Tools%20for%20a%20Successful%20Job%20Search

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• Tools for a Successful Job Search
• Karen Ackland
• San Joaquin Biotechnology Center
• LI 100, 848 4828
• kackland_at_gavilan.edu

San Joaquin Biotechnology Center
www.gavilan-sjbc.org
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Its Up to Youto Manage Your Career

• Many people have 3 careers
• A job search is about Marketing Yourself
• Skills you can learnand practice
• Use resources available
• Gavilan Career Transfer Center, SC 102
• Other organizations
• Books, magazines, websites
• On-going process

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Tools of a Job Search

• Research
• Cover Letter and Resume
• Interview
• Follow-up

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Research

• Who is hiring? What are they looking for?
• Websites, articles, classes
• Company sites
• http//www.biotechwork.org
• http//www.careercenter.sjsu.edu
• www.gavilan-sjbc.org

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Cover Letter

• Accompanies your resume
• Highlight how your qualifications match the job
  posting
• Expand on, but dont repeat resume
• Ask for an interview. Tell how to reach you.

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Resume

• Summary of qualifications
• Experience
• Education
• Include skills, awards, internships
• Foreign language
• Computer programs
• Biotech lab skills, equipment
• Use active verbs. Be concise.
• Include key words search engines

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Chronological or Functional?

• Chronological
• Organize work experience chronologically, most
  recent job first
• Highlight achievements and responsibilities
  dont just describe job
• Best for people with experience looking for
  similar jobs.
• Functional
• Organize by function, with most important
  functions first
• Good for people where experience is from jobs,
  activities, and/or education
• Customize to job

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Snap Quiz

• Whats the purpose of the cover letter and resume?

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Before the Interview

• Research the company
• Their mission, products, competition
• Whats happening in the industry
• Check companys and other websites
• Talk to people who work there
• Develop answers to common questions
• Tell me about yourself
• What are your strengths?
• What is your greatest weakness?
• Why are you looking for a job?
• Why are you interested in this company?
• What do you want the interviewer to know about
  you?
• Practice!

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What Companies Look for

• Biotech skills, depending on the position
• Lab safety and etiquette
• Proper notebook keeping
• Experience making solutions, buffers, gels
• Aseptic technique
• Scientific method
• Statistical analysis
• Protein synthesis
• DNA replication and recombinant tools
• Chemical equations

• Other skills
• Team Player
• Reliable
• On-time performance, understands deadlines
• Good people skills
• Smart, scientific skills
• Accept criticism and correct actions
• Future potential

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How to Evaluate a Company

• What do they do that relates to your skills and
  plans
• Is it unique?
• Is it proprietary?
• Funding? Do they make money?
• Management, organization
• Bios of key people
• Free-wheeling or control freaks

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At the Interview

• Ask questions (prepare in advance take with
  you)
• Listen
• Build rapport. (Dont just refer people to your
  resume)
• PSRs Problem, solution, result. Provide
  specific details
• Dress appropriately
• Show enthusiasm

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Follow-up

• Send thank you letter or email within 24 hours
• Remind them why youre right for the job
• Clarify a point that needs more explanation

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Your Job Search

• Take charge of the process
• Learn and practice the skills
• Make goals for yourself
• The result a rewarding career

San Joaquin Biotechnology Center
www.gavilan-sjbc.org