The George and Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory Department of Chemistry How To Get A Job...

The George and Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory Department of Chemistry

How To Get A Job

Tips From The Experiences Of

Garrett W. Oakley

Department of Chemistry

University of Florida

May 19, 2005


Disclaimer

• Many of these point are my opinions that I have formed from my personal experiences

• You do not have to follow all these techniques to be successful, but I believe the more you do, the better off you will be

• Even if all techniques are consistently followed, it still may take 6-8 months to get a good offer – Be patient!


Methods Of Attack


Attack The Job Search From Multiple Angles

• Networking

• Mass mailing/emailing

• Using the UF CRC as a resource– On-campus career fairs

– Company information sessions

• Appling online (Mainly use internet as a search tool)


Networking, Networking, Networking

• Everyone you know is a network contact!– Former group members/Polymer floor members

– Company employees you meet at career fairs and information sessions

– Anyone interviewing you

– Gator Club presidents

– Your friends and family

– Your doctor, dentist, hairdresser, etc.

• It is up to you to maximize your time by prioritizing the people you talk with


What Is Networking?

• You are NOT asking your contact for a job

• You are asking them for “advice”

• Your contacts may even be flattered that you are seeking their thoughts

• Ask them if they know of any opportunities:– Their company, other companies, people you should contact,

advice on the job search, etc.


Networking Call Suggestions:

• Have a goal (and a backup goal)– Ex) Set up a time to talk, send a resume, make a contact within the

company, etc.

• If it is during the work day, they are busy– Always ask if now is a good time to talk– Don’t reminisce

• If the contact is not giving you much, ask them question about themselves and the company

• Always thank them for their time and advice


Follow Up Or You Will Be Ignored

• You have to actively follow up with each opportunity– Industry is slow at getting back to you, sometimes they do not

even respond

• Be active, but do not be pushy about things; do not become a pest

• Each time you contact someone, choose a date (2-3 weeks away) as to next time you want to follow up with someone (if you do not hear from them) and put it on your calendar/organizational tool to remind you


Postal Mail vs Email

Postal Mail

• Advantages– Have something tangible

– Can use quality paper

– Some people prefer it

– You can show extra effort***

• Disadvantages– Some consider it outdated

– People do not know what to do with a paper copy

– It’s slow

– Need an address

Email

• Advantages– Preferred by most people

– Easy to forward***

– It’s fast***

– Easy to print

– Do not need an address

• Disadvantages– Email is easily overlooked (or

easily deleted)

– They have to print

Message: Use Both!


Treat Each Email Like It Is A Profession Letter

• Put a heading at the top with the person’s name, title, and company– Date is optional (it is email), but I think it make is look more

professional

• No typos or errors– If you are unsure, check it– Read everything over carefully

• Have a nice signature with your contact info at the bottom of the email


UF Career Resource Center: A Valuable Resource

• The CRC is located on first floor of the Reitz Union

• Their job is to help you find a job!

• Use their resources– Attend workshops

– Resume/cover letter critiques

– Career fairs

– Info Sessions

– On-campus interviews


Campus Career Fairs

• Have a “one-minute commercial” to sell yourself

• Plan out what companies you want to see and research them beforehand

• Get your bearing once you are there – Do not start out with the companies that are most important to you

• Very useful for making contacts


Company Info Sessions

• This is a wonderful place to make network contacts and learn what the company is looking for

• The same people are often holding on-campus interviews the next day– Bring copies of your resume

• Go with goals– Getting an on-campus interview (if you do not already have one)

– Making network contacts


Applying Online Is Futile (But Necessary)

• Most companies require that you complete this step (sometimes twice)

• When you are talking to a potential employer (especially at career fairs), you are typically asked if you have already applied online… It is nice to be able to say, “Yes”

• Realize, however, that it is not a fruitful use of your time

• You need to get your foot in the door another way


Getting Started


When Should You Start Looking?

