How To Get A Job

1. How To Get A Job Tips From The Experiences Of Garrett W. Oakley Department of Chemistry University of Florida May 19, 2005

2. 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!

3. Methods Of Attack

4. 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)

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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tangible Can use quality paper Some people prefer it You can show extra effort*** Disadvantages Some consider it outdated People do not know what to do with a paper copy It’s slow Need an address Email Advantages Preferred by most people Easy to forward*** It’s fast*** Easy to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!

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. Getting Started

16. 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

17. 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)

18. Before Doing Anything, You Need: • A solid cover letter • A solid resume • Seek several people’s advice on content: • Your adviser • Group/Floor members • CRC employees

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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)

25. 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

26. 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”

27. 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

28. Do Not Make This Mistake YOU DO NOT HAVE AN OFFER UNTIL IT IS IN WRITING!!!!!!

29. 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

30. 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

31. 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.

32. Preparing For Interviews

33. 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

34. 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

35. 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!

36. 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

37. Types Of Question • Technical questions • Mostly about your research • Behavioral questions • Specific situations • Classic questions • Your background, strengths, etc.

38. 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

39. 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?

40. 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)

41. 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

42. 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

43. 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

44. 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

45. 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

46. 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

47. 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

48. 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

49. 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

50. 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