Prepare
Resume resources, job boards, continued learning opportunities and more exclusively for UT alumni.
Job Boards & Career Resources
UTAA’s Center for Career Advancement has partnered with UT alumni career experts to offer you additional coaching services on topics such as:
- Resume Writing
- Career Exploration & Transitions
- Interview Skills
- Executive Leadership
Career coaches will offer a discount to their fellow UT alumni. Rates will vary. All career coaches have been vetted by the Center for Career Advancement team
Learn more about Career CoachesGallup’s CliftonStrengths assessment will help you discover your top talents. Following the assessment, you’ll be provided with a full detailed report defining your talents and what makes you unique.
Schedule a free coaching session with Becky Spaulding, a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, to better understand your strengths and how to apply them in your professional life.
UT Alumni provided a discounted rate for assessment.
Sign up for assessmentConnect UT is a new virtual platform, exclusive to UT alumni, with job opportunities for all levels of experience.
Get Started TodayUT alumni get unlimited access to Quinncia for an annual, discounted fee of $14.
Quinncia uses AI technology to analyze resumes and provide instant feedback. This process is specifically designed to fulfill Applicant Tracking System criteria. In addition, you can use this technology for mock interviews. Users will be asked questions based on their resume, and will receive individualized feedback based on their response.
Sign Up for QuinnciaApplicant Tracking System
Did you know? 70% of resumes get knocked out by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) before a hiring manager could even look at it? Don’t let yours be one.
Quinncia uses the same technology as ATS to give you real time feedback and suggestions on your resume, including tips for formatting, abbreviations, keywords, and skills.
AI Mock Interviewing
Many employers are using Artificial Intelligence-assisted interviews as a first round of interviews for candidates, where questions are presented on the screen or audio.
Quinncia’s interviewing feature offers mock interviews tailored to your resume, providing you with suggestions to improve your interview skills during your job search.
Reference Guides
The purpose of a resume is to provide a snapshot of a candidate’s experience, skills and education. The average employer will spend no more than 1 minute scanning the resume for key information. For this reason, it is important to be succinct and ensure the resume emphasizes desired skills needed for the position.
New Alumni—1 to 3 years out
1—Objective
- Brief statement that lists your current career goal.
2—Education
- List school, type of degree, program of study, concentration (if applicable) and year of graduation.
- Write out in full.
3—Experience
- List employer, position, title and location.
- Include months with dates if less than 1 year. Once holding stable positions, months are no longer necessary.
- Key phrases that focus on achievement.
- Quantify when able.
4—Related Thesis, Capstone Project or Coursework
- List in formatting similar to experience.
- Provide title of project and semester completed.
- Provide 1 or 2 phrase synposis using bullets.
5—Additional
- Leadership positions while in school.
- Active volunteer roles while in school.
- Professional affiliations.
Experienced Alumni—3+ years out
1—Summary
- 2 to 3 sentences that summarizes your work experience and includes key abilities and results.
2—Skills (Optional)
- Technical and/or soft skills that relate to your previous experiences and current position seeking.
- Ex: Collaboration, Adobe, Salesforce, CRM, Innovation
3—Experience
- List employer, position, title and location.
- Include months with dates if less than 1 year. Once holding stable positions, months are no longer necessary.
- Key phrases that focus on achievement.
- Quantify when able.
4—Education
- List school, type of degree, program of study, concentration (if applicable).
- Write out in full.
- Graduation year not needed after 10+ years.
5—Additional
- Professional affiliations.
- Volunteerism
A successful interview starts with preparation. The information below highlights key areas of focus when preparing for an interview, whether in-person or virtual.
Do Your Research
Gathering information about the employer helps you leverage your interview to ask better questions, understand their mission statementand successfully answer interview questions. In addition, your preperation and research shows your true interest in the company.
