Transcript No Slide Title

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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
•
Conceived
•
Increased
•
Conducted
•
Pioneered
•
Decreased
•
Produced
•
Executed
•
Started
•
Founded
•
Wrote
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 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 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 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
• CareerBuilder.com
• KellyScientific.com
• HireHealth.com
• Adsumo.com
• Hotjobs.com
• ihirebiotechnology.com
• Monster.com
• Indeed.com
• MedZilla.com
• NCACE.org
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 - Show how 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 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 Parkway, Suite 302
Morrisville, NC 27560
Phone: 919-467-1752
Fax: 919-481-2835
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.kellyscientific.com