Chemistry Careers Tips
Read these 9 Chemistry Careers Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Clinical Jobs tips and hundreds of other topics.
Chemistry Interviews: 5 Full-Proof Preparation Strategies
After applying to dozens of jobs, all of your hard work has finally paid off. And now, it's time for the big interview. This is both exciting and stressful, but preparation can get you a step closer to landing chemist employment. Read on to learn about five full-proof strategies to land chemist jobs.
1. Rehearse your interview responses
2. Research the company's needs from a chemist
3. Secure top-notch recommendations from: previous employers, professors and well respected chemists
4. Create a 20-second sales pitch which addresses to question “why are you right for the job?”
5. Compile a well researched list of questions to ask the employer
Also, make sure to partner with a staffing firm when looking for chemist employment. Choose a company that specializes in chemist jobs, like Delta Pharma. They can make the interview process much easier, by providing you detailed information about the employer.
Top 10 Chemistry Programs in the Nation
Whether you're tackling a bachelor's degree or Ph.D., choosing a chemistry program is an essential step on the road to a chemistry career. These programs will provide you with hands on experience and knowledge to prepare you for careers in a variety of careers, including: pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device. Fortunately, U.S. News has ranked chemistry programs across the nation. Here's the top 10 programs:
1. California Institute of Technology, Pasadena , CA
2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
3. Stanford University, Stanford, CA
4. Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
5. Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA
6. University of Illinois, Urbana, IL
7. University of Wisconsin, Madison WI
8. Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
9. Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
10. Columbia University , New York , NY
Once you've graduated, consider partnering with a staffing firm that specializes in chemistry jobs. Companies like Delta Pharma already have relationships established with employers, making it easier to land chemist job opportunities.
Dos and Don'ts of Chemistry Resumes
If you've applied to dozens of jobs without any response, it's time to give your resume a facelift. Following a few simple tips can help catch the reader's attention and land you chemist employment sooner. Read on to learn the do's and don'ts of chemistry job resumes.
Do use a resume style that is unique. This will make your resume stand out and catch the recruiter's attention.
Don't use the saying “duties include…” This generic language will lose the reader's attention, and doesn't focus enough on proven results.
Do use bullet points on your chemist resume. They make it easier to read and appear more organized.
Don't forget to have 1-2 people proofread your resume. Even if you've read your resume dozens of times, a fresh set of eyes can catch new errors.
Do include the most important information in the first couple of paragraphs of your resume. This will keep the reader engaged, and sell your qualifications right away.
Chemist Jobs: Tips for Increasing your Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, chemists can expect to earn $35,000-$118,000 annually. Since the salary range is large, it's worth evaluating your compensation package occasionally. Here are a few tips for increasing your chemist salary.
Make a list of contributions. If you're planning on approaching your current employer, put together a proposal. It should include current market wages, your contributions to the company, and a recommendation for salary increase.
Have a back-up plan. If your supervisor can't increase your salary, discuss a time when things can be re-evaluated. Then, determine if you're willing to continue working at the same salary range, or look for other chemistry jobs.
Talk with a staffing firm. When choosing a firm, select a company who specializes in chemist employment, like Delta Pharma. These companies can help you find employers that meet your career and income goals.
The Benefits of Joining Professional Chemistry Organizations
When looking for chemistry jobs, it's worthwhile to check into professional organizations. These organizations charge a membership fee, which gives you access to extensive job databases and continuing education opportunities. Read on to learn more about popular chemistry professional organizations.
The American Chemical Society. This chemistry society has been around since 1876, and is the world's largest scientific society. This is a great career and networking resource for those interested in chemist employment.
American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC). This organization is geared towards research scientists and those involved in chemistry laboratories. Joining this organization will give you access to job resources and continuing education opportunities.
The Royal Society of Chemistry. This organization compiles resources from dozens of chemistry societies, providing access to many job resources.
Chemistry Employment: Top Reasons to get a Doctoral Degree
Many chemistry professionals wonder about the benefits of earning a doctoral degree in chemistry. Although this degree isn't required for many chemistry positions, it can provide many benefits, like higher wages and opportunities for promotion. Read on to learn top reasons for earning a doctoral degree in chemistry.
Higher earning potential. Although there aren't any guarantees, having a doctoral degree when applying for chemistry jobs can earn you a higher wage. And for some chemist positions, employers require it.
More career opportunities. While a Master's degree can provide many career opportunities, a doctoral degree provides an opportunity to go into management in industries such as: Pharmaceuticals, Biotech and medical device.
Easier access to education. A misconception about getting a Ph.D. is that you must have a Master's degree before applying. However, there are many schools that will accept a bachelor's degree in chemistry, along with relevant work experience.
Chemistry Employment: Job Interview Sales Skills
If you've ever given a presentation without practicing, you learn quickly, it comes across disorganized, disjointed and unimpressive. Interviewing for chemistry jobs is the same way, practicing is critical to success. Read on to learn how to use sales skills in your chemistry job interview.
Practice before attending your chemistry interview. If you ask any successful sales person, they'll tell you, it takes practice to experience positive results. Prepare for your interview by researching the company and practicing your responses to common interview questions.
Tell stories during your interview. When interviewing for chemistry jobs, use examples to demonstrate your proven industry experience. This will allow you to be more memorable to the employer.
Close the hiring manager. When the interview is coming to a close, make sure to ask about the next step in the process. Express your interest in the job again, and try to secure a second interview.
Chemist Employment: 5 Reasons you haven't gotten a Call Back
After attending your third interview in two weeks, the recruiter doesn't call, leaving you to wonder “what went wrong?” If you're consistently having this challenge, it might be worthwhile to evaluate your interview patterns. Read on to learn common reasons why chemistry job candidates don't get a second call.
You arrived late to the interview. Even if the employer says “don't worry,” arriving late can cost you the job. Always scope out the interview location before the big day, and make sure to check the traffic report.
Too much talking. Recruiters consistently site too much talking as a top reason why candidates don't get another call. Before answering questions, take a few seconds to formulate your answer. This will make responses much more concise.
Didn't focus enough on skills that fit the job. When applying for chemist employment, make sure to ask for a position description before your interview. This will allow you to brainstorm what experiences relate closely to the job.
Advancement Opportunities for Chemistry Professionals
When looking for chemist employment, there are many different opportunities for advancement. From taking on additional responsibilities, to becoming a supervisor, identifying which opportunities are of interest will help shape your job search. Here are a few different areas to consider.
Moving to larger companies. As a chemist, managing larger projects provides an opportunity for advancement. If you're interested in these opportunities, consider partnering with a staffing firm like Delta Pharma. Since staffing firms already have relationships established with employers, it makes finding opportunities for advancement much easier.
Research strategy positions. Another opportunity for advancement is working for pharmaceutical, biotech or medical device companies, working heavily on strategy and new product ideas.
Product development management. Chemists also have opportunities in product development management for biotech and pharmaceutical firms. If this area is of interest, talk with your current supervisor about taking on these roles in the future.
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| Joe Wallace |
