The UMA Career Connections staff is ready to support students and alumni through every stage of the job search. Because landing the right role takes strategy and dedication, we are here to help you master the key steps to success.

Staff members are available to meet in person, over the phone, via email, or through Zoom.

A resume is your ticket to a job interview鈥攖hink of it as a personal advertisement on paper. While there are many ways to build a resume, focus on finding a style that works best for you while following these core guidelines:

  • Keep it brief: Limit your resume to 1 page if possible (two at the very most).
  • Be consistent: Keep your formatting, spacing, font sizes, and styles uniform throughout.
  • Keep it clean: Ensure it is simple to read and visually appealing.
  • Use active language: Start bullet points with strong action verbs to showcase your developing skills.
  • Prioritize information: Present your qualifications from most important to least important.
  • Proofread: Check your work multiple times and have others review it, too.

Tools to create your draft:

A cover letter is a formal letter of application that accompanies your resume. It is designed to introduce yourself, convey genuine enthusiasm, and convince an employer that your unique skills and background make you worth interviewing. It highlights your skills and what you bring to a particular organization. It should convey enthusiasm for the opportunity, and demonstrate your knowledge of the employer鈥檚 goals and needs.

Most cover letters are 3 to 5 paragraphs long and follow a standard formula:

  • First Paragraph (The Purpose): State the position you are applying for, how you heard about it, and why you are interested in this specific organization.
  • Middle Paragraphs (The Fit): Connect your education and experience directly to the job requirements. Use these paragraphs to add deeper context or specific examples rather than just repeating your resume text.
  • Closing Paragraph (The Ask): Request an interview to discuss your qualifications. Offer to provide additional materials (like references or transcripts) and thank them for their time.
  • Enclosures: Include any specifically requested documents, or explain when and how they will be provided.

Pro-Tips for Success:

  • Always use a standard business letter format.
  • Address the letter to a specific person (hiring manager, department head, or search committee chair). You may need to call the company or look online to find the right name, but the effort pays off!
  • Keep it to one page maximum on high-quality paper, and ensure it is entirely free of typos.
  • Always send a tailored, digital, or printed original鈥攏ever use a generic photocopied template.

To create a draft cover letter:

Whether an employer asks for a traditional reference list or formal letters of recommendation, managing this process professionally can secure your next opportunity.

1. Why do they matter?

Employers use references to verify your skills, achievements, and work ethic before extending an offer.

  • Corporate sectors typically prefer a quick phone call or short reference list.
  • Education, healthcare, and social services frequently require formal, written letters of recommendation.

2. Who should I ask?

Select individuals who have directly supervised or evaluated your work. A mix of academic and professional references provides the most well-rounded view.

  • Avoid: Family, friends, or peers.
  • Ideal choices: Former supervisors, professors, or volunteer coordinators.

3. When should I request them?

Timing is everything. Request letters or permission to use someone as a reference while your strong performance is fresh in their mind鈥攕uch as right after completing a class, internship, or job.

  • Pro-Tip: Give your references at least 2鈥�3 weeks’ notice, batch your requests all at once, and keep them updated on your job search progress.

4. What should I provide to my references?

Help your references write the strongest endorsement possible. First, ask them directly: “Do you feel comfortable providing a supportive recommendation for me?”

If they agree, provide them with a “brag sheet” packet:

  • Your updated resume.
  • The target job description.
  • A brief reminder of specific projects, transcripts, or coursework you completed under their supervision.

5. Where and how do I submit them?

Always follow the employer鈥檚 exact application instructions.

  • If not requested upfront: Bring a clean, printed copy to your interview, ready to hand over if asked.
  • If requested upfront: Include your reference document with your initial application materials.

6. Waive your right to view? (Confidentiality)

Many graduate schools and employers prefer confidential letters. Waiving your right to view the letter often signals to employers that the recommendation is candid and highly credible. Discuss this preference with your writer beforehand.

  • Note: Some universities hold and mail out recommendation letters for students; UMA does not offer a central letter-holding service. Students are responsible for managing and submitting their own reference materials.

