to Work in a Team (78.9%): the ability to work well with others during conversations, projects, or meetings. Having teamwork skills is dependent on your ability to communicate well, actively listen, and be responsible and honest.
• Someone who is highly efficient at this skill may communicate openly and honestly with their team members, take responsibility for their work, and collaborate with their team members to reach a common goal.
• Someone who may need to work on this skill might struggle with or dislike collaboration, have difficulty getting their views across, or struggle to understand their teammates’ views. They may also neglect their duties within the team or try to take over others’ duties.
Written Communication Skills (72.7%): the ability to communicate ideas clearly in written form.
• Someone who is highly efficient at this skill might consider their audience and how to best communicate with them, be open to constructive criticism, use proper grammar and technique, and feel comfortable with all forms of written professional communication.
• Someone who may need to work on this skill might struggle with articulating their ideas, not explain their ideas fully, struggle with being succinct and/or direct, and/or feel uncomfortable with professional communication.
Strong Work Ethic (71.6%): the ability to demonstrate a desire to do their best work, grow as a professional, and take responsibility for their work.
• Someone who is highly efficient at this skill might be constantly looking to improve their work, bring innovative ideas to the table, and maintain effective work habits.
• Someone who may need to work on this skill might struggle to find meaning in their work, feel unmotivated, and/or struggle to take accountability for their actions.
Flexibility and Adaptability (70.1%): the ability to adapt to new situations with ease and manage unforeseen situations with little disruption or stress.
• Someone who is highly efficient at this skill may be comfortable with change, feel confident when dealing with the unknown, and/or quickly adapt their approach when faced with change.
• Someone who may need to work on this skill might feel stressed when faced with change, struggle to adapt to changing situations, and/or take an extended period of time to adapt to new or unforeseen situations.
GAINING EXPERIENCE
While the lessons you learn in the classroom will give you the knowledge you need to enter your career of choice, your experiences will help you build and refine the skills you will need to succeed. In an everchanging world and career landscape, it is more important than ever to build a diverse range of skills. Here are a few ways you can gain those experiences:
INTERNSHIPS
According to a recent study by LinkedIn, students who engaged in an internship during college are 25% more likely to land a job than their peers – making internships one of the biggest indicators of career success.
An internship is a professional learning experience that offers practical learning and work experience within a student’s field of study or interest. They give students an opportunity to explore their career interests in a practical context and develop important and relevant skills in that field.
Internships can be found on websites like Handshake and LinkedIn. You can also schedule an appointment with Career Connections to explore your options!
JOBS
Even though your current job might not be directly applicable to your eventual career, it is helping you develop important transferable skills that you will use for the rest of your career!
JOB SHADOWING
Job shadowing is a great way to learn more about the daily life of professionals in your field of interest. Consider reaching out to local organizations about job shadowing opportunities or make an appointment through Handshake to explore your options.
VOLUNTEERING AND SERVICE LEARNING
Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community while developing meaningful skills that you will use throughout your career. This can be a more accessible option for those with busy schedules as you can volunteer for a few hours, a single day, or on a regular basis. Learn more about service and volunteer opportunities at UTC’s Servant Leadership page.
EXPERIENCIAL LEARNING AND THINKACHIEVE
Experiential Learning takes students beyond their classrooms to connect theory and practice through creative endeavors, intercultural experiences, leadership and service-learning opportunities, internships and
research. Think Achieve: Beyond the Classroom is the platform for supporting experiential learning here at UTC. Students participate in and reflect on the remarkable experiences offered at UTC, in the Chattanooga area and around the world! Participating students gain points toward University awards and recognition while simultaneously acquiring vital experience for life.
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
UTC hosts over 200 student organizations, many of which revolve around professional experience, leadership, and volunteer opportunities. Explore your options at mocsyncorgs.utc.edu
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Employers are looking for leadership experience, so why not take advantage of leadership opportunities while at UTC? Learn more about your options from Leadership Development and Programs or consider becoming a leader in your student organization.
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Undergraduate research allows you to make important contributions to your field of study and build relationships with other UTC students and faculty with similar interests. Visit UTC’s Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavor to learn how to get started.
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Many career fields have professional organizations you can join to learn more about the field and connect with future colleagues. Try searching for professional organizations based on your major or career of interest and check out their professional development opportunities.
GAP ANALYSIS
Now that you know more about the experiences you can gain during your time at UTC, how can you capitalize on your time and make sure that you gain the skills needed to land your ideal job? Completing a gap analysis is a good start.
