Tailoring your resume and cover letter for industry

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Tailoring your resume and cover letter for industry David Smith May 1, 2008

Tailoring your resume and cover letter for industry David Smith May 1, 2008

What We Are • World’s Foremost Scientific/Clinical Research staffing company • Kelly Scientific Resources

What We Are • World’s Foremost Scientific/Clinical Research staffing company • Kelly Scientific Resources hires over 6, 000 scientists every year • Currently >100 staffed worldwide locations, including >20 vendor-on-premise operations • Operating on four continents, with on-going expansion

Just how many resumes do we see? • We have over 200 recruiters division

Just how many resumes do we see? • We have over 200 recruiters division wide that are interviewing over 130, 000 scientists a year. • Our recruiting data base now contains resumes for over 500, 000 scientists. • For each position we post, we can see as many as 200 applicants. • When reviewing resumes, recruiters spend about 20 seconds per resume looking for a skill set match.

Before you start writing… • Begin looking at job postings for positions you plan

Before you start writing… • Begin looking at job postings for positions you plan on applying for. • Find out what requirements are common. • Take time to understand how you meet the requirements. • Figure out who your target audience will be.

Protein Biochemist / Molecular Biologist • Job responsibilities: Accomplished scientist with strong experience in

Protein Biochemist / Molecular Biologist • Job responsibilities: Accomplished scientist with strong experience in protein biochemistry and molecular biology will work at the bench discovering and optimizing novel genes and proteins from microbial systems for use in transgenic plants to provide insect and/or nematode resistance. • Required skills and experience: M. S. in biochemistry or molecular biology with 3 years experience or B. S. in biochemistry or molecular biology with 5 years experience. Experience with protein expression systems and recombinant DNA technologies is required, including expertise in heterologous gene expression, optimization and protein purification. Experience with high throughput screening techniques and insect bioassays is preferred. Attention to detail, ability to work in a team environment and the ability to adapt to the atmosphere of a dynamic research organization are desirable. Excellent organizational, record-keeping, and computer skills are essential.

Resume Style • Functional – Focuses on basic areas of expertise. Best for applicants

Resume Style • Functional – Focuses on basic areas of expertise. Best for applicants whose previous work experience is in a different industry than what they seek. (not recommended!) • Chronological – Most common resume format. Organizes a list of your work experience and education, listing your most recent experience first. Best for new grads and candidates looking to continue in the same path as their previous experience. • Blend – Combines the best of both forms. Utilizes the summary format while still providing a work history. Works well for individuals with in the same industry looking to move to another field.

Contact Information • Should be at the top of the resume and set apart

Contact Information • Should be at the top of the resume and set apart from the body of the resume. • Include name, address, telephone number, and E-mail address. Use caution when listing a cell phone number. • DO NOT include more than one set of contact information unless absolutely necessary. • Refrain from using special fonts colors or italics.

Objective Statements • Make sure one is necessary. • Should describe the title, reference

Objective Statements • Make sure one is necessary. • Should describe the title, reference number*, or description of the position you are applying for. • The statement should be very short – one sentence is ideal. • Do not include salary information.

Summary • This section should focus on relating the experience you have to the

Summary • This section should focus on relating the experience you have to the requirements of the position you are applying for (i. e. those “required” and “must have” skills in a job description). • Use bullets • Should include no more than 7 points or bullets • This section can be particularly useful for people trying to change careers…

Education • Use reverse chronological order – your most recent degree first. • Your

Education • Use reverse chronological order – your most recent degree first. • Your high school should only be included if you have not completed any college course work. • Be sure to include… – College name and location. – Degree earned or anticipated – Date or expected date of graduation. • List your GPA if it is favorable – greater than a 3. 0 • If you are a newer graduate, this is the place to include relevant course work. • This section should be near the top for a new grad and toward the end of a more experienced candidate.

Work Experience • Each position listed should include… – Dates of employment (month AND

Work Experience • Each position listed should include… – Dates of employment (month AND year) – Company name and location – Title and job description • Be sure to include aspects of your previous jobs that relate well to the position and field you are applying for. • Use action words! • Use bullets – NO LONG PARAGRAPHS!!

Action Words • Achieved • Gathered • Analyzed • Implemented • Awarded • Improved

Action Words • Achieved • Gathered • Analyzed • Implemented • Awarded • Improved • Conceived • Increased • Conducted • Pioneered • Decreased • Produced • Executed • Started • Founded • Wrote

Awards, Honors, and Professional Affiliations • Be sure to include the date, awarding institution

Awards, Honors, and Professional Affiliations • Be sure to include the date, awarding institution or body, and the criteria for selection. • Make sure you are able to relate them to the position or field you are applying for. • List professional organizations, and be sure to include… – Membership dates – Chapter affiliations (local, subsections, “special” memberships) – Service – committees, events, positions held, and/or other ways you have contributed.

References • Stick to professional references • Include a minimum of 3 – 5

References • Stick to professional references • Include a minimum of 3 – 5 is better… • Make you know they will speak well of you! • Include CURRENT name, title, mailing address, phone number, AND email address. • Make sure they know company representatives will be contacting them.

Publications • Follow the publication protocol for your particular discipline. • List publications in

Publications • Follow the publication protocol for your particular discipline. • List publications in reverse chronological order. • Publications can be a separate attachment – similar to resumes. • Should be listed last.

Internet Posting • Watch out for too much formatting! • DO NOT USE CRAZY

Internet Posting • Watch out for too much formatting! • DO NOT USE CRAZY FONTS!! • Keywords are everything!! • Remember your audience! • Follow directions! • Once you post your resume, it will be out there for a long time…

Job Boards • ISPE. com • NCBioscience. org • Career. Builder. com • Kelly.

Job Boards • ISPE. com • NCBioscience. org • Career. Builder. com • Kelly. Scientific. com • Hire. Health. com • Adsumo. com • Hotjobs. com • ihirebiotechnology. com • Monster. com • Indeed. com • Med. Zilla. com • NCACE. org

What should you accomplish in your cover letter? • Convince them to get to

What should you accomplish in your cover letter? • Convince them to get to know you – Good communication skills are highly desired by most employers. Let them shine! • The cover letter will serve as a writing sample – Be sure that it is well written and compelling. Use spell check! • Explain why you are sending a resume - Are you looking for an internship, a full-time position, or something else? • Let them know how you learned about the position or the organization – Yes, it is ok to mention that you were referred. Did you see a job on the net? If so, where?

What should you accomplish in your cover letter? (continued) • Highlight Key Experience -

What should you accomplish in your cover letter? (continued) • Highlight Key Experience - Show you match the key skills they are looking for. Be specific! • Show your personality – Let your personality, passion, enthusiasm, and communication skills come out in the language you use. • Follow Directions – Some employers request that you provide or refer to specific information in your cover letter. Some might ask for salary requirements or availability date. • Let them know you will follow up – Be specific about how you will reach out to them. Make sure you follow through!!!

Miscellaneous • Write your resume yourself! • Credibility is everything – don’t stretch the

Miscellaneous • Write your resume yourself! • Credibility is everything – don’t stretch the truth. • One resume does not fit all! • Get other people’s opinion. • Do not put anything on your resume that you can not explain.

Contact information David G. Smith Area Manager – North and South Carolina 1 Copley

Contact information David G. Smith Area Manager – North and South Carolina 1 Copley Parkway, Suite 302 Morrisville, NC 27560 Phone: 919 -467 -1752 Fax: 919 -481 -2835 Email: smithdg@kellyservices. com Website: www. kellyscientific. com