What Employers Look For

If your reference asks what they should cover, or if you want to know what traits employers value most, here is what matters in today’s market:

Key Evaluation Areas

  • Context: How long and in what capacity the reference has known you.
  • Workplace Dynamics: How you interact with peers, co-workers, and supervisors.
  • Growth & Coachability: Your motivation, potential, and how you handle constructive feedback.
  • Comparative Performance: How your work ethic compares to other students or employees.

Skills and characteristics employers are interested in include:

  • Professional Traits
    • Quality of work & consistency
    • Initiative & motivation
    • Integrity & honesty
  • Interpersonal Skills
    • Communication (written & oral)
    • Maturity & social skills
    • Collaboration & teamwork
  • Core Competencies
    • Problem-solving ability
    • Technical & computer literacy
    • Management & leadership potential

Creating a Reference List

When an employer requests a list rather than a letter, format the document to match the font and header style of your resume for a cohesive, professional look.

For each reference, include:

  • A brief line explaining the relationship (e.g., “Former Supervisor at XYZ Marketing”)
  • Full Name & Professional Title
  • Current Organization/Company
  • Complete Mailing Address
  • Daytime Phone Number & Email Address

Preparing for the Interview

Interviews are the culmination of the hard work you have put into your job search process. Careful research, preparation and effective communication will help you put your best foot forward.

Employers are highly impressed by candidates who understand thair mission, analyze the job description, and show genuine energy. Interviewing, like any skill, is something you can improve on with practice. UMA Career Connections offers a variety of resources to help you practice and prepare for your next interview.

  • Know Yourself: Identify your core interests, skills, and career goals. Being ready to discuss your strengths, areas for growth, and education will help you feel much more comfortable.
  • Research the Employer: Learn about their services, products, size, and company culture to make sure they are a good fit for you. Search for recent news using Google News, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and corporate social channels.
  • Research the Position: Understand how your skills fit the role, and look up standard salary ranges using tools like O*NET or Salary.com so you are prepared to negotiate down the road.
  • Practice typical interview questions. By formulating your answers ahead of time, you will likely feel more confident in your answers, and will be more likely to impress the interviewer(s). Be sure to practice different types of questions (behavioral/scenario questions, etc.)
  • Prepare Your Own Questions: Have at least 5 thoughtful questions ready for the interviewer to show you have done your homework. Here are some examples:
    • What qualities make someone truly successful in this position?
    • Can you describe a typical day or week for this role?
    • What will the biggest challenges facing this department or organization?
    • How will the person in this position be evaluated?
    • What are the opportunities for professional development?
    • What are the next steps in the hiring process, and when might I expect to hear from you?

Master the Interview Questions

Practicing your answers out loud builds immense confidence. Expect two main styles of questions:

Common Questions (The “Fit” Check) – Designed to learn about your personality and goals:

  • Tell me about yourself.
  • Why are you interested in this position?
  • Where do you see yourself after graduation?
  • Where do you see yourself in five years?
  • Can you describe one or two of your most important accomplishments?
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  • Why should I hire you?
  • What do you hope to gain from this position?
  • List three things your former supervisor/co-workers would say about you.

The other type of interview questions are behavioral interview questions. These questions are designed to find out how you鈥檝e behaved in the past, and to give employers a sense of how you might do in the future.

Behavioral Interview Questions – Designed to see how you handle real-world situations based on your past actions:

  • Describe a time when you were faced with a stressful situation that demonstrated your coping skills.
  • Give me a specific example of a time when you used good judgment and logic in solving a problem.
  • Give me an example of a time when you set a goal and were able to meet or achieve it.
  • Tell me about a time when you had too many things to do and you were required to prioritize your tasks.
  • Give me an example of a time when something you tried to accomplish and failed.
  • What is your typical way of dealing with conflict? Give me an example.
  • Give me an example of when you showed initiative and took the lead.

When answering behavioral questions, always use the SAR Approach to keep your stories focused and impactful:

  • S – Situation: Briefly explain the situation or problem you faced.
  • A – Action: Describe the specific steps you took to address it.
  • R – Result: Share the positive outcome or what you learned from the experience.

