Post on 26-Dec-2015
Beyond the Bench;
Jobs and How to Get Them
Part II
© Keith Scharnau, KAS Consulting
March 26, 2008
Review of Part I
Skills Assessment– What do you have to offer?
• Employability skills synthesis
Values Identification– Finding the fit
• Values Identification
Ideal Situation– What are you seeking?
• Ideal Situation
Workshop Outcomes
Objectives– Understand how and where to research employers– Understand how to communicate your skills and
experience
Take aways– Job Search Timeline– Draft 30 second commercial– Ideas generated from groupwork
Outline
Exploration– What’s out there?
• Researching employers• How to use the information• Testimonials
Getting it Done– Jobsearch timeline– How to talk about your skills
• Art of the cold call• 30 second commercial
Exploration
What’s out there• Researching employers• How to use the information• Testimonials
What’s Out There?
Researching Employers– Target your search
• Target Priority Companies– A list – top 20% – B list – second 40%
Researching Employers
Group Discussion #1– What do you want to know about the
company?• What details are you interested in?• What information will help you decide if this is
an organization you want to pursue?
– Where will you look for the information?• Where will you find information related to your
skills, values and interests?
Researching Employers
Finding what you are looking for– Skills
• Discussions in previous sessions , BioTalent Career Focus Program , posting analysis
– Values • Website, current/past employees
– Importance Factors• Job profile, current/past employees, Human
Resources, 50 Best Employers in Canada
What Companies are Looking For Source: BioTalent Career Focus Program
New Hires– Work experience/co-op experience– General biochemistry training– Knowledge of Quality Control/Quality Assurance
Knowledge Preferences– Depth of knowledge in biotechnology specialisation– Solid foundation in core sciences– Breadth of knowledge in biotechnology in general
General Attributes– Technical and theoretical knowledge– Flexibility– Listening and communications skills– Perseverance, objective driven– Realistic expectations
Researching Employers
Finding what you are looking for– Skills
• Discussions in previous sessions , BioTalent Career Focus Program , posting analysis
– Values • Website, current/past employees
– Importance Factors• Job profile, current/past employees, Human
Resources, 50 Best Employers in Canada
Researching Employers
Skills discovery– Analyze postings
• What are all the skills the employer is seeking?– What are the top five most important skills?
• Is there any indication of values?• What employment factors are present?
Researching Employers
Groupwork #2– Discuss postings
• What would it take to have the skills the employer is looking for in these postings?
– How can you prepare yourself to work toward the skills/experience being sought?
• What questions do you have related to company values?– Where will you pursue the answers to them?
• Does this position/company fit your ideal situation?– If you do not know, how would you find out?
Where to Research Employers
Biotechnology– Global
• CanBiotech Directory
– Canada• Pharmahorizons Industry Associations• Biotechnology Companies and Groups in Canada• Industry Canada’s Life Sciences Trade Network
– Provinces• Bio Alberta Membership Directory• Life Sciences British Columbia Members• BioOntario• Quebec Life Sciences - Industry Leading Companies
Where to Research Employers
Biotechnology (continued)– Government
• BioTalent• BioPortal
Canada– SEDAR Company Profiles– Report on Business Top 1000
Alberta– Alberta First Business Directory
Calgary– Major Calgary Companies
How to Use the Information
Who has positions available?– Visit company websites from target list for
postings– Network to find opportunities– Directly contact priority companies
How to Use the Information
You have found an opportunity– Questions to ask
• Where do you have connections– Does your network know someone in the organization?– Do any U of C alumni work for the organization?
• Research the Industry/Sector you are targeting– What are the trends
• Research the Company– What are their needs?– How can you meet those needs?
Tips for Landing a Job Source:In Person: Finding Opportunities in a Dysfunctional Job Market
http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/career_development/previous_issues/articles/2008_02_15/caredit_a0800024
Cast a broad netTake full responsibility for being foundDon’t judge a job too earlyLet your new employer observe you learning somethingShow, don’t tellTry to help those who don’t hire youSometimes, you are the best candidate, but won’t get the jobTreat employers like people, not companies
Graduate Student Testimonials
Read the testimonial– Groupwork #3
• What are your overall thoughts?• What parts of the story can you identify with?• What did you learn from reading the story?• What can you apply from the story?
Getting it Done
Timeline – What to plan and When
Reality Check - Vital Statistics
Art of the Cold Call
Tips for the Road ahead
Closing Thoughts
Job Search Timeline
Eight month model– Elastic
• Augment with your own job search requirements
• Expand or contract the length• Make adjustments as you go
– Aid in getting organized
Reality Check - Vital Statistics Source: Job Search Guide http://www.beloit.edu/~facs/pdfs/Job_Search_Guide.pdf
6 month average job search; 6-7 interviews=1 offerThe length of you search will depend upon:– How well you have done your self assessment and
chosen your job targets– How many openings there are in your field– Who you know in the industry– Your skill level and strength of your sales pitch– Your research and interviewing skills– Amount of time you devote to your search – Amount of previous job hunting experience– Level of support from friends and family
The Art of the Cold Call
Visualize Success– What do you want to communicate?
• Script your message - unique to you– Create in-person, phone and e-mail versions– Have both brief (30 seconds) and detailed (up to three
minutes)
– Why are you contacting the company/individual?– Why should they be interested in you?– How will you respond?
• No positions at his time– “May I meet with you to introduce myself and learn more about
your company?”– Are there other people you would suggest I contact?
30 Second Commercial
My name is Andrew Simon, Lucy Nichols gave me your name. I am graduating this June with a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Calgary. I have editorial experience with the U of C student newspaper and as a member of the peer review committee for the journal The Chemical Educator. I have a flair for language, an eye for detail and am passionate about science communication. I am interested in meeting to discuss employment opportunities with your editorial team.
30 Second Commercial Draft
Elements– Introduction– Education– Experience– Skills– Characteristics– Reason for
Communication
Andrew– Lucy gave name– PhD Chemistry– Newspaper/journal– Language, detail– Passion for science– Discuss employment
opportunities
Tips for the Road Ahead
Know yourself
Research your options
Target your job search
Get your résumé reviewed
Communicate effectively
Network
Make direct contact
Build relationships
Closing Thoughts
A story to share
Questions?
Thank you– kscharna@ucalgary.ca