Recently, Second Year Council approached us to see if we could help students in their second year learn how to more effectively use CAVLink, our job and internship posting site.  Here’s how our conversation went.  We hope it helps!

SYC: What kinds of opportunities are available for students on CAVLink (on-Grounds vs. off-Grounds, jobs vs. internships, etc.)?

UCS: CAVLink is a very comprehensive online resource that allows you to:

• View and apply for a wide variety of jobs targeted toward U.Va. students (including full-time, part-time, internships, externships, volunteer opportunities, fellowships, Federal Work-Study jobs, and On-Grounds jobs)
• Create a custom search by major, year, type of position, and/or location
• Save your searches to make your job search easier
• Upload and store resumes, cover letters, writing samples, and other documents you might need for job applications
• Register for upcoming employer presentations and special recruiting events
• Explore government data to explore the potential growth of different career areas and understand how different majors fit with those career choices
• Learn about On-Grounds Interviewing and engage in the recruiting process
• Connect with University Career Services through online resources and programs

SYC: What are the steps to get started with CAVLink?

UCS: To get started with CAVLink, set aside some time so you can make an account and get familiar with how to use the resource.  We find that students who take the time to fill out a complete profile and really learn how to use the Advanced Search options are able to more easily find positions they are qualified for that are also suited to their interests.  Here are the steps to get started:

1 – Go to the UCS Web site and click on the CAVLink icon.

2 – Look on the right side of the page for the “Current U.Va. Students” box and enter your computing id (e.g. abc2d).

3 – You will receive an e-mail with the password you need to register for CAVLink.

4 – Go to the CAVLink Login and click on the “Register” link.

5 – Enter your e-mail address and the registration password that was e-mailed to you.

6 – Complete your profile information.

7 – Check your e-mail for your CAVLink Welcome Message and read it. There are really important tips about searching the postings and applying for jobs that you need to be aware of before you start using CAVLink. It is important to keep in mind that UCS does not endorse any employer or any posting within the CAVLink system. It is the sole responsibility of each user to do his or her due diligence before interviewing with or accepting an offer from any company posting a job listing on this site. These postings are for the use of U.Va. students and alumni only and should not be shared with other job seekers.

8 – Remember to update your profile often. Pay special attention to the industry and geographic preference fields. Updates to your major, year, graduation date and current search status are critical so you won’t miss out on any e-mails about opportunities that match your interest area and qualifications.

SYC: How should second years use CAVLink?

UCS: Throughout your time at U.Va., you might use CAVLink in many different ways.  Luckily, you have numerous options after logging on.

For example, if you are a second year student seeking a summer opportunity, you may want to focus your search in the “Job, internship, and externship” menu.  Here you will find CAVLink jobs (employers seeking U.Va. students) as well as some other larger job boards focusing on federal government and nonprofit opportunities.  At this point in the year (late Spring), there are few employers coming to Grounds, but there are many summer opportunities available.

To get prepared for next year, you may also want to familiarize yourself with the On-Grounds Interviewing (OGI) recruiting process by taking this orientation: http://www.career.virginia.edu/ogi_tutorial/.

All students have access to apply for non-OGI jobs, but only those students that complete the online OGI orientation process have access to apply for positions through the OGI program. It’s best to complete the OGI orientation early in the year so you will not miss any application deadlines. Most OGI positions have deadlines early in the Fall and Spring semesters.

SYC: What is the advantage of using CAVLink rather than applying through an employer’s website?

UCS: When employers call University Career Services to recruit UVa students, they are directed to post their available positions on CAVLink. By applying on CAVLink, you have an edge on other job seekers because your resume will be reviewed in comparison to other U.Va. students in a smaller application pool rather than competing with hundreds of applicants from the general public.

You’ll notice, however, that many employers require you to apply through both CAVLink and their web site, especially if they are participating in the On-Grounds Interviewing program. Many recruiters use the application process as the first step to screening. If they instruct you to apply through both CAVLink and their web site and you don’t, you might be cut from the application process. Don’t let this happen to you!  Make sure to follow whatever guidelines you are given for completing your application.

SYC: Do employers automatically hire students from UVa if they list on CAVLink?

UCS: No. However, most employers that take the time to post directly on CAVLink have had a great experience working with a U.Va. alum or current student so they want to hire additional candidates from U.Va.  Students applying for positions must still complete all application requirements, interview well, and stand out as the top candidate during the interview process.

SYC: Is there anything you need to do to follow up with the employer after applying on CAVLink to ensure that you receive enough consideration?

UCS: Applying to a job listing in CAVLink is similar to any other job posting in that all candidates will be evaluated equally based on qualifications. You should follow the written instructions as you would any other posting. Pay close attention to the application procedures to make sure you have completed all requirements. There will usually be contact information listed on the position if you have a special circumstance you need to discuss or have any questions about the position. If a job you’ve applied for has closed and you haven’t heard from an employer a week or two after, send a follow-up e-mail to the listed contact to reiterate your interest in the position.

Keep in mind, we have programs and online resources on professionalism, etiquette, and employer follow-up and also work with students in appointments on handling these types of situations.  There is also great information on professional behavior in our OGI Orientation video and in our Hoos Career Guide.

SYC: What is the On Grounds Interviewing process? How does it work?

UCS: We manage the On-Grounds Interviewing program to connect students with employers that are visiting the Charlottesville area during the academic year. Many organizations that intend to hire multiple U.Va. students for internships or full-time positions utilize the program since they have the opportunity to meet with at least 13 students in one day. Most interviews are first-round screening interviews that allow the employers to determine which candidates they would like to bring to their office location for additional consideration.

In order to be eligible for the On-Grounds Interviewing program (OGI), you must first create a CAVLink account and complete the OGI Orientation (see Q3). After you have successfully passed the OGI quiz and signed the User Agreement Form, the OGI portion of your CAVLink account will be activated within one business day.  You will then be able to view these additional job postings on CAVLink.

Additional tips for using CAVLink and participating in On-Grounds Interviewing:

*Please plan accordingly to avoid missing resume submission deadlines. Please visit our online calendar for dates, times and locations. Please call (434) 924-8900 if you have any questions.

*On-Grounds Interviews take place in Bryant Hall at Scott Stadium (listed as Bryant Hall in CAVLink) on the 4th floor. Some interviews are held elsewhere on Grounds so please verify the location before your interview day. The location may be found at the bottom of the job description page under ‘Event Information’.

*UCS makes no representations or warranties about the organizations that post job opportunities to this site or the accuracy of the information provided by the organization. There is nominal screening of postings, but it is the sole responsibility of each user to do his or her due diligence before interviewing with or accepting an offer from any company posting a job listing on this site.

*These postings are for the use of U.Va. students and alumni only and should not be shared with other job seekers.

*UCS has resume and cover letter help during our daily walk-ins, 1-3pm, Monday-Friday. UCS also offers individual career counseling appointments for students who would like to discuss specific resources, strategies, or materials (i.e. resume/cover letter) related to their internship search.  Call 924-8900 to make an appointment.

This entry was posted on Friday, April 20th, 2012 at 4:39 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.