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

1. Tools for a Successful Job Search Karen Ackland San Joaquin Biotechnology Center LI 100, 848 4828 kackland@gavilan.edu San Joaquin Biotechnology Center www.gavilan-sjbc.org

2. It’s Up to You…to Manage Your Career • Many people have 3+ careers • A job search is about Marketing Yourself • Skills you can learn…and practice • Use resources available • Gavilan Career Transfer Center, SC 102 • Other organizations • Books, magazines, websites • On-going process

3. Tools of a Job Search • Research • Cover Letter and Resume • Interview • Follow-up

4. 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

5. Cover Letter • Accompanies your resume • Highlight how your qualifications match the job posting • Expand on, but don’t repeat resume • Ask for an interview. Tell how to reach you.

6. 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

7. Chronological or Functional? • Chronological • Organize work experience chronologically, most recent job first • Highlight achievements and responsibilities – don’t 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

8. Snap Quiz What’s the purpose of the cover letter and resume?

9. Before the Interview • Research the company • Their mission, products, competition • What’s happening in the industry • Check company’s 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!

10. 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 What Companies Look for

11. 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

12. At the Interview • Ask questions (prepare in advance & take with you) • Listen • Build rapport. (Don’t just refer people to your resume) • PSRs – Problem, solution, result. Provide specific details • Dress appropriately • Show enthusiasm

13. Follow-up • Send thank you letter or email within 24 hours • Remind them why you’re right for the job • Clarify a point that needs more explanation

14. 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