University Of Utah Alumni Association

Speaker Series with Head Football Coach Kyle Whittingham

Young Alumni will host guests at an exciting Young Alumni Speaker & Networking Series event on May 23 featuring football coach Kyle Whittingham, at the Alumni House at the University of Utah. Guests are encouraged to arrive at 11:30 a.m. for networking and lunch, followed by the coach's "chalk talk.” Spots fill up quickly so RSVP today!

The MUSS and More In Alumni Connection

Registration for The Mighty Utah Student Section, better known as The MUSS, is drawing record numbers of students this year. Read more about it, as well as great travel offerings, career services and membership discounts for alumni, in the May issue of Alumni Connection.

The Art of the Interview: 5 Do's and Don'ts to Land You the Job

Interviewing for a job can be a stressful experience, even if you are a graduate from the University of Utah. If you are or know a recent Utah alum who is making first steps into the job market, continue reading to find out what you can do in an interview to make yourself a more marketable candidate. You’ll also learn about a handful of things you should avoid at all costs during your employment interviews.

1. Do your research.

If you want to show the company you are interviewing with that you can envision yourself having a career with them, it is important to research the firm before your interview. Arrive at your interview with knowledge about the company’s vision and goals, and feel free to ask about anything you have read or heard about the company recently that portrays them in a positive light.

2. Know what you have to offer…

And don’t be shy about it. Humility may be one of your greatest strengths, but you need to highlight other qualities you have to offer in order to distinguish yourself from other applicants.

3. Listen.

Pay attention to all verbal and nonverbal cues you receive during your interview, and refer back to them when appropriate. This will show your prospective employers that you have good listening skills, and it will also allow you to refine the pitch you have prepared to make yourself more hirable.

4. Don’t be too serious.

Exuding professionalism is important at most interviews. However, many employers also like to see warmth and a sense of humor. Be sure to smile frequently during your interview.

5. Don’t try too hard to impress.

Remember that the goal of an interview is to make a good impression on the boss, not to be the boss. Make an effort to never interrupt an interviewer who is asking you a question, and gauge eye contact to know when you have answered a question satisfactorily. Rambling, interrupting, and asking more questions than you answer are likely to hurt your chances of landing the job.

The current job market is fierce, but with the career resources available to University of Utah alumni, you can be better prepared and more aware. To find out about employers who are looking to hire Utah graduates in your area, call 801-585-5036 to speak with Julie Swaner, director of alumni career programs, and learn more about Alumni Career Services.

Interviewing for a Job: How to Answer Questions in Job Interviews

Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially for recent college graduates who have little interviewing experience. If you are looking for an overview of the job interview process that will make you feel better prepared the next time you arrive at an employment office for questioning, you have come to the right place.

In this video, you will learn about the importance of researching a company before you interview with them. You will also gain some helpful advice on what types of questions are appropriate to ask a prospective employer.

Are you a University of Utah alumnus/alumna who is currently looking for a job? If so, the University of Utah Alumni Association’s Career Services division may be able to help you. For more information, call 801-585-5036 to speak with Julie Swaner, director of alumni career programs.

Did you miss Donald Asher's "Who Gets Promoted Who Doesn't and Why" Webinar?

Donald Asher's "Who Gets Promoted Who Doesn't and Why" marked the launch of The University of Utah's Alumni Career Services Professional Webinar Series.

If you missed the workshop or would like to view it again, you can access the webinar here.

The Alumni Career Services will be offering a series of free workshops to our University of Utah alumni community and will send you an email blast for the next scheduled webinar.

For more information, contact Julie Swaner via email at jswaner@sa.utah.edu or by phone at (801) 585-5036.