Company—Visit company websites to get a better idea of:
- Mission
- Values
- Goals
- Leadership Team and Staff
- Culture
- History
- Achievement
- Products/Services Offered
Glassdoor—Get to know the employer through the eyes of employees. Glassdoor offers information on:
- Job Reviews by Employees
- Salaries Within the industry
- Questions Asked in Interviews
- Benefits
- Photos
- Overall Rating
Salary—While we strongly advise against initiating conversation about salary during the first interview, it is important to understand the average salary for the role.The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides the mean salary as well as a average range for positions. Knowing your value and skills will help you determine where you fall within the salary range.
Networking is a vital part of a career search and can lead to great opportunities within your desired field.
Networking is the process of exchanging information with others to build professional and social contacts. It is the most common way to find a job as you have a network of people helping to connect you with those in your career field of interest. These connections can point you in the right direction, introduce you to a new contact and recommend you.
Networking can also help you:
- Connect with like-minded individuals.
- Identify potential job leads.
- Gain industry knowledge.
- Build connections.
- Learn skills needed for next career.
- Increase your visibility.
- Provide future career opportunities.
Are you new to LinkedIn? Here are the basics:
Build Your Profile
Before you build connections, start with building your profile.
- Profile Photo – Aim for a professional headshot.
- About – This is your professional summary.
- Experience – List your experiences similar to your resume.
- Education – Include your degree/s. High School is optional as it can provide another connection opportunity but date isn’t needed.
Follow
Begin following groups and companies of career interest. This will help drive your news feed to better populate items of interest.
Invite Connections
Start by connecting with people you already know. Once you’re ready to connect with those you don’t know, include a message so they know why you are reaching out. You can use a shortened version of your elevator pitch or a quick few sentences as to why you want to connect.
Endorse Connections’ Skills
Because networking is a reciprocal relationship, always offer up endorsements to others. You can do this by viewing their profile and finding their skills’ sections. Often, your connection will return the favor.
Provide Recommendations for Connections
Similarly, if you know a colleague that is needing recommendations, offer to provide one. Do not provide a recommendation without their permission as this could spark visibility to their profile they may not want.
Negotiating a salary ensures you are receiving the most competitive compensation package conducive to your skills and contributions.
When to Discuss Salary
A New Position
Salary conversations happen naturally when evaluating a job offer with a new or current company. It’s important to note, do not bring up salary during an interview.
Request for a Salary Increase
Timing is important when asking for a pay increase. Consider the below questions when asking for a raise:
- Have you taken on new responsibilities?
- Are you exceeding expectations?
- Have you been in your position at least a year?
- Is there not already a raise or performance review scheduled?
Preparing for Salary Conversations
Asking for the Meeting
In order to follow formal processes that may be in place, and to have your managers full attention, ask to schedule a formal meeting. If logistically possible, try to have the meeting in person. If it is not, a video call is the next best option. Avoid scheduling meetings on Monday and Friday, when possible. Prepare a quick script that you can practice ahead of time such as “Could we schedule a time to meet to discuss my performance, contribution and compensation?” If your manager declines to meet, consider reaching out to Human Resources.
Do Your Research
It’s important to know the salary range of your position within the industry. Here are a few locations you can research salaries:
- Glassdoor
- Payscale
- Talk to others within the industry
- Talk to recruiters
- Bureau of Labor Statistics
Document Your Achievements
When discussing salary, you want to speak to the value you’ve brought to your position and the company. Consider typing up your achievements and bringing two copies to your meeting: one for you and one for your manager. These achievements can include:
- Leadership roles
- Completed projects
- Contributions to the team.company
- Big Wins
Using the salary range and knowing your contributions, identify a specific salary you’ll be presenting during the meeting. Aim for higher in the range, allowing yourself room to negotiate.
During the Conversation
Focus on Your Worth
Discuss your achievements and contributions to the team. Avoid discussing personal needs such as rent, childcare and bills. You want the conversation to focus on the value you bring to the company.
Negotiate
Ask for the salary you prepared but be willing to counteroffer if needed.
Be Patient
Your supervisor may not be able to provide you with a definitive answer during the meeting. It may require additional discussions with other leaders and the Human Resource department. Ask for a timeline on when you can expect to hear back.