Interview Success Tips

  • Be early: Arrive 10 to 15 minutes ahead of schedule to settle in.
  • First impressions matter: Dress appropriately, make strong eye contact, and offer a firm, friendly greeting to everyone you meet鈥攊ncluding the receptionist!
  • Body language: Sit when invited to do so. Keep loose personal bags or briefcases at your feet rather than on the interviewer’s desk.
  • Disconnect: Turn all mobile and electronic devices completely off (vibrate mode can still be distracting).
  • Follow up: Thank the interviewers at the end of the meeting, and send a brief thank-you email or note within 24 hours.

Mock Interviews

  • The best way to become more comfortable in an interview setting is to practice, practice and practice more! For many people, talking about themselves, their skills and abilities can be challenging.
  • If you anticipate worries with the interview process, it may be wise to schedule a mock interview with a Career Connections staff member. We will interview you, record the interview, and critique it with you. This experience will allow you to 鈥渟ee how you interview,鈥� as well as determine your strengths and weaknesses in the interview and help you practice for the 鈥渞eal鈥� interview.

Big Interview

Big Interview is an online system that combines training AND practice to help improve your interview technique and build your confidence.

You have at your disposal a variety of tools including:

  • Challenging, virtual mock interviews for all experience levels and dozens of industries
  • A database of thousands of interview questions with tips on how to answer them
  • The ability to rate and share your interview answers for feedback
  • A comprehensive video training curriculum covering all aspects of landing a job
  • A step-by-step interview Answer Builder for crafting answers to behavioral questions

To log in, please click on the Big Interview Icon on your UMA Portal Launchpad.

Big Interview Icon

If you would prefer a live mock interview, please contact Haley Brown, Student Services Coordinator, by emailing hbrown120@maine.edu or calling 207-621-3130.

Networking Strategies

Building a strong professional network is one of the most effective ways to discover unadvertised opportunities. Reach out to UMA alumni, join professional associations in your field, and optimize your LinkedIn profile to make it easy for professional contacts and recruiters to find you.

Uncover the Hidden Job Market
Did you know that a vast number of job openings are never publicly advertised? Instead, companies fill them internally or through professional networking. To find these hidden roles:

  • Use the UMA CareerLink employer directory to pinpoint organizations in your target industry.
  • Research specific companies on LinkedIn to check if you share any mutual connections who could introduce you.
  • Check the “Careers” or “Join Our Team” sections directly on target corporate websites.

Attend Career and Job Fairs

  • Career fairs allow you to meet face-to-face with dozens of employers in a single day. These events are perfect for making a memorable personal impression, growing your network, and discovering immediate openings.
  • UMA proudly hosts a major Job & Resource Fair at least once per year.
  • Keep an eye out for employers visiting our campuses throughout the year for networking tables and information sessions.

Partner with Placement Agencies

Consider working with reputable third-party recruiters and staffing agencies. They can assist you in finding full-time, part-time, or contract opportunities across nearly every major career field and industry.

UMA CareerLink

CareerLink Cube

UMA CareerLink is 天美传媒 online job/internship database, and career exploration system. 

Our exclusive internal hub where regional and national employers post jobs and internships specifically looking to hire UMA students and alumni. Use it to build your resume, manage your applications, and research vetted employers.

Current Students: Please click on the blue cube in your . If your account comes up with an error/disabled message, please contact Haley Brown at umacareer@maine.edu.

Alumni: Please click on this  to visit the login/registration page. This is also the link you will need to log into your account in the future.

UMA CareerLink On The Go!

Easily search and apply for jobs and connect with employers before, during and after career fairs.

