Sound good? If so, here are our top ten tips for getting yourself one of these great science jobs.
Tip #1
Entry-level science jobs are widely advertised in the media and industry-specific press; however, the issue is sorting through those positions which are going to provide the greatest rewards and fullest development for a newcomer.
Larger multinational companies tend to provide the greatest investment in training and career development, so you are advised to consider large company experience at the beginning of your career.
Tip #2
If you're considering many different positions, pay very close attention to what the exact specifications of the given positions are, so that you'll know exactly what the employers are looking for. You must adapt your resume to reflect the skills and experience you possess which most closely match the requirements for the position demanded by the employer.
Adapt your resume for each position you are applying for, as this allows you to highlight your attributes which most closely match a given employer's needs. If you're applying for information science jobs, your experience in working in a lab will not really be applicable, but experience working in a database management capacity will be.
This does, of course, mean that you will be spending a little more time on your resume, but the point is to get yourself an interview, and amending your resume in this respect is nothing more than an extension of your research into the employer in any event.
Tip #3
Do not pay money for recruiter services, including administration or placement fees — if an employer hires you through a recruiting agency, they will be responsible for paying the costs, not you.
Any agency which demands money from you should be avoided, as this is not standard business practice. (Note, however, that you may pay a company for accessing a list of vacancies).
Tip #4
Ensure that your resume is secure, as it does have a monetary value aside from its use in your job search. You should decide who gets to see your resume and under what conditions it may be released or sent to potential employers.
Many websites and recruiters simply mass-mail your resume along with many others to potential employers who may or may not be anything more than a raw list of businesses operating in the sector you're looking for employment in. This is unprofessional, does not produce effective results, and reflects badly upon you as an applicant, especially if your resume is repeatedly crossing the same desks.
Furthermore, you need to ensure that your resume is safe and secure. Just imagine, after all, what an identity thief could do with all that information.
Tip #5
General recruiting websites are not suitable for your job search — ignore them and stick to web resources which specialize in placing science-related candidates in science-related jobs.
This is a specialized niche, so use a specialized tool!
Tip #6
Use a web resource which does not charge employers to list their vacancies. Many sites do charge employers, and this simply results in many vacancies not being listed on a service even as free access is provided to candidates, resulting in a large number of job seekers searching through and applying for a restricted number of positions.
The result is tough competition for any vacancies, such that employers can drive harder bargains when it comes to employment packages and benefits.
Tip #7
Check out that a web service is actually a real business that delivers real services to users. Check that the website has a physical mailing address in the United States, as well as a landline telephone number — if it doesn't have these, avoid using the site.
You can also check forums and message boards to see what people are saying about the service that's provided.
Tip #8
Look at the business your target employers are operating in and familiarize yourself with the current business environment. Educate yourself and acquire a working knowledge of any trends and challenges that the industry segment if currently facing. This will show through when you construct your resume and especially when you are in face-to-face interview situations.
Tip #9
Subscribe to message boards and forums which deal with your particular area of interest. This will allow you to gain insight, help, and advice from people already working within the science you are interested in.
Beyond this, you'll be able to acquire info on who's hiring and what the employment developments are that will come in handy when you apply for and go through the selection process for a position.
Tip #10
Be positive and confident!
As someone qualified for a science job, you have skills and knowledge that are in great demand with industries and employers across the country. In this respect, employers need you more than you need them, so put your best foot forward and don't be afraid to apply for positions that you feel may be a little out of your reach.