A gap analysis helps you find jobs that you are qualified for or that you can be qualified for upon graduation. Follow the steps below to perform your own gap analysis:
1. Search for a job posting that you’d be interested in applying for when you graduate. Aim for a job that requires 0-3 years of experience.
• Hint: Make sure your job description includes desired/required qualifications and lists out the job responsibilities
2. Highlight any qualifications the job asks you to meet and add 3-5 into your gap analysis worksheet. If your job posting does not list desired/required qualifications or job responsibilities, you will want to find one that does.
3. Consider if you currently meet this qualification by noting how (experientially or academically) you satisfy the requirement. Put this information in the second column of the worksheet.
4. Next, consider what you need to do to meet this qualification upon graduation. List out any steps you need to take to do this in the third column.
As you begin considering your goals, try to follow the SMART goal method to make sure they are detailed and achievable.
S – Specific: Clear goals that answer the questions of “what,” “why,” and “how.”
M – Measurable: How will you know when you achieve your goal?
A – Attainable: Is it genuinely possible for you to reach this goal? Are you willing to do what you need to do to reach it?
R – Relevant: Does this goal align with who you are and your other goals?
T – Time-Bound: Set a deadline or timeframe to complete this goal.
JOB TITLE AND LINK:
Qualifications
Do you meet this? If so, how? Goals/Steps to Take
BUILDING YOUR NETWORK
Networking is a great way to create opportunities for yourself, build professional relationships, and gather information about your chosen field. Research shows that about 70-80% of jobs are filled through networking, which makes it a vital professional skill.
While networking can be intimidating, keep in mind that you’ve been networking all of your life! Your current network might include:
• Friends and family, who give you a broad knowledge of the world of work and can connect you with people in your prospective field.
• Peers who share similar interests. You can help each other find opportunities and make connections.
• Professors and Faculty who have industry knowledge and can serve as a professional reference.
• Current supervisors or employers who know your work ethic, can serve as a professional reference, and help you grow professionally.
As you are working to extend your professional network, seek connections with people who share your career interests and goals. Stay engaged with your network on a regular basis by sharing information, offering support, and celebrating their achievements.
INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS
Informational interviews are one of the best ways to build connections and learn more about careers of interest. Identify people in roles that interest you and request a 20-minute conversation where you ask job or role related questions. You can connect with professionals through your connections with family and friends, utilize a service like ConnectUT or LinkedIn to identify UTC alumni, or ask your professors for recommendations.
This conversation should be focused on gathering information, discussing career options, and building your network. Prepare about 6-7 questions but leave some space for additional questions that might pop up.
• Here are a few questions that you could consider for your next informational interview:
• What made you choose this field and/or job?
• What does a typical day look like for you?
• Could you discuss your career path? What jobs or internships do you feel were most influential in getting you to this point?
• What skills do you think are most important in your job/field?
• What do you think is the best way to earn an internship/job in this field/company?
• What do you like most about your job? Least?
• Is there anyone else in your network that it might be helpful for me to speak to or that you’re willing to introduce me to?
Bring a notebook to take notes and your resume in case they ask for it. If the meeting goes well, you might consider asking them to review your resume and provide feedback. If the meeting goes exceptionally well, they might be willing to serve as a reference or point you toward opportunities of interest. At the end of the interview, make sure to let them know how much you appreciate this opportunity and their time. Also, make sure to follow up with a thank you email and let them know about any steps that you are taking based on their advice.
DEVELOPING PROFESSIONAL HABITS
It’s important to begin building and demonstrating good professional habits, even as you are gaining experience and building your network. Here are a few tips to get you started:
1. Arrive at work on time and ready to work. If you are delayed or need to be absent, notify your supervisor and teammates in a timely manner.
2. Identify the main responsibilities of your role and consider how you can use your strengths to benefit your team.
3. Treat everyone with respect regardless of their status or position.
4. Take note of any unspoken rules or preferences within the office regarding things like dress, communication, etc.
5. Communicate with your supervisor and team members openly. Invite their feedback, both positive and constructive.
6. Be authentically yourself while cultivating a positive and constructive work environment.
7. Embrace opportunities to grow personally and professionally.
8. Leverage your interpersonal skills to connect with colleagues, customers, and others on a professional and/or personal level.
9. Become familiar with and follow the office dress code – it might be hard to spot at first but aim for slightly more formal attire and then adjust based on office culture.