Careers By Symplicity App Access UMA CareerLink on the go! Finding your next step just got easier. Get personalized job and internship recommendations matched to your unique interests and goals. Explore top roles, save your favorites, and apply instantly. From expert resume reviews to exclusive recruiting events, your entire professional future is right here in one app. Access it on Google Play or the App Store. Presented by: UMA Career Connections, 鈥媢ma.edu/career-connections

For Students, Alumni and Faculty: The UMA CareerLink database is provided by the Career Connections program at the 天美传媒. Users are responsible for reviewing the opportunities on a case-by-case basis and should use caution and common sense before applying for any opportunity. For example, no employer or prospective employer should require an applicant or employee to spend that person鈥檚 own funds for any business reason or to deposit checks into personal bank accounts and then make withdrawals. Employment, internship and volunteer application processes are the sole responsibility of the student. Employment is not guaranteed, implied, or warranted in any way by the 天美传媒 or the employing organizations.

Job Search Sites

Occupational Trends/Employer & Salary Information

Job Search Advice

Career/Job Fairs in Maine

DISCLAIMER:聽The 天美传媒 offers this site as a convenience to the University community. The University does not recommend or endorse any of the job opportunities or employers listed. The University has made no independent investigation of, and makes no representations, guarantees, or warranties regarding the safety, wages, working conditions, or other aspects of employment, including but not limited to, the accuracy or completeness of the information provided. It is the sole responsibility of the student or other users of this site to research and check out the integrity of the organization(s) to which they are applying. The University is not responsible for any liability or damage arising from the use of information on this site.

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UMA is partnering with Indeed鈥檚 Job Search Academy to bring you a free, virtual
career development program created to help you excel in your job search.

to view on-demand workshops and upcoming webinars.

What is an informational interview?
An informational interview is a casual, one-on-one conversation with a professional working in an industry or company you鈥檙e curious about. Think of it as a research project where the subject is your future career.

It is one of the most effective ways to uncover hidden employment leads, get insider advice, and figure out if a career path is the right fit for you – before you apply.

How to Find and Schedule an Interview

  1. Start with Your Warm Network
    • You already know more professional connections than you think! Begin by reaching out to:
      • Friends and family members
      • Current or former coworkers
      • Fellow UMA students and faculty
      • Neighbors and local community members
        • Pro-Tip: Every person you know has a network of their own. Even if they don鈥檛 work in your dream field, they might know someone who does!
  2. Expand Your Horizons
    • Ready to branch out? Use these digital and community resources to find new connections:
      • LinkedIn: Search for UMA alumni or join professional groups in your target industry.
      • Professional Associations: Look up local chapters of national organizations.
      • Directories: Check out company websites and organizational directories.
  3. Make the Ask
    • Once you鈥檝e identified a contact, reach out via email or LinkedIn to request a brief 15-to-30-minute chat by phone, video call, or coffee.

Making a Great Impression

Whether you are sitting down for a scheduled video call or chatting with an employer at a UMA career fair, first impressions matter.

  • Be Professional: Maintain a positive attitude, practice active listening, and respect their time.
  • Dress the Part: Dress appropriately for the industry, even if the meeting is virtual.
  • Come Prepared: Never show up empty-handed. Research the person and the company beforehand, and always bring a list of targeted questions.

The Question Bank

Do not try to ask all of these! Choose 3 to 5 questions that align with your current goals, how much time you have, and how well you know the person.

Questions for Career Exploration and Industry Research:

  • What does a typical career path look like in this field or organization?
  • This industry has changed rapidly recently. What has your experience been like?
  • What are the upcoming trends or challenges you see facing this field?
  • Which skills, personality traits, and values are most critical for success here?
  • What can someone expect from an entry-level position (in terms of title, salary range, etc.)?
  • Are there other related fields or roles you suggest I look into before deciding?

Questions About a Specific Job or Company:

  • Could you describe a typical workday or week for you?
  • How would you describe the work environment and company culture here?
  • What separates a really strong candidate from the competition for a role at your company?
  • Is there anything specific I should emphasize in my application materials?
  • What might training and professional development look like for a new hire?
  • 鈥淲hile researching your company, I noticed that [insert recent news/project]. Can you tell me more about that?鈥�

Questions About the Other Person:

  • How did you decide to pursue this career, and what was your undergraduate major?
  • How did your college experience help prepare you for what you do now?
  • What do you like most鈥攁nd least鈥攁bout your job and this industry?
  • Which past experiences or jobs did you find most helpful in preparing for this role?
  • If you could start all over again, would you change anything about your career path?

