Jobs
Here are some tips and techniques to make it easier to find a position in the life sciences.
Focus on a specific life sciences Career Pathway
- Use the Career Pathways portion of this website to help you choose a direction that is right for you. There's a huge difference between being a customer service rep and a production engineer, for instance, so use the info to help narrow the scope of your search.
- Once you find a pathway that interests you, determine the level within the pathway that best suits you. For example, you may not have the experience or education to be a senior engineer but are well suited for an engineering technician position.
- Once you've decided on a particular job, make sure you meet all the qualifications for that position. You may find you need a bit more training or a certification to meet all the criteria for employment.
Have a polished resume
- Your resume is your calling card and often your first impression to an employer so make it a good one.
- Make sure to be clear about your contact info. Avoid multiple phone numbers and e-mail addresses; only use your preferred number and e-mail.
- Use bulleted lists whenever possible, they are easier to read.
- Be sure to include an education section listing your background (schools attended, degrees attained, honors received).
- In your employment section, be sure to list the dates that you held each position, as well as the company, your title, and in what city/state you worked.
- Under each position, clearly write your duties and responsibilities at that job, and include any major accomplishments.
- Include a skills section that outlines your applicable skills (computer knowledge, CPR, marketing experience…)
- For resume assistance, check out some of our partners such as:
Prepare for your interview
- There are few things more frustrating to an employer than interviewing someone who has clearly done no research ahead of time, so be prepared.
- Visit the company's website and read their "about us" page
- Learn about the company's products and services. This will not only help you answer questions asked during your interview, but also enable you to ask better questions back.
- Prepare questions to ask about the position, as well as the company. Some good examples include:
- Is this a new position?
- Would I be working independently or more as part of a team?
- I know you specialize in XXX but this position is supporting product ZZZ - is this a new product line for you?
- I read you just merged with XYZ Corp, how will this affect the company in the future?
Ready to start looking for a job in the life sciences industry? Here's how-
Whether you're looking for a job as a scientist, a manufacturing operator, or a human resources assistant, there are several ways to begin your search.
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