10. Seek out opportunities to lean into the work you enjoy.
PROFESSIONAL DRESS
You might be familiar with terms like business professional or casual, but pulling together a professional outfit can seem be a challenge. Here are some guidelines to consider:
BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL ATTIRE
Typically worn for more formal events and occasions like interviews, career fairs, etc.
The Outfit
• Suit or blazer
• Blouse, button up shirt, or dress
• Dress pants or skirt
• Flats or small heels
• Solid colors are typically preferable
Accessories
• Ties can be used to show a bit of subtle personality
• Be mindful and intentional around use of jewelry, fragrance, and makeup
• Check company policies regarding piercings and tattoos
• Consider carrying a padfolio to take notes
BUSINESS CASUAL ATTIRE
Typically more “every day” professional attire.
The Outfit
• More color and pattern variation is common in business casual attire
• Can opt for jacket or cardigan over a blazer
• Flats or heels are acceptable
Accessories
More freedom with accessories in general but still be mindful and intentional around how you use them
PERSONAL BRANDING EXERCISE
Throughout every professional experience you have, you are building a professional identity, also known as your personal brand. You want to make sure that your personal brand is an authentic but distinct representation of you and your work.
Imagine that you step into an elevator with the manager of your dream job. You only have a few seconds –the length of that elevator ride – to introduce yourself, make a positive impression, and leave them wanting to know more about you. This is your elevator pitch. It is the first step to building your personal brand – it’s also typically a variation of your answer to the dreaded ‘tell me about yourself’ question.
Complete the exercise below to create your own elevator pitch:
WHO AM I?
Name: Class Year (First Year, Sophomore, Junior, Senior), and Major:
Opportunities that you are seeking (what field/area? Are you looking for a job, internship, info interview, etc.?):
WHAT DO I DO?
Relevant experience (work, internship, co-op, projects, labs, volunteer work):
Highlights of skills & strengths:
Knowledge of company or person (if applicable):
WHAT IS MY ASK?
Optional closing/goal (for example you will ask for a business card, to connect on LinkedIn, a question to continue to the conversation):
Develop questions for the employer/professional contact:
SAMPLE FORMAT:
Hi, my name is __ and I am a __ at UTC. I am studying __ and will graduate in __. I am looking to/am interested in __. I recently worked on a project that __. Can you tell me more about __?
EXAMPLE:
Hello, my name is Theo Lane, and I am a junior studying Computer Science at UTC. I am interested in cybersecurity and web development. Last semester, I worked with a professor to develop a program that analyzed the psychological effects of social media by Twitter users. Right now, I am looking for summer internship opportunities and I am interested in learning more about your company. Can you tell me more
DEVELOPING YOUR PROFESSIONAL DOCUMENTS
There are a variety of professional documents that you may need, depending on the career field and jobs you are applying for. Some of these might include:
• Resumes: a 1-page highlight of your skills, education, and experience. Used mainly when applying for jobs
• Curriculum Vitae: an exhaustive list of your experience, educational accomplishments, research, awards, etc. Mainly used in academic, research, and medical contexts.
• Cover Letters: a narrative document that provides more detail about you and what you can offer the company. Cover letters can either be required, optional, or not requested.
• Portfolios: collection of projects, graphics, activities, achievements, etc. Commonly used in the arts, education, communications, etc.
• Personal Statements: an introduction to a selection committee which might answer a specific list of questions. Typically used for graduate programs or medical school.
• Letters of Recommendation or References: a list of individuals who can speak to your experience, skills, and qualifications. Commonly asked for during the application process.
APPLICANT TRACKING SYSTEMS
When a professional document is received by an employer, it will often go through an applicant tracking system (ATS). ATS is a computer software system that employers use to process, screen/filter, and track applications. ATS is used to parse through resumes and identify the most qualified candidates for hiring managers to manually review. These systems will rank professional documents that are ‘not ATS friendly’ as a lower match, making it less likely that employers will see them.
A few statistics around applicant tracking systems:
• 97% of Fortune 500 companies use an ATS
• 75% of recruiters use an ATS or similar recruiting tool
• 88% of employers believe that highly qualified candidates may be screened out due to submitting “non-ATS friendly” resumes
• 70% of resumes that do not match ATS criteria are screened out and never seen by a hiring team
• The average online job posting receives 250+ candidates, but only 4-6 of them will be interviewed
Making your professional documents ATS friendly is an important part of succeeding in the hiring process. Here are some tips to achieve that:
• Do not use templates or special formatting objects (graphs, graphics, headers, columns, tables). The style should be simple, plain, and easy to read.