Questions for Next Steps:

  • What can I be doing prior to my UMA graduation to best prepare for this field?
  • Are there specific classes, certifications, or tools you think I should master?
  • Are there any books, trade publications, or journals you recommend I read?
  • Is there anyone else you recommend I talk to? If so, may I mention that you referred me?
  • Can we stay connected on LinkedIn or via email for future conversations?

Wrapping Up/Next Steps

When your time is up, respect the boundary. Thank them explicitly for their time and insights.

The Golden Rule: Always send a personalized thank-you email within 24 hours of your meeting. Express gratitude for their specific advice and keep them updated on your progress鈥攂uilding a relationship is how a one-time interview turns into a lifelong professional connection!

You won鈥檛 always have the luxury of a full, scheduled interview to make a great impression. Whether you are walking up to a recruiter at a UMA career fair, meeting an alum at a networking mixer, or chatting in a literal elevator, you need a quick, compelling way to introduce yourself.

This is your Elevator Pitch鈥攁 brief, 30-to-60-second “commercial” that summarizes who you are, what you鈥檙e good at, and where you want to go.

Ready to build yours? to to map out your pitch step-by-step!

The Core Elements of a Great Pitch

A successful elevator pitch does more than just list your major. To grab an employer’s attention, it needs to answer three questions:

  1. Who are you? (Your name, major, and current status at UMA).
  2. What do you bring to the table? (Your core skills, strengths, or relevant experiences).
  3. What is your goal? (What you want from this specific person鈥攚hether it’s a job lead, an informational interview, or just a way to stay in touch).

Sample Pitches

Here is how two UMA students tailored their pitches for different industries:

Hello, my name is Jane, and I鈥檓 a student at UMA working toward my Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity. I鈥檓 incredibly interested in joining your tech support team! My coursework has given me a strong foundation in technical problem-solving, customer service, and systems integration. I pride myself on my attention to detail and positive attitude, and I鈥檇 love to learn how I can help make technology a seamless experience for your users at [Company Name].

“Hi, my name is John, and I鈥檓 in my final semester at UMA studying Mental Health and Human Services. I鈥檝e spent the last year interning at several local clinical practices, which really sharpened my skills in crisis advocacy, communication, and client care. I鈥檓 graduating soon and excited to enter the field full-time. I鈥檝e been following [Company Name]鈥檚 work, and I鈥檇 love to hear more about what you look for when hiring a [Job Title].“

4 Tips for a Flawless Delivery

Once you have your words down on paper, it’s all about how you say it. Keep these tips in mind to ensure your delivery lands perfectly:

  1. Bring the Energy: Smile and show genuine enthusiasm. If you sound bored by your own story, the recruiter will be too!
  2. Stay Flexible: Don’t memorize your pitch word-for-word like a robot. Treat it as a flexible framework. If you鈥檝e met the person before, skip the formal introduction and jump straight into your update.
  3. Practice Until It鈥檚 Natural: Practice in front of a mirror, pitch to friends or family, or record a video of yourself on your phone. Listen back to check your pacing and tone.
  4. Know Your Audience: Tailor the “ask” at the end of your pitch to the person standing in front of you.

Where Else to Use Your Pitch

The beauty of a perfected elevator pitch is that it is highly versatile. Once you’ve nailed it, you can repurpose it to:

  • Write a compelling LinkedIn summary or objective statement.
  • Draft the opening paragraph of a cover letter.
  • Flawlessly answer the classic, dreaded interview question: “Tell me about yourself.”

Need help polishing your pitch? Connect with UMA Career Connections today to schedule a mock networking session!

The Basics: Building Your Profile

LinkedIn publishes some fantastic guides to help get you started. designed specifically for university students who are looking to build a strong profile on LinkedIn. One important thing to keep in mind is that LinkedIn is not the same as Facebook: your content, including the photo that you choose, should be designed with a professional audience in mind.

