Needless to say, to those of you who set out looking for available biotechnology jobs, you are still going to face some stiff competition. Having said this, you are going to have to make yourself stand out from amongst the rest of the searchers. Assuming you have kept your course grades up, the rest of your odds for landing a job in biotechnology on several aspects. One of these aspects is mistakes you want to avoid when searching for biotechnology jobs.
Mistake 1—Failing to do your research
It's important that you do your research on a company before you make initial contact. No doubt you have several places in mind that you would like to approach for a job. It will certainly make you more impressive if you have a good idea of what that company actually does. That doesn't mean you should go in there and spout off the facts, figures, and history of the place you are at. This would make it look like you researched only to impress them and don't really care about the company itself.
Rather, you should know how long the company has been in business and the major functions of it. It may be within your area of expertise but not a specific category that you want to get involved in. Also you should try and find out company's immediate future plans. Are they planning on expanding or are perhaps thinking of moving? You may not be able to find out all this information, but get as much of it as you can. There is no harm in asking questions at the interview as well. With this knowledge you will be much more comfortable in your interview, and will come across more assured. You will also make sure to not waste either your time or the interviewer's.
Don't forget to find out when you are first putting in your resume, to whom your cover letter goes, and the company policy on contacting applicants.
Mistake 2—Poor resume presentation
It doesn't matter if you are a fresh graduate looking for your first biotechnology job or you are changing companies: you must present yourself well. If you approach a company with inferior recommendations, then you are going to have a problem. No employer will hire an individual who doesn't present himself well. The very first presentation that you make to a company is your resume. This powerful piece of paper is all about you. Don't wait until your interview to try and promote yourself or you may never get a chance to. You may have gotten excellent grades in your classes and been a stellar student, but if your resume does not reflect a professional demeanor, you may not even make it to the first interview. A resume is a great first step, but a portfolio is even more valuable to bring to the interview with you.
Mistake 3—Underselling yourself
You have worked very hard to graduate. When you are seeking out biotechnology jobs, don't waste all the hard work you have put forth. Don't get desperate and start looking for just any job. You have chosen a career for yourself, so search for an appropriate position. Don't undersell yourself.
Mistake 4—Losing motivation
Looking for biotechnology jobs, or any job for that matter, can be intimidating. It can shake your confidence in yourself. Don't allow yourself to become laid-back in pursuing what you want. Keep yourself motivated and you will come across as motivated at your interviews.
Mistake 5—Personal appearance
Not preparing yourself for your interview will lead to disappointment. If you go in their looking or smelling like you have partied all night, or are dressed casually, then you are not giving the potential employer a positive outlook on yourself. Take the time to look nice and put your best self forward.
Mistake 6—Lying on your resume
It will take no time at all for a prospective employee to figure out that you are presenting facts about yourself that are not true. Be proud of what you have accomplished, but don't stretch the truth.
Mistake 7—Bad attitude
Your attitude reflects how you will react with your co-workers. Team work is very important. If you have a poor attitude at your interview, the employer shudders to think of what you will be like with co-workers.
Mistake 8—Showing no interest
Don't leave it entirely up to the employer to call you. Follow through with what you started. You went after a job, you aced an interview, now put some closure to it. Either they are interested in you or they are not. You also must show that you are interested in them. Call the prospective employer after a reasonable amount of time; this will show that you are proactive and confident.
Mistake 9—Desperation
Secretaries talk to their bosses. So if you call every day, the desperation may show through. Be confident, but not overbearing.
Mistake 10—Settling
Know for sure that this is definitely the type of work you want. Don't take a job that you won't be happy in. In the long run it would be a big mistake.