• Use standard formatting, standard headings (education, experience, skills, etc.), and standard fonts.
• Identify and utilize keywords/phrases used in the job description.
• Use file types that ATS can read (PDF, DOCX, DOC). Make sure to use the same word processing system each time you edit your document (ex.: if you create it in Google Docs, only edit it in Google Docs).
• Format your resume in reverse chronological order.
• Spell out all acronyms
• Do not use AI systems to write your resume, ATS systems will note and flag any use of AI generated content. You can use these systems to get ideas, just make sure you reword the content heavily.
Keep in mind that all of the templates and advice we include in this guide and on our website are currently ATS friendly so this is a good place to start!
RESUMES & CURRICULUM VITAES
FORMAT
A resume should be 1 page (can be front and back). A CV should be as long as necessary to include all experience
• Use a clear and consistent font like Calibri or Times New Roman
• Font size is consistent. Body of the resume is 10-12 pt font, headings can be slightly larger. Your name should be the larger than any other text but no larger than 20 pt font.
• Margins are consistent and between ½ - 1 inch
• Provide one phone number and professional email address that is checked regularly. We’d suggest not to use your UTC email address as you will lose access to that after you graduate.
• Only list your city and state – do not list your entire physical address
• Include links to your LinkedIn and/or portfolio if applicable
• All sections will be in reverse chronological order (most recent to least).
EDUCATION
• Fully spell out your degree type and institution name – do not use acronyms
• Scholarships, awards, honors, and relevant upper level (3000-4000 level) coursework can be added here as well
• Omit your high school information unless you are a recent high school graduate or if your high school experience is directly related to your targeted position
EXPERIENCE
• Include most relevant experience – this may mean cutting experience if you have more than a page’s worth
• Experience can be paid or unpaid. Volunteer work, internships, and student leadership can also be valuable to include
• Descriptions should be bulleted and in past tense. They should also be in third person, meaning without personal pronouns (I, me, my, our, us, etc.)
• Bullet points should detail your relevant accomplishments, skills, and knowledge gained through each experience
• Quantify your experience whenever possible (ex: increased sales by 150%)
• Utilize strong action verbs whenever possible (more on this later!)
SKILLS
• Mixture of technical (hardware, software systems, etc.) and relational (teamwork, problem solving, etc.) skills
• List skills that are relevant to the position you are applying for and make them as specific as possible
OTHER SECTIONS
• Profile (short summary of who you are at the top of your resume)
• Leadership, Campus, and/or Community Involvement
• Awards
• Professional Associations
• Licenses and Certificates
DIFFERENCES FOR CURRICULUM VITAES (CVS)
Make sure to include all of your experience. Additional sections might include:
• Research experience: include a description of your role, skills you gained, and methodologies you used. Use numerical data whenever possible.
• Research Interests: list any research interests that you are currently exploring or might be interested in exploring in the future
• Grants: list any grants that you have earned or applied for as well as the grant amount.
• Teaching experience: List the course name/number, the number of students you taught, and how many semesters you taught each class. Include a short description of the course and any teaching strategies/methodologies you used.
• Publications: Include any articles, books, chapters, interviews, and/or other publications relevant to your field. Note if the publication was peer-reviewed.
• Presentations: Include posters, conferences, or any other presentations relevant to your field. List the title, date, and topic of the presentation.
RESUME EXAMPLE
Resume Example - Name
City, St. I Email I Phone Number I LinkedIn/Website/Portfolio (optional)
PROFILE
A short description of who you are and what skills you bring. Consider, if the employer was to only read/remember this portion of your resume, what would you want them to know?
SKILLS
• List 2-6 skills here
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Degree type, Major May 20XX
Minor:
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Dean’s List # of semesters
Relevant Coursework (3000-4000 level): Class 1, Class 2
EXPERIENCE
Position Title
Name of Organization, City, State
• Bullet points explaining your experience. Consider adding a few key words from the job description
• Bullet points explaining your experience. Consider adding a few key words from the job description
CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Position Title
Name of Organization, City, State
HONORS AND AWARDS
• Scholarships/Award Name, Year
• Scholarships/Award Name, Year
–
CURRICULUM VITAE EXAMPLE
CV Example - Name
City, St. I Email I Phone Number I LinkedIn/Website/Portfolio (optional)
PROFILE
A short description of who you are and what skills you bring. This is a great place to add in key words from the job description. Consider, if the employer was to only read/remember this portion of your CV, what would you want them to know?