When the Answer is No
Understanding No
Be sure you’re provided with a reason as to why your request is turned down. If it is performance based, ask for constructive feedback. Take the feedback, put it into action and re-evaluate your salary at a later date. If the reasoning is based on budget restrictions, consider negotiating for other benefits, such as:
- Flex time
- Additional paid time off
- Alternate work schedule
- Bonus
When to Walk Away
Choosing to decline a job offer or leave a current position based on salary is a personal choice. Consider weighing the other benefits of the position such as paid time off, health insurance and work environment when making your decision.
Identity Specific Resource Guides
Does the Company Value Diversity & Inclusion?
- Research the company website and values.
- Is there a diversity mission statement or strategic plan the company follows?
- Review the company’s leadership team and board. Is it diverse?
- Check out employee reviews on Glassdoor
- Review national online lists such as Diversity Inc.‘s Top 50.
- Ask about diversity and inclusion in your interview.
- Speak to employees who work at the employer.
- Does the organization have programs, resources or councils that are identity specific?
- Review job posting language.
Federal/State Career Resources
- Reasonable Accommodation: https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/guidance/enforcement-guidance-reasonable-accommodation-and-undue-hardship-under-ada—Guidance on Reasonable Accommodation information under ADA
- Schedule a Hiring Authority: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/disability-employment/getting-a-job/#url=Hiring-Process — Guidance on Reasonable Accommodation information under ADA
- Selective Placement Program Coordinator (SPPC): https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/disability-employment/selective-placement-program-coordinator/ — SPP Coordinator works directly with applicants to find jobs posted in the USA Jobs
- Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies: https://www.pacer.org/transition/learning-center/benefits/vocational-rehab.asp — State programs that provide career counseling, job training and job placement services with people with disabilities
- Workforce Recruitment Program: https://www.wrp.gov/wrp?id=wrp_home — Recruitment and referral program that connects employers to college students and recent graduates with disabilities
Online Job Resources
- abilityJOBS: https://abilityjobs.com/ — Provides a system for people with disabilities to search for jobs
- Bender Consulting Services: https://benderconsult.com/ — Recruit and hire people with disabilities for competitive career opportunities
- Disability Disclosure: https://askjan.org/topics/Disability-Disclosure.cfm — Advice on when, how, who and if you want to disclose your disability at work
- EARN: https://askearn.org/ — Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion
- Hire Disability Solutions LLC: https://www.hireds.com/featured-employers/ — Provides career services for people with disabilities including job searching strategies and consulting services
- Job Accommodation Network: https://askjan.org/topics/Disability-Disclosure.cfm — Leading source of free, expert and confidential one-one guidance and technical assistance on job accommodation solutions
- RespectAbility: https://www.respectability.org/resources/job-seekers-disabilities/ — Provides a selection of information, resources and websites to help persons with disability search for a job
- Source America: https://www.sourceamerica.org/ — Connecting applicants to non-profits
Online Communities
Online communities can help provide moral support and career support. Search social platforms for groups for persons with disabilities related to your career field of interest.
Connect with Fellow Alumni
To join or create a diversity/inclusive council, please reach out to your university.
- Chattanooga: https://alumni.utc.edu/
- Health Science Center: https://alumni.uthsc.edu/
- Knoxville: https://alumni.utk.edu/
- Martin: https://alumni.utm.edu/
- Southern: https://alumni.utsouthern.edu/
Does the Company Value Diversity & Inclusion
- Research the company website and values.
- Is there a diversity mission statement or strategic plan the company follows?
- Review the company’s leadership team and board. Is it diverse?
- Check out employee reviews on Glassdoor
- Review national online lists such as Diversity Inc.‘s Top 50.
- Ask about diversity and inclusion in your interview.
- Speak to employees who work at the employer.
- Does the organization have programs, resources or councils that are identity specific?
- Review job posting language.
