Explain your technical skills, but don’t be limited by them.
Initially, in your conversation with a recruiter, they will be judging your interpersonal skills.
But, once the recruiter is happy and impressed with your “personal skills” you can talk about your specific technical expertise (note that your technical skills come only after your personal skills).
The recruiter may not have a technical background.
So, by explaining what your expertise is, and what it is relevant to, the recruiter can provide even more assistance.
They may even help you to further fine-tune your resume to the job opening they are recommending.
They know what skills the employer is looking for.
So, if you demonstrate that you have great interpersonal skills initially, a recruiter is more likely to help you align your skills with what the employer is looking for.
This helps your resume to stand out even more.
Take phone screens seriously.
It may seem like an annoying formality, but phone screens are very important.
This is where you make your first impression.
It is also how a recruiter will decide what positions, if any, are a good fit for you.
By taking the first phone call with a recruiter seriously, you will be directed to the job opening at the company that you most are suited for.
Always be open in this initial conversation with recruiters.
Don’t be too focused on one certain position.
Recruiters will have many positions that they are trying to fill and this conversation gives them a chance to see where you will fit.
Also, even if there are not any openings for you at a specific time, keep that relationship open.
The recruiter may have a position available at a later date that is good for you.
Network, network, and network.
I cannot stress the importance of networking enough.
A friend referred me to the recruiter who was ultimately responsible for getting me hired.
Initially, I met this friend through online networking.
We had known each other for almost a year, and I made an attempt to meet him in person when I was in his area for a conference.
The in-person meeting makes a huge impact on someone’s opinion of you.
This in-person meeting boosted the rapport I had with this person enough for them to feel comfortable referring me for the position.
What types of experience are important to highlight in your resume and interview?
Eleanor Zoe Kincaid
The Regional and National managers for the Cytek Applications team have all been filled by former Cytek Technical Applications Specialists. The resume for a strong Technical Applications Specialist should include experience with the specific technology. SCYM Certification, ISAC membership, and having attended the Annual Course in Flow Cytometry all indicate interest and knowledge in the field. A strong interviewee is excited by problem solving, and gives a good technical seminar (both in terms of content and in terms of public speaking).
Andrew Mancini
Outside of traditional lab skills, we typically look for individuals with substantial experience in presenting, networking, and other forms of scientific communication. The ability to clearly and concisely convey your points to a varied audience is critical in my role and something that many bench scientists may lack when coming directly from academia.
Mayra B. Pastore
Communication!! Everything we do as scientists to prepare for an oral presentation at school, seminars, and local/national/international conferences is one of the most important experiences that need to be highlighted. Relationship building with key experts in your field or collaborations you were able to participate in and what outcomes came out of that teamwork are also important.