• I suggest allowing 2-3 semesters of looking if you want to start work shortly after graduation

• Balance research and writing up with the job search

• Once you have defended, you are available to start in a few weeks notice – Use this to your advantage if you can


The Polymer Floor Rolodex

• This is a great place to start

• Sarah has it on a electronic file

• Not always up-to-date– Check addresses, titles, and company name at your discretion

• Be warned – Incorrect or outdated information can be perceived as lack of research (lack of interest)


Before Doing Anything, You Need:

1) A solid cover letter

2) A solid resume

• Seek several people’s advice on content:– Your adviser

– Group/Floor members

– CRC employees


The Cover Letter

• The purpose of the cover letter is to get the person to look at your resume

• Format is subjective, but I like:– Paragraph 1 – State your interest and your expertise

– Paragraph 2 – Sell yourself (most important part)• What make you stand out from everyone else?

– Paragraph 3 – Brief closing, restating interest


The Cover Letter

• If it is too long, they likely will not read it!– Be on the brief side

• Put someone’s name, address, and title on it– NOT Dear Sir/Madam or To Whom It May Concern

– Make sure it is correct and up-to-date

– Research and networking pays off!

– However, an incorrect name (spelled wrong or outdated company name) is worse than no name at all


The Resume

• The purpose of your resume is to get an interview

• Leave off the “Objective” (My opinion)– Unless you know exactly what type of job you want (in which case

are limiting yourself), this can only hurt you

• Put your strongest points on the first page– Your first page should be able to stand alone


The Resume

• No longer than two pages for PhD level– I used to have three pages, and I got feedback from several

companies that suggested a two-page version– If publications are too long, I suggest that for an optional third

page that you can offer to the company

• When applying online, text CV version can and should be longer– Create two versions, one to print and one to paste in online text

boxes


Screening Interviews

• The purpose of the screening interview is to get an onsite interview

• Usually on-campus or by phone

• Typically discuss your research

• Mostly behavioral interview questions

• Always have several questions ready to ask

• Get them to talk about themselves


Onsite Interviews

• The purpose of the onsite interview is get an offer

• These are longs days – It is difficult, but important to keep up your enthusiasm

• Make every interview count – Every has to like you

• You are being judge by people during the whole trip (even if there is a dinner)


Onsite Interviews

• You generally give a 30-50 minute presentation– This is where people form their technical opinion of you

– Your answering of the questions is (in my opinion) the most important part of the whole onsite interview

• You undergo a series of interviews (each company is a little different)

• Typically you see a mix of behavioral and technical questions


The Offer Game

• Companies are hesitant to give an offer unless you already have an offer – It helps to be able to say that you have one

• Only tell them the company name if it is recognizable – The more respected, the better

• When asked if you have an offer, do not just say, “No,” if you actually do not; say something like, “I have interviewing with a variety of companies across the country, and a few have expressed significant interest in my skill set”


The Offer Game

• Follow up every lead, even if you are not actually interested in the position – Being able to say you have an offer will make you more attractive (and confident)

• Explore venues like:– Small companies

– Postdocs (industrial and academic)

– Government positions

– U.S. Patent Office was mine


Do Not Make This Mistake

YOU DO NOT HAVE AN OFFER

UNTIL IT IS IN WRITING!!!!!!


The Offer Game

• Once you have an offer in writing, you have some leverage with the company and even other companies (finally)

• Let all the other companies you are still interested in know ASAP – They may become more interested in you

• Typically, once you receive one offer, you start receiving multiple offers – Use offers as leverage in negotiating salary


Negotiate Salary At Your Discretion

• Once you accept the offer, negotiations are over – This is you only chance

• Many people regret not negotiating salary before accepting

• All your raises are based on starting salary– An increase in starting salary of $2000-5000 can make a

difference of ~$250,000 in your career

• Take a class if possible – Mark Lyden from Boeing– 2/3 people do not negotiate; the other 1/3 is bad at it


Tips If You Do Negotiate Salary

• Have a script and a plan:– “We’re Close” – From Mark Lyden– “My ideal salary is (I.O.+$7000) with a range of (I.O.+$2000) to

(I.O.+$7000)”

• Never let the conversation go in a negative direction– Once they, say, “No,” immediately change the subject– Ask about the person’s view of the company, the area, benefits, etc.– Then come back after he/she is more comfortable with you

• If salary negotiations fail, you can try negotiating benefits, relocation, etc.