EDUCATION
Ph.D., Degree (if applicable)
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN
Dissertation Title
Committee Members (chair listed last)
Masters, Degree (if applicable)
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN
Dissertation Title
Faculty advisor or Committee members
Bachelor of Degree type, Degree
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN
EXPERIENCE
Instructor, City, State
Name of Organization, Academic Department
• Bullet points explaining your experience
May 20XX
May 20XX
May 20XX
Year – Month Year
• Consider adding how many classes/students you taught, skills you developed, outcomes you met, and/or methodologies you used
Teaching Assistant, City, State
Name of Organization, Academic Department
• Bullet points explaining your experience
Year – Month Year
• Consider adding how many classes/students you taught, skills you developed, outcomes you met, and/or methodologies you used
Position Title, City, State
Name of Organization, Academic Department
Year – Month Year
• Bullet points explaining your experience
RESEARCH AND/OR FELLOWSHIPS
Research Interests:
Research Assistant, Department or Organization name, City, State Month Year
• Bullet points explaining your experience
• Consider adding what role you played, the skills you developed, and/or any research methods used
PUBLICATIONS
Your name and any other authors of the publication. (Year published). Name of publication. Title of journal or publication website.
Your name and any other authors of the publication. (Year published). Name of publication. Title of journal or publication website.
PRESENTATIONS
Presentation title. Conference or event that you presented at, date of presentation. One sentence summary or list of main points of the presentation (optional)
Presentation title. Conference or event that you presented at, date of presentation. One sentence summary or list of main points of the presentation (optional)
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Your role, Project name, Location
Dates or Month Year you volunteered
• Bullet points that highlight your work and transferable skills. Typically one to two sentences
Your role, Project name, Location
Dates or Month Year you volunteered
• Bullet points that highlight your work and transferable skills. Typically one to two sentences
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
Role, Organization name
Month Year – Month Year
Role, Organization name
HONORS AND AWARDS
Name of honor/award, granting organization
SKILLS
Consider adding:
Language proficiency
Computer and technical skills related to your field
Soft skills related to your field
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Name of license or certification
Name of license or certification
CREATIVE ACHIEVEMENTS
Can include exhibitions, productions, performances, concerts, and readings
Title, (names of jurors or curator), name of presenting institution/organization
Body text
Expiration date
Expiration date
Date
DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE
One of the hardest parts of writing your professional documents is trying to explain your experiences and skills, especially when you are trying to tailor your descriptions to each specific position. By utilizing the PAR method (Problem – Action – Result) you can clearly communicate your experiences and how they can connect with what the employer needs. You can utilize this method for your resume and interviews, but in this section, we will focus on your resume.
Problem (or subject) that you faced within your experience
Action (or verb) that you took in that situation. Make sure to utilize strong action verbs
Result (or why?) or the outcome of your action – quantifying that result whenever possible (ex: clients served, dollars saved, percentage of increase in engagement, etc.)
Here is an example of how you could use PAR in a resume:
Problem (or subject): New, incoming staff
Action (or verb): Trained and supervised
Result (or why): To ensure consistency of service and adherence to policies and procedures at all times
Example: Trained and supervised new, incoming staff to ensure consistency of service and adherence to policies and procedures at all times.
Now it’s your turn! Consider an experience that you’ve had (i.e. job, internship, volunteer) and the tasks you performed. Pick one of those tasks and organize it into the PAR format
Problem (or subject):
Action (or verb):
Result (or why):
ACTION VERBS
Action verbs are an important part of any resume or interview answer. They convey active engagement and involvement while describing your capacity to produce meaningful results within a given context or environment. Ensure that you apply the appropriate tense to the verb.
