Careers Advice | CK Science

Posts Tagged ‘careers advice’

WARNING: Avoid Stretching the Truth on Your CV

Tuesday, May 4th, 2010

To improve your chances of landing that great science job, you simply need to highlight your real skills and abilities; you definitely don’t need to bend the truth!

You can get yourself into real trouble if you make the decision to stretch the truth on your CV, in fact; recently an NHS worker was jailed for doing just that.

Here are a few tips to help you ensure your CV is up to scratch:

Write your CV with a specific audience in mind.
Open your CV with a short but sweet profile of yourself. Make sure you honestly highlight your skills and experience in relation to the science job you are applying fo.
Have more than one CV. No science job is the same, so make sure you tailor your CV to each job in science that your apply for.
Send your CV out with a cover letter. In this letter, clearly flag up for key competencies and experiences, making it obvious to the scientific recruiter or company that you are the best person for the job.
Keep your CV focused and relevant. Ideally stick to covering your last five years of experience within the scientific industry. If you have gaps in your career history, make sure you explain this without embellishing the truth.
If you claim to be a team player or a good communicator for example, back it up with a solid example.
Work lots of keywords into your CV. With so much recruiting done electronically these days by highlighting your job titles, skills, experience and qualifications, this will increase your chances of getting found.

Looking for a new job in science? Click here to search our current scientific job vacancies.

Found this careers advice useful? Please see below for more help and advice for jobseekers in the scientific industry from CK Science:

Tags: careers advice, cv advice, cv writing tips, lying on your cv, science jobs, science recruitment, scientific jobs, scientific recruitment
Posted in General, News | No Comments »

6 Ways to Help You Build a Rapport at Your Scientific Job Interview

Tuesday, April 27th, 2010

No matter what science job it is that you are interviewing for, you will always have a better shot at getting it if you develop a good rapport with your interviewer. By connecting with the interviewer on a more personal level, you are ultimately more likely to land yourself that great job in science.

Here are a few helpful hints to help you to build a rapport during your interview:

1. Show a genuine interest in the interviewer:

- Smile when you first meet your interviewer

- Establish and maintain eye contact throughout your interview

- Be the first to say hello

- Use your interviewers name

- Try to do more listening than talking

2. Subtly mirror the interviewers …

- Tone of voice

- Body language – wait 10 seconds and then shift your body to the same position as the interviewer

- Speech patterns – does the interviewer like to talk about things in detail or do they prefer to look at the bigger picture? You do the same.

- Head nods – when they nod their head, nod yours. This is a signal of agreement.

3. Repeat what the interviewer says:

- After they have spoken, provide a brief synopsis of what they have said. This shows that you are listening and that you agree with what they’re saying.

4. Asking questions:

- Without interrupting, make sure you ask questions. This will show you the interviewer that you are taking a real interest in what they are saying and in the scientific company.

5. Dress smartly:

- In order to build a rapport you need to present yourself in the best possible way.

6. Thank them for their time

- Follow up with an email or a letter to thank them and let them know you appreciate them taking the time to see you.

Found this advice useful? Please see below for other helpful resources designed to help jobseekers in the scientific industry:

Tags: careers advice, How to build a rapport at interview, how to build a rapport at your job interview, how to build a rapport with your interviewer, jobs in science, science jobs, scientific recruitment, uk
Posted in General, News | No Comments »

6 Top Tips for Successful Job Networking

Tuesday, April 6th, 2010

Networking can be one of the most effective ways of landing your next job within the scientific industry. However, networking events and conferences can often be intimidating for jobseekers. Therefore, here are 6 helpful hints to help you out:

1. Show your passion for the scientific industry and company

To help you come across as passionate and knowledgeable as possible, it is a good idea to do your research about the industry and the companies working within it.

2. Show an interest in the person you are talking to

Stop focusing on yourself and concentrate on potential contacts within the scientific industry. Company representatives will always talk to you about themselves and the scientific company they work for. By asking questions and showing an interest in them, you will make a good impression and it is more likely you will be remembered.

3. Prepare an elevator speech

Jobseekers are often stumped as to what to say to company representatives exhibiting at networking events, and how to say it. To help you structure your introduction, it is a good idea to write a short speech that includes the following information:

Who you are
What you do
What type of job in science you are looking for

Practice your elevator speech in front of the mirror and in front of your friends and family before you go to the networking event.

4. Don’t ask for a job

Instead of directly asking for a job, it is better simply ask for advice. This way, people are more likely to be generous with their time.

5. Be organized

During the event, keep a record of all the people you have spoken to, their contact details and any job hunting advice or scientific industry insights they have given you.

6. Follow up

After you have met a contact within the scientific industry, make sure you follow up with an email or a telephone call, you could even add them as a contact on Linkedin. In your message, reiterate to the contact how much they have helped you and remember to thank them for any specific advice they have given you.

Tags: careers advice, careers networking, job, job hunting advice, job networking, Jobs, jobs in science, networking tips, scientific industry, scientific jobs, scientific recruitment, uk
Posted in General, News | No Comments »

10 Ways to Banish Interview Nerves

Monday, March 15th, 2010

1. Prepare!

- Type out potential interview questions and prepare answers for them.

- Use the STAR technique when answering questions. Describe the situation, then the task, then the actions and finally the results you attained. This will prevent you from answering interview questions vaguely, ensuring you get to the point.

- Create short stories outlining your main successes for each employer you have worked for. It is useful to use the format of (Problem-Analysis-Result, or Situation-Action-Response). These also make great bullet points on your résumé!

- One day before your interview, pack your bag with everything you might need – paper, pens, your CV, mints, a bottle of water etc.

- Prepare your outfit – dressing smartly will ultimately increase your confidence and help banish their nerves.

2. Role playing: Practice the night before an interview. Put on your interview clothes, sit in front of a mirror and run through the questions the interviewer is likely to ask you. This may sound silly, but it will really help cut down on your nerves.

3. Get a good night’s sleep! Feeling tired the next day will only make you feel more worried and less prepared – increasing your stress even more!

4. Have a good breakfast: It might be difficult to eat on a churning stomach, but food it good for the brain and will help you remain focused throughout the interview. Make sure you eat at least one hour before your interview to give your food enough time to digest.

5. Perhaps the interviewer will be nervous too? Consider the interview from your interviewer’s point of view: Undoubtedly they will feel the pressure to ensure that the interview flows well.

6. Give yourself a pep talk:

YOU are the most well-qualified, well-spoken, well-mannered, intelligent, personable and professional candidate the client will ever interview. No one is more qualified for this position than YOU!

7. Be honest: When you walk into the interview room, don’t be afraid to mention that you are feeling nervous. You will often find that once you have mentioned it, your nerves will fade.

8. Remember that you are also interviewing THEM. As the interviewer asks you questions, at the end of your answer, try to ask the interviewer a relