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