Here are some examples of effective action verbs:
MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS
Administered Consolidated Improved Reviewed
Analyzed Coordinated Increased Scheduled
Assigned Delegated Organized Strengthened
Attained Developed Planned Supervised
Chaired Engaged Produced
Contracted Evaluated Recommended
COMMUNICATION
Addressed Directed Interpreted Persuaded
Arbitrated Drafted Lectured Promoted
Arranged Edited Mediated Publicized
Authored Enlisted Moderated Recruited
Corresponded Formulated Motivated Spoke
Developed Influenced Negotiated Translated
RESEARCH
Clarified Evaluated Inspected Reviewed Collected Examined Interpreted Summarized
Critiqued Extracted Investigated Surveyed
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Assembled Computed Fabricated Programmed
Built Designed Maintained Solved
Calculated Engineered Operated Upgraded
TEACHING
Adapted Communicated Encouraged Instructed
Advised Coordinated Explained Persuaded
Clarified Developed Guided Set Goals
Coached Enabled Informed Stimulated
ORGANIZATIONAL
Approved Collected Incorporated Provided Arranged Compiled Inspected Purchased
Catalogued Corresponded Logged Reviewed
Categorize Distributed Maintained Verified
Classified Filed Operated
FINANCIAL
Administered Audited Computed Marketed
Allocated Balanced Developed Projected
Analyzed Budgeted Forecasted Researched
Appraised Calculated Managed
CREATIVE
Acted Directed Instituted Performed
Conceptualized Established Integrated Planned
Created Fashioned Introduced Revitalized Designed Founded Invented Shaped
Developed Illustrated Originated
HELPING
Assessed Counseled Expedited Referred
Assisted Demonstrated Facilitated Rehabilitated Clarified Diagnosed Familiarized Represented
Coached Educated Guided
COVER LETTER EXAMPLE
Your City, State
Date of Letter
Name of Recipient (omit if you can’t find a specific contact)
Title (omit if you can’t find a specific contact)
Company/Organization
Street Address
City, State, and Zip Code
Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name (To Whom it May Concern or Dear Search Committee if you can’t find a specific contact),
First Paragraph (“Why am I writing?”): Open your letter with a brief, warm greeting. Identify the position you are applying for. Explain how you heard about the job opening or organization. If you were referred to this job from someone at the organization, include that here.
Second Paragraph (“Who am I and why do I want to work for you?”): Identify your skills (direct or transferable) as they relate to the targeted position. Highlight one or two of your strongest qualifications and explain how they relate to the needs of the employer. Don’t simply restate the facts that are on your resume. Explain why you are specifically interested in this employer and type of work.
Third Paragraph (“Why should you hire me?”): This is your opportunity to sum up your skills in a memorable way. Be professional and creative.
Fourth Paragraph: Refer the reader to your resume. Close the letter with a statement conveying your strong interest in pursuing the next step in the process. Include a phone number and/or email address where they can reach you. Finally, express sincere appreciation for their consideration of your materials and candidacy.
Sincerely, Your name
THE JOB SEARCH
The job search can be intimidating, so let’s break it down.
WHAT DO YOU WANT IN A JOB?
First, brainstorm all of the things you’d like in your ideal job, then get an idea of what are non-negotiables and what you are willing to budge on. Make sure you think about:
• Job title / description
• Geographical area (city, state, even country)
• Salary
• Benefits (perks, insurance, parking, etc.)
Now, if you want a specific job title, in a specific city, with a specific salary, that will really limit the number of jobs you can apply for! If you have really specific needs in one area, try to be open to your options in another (ex: my salary range is non-negotiable but I’m willing to be flexible about the location of my job).
Once you have this information, don’t be afraid to talk with a career counselor or mentor to get an idea of what industry standards look like and how you can aim for the right job for you.
GETTING READY
First off, make sure you have your resume ready and be ready to tailor it to each position you apply for! If you need help with this, make sure to make an appointment with Career Connections through Handshake.
Save any resumes or cover letters you submit – while these do need to be tailored to each position, you can also cherry pick from various other documents as it makes sense. Don’t reinvent the wheel if you don’t have to! Also, consider creating a LinkedIn profile to let employers know who you are beyond your resume.
Many positions will ask you for references. We would recommend asking at least 3 people if they would be willing to serve as positive references so you are ready to provide that information if needed. Keep in mind that you will want a combination of academic and professional references.
Also, make sure you have all of your identifying documents, like your Social Security number and Driver’s License ready. Many applications will ask you for these and you don’t want to constantly have to hunt for them!
WHAT DO I APPLY FOR?
While it never hurts to apply, submitting job applications is a lot of work so you will want to focus your efforts to conserve your time and energy. However, it is also important to note that you do not have to meet all of the qualifications listed on a job posting in order to be qualified.
A general rule of thumb is that if you meet 70% of the qualifications listed in a job description, you should be applying. Some job descriptions will ask for several years of experience, even if they look like entry level jobs. Remember that college counts as experience - meaning that you will graduate with about 2-4 years of experience!
MAKE A STRATEGY
Job searching can be exhausting, so having a plan in place can make it more manageable. The time you spend on each application can vary, so we recommend having a rough idea of the time you want to spend on your job hunt each day/week.
Make sure to prioritize your applications – apply for those you are excited about and most qualified for first and then work your way backwards while still actively searching for opportunities. Once you submit your application, make sure to keep an eye on your email for further information about the next phase of the hiring process!
TIPS AND TRICKS
• Read the entire job description and do a bit of research on the company before putting your materials together. The more you can tailor your resume and other professional documents to that position and that company, the better.
• If you are using a platform like Indeed or LinkedIn to search for jobs, make sure to apply directly on their website rather than with the “quick apply” button on the job search platform.
• Be kind to yourself. You will hear a lot of no’s throughout this process, but that doesn’t mean that there is anything wrong with you or that you’re not qualified, they just made a different choice. Keep applying and if you are concerned or not hearing back from anyone, Career Connections is here to help.
INTERVIEWS
Interviews can take place over several platforms (phone, virtual, in-person, recorded video, etc.) and can involve multiple rounds of interviews. Keep in mind that interviews are also an opportunity for you to determine if the position and organization is ideal for you!
PREPARING FOR INTERVIEWS
Make sure that you have a clear understanding of the job description and the company’s sought-after skills and experiences.
• For each preferred and required skill and qualification listed on the job description, develop a strong example from your achievements using the PAR method
• Keep in mind that you have achieved more than you can ever put on your resume and some of those experiences may become relevant during your interview. Take some time to list out as many experiences as you can, including work products, class projects, internships, volunteer experience, campus engagement, etc.
• Research the company and the field at large so that you can answer questions in an informed and holistic way. This shows that you are prepared and makes a great impression!
• Create 3-5 questions that can’t be easily answered by a simple search. Increasingly, employers describe this as a non-negotiable element to a strong interview, so this is an effective way to stand out.
• Schedule a mock interview with Career Connections to practice your interview skills! You will also want to prepare for some commonly asked interview questions, which we will list below.
DURING THE INTERVIEW
• Provide detailed but concise responses to the questions and try to incorporate relevant experiences and examples when possible. To avoid rambling, aim to keep your responses to each question around 2 minutes
• Utilize the PAR method – which we discussed in this guide – to keep you on track and enable you to deliver your best talking points.
When utilizing the PAR (Problem – Action – Result) method, you want to spend about 30% of your response detailing the problem faced, 50% of your response describing the actions you took, and 20% of your response sharing the results you achieved.
Here is an example of the PAR method in action during an interview:
P(roblem or subject): The restaurant I worked at was having trouble attracting customers to a second local location. My task was to generate strategies and incentives to increase awareness of the restaurant and attract new customers.
A(ction or verb): I designed a marketing campaign utilizing both flyers and social media to promote the brand and second location. Through these marketing plans, I developed themed events to connect our restaurant to potential customers in the community. I also persuaded the restaurant owner to co-sponsor a community event where we shared samples of our food and gave away event specific incentive cards for a free item on a pre-selected menu.
R(esult or why): By engaging more community members through these new initiatives, the restaurant was able to increase the number of new customers by 25% over a 120-day period.
QUESTIONS TO PREPARE
Personal
• Tell me about yourself.
• What do you do in your spare time?
• Why did you choose to interview with our organization / apply for this job?
• What are your greatest strengths? Weaknesses / areas for growth?
• How do you think your friends or co-workers would describe you?
• Which achievements are you most proud of?
• What motivates you most in a job?
• Where do you want to be in 5 years? 10?
Education
• Why did you choose your major?
• What campus activities / organizations did you participate in? Tell me why you chose those activities.
• Which classes did you like best/least? Why?
• If you were to start over, what would you change about your education?
Experience
• What did you learn from your current and previous experiences?
• Have you ever done any volunteer work? If so, what type of volunteer work do you enjoy doing?
• How would your former supervisor describe your work?
Behavioral Interview Questions
Many employers ask behavioral-based questions to learn more about your past behaviors in jobs, the classroom, group projects, and activities. This is a great opportunity to utilize the PAR method.
• What are the biggest challenges you faced in college?
• Tell me about your methods for organization and time management.
• Tell me about a time when you were faced with conflicting priorities
• Give an example of a time when you provided a solution to an employer.
• Tell me about a time when you were suddenly called on to be a leader. How did you handle that?
• Tell me about an unpopular decision you had to make and why you chose to make it. What was the outcome?
• Tell me about a time when you were dissatisfied with the performance of someone who worked with you on a project. What did you do?