Professional Affiliations
- 100 Black Men of America, Inc.: https://www.alpfa.org/
- Association of Black Women Physicians: https://chci.org/
- Black Girls Code: https://clwe.org/
- Black Data Processing Associates: https://www.haceonline.org/
- National Alliance of Black School Educators: https://hacr.org/
- National Association of Black Administrative Professionals: https://hnba.com/
- National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club: https://hispanicwomen.org/
- National Black Business Council, Inc.: https://www.nhmamd.org/
- National Black Nurses Association: https://www.prospanica.org/
- National Economic Association: https://www.sacnas.org/
- National Medical Association: https://www.sacnas.org/
- National Sales Network: https://www.sacnas.org/
- National Society of Black Engineers: https://www.sacnas.org/
- National Urban League: https://www.sacnas.org/
Online Job Resources
- Black Career Network: https://www.blackcareernetwork.com/ — network for Black community to find and post available jobs and events
- Black Career Women Network: https://bcwnetwork.com/ — provide network, mentoring and professional development resources for Black women
- BlackJobs.com: https://www.blackjobs.com/ — Provides well-paying job opportunities for African Americans across the country, in a broad range of industries
- Diversity Employers: https://www.diversityemployers.com/ — Jobs with employers committed to diversity
- Diversity Jobs: https://www.diversityjobs.com/ — Connects diversity-friendly employers to job seekers through job boards, job fairs and career guidance
- HBCU Connect: https://hbcuconnect.com/ — Connects alumni from HBCUs to Jobs and Internships
- Jopwell: https://www.myweeklymemo.com/ — Advance career by connecting with others, learning through The Well Hub and applying to top companies
- The Memo: https://www.saludos.com/ — coaching, advising and career development for women of color
Online Communities
Online communities can help provide moral support and career support. Search social platforms for groups for African American Professionals related to your career field of interest.
Connect with Fellow Alumni
To join or create a diversity council, please reach out to your university.
- Chattanooga: https://alumni.utc.edu/
- Health Science Center: https://alumni.uthsc.edu/
- Knoxville: https://alumni.utk.edu/
- Martin: https://alumni.utm.edu/
- Southern: https://alumni.utsouthern.edu/
Does the Company Value Diversity & Inclusion
- Research the company website and values.
- Is there a diversity mission statement or strategic plan the company follows?
- Review the company’s leadership team and board. Is it diverse?
- Check out employee reviews on Glassdoor
- Review national online lists such as Diversity Inc.‘s Top 50.
- Ask about diversity and inclusion in your interview.
- Speak to employees who work at the employer.
- Does the organization have programs, resources or councils that are identity specific?
- Review job posting language.
Professional Affiliations
- Association of Latino Professionals for America: https://www.alpfa.org/
- Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute: https://chci.org/
- Council for Latino Workplace Equity: https://clwe.org/
- Hispanic Alliance for Career Advancement: https://www.haceonline.org/
- Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility: https://hacr.org/
- Hispanic National Bar Association: https://hnba.com/
- Hispanic Women’s Corporation: https://hispanicwomen.org/
- National Hispanic Medical Association: https://www.nhmamd.org/
- Prospanica: https://www.prospanica.org/
- Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS): https://www.sacnas.org/
- United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce: https://www.ushcc.com/
Online Job Resources
- Diversity Jobs: https://www.diversityjobs.com/ — Connects diversity-friendly employers to job seekers through job boards, job fairs and career guidance
- iHispano: https://www.ihispano.com/ — Provided by the Professional Diversity Network
- Jopwell: https://www.jopwell.com/ — Advance career by connecting with others, learning through The Well Hub and applying to top companies
- Latinos in Higher Ed: https://latinosinhighered.com/ — First Latino professional employment website designed specifically for higher education community
- Lat Pro: https://www.latpro.com/c/ — Connecting Hispanic and bilingual professionals with employers using traditional job postings and online resume database
- Saludos: https://www.saludos.com/ — Provides job board for Latino professionals looking for diverse workforces, includes career guides and newsletter
Online Communities
Online communities can help provide moral support and career support. Search social platforms for groups for Latino Professionals related to your career field of interest.