The Basics: Building Your Network

So, you鈥檝e made your LinkedIn profile- now what? It鈥檚 time to start building your LinkedIn network! There are several ways to find people that you want to connect with via LinkedIn:

  1. The first option is to use the search bar at the top of the page to find users by name. Start with your friends, relatives, and coworkers to begin building your network. Be sure to view their profile and make sure you鈥檝e found the right person before you add them!
  2. You can also add connections under the 鈥淢y Network鈥� tab of the website. This will provide the option to connect with your email contacts, add suggested people based on algorithms and mutual connections, or invite your contacts who aren鈥檛 on LinkedIn yet to join the site. The 鈥淢y Network鈥� tab is also where you can view invitations that others have sent you.
  3. When you鈥檙e adding people, try to send personalized invitations whenever possible. LinkedIn will provide a generic invitation text, but we recommend mixing it up to make your connection more personal.

When someone sends you a request, you also have a few different options:

  1. Accept or decline, if you鈥檙e sure that you do or do not want that person in your network. They will only notified if you accept their request.
  2. Reply to their request: this is a good option if you want to ask how/if you know them, or if you have other questions for them before you want to add them.
  3. Report their request: this is a good option if you think you鈥檝e received a spam request.

We don鈥檛 recommend linking with strangers, unless you can be introduced through a mutual connection, or you have a good reason for contacting them (e.g. you recognize them from one of your UMA classes, even though you haven鈥檛 yet been formally introduced).

Ready, set, network!

The modern job search extends beyond just the interview and the resume. It鈥檚 becoming increasingly common for employers to Google-search candidates and view their social media profiles before making a decision. In addition, there are countless recent stories of employees being terminated from their current employment due to inappropriate conduct on social media platforms.

This doesn鈥檛 mean that you can鈥檛 use social media, but here are a few tips to keep in mind:

  1. Search yourself. This will let you see what others see when they Google-search your name, so you can make sure you鈥檙e happy with the content they might find. Opening Google in an incognito or InPrivate browsing window will allow you to see yourself from a stranger鈥檚 point of view.
  2. Double check your privacy settings. The default settings are not always the most private, so you may have to manually adjust them to keep complete strangers from viewing your content.
  3. Review your profiles. Do a quick scan of what you鈥檝e already posted, and make sure you鈥檇 be comfortable with an employer seeing it.
  4. When in doubt, leave it out! If you鈥檙e not sure whether something is appropriate for social media, it鈥檚 better to stay on the safe side, and share it with friends directly rather than publicly.

Finally, it鈥檚 important to remember that most social media etiquette (sometimes referred to as 鈥渘etiquette鈥�) extends to email accounts, as well. Communicating professionally via email is an important part of the job search process.

Before you send your email, make sure that you鈥檙e sending it from a professional email address (i.e. not 鈥減artyanimal@hotmail.com鈥�). We recommend using your official university email address, or creating a professional email address with some variation on your first and last name.

Each email you send should as part of your job search should also include a clear and succinct subject line, a formal greeting, and a thank you at the end.

Common Email Mistakes:

  1. Using the wrong pronouns or gender identity. Don鈥檛 assume that your recipient is male or female unless you鈥檙e absolutely certain. Many names can be androgynous, meaning that any gender may use them. When in doubt, leave it out, and send a gender-neutral message!
  2. Using all caps. Sending a message on the Internet in full caps is considered to be equivalent to 鈥渟houting鈥� at someone in-person. We recommend using bold or italics when you need to emphasize part of your message.
  3. Sending an email in the heat of the moment. The Internet is forever! If you鈥檙e angry or upset, take some time to cool down before sending or responding to an email.
  4. Following up too soon. Make sure that you鈥檝e given your recipient a reasonable amount of time to respond to your message before you send another follow-up. Following up too quickly can come across as aggressive, since it鈥檚 hard to interpret tone via email.

Conversely, checking your email infrequently is a common mistake. In the past, time sensitive content was usually handled via phone calls, but it鈥檚 becoming increasingly common to use email as a primary mode of communication. Make sure to sign in frequently so that you can respond promptly to time-sensitive emails.