• Tell me about a time when you had to balance multiple responsibilities. How did you organize the work you needed to do?
VIRTUAL AND VIDEO INTERVIEWS
Interviewing over technology has been around for some time now. This can include synchronous interviews through platforms like Zoom or asynchronous video interviews.
Some tips for synchronous virtual interviews include:
• You can change the name that your interviewer sees by clicking on your screen, hitting the three dots, and renaming your profile. This is a great option if you use a nickname – also, consider including your pronouns beside your name.
• Professional dress is still expected – keep in mind that your clothes impact your confidence and your confidence impacts your performance.
• Schedule a virtual mock interview with Career Connections. This can help you see how you interact during an interview and help to refine your approach.
• Reduce the size of your Zoom screen and put it on one side of your screen while your notes are on the other.
Asynchronous video interviews (AVIs) utilize software that allows applicants to create pre-recorded video responses that may be initially screened by AI or may be available for viewing by employers on their own time. In this format, employers usually provide a set of questions to applicants which they must answer in a short, predetermined amount of time. Some software provides time before the applicant is required to record in order to prepare their answers while others offer little to no time to prepare.
Common mistakes made by students in asynchronous video interviews include rambling and failing to create clear, concise responses, lack of eye contact since one must look into the camera rather than the screen to simulate eye contact, and technical difficulties such as poor internet connection or video/audio quality.
One of the best ways to prepare for an asynchronous video interview is to record yourself when completing a mock interview. This will give you an idea of your interviewing strengths and what you can improve on. This is also something that Career Connections staff can discuss with you during an appointment.
AFTER THE INTERVIEW
Make sure that you send either a handwritten or emailed note of thanks. This letter should thank the interviewers for their time, but this is also another chance to reiterate any particular strengths you might bring to the role or problems that you might be able to solve for the employer.
OTHER CAMPUS RESOURCES
The majority of our resources are included on our website at utc.edu/career under our “Resources” tab. Here are a few campus and community resources that could be useful in your career exploration:
PARTNER CAREER SUCCESS CENTERS
In addition to the services offered by Career Connections, there are a few other centers that offer career development services for specific student populations:
Joseph
F. Decosimo Success Center
Serving students with Business majors, they offer career development services both inside and outside of the classroom.
College of Engineering and Computer Science Center for Student Success
Serving students with Engineering and Computer Science majors, this center helps individuals explore career options, connect with the larger community, engage through experiential learning opportunities, and transition into careers that are successful and satisfying. They also work closely with Academic Advising and faculty to ensure career development is an integrated part of the college experience.
Student Support Services
Apart of the federally funded TRiO programs, this office offers a variety of services, including career development, for students who are eligible for and have been accepted into the program. Any students who are first generation, registered with the Disability Resource Center, or are from a low-income background are eligible to apply for services. Check out their website for additional qualifying criteria.
ALUMNI AFFAIRS
Alumni Affairs is focused on keeping UTC alumni connected with each other and the campus. Alumni benefits include access to the library and ARC, continuing education, career services, discounts at local and regional companies, alumni networking opportunities, and special events on campus and regionally. For more information, visit alumni.utc.edu
ACADEMIC EXPLORATION
Working on deciding what major fits best with your career interests? Our Academic Exploration advisors are here to help! Visit them at the Center for Academic Support and Advisement or email advise@utc.edu to set up an appointment.
FACULTY MENTORS
In some departments, in addition to your academic advisor, you are also assigned a faculty mentor who is eager to help you develop your career plans. They are a great resource for discipline specific advice and helping you as you are thinking about internships, graduate school, and more. To see if you have a faculty mentor, check out your Navigate profile (under Advising/Tutoring/Coaching on MyMocsNet) and keep an eye on your UTC email – your faculty mentor will likely be reaching out to you!
FINANCIAL WELLNESS
Understanding salary, financial goals, and budgeting is an important part of career exploration. The Financial Wellness Center is a campus-wide financial literacy program, hosted by the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. The Center helps with overcoming debt, money management, budgeting, understanding and building credit, saving and investing, and avoiding financial pitfalls. For more information, visit utc.edu/ financial-wellness
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH AND CREATIVE ENDEAVORS (URACE)
URaCE is committed to broadening undergraduate research experiences for all students regardless of background, discipline, or year of study. Their programs and initiatives aim to foster a robust research culture that involves the entire UTC community, while also contributing to the local environment and creating dialogue with the wider global community. For more information, e-mail urace@utc.edu
