If you’ve been following this series, by now you should have a very good idea of what kind of job you want and also have a solid network of people you can turn to for advice and job leads (see Natural Selections, issues 11 and 14). The first thing you need to do is to identify prospective employers within the actual activities and industries that interest you. You should be trying to answer the question: “Which organizations or companies will be most likely to be able to use the skills that I most enjoy using?” You can consult directories, databases, and other resources; most of these can be found in a library. You should certainly consult the people in your network that you are comfortable with about this matter.

A major reason for having a good network is that people tend to hire “known entities,” i.e. people that they know directly or know of through a friend, colleague, or acquaintance. There are cases where someone sees a job posting in a journal or newspaper and successfully applies for it, and by all means use this route, but keep in mind that “it’s who you know” as much as “what you do” that will help you be one of the first candidates that potential employers think of.

At this point, you should also be preparing documents that are essential to the job search, which are your cover letter, résumé, and curriculum vitae (CV). The cover letter introduces the employer to you, briefly describes what you are applying for, and highlights your relevant skill set. Be aware that a résumé is different from a CV; a business résumé is usually a summary of your skills and experience (average length is 1-1.5 pages), while a CV is a multi-page list of everything you have done, from publications to presentations. There are many guidebooks on how to write these important components—consult them but don’t copy them ad verbatim. It is important that your unique personality comes across while remaining professional. Ask someone in your network that is experienced to review and proofread these materials critically; that input is very valuable and should be taken seriously.

In the meantime, you need to let people know that you are looking for a job, but be charming and not pushy about it. First of all, tap into your network of contacts (see how important they are?). Tell them that you are seriously considering a job in profession X (e.g. postdoctoral fellow, assistant professor, financial analyst, etc.) and that you’ve researched this employer and that one. While your contacts may not know of anything right there and then, the point is to get them to think of you when they do hear of any openings, especially the ones that aren’t posted yet (or never will be). Give them a copy of your résumé that they can share with people they know. If someone offers you a chance to volunteer as an intern, it will likely be in your best interest to accept that offer despite the lack of pay, especially if you are transitioning into a totally different field. Second, look at job postings at the websites of the companies/organizations you are interested in and the websites of professional associations. You may want to consider joining such professional societies because they often have networkers and career fairs for members at their meetings. Another alternative is to use online services such as Monster (www.monster.com), but nothing beats a personal connection.

Eventually, you should learn of a position opening that you feel is a good match for you, and thus you will want to apply for it. Update your résumé and customize it so that it is relevant to the position. You may have a standard cover letter, but be sure to personalize it to avoid embarrassing errors that will prevent you from being considered. You may have your contact send in your materials, or you can send them yourself while referring to your contact in your cover letter or e-mail. It is not uncommon to follow up 10-14 days after submitting your cover letter and résumé, but don’t pester your potential employer with a daily phone call or e-mail. Being a nuisance never got anyone an interview, much less a job!

The next step is to prepare for the actual job interview, should you be invited to come in for one. Once again, ask your contacts about the general culture of the office/laboratory/institution/organization. You want to project the image that you will fit in readily, so it is important that you have a good idea of what it’s like there. You don’t want to be overdressed or underdressed, and be careful with color and accessories (i.e. nothing loud, too shiny, or revealing). Make sure that everything fits well whether you’re standing up or sitting down (see Editor’s tip, sidebar). Now you have to fulfill the image you’re projecting—you should be familiar with the place of employment and the position you’re applying for. Have a mental list of questions that you want to ask; hopefully most of them will be answered during the interview. If not, don’t forget to ask them. The interview is as much about you learning about them as it is about them learning about you!

After the interview, it is considered courteous to send a thank-you letter a day or two later. Most employers will tell you when you can expect to hear back from them. If you haven’t heard anything after that time period, it is not unreasonable to follow up with a polite phone call. If you get the job, congratulations! If you have interviewed at other places, it is good form to let them know that you have accepted a job elsewhere so that they can consider other candidates. If you don’t get the job, don’t lose heart—keep an eye out for future opportunities and keep networking!

Recommended guidebooks:

The Perfect Resume: Today’s Ultimate Job Search Tool by Tom Jackson

Put Your Science to Work: The Take-Charge Career Guide for Scientists by Peter Fiske and Aaron Louie

Editor’s tip: If you need a suit but don’t have a lot of money to spend, visit a high-quality consignment shop, such as Designer Resale (they have a women’s and men’s store) on East 81st Street between First and Second Avenues. It’s a good place to go, especially if this is your first suit! The clothes there are in great condition and are all major labels, such as Armani, Tahari, Ralph Lauren, etc. The salespeople are wonderful—they can quickly assess the fit of the suit and whether reasonable alterations can help or if it’s a waste of money. Plus they’ll teach you about how to wear the suit and even coordinate a shirt and tie if you ask. They will even call in an affordable tailor nearby to do the alterations if you don’t know one.

Related Articles:

• Career Planning & Development Part II: Exploration of Different Career Options
• Preparing Women and Minorities for the Private Sector
• No Ph.D. Left Behind
• SRC News: Put Your Two Cents In
• Leaving the Ivory Tower
• Postdoc Perspective: Taking the “Alternative” out of Alternative Careers in Science