Connect with Fellow Alumni
To join or create a diversity council, please reach out to your university.
- Chattanooga: https://alumni.utc.edu/
- Health Science Center: https://alumni.uthsc.edu/
- Knoxville: https://alumni.utk.edu/
- Martin: https://alumni.utm.edu/
- Southern: https://alumni.utsouthern.edu/
Does the Company Value Diversity & Inclusion
- Research the company website and values.
- Is there a diversity mission statement or strategic plan the company follows?
- Review the company’s leadership team and board. Is it diverse?
- Check out employee reviews on Glassdoor
- Review national online lists such as Diversity Inc.‘s Top 50.
- Ask about diversity and inclusion in your interview.
- Speak to employees who work at the employer.
- Does the organization have programs, resources or councils that are identity specific?
- Review job posting language.
Professional Affiliations
- Department of Justice Pride: https://dojpride.org/
- GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality: http://www.glma.org/index.cfm?nodeid=1
- International Lesbian and Gay Law Association: http://ilglaw.org/
- LGBT Congressional Staff Association: https://www.lgbtcsa.org/
- National LGBT Chamber of Commerce: https://www.nglcc.org/
- NGPA: LGBT Aviation Professionals: https://www.ngpa.org/
- nlgja: The Association of LGBTQ Journalists: https://www.nlgja.org/
- Out in National Security: https://www.outinnationalsecurity.org/
- oSTEM: https://www.ostem.org/
- Out to Innovate: https://www.noglstp.org/
- Reaching Out MBA: https://reachingoutmba.org/
Online Job Resources
- Coming Out at Work: https://www.hrc.org/resources/coming-out-at-work — Resources and advice for coming out at work
- Corporate Equality Index: https://www.hrc.org/resources/corporate-equality-index — developed by Human Rights Campaign, lists employer that take steps to establish and implement policies, benefits and practices for LGBTQ workers and their families.
- Diversity Employers: https://www.diversityemployers.com/ — Jobs with employers committed to diversity
- Diversity Jobs: https://www.diversityjobs.com/ — Connects diversity-friendly employers to job seekers through job boards, job fairs and career guidance
- LGBTQ Connect: https://lgbtconnect.com/ — Connecting employers with the LGBT community through a job board, employer directory and news.
- Out and Equal: https://outandequal.org/ — Workplace Advocates partnering with Fortune 1000 companies, government, and organizations to provide leadership, D&I training and networking.
- Transitioning in the Workplace: https://www.hrc.org/resources/transitioning-in-the-workplace-a-guide-for-trans-employees – A guide for Trans employees.
Online Communities
Online communities can help provide moral support and career support. Search social platforms for groups for LGBTQ Professionals related to your career field of interest.
Connect with Fellow Alumni
To join or create a diversity council, please reach out to your university.
- Chattanooga: https://alumni.utc.edu/
- Health Science Center: https://alumni.uthsc.edu/
- Knoxville: https://alumni.utk.edu/
- Martin: https://alumni.utm.edu/
- Southern: https://alumni.utsouthern.edu/
Start Early
Begin networking once you have an estimation of your separation date. Start having conversations with family, friends and veterans.
Have your resume ready in order to share when networking.
Interested in State or Federal Jobs? Apply for Veteran Status early. Veterans with protected status get priority in the job search.
Prepare Documents
Have a digital version and make multiple copies of the following:
- DD214
- Additional Certifications from time in the service
- Transcripts
- Medical Documents
- Resume
Find a safe and secure place to keep the documents together.
Explore Your Calling
PathwayU is designed to help you explore career options based on your values, interests, personality and workplace preferences. In under 25 minutes, your free personalized reports will help you find a career with purpose and meaning. The military crosswalk features pairs your MOS with transferable skills for civilian life.
Jobs in Demand
Did you know that veterans are often sought out for government jobs? This is due to the security clearance most military personnel have and is required for many federal jobs. Your security clearance is only valid for about 2 years after your transition to civilian life.
Online Job Resources
- RecruitMilitary: https://recruitmilitary.com/ — Job search services for veterans and spouses including a job board, military job fairs, access to veteran-friendly partners and publication.
- VetJobs: https://vetjobs.com/ — Personalized job support, career exploration and employment training.
- HireHeroesUSA: https://www.hireheroesusa.org/ — Connecting veterans and spouses with new careers through employer and training partners.
- HirePurpose: https://hirepurpose.com/ — Built by veterans, provides job board, career advice and employers directory.
- Google Job Search: https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf=AOaemvKJmDtdjLOeZzyHlTut6FxQ3HZp4Q:1633017554673&q=job+search+for+veterans&spell=1&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiL4oe6iKfzAhVlTTABHWCeDz0QirwEKAB6BAgBEDE&biw=1825&bih=927&dpr=1 — Enter your Military Occupation Code to find local positions with similar transferable skills
- VA Career Counseling: https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/education-and-career-counseling/ — Free educational and career counseling for those eligible for a VA education benefit.
- Veterans Employment Toolkit: https://www.va.gov/vetsinworkplace/ — Employment resources for Veterans as well as resources for employers wanting to support Veterans
Online Communities
Online communities can help provide moral support and career support. Search social platforms for veterans groups related to your MOS career field of interest.
Need Additional Guidance
Schedule a 1-on-1 coaching session with our Career Advancement team where you’ll discover your transferable skills, work on a resume and get tips for job hunting. Call 865-974-2115 to set up an appointment.
Does the Company Value Diversity & Inclusion
- Research the company website and values.
- Is there a diversity mission statement or strategic plan the company follows?
- Review the company’s leadership team and board. Is it diverse?
- Check out employee reviews on Glassdoor
- Review national online lists such as Diversity Inc.‘s Top 50.
- Ask about diversity and inclusion in your interview.
- Speak to employees who work at the employer.
- Does the organization have programs, resources or councils that are identity specific?
- Review job posting language.
Professional Affiliations
- Alliance for Women in Media: https://allwomeninmedia.org/
- American Business Women’s Association: https://www.abwa.org/
- American Medical Women’s Association: https://www.amwa-doc.org/
- Asian Women in Business: http://www.awib.org/
- Association for Women in Communications: https://www.womcom.org/
- Association for Women in Science: https://www.awis.org/join/
- Federally Employed Women: https://www.few.org/
- Financial Women’s Association: https://www.fwa.org/
- International Association of Women: https://www.iawomen.com/
- National Association for Female Executives: https://www.workingmother.com/nafe
- National Association of Women Business Owners: https://www.nawbo.org/
- National Association of Women Sales Professionals: https://nawsp.org/
- National Coalition of 100 Black Women: https://ncbw.org/
- Society of Women Engineers: https://swe.org/
Online Job Resources
- Advancing Women—Career center for women in STEM and C Suite positions
- Apres Group—To assist women in reentering the workforce through networking, job boards and career coaching
- Career Contessa—Provides a job boardand personalized mentoring and skills-based courses for professional development
- Hire Tech Ladies—Connecting women with tech companies looking to diversify their workforce
- InHerSight—Provides company reviews by women to find female-friendly companies, provides career resources and job postings
- Women’s Career Channel—Providing job boards and career event boards
- WomensJobList.com—Designed to assist women seeking career advancement, job-seekers can browse for jobs and post resumes
Online Communities
Online communities can help provide moral support and career support. Search social platforms for groups for Women Professionals related to your career field of interest.
Connect with Fellow Alumni
To join or create a diversity council, please reach out to your university.
- Chattanooga: https://alumni.utc.edu/
- Health Science Center: https://alumni.uthsc.edu/
- Knoxville: https://alumni.utk.edu/
- Martin: https://alumni.utm.edu/
- Southern: https://alumni.utsouthern.edu/