Preparing For Interviews


Research Always Helps

• Companies view research as interest in the company (and consequently lack of research as lack of interest)

• Know general knowledge about the company– Number of employees, revenue, place of headquarters, etc.

– Find out the traits that the company values (This is what they are looking for) – Generally found on the company website

– Find areas of the company that you are interested in

• Learn about the contact person’s background


The Company’s Values/Mission Statement

• These bits on the company webpage are gold to the job seeker

• You need to fill your interview conversation with examples of how you exhibit these qualities– Have one good example for each value on the website

• Each company is different; they value different skills in their employees depending on the company culture


Researching Someone’s Background

• Dig into their background to in attempt to answer question like:– What schools did they attend?

– If they did a PhD, who did they work for?

– What have they worked on?

– What has been their career path?

– What are their hobbies?

• Being knowledgeable about your contact person’s history works magic!


Researching Someone’s Background

• SciFinder searches– Publications – usually say what schools they attended

• Google searches– Sometimes very fruitful/Sometimes not so much

– See if their former research group(s) has an alumni page

• Look to be able to ask intelligent questions about their background– It will show your interest in the company by being interested in them


Types Of Question

• Technical questions– Mostly about your research

• Behavioral questions– Specific situations

• Classic questions– Your background, strengths, etc.


What Is A Behavioral Interview Question?

• These questions are asked to get you to be specific about experiences you have had

• They ask on the reasoning that your past behavior will be similar to your future behavior

• Then they judge you on whether or not your past behavior will be a good fit with their company culture


Some Examples Behavioral Interview Questions

• Give me an example of a time when you were on a team and someone was not pulling their weight?

• Give me an example of a time when you exhibited leadership skills?

• Give me an example of a time when a project you were working on failed?


Answers Behavioral Interview QuestionsWith The STAR Technique

• S – Situation – Background information

• T – Task – What needed to be done?

• A – Action taken – What action did you take?

• R – Result – What was the result?

• Your answers should take approximately two minutes (no longer than five minutes)


You Cannot Prepare For All Possible Question

• You must be able to think on the spot; word choice is important

• It is alright to take a minute to think through your answer

• Do not just say the first thing that comes to your mind; think about why they are asking the question and does your behavior in the answer fit into the company culture

• The same situation can be described in two different ways, one perceived well, one not; the only difference is word choice


How To Prepare for Behavior Questions

• Find 8-10 “stories” from your past (more is even better) where you display the qualities that companies typically look for

• You will be able to pick and choose from your library depending on the questions asked

• You will find that many of your “stories” can be used to answer several different questions


You Will Need Situations That Cover The Topics:

• Conflict

• Leadership

• Teamwork

• Problem solving

• Disagreements with coworkers/boss

• Stress

• Persuasion

• Risk taking

• Contributing

• Being overwhelmingly busy

• Projects failing

• Proud achievements


Practice Your Answers

• Find websites with examples online (a google search on “behavioral interview questions” will produce several)

• Make sure you have a “story” that fits for all of them

• Practice out loud until you are comfortable telling them


Also Have Answers To These Classic Questions:

• What are your strengths?– Be able to rattle off 4-5 on a whim

• What is your interest in Company X?

• How did you decide on Florida/your undergraduate institute?

• What salary are you looking for?

• What are your hobbies?– Believe it or not, companies like well-rounded people


Take An Interest In Your Interviewer

• The best questions ask about their experiences:– What is your education background/work history?– Why did you come to the company?– Why do you stay at the company?– How have you progressed at the company?– What is your role in the group?– What is the most exciting project you have worked on here?

• People love to talk about themselves• You usually get good insight into what it is like to be an

employee and the type of people they hire – Think of it as a case study


Other Good Topics For Questions To Ask

• The boss’ management philosophy

• Your responsibilities• Your daily schedule• Measurement of success• Your top priorities in the

position• Biggest challenge the

group/company faces• Learning curve

• Important projects• Future of the company• Routes for advancement• Handling conflict• Fostering a team

environment• Retention at company• Things that separate this

company from others


My Favorite Last Question

I want to be successful if I come to work here…

What advice do you have for me?

• These people are already successful

• They are usually honest and talk from their own experiences

• I have gotten really good advice that I will surely use wherever I end up


Ending The Interview

• Always get business card/contact information

• Find out about the timeline – How long will it take to hear back from them?

• Thank them for their time and advice

• Enthusiastically express your interest – Leave on a positive note


In Preparing Your Onsite Interview Presentation

• KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE!!!!– Gauge the amount of background for what is appropriate to the

audience (A non-polymer chemist might not know what a step-growth polymer is)

– I suggest a slide on why your project is useful to the world – industry is application driven

• Show as much as can of your contributions

• If you worked on several projects, do not focus on one; show that you tried different things


When Asked Questions At The Presentation

• They will question/attack your work

• It is important to be perceived as composed when under fire – It a lot like the oral exam

• Treat the people asking questions with respect by acknowledging that they are asking a good question (even if they are not)– “I understand why you are asking that question because…”

– “You make a good point, but…”


Less Obvious Resources


Gator Club Presidents

• Great network contact if you are interested in a particular company in a particular area– Go to the Florida Alumni webpage http://www.ufalumni.ufl.edu/

– Click the link for Gator Clubs

– Lists each president by area

• The will help you make contacts with people in the area


Contacting Gator Club Presidents

• Tell them of your interest in the company and area

• Ask if there are any UF alumni at the company

• Explain that you would be interested in joining the local Gator Club chapter if you make the move

• It has been my experience that he/she uses their whole pool of networking contacts (both UF and non-UF people) to help you out


JobsByFax.com

• Use at your own discretion, but this can be a useful tool

• You choose parameters and this company faxes your resume and cover letter to hundred/thousands of companies

• Catches:– You do not know what companies they are sending it to until after

they are sent

– You aught to act like you were the one that faxed it when you receive a phone call


Books That Helped Me

• “The Perfect Interview: How to Get the Job You Really Want” – By John D. Drake– Outlines the basics of networking***– Helps you prepare for several of the harder questions

• “How To Win Friends and Influence People” – By Dale Carnegie– Learn general people skills that will help you in every aspect of

life


Websites That Helped Me

• Wagener Group Alumni Page“You never leave the group; you simply change locations.” -KBW

• Monster.com– My only online success story came from Monster

– Plus they have an extensive advice section

• Alan N. Daum and Asso., Inc webpage– http://www.adaum.com/index.html

– Career advice and Job search sections


Final Thoughts


Find Your Own Way To Be Organized

• You must know who and when you need to follow up with

• Suggestions:– Index cards of network contacts

– List of contacts on a spreadsheet with columns for last contact date and next planned contact date if you do not hear back from them

– A job diary – Helps to remind you when you talked with each contact


Patience Is A Virtue

• You WILL get a job!

• Things move slow

• The decision to hire or not hire comes down to some fairly bizarre and random things; don’t let it get you down– Ex) The way you answer a question; not your answer


Do Not Let Rejection Bother You

• You cannot lose your sense of self-worth!– Other companies will sense you don’t feel like your as good as

you really are if you are down on yourself

• You need tough skin

• Some people are lucky (Ed); others work 6-8 months to get a good offer (myself, John Sworen, Tim Hopkins, Carl Gaupp, Jim Pawlow, etc.)

• Be consistent – “Don’t give up!” -KBW


Learn From Your Mistakes

• It may be difficult to hear, but inquire as to why you were not hired after a rejection

• Just listen – Never argue back

• Learn as much as you can about yourself and the way you are perceived

• It may make a difference in future interviews


Closing Remarks

• Please consider me a network contact

• I will happily offer you any help or advice I can in your job search

• I can email anyone a copy of this presentation, as well as copies of my resume, cover letters, networking emails, etc. (even after I leave)

• Do not be overwhelmed – This is doable


Summary

• Networking is key

• Take an interest in your interviewer

• Use all the resources at your disposal

• Be consistent in your approach


Acknowledgements

Dr. Wagener

Wagener Group/Polymer Floor Members:

Past & Present

Career Resource Center

Aforementioned Books and Websites


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