1. Beyond the Bench; Jobs and How to Get Them Part II © Keith Scharnau, KAS Consulting March 26, 2008

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. Exploration What’s out there Researching employers How to use the information Testimonials

6. What’s Out There? Researching Employers –Target your search Target Priority Companies –A list – top 20% –B list – second 40%

7. 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?

8. Researching Employers Finding what you are looking for –Skills Discussions in previous sessions, BioTalent Career Focus Program, posting analysisDiscussions in previous sessions BioTalent Career Focus Program –Values Website, current/past employees –Importance Factors Job profile, current/past employees, Human Resources, 50 Best Employers in Canada50 Best Employers in Canada

9. What Companies are Looking For Source: BioTalent Career Focus ProgramBioTalent 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 –T echnical and theoretical knowledge –Flexibility –Listening and communications skills –Perseverance, objective driven –Realistic expectations

10. Researching Employers Finding what you are looking for –Skills Discussions in previous sessions, BioTalent Career Focus Program, posting analysisDiscussions in previous sessions BioTalent Career Focus Program –Values Website, current/past employees –Importance Factors Job profile, current/past employees, Human Resources, 50 Best Employers in Canada50 Best Employers in Canada

11. 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?

12. 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?

13. 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

14. Where to Research Employers Biotechnology (continued) –Government BioTalent BioPortal Canada –SEDAR Company ProfilesSEDAR Company Profiles –Report on Business Top 1000Report on Business Top 1000 Alberta –Alberta First Business DirectoryAlberta First Business Directory Calgary –Major Calgary CompaniesMajor Calgary Companies

15. 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

16. 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?

17. 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 http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/career_development/previous_issues/articles/2008_02_15/caredit_a0800024 Cast a broad net Take full responsibility for being found Don ’ t judge a job too early Let your new employer observe you learning something Show, don ’ t tell Try to help those who don ’ t hire you Sometimes, you are the best candidate, but won ’ t get the job Treat employers like people, not companies

18. 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?

19. 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

20. 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

21. Reality Check - Vital Statistics Source: Job Search Guide http://www.beloit.edu/~facs/pdfs/Job_Search_Guide.pdfhttp://www.beloit.edu/~facs/pdfs/Job_Search_Guide.pdf 6 month average job search; 6-7 interviews=1 offer The 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

22. 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?

23. 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.

24. 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

25. 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

26. Closing Thoughts A story to share

27. Questions? Thank you –kscharna@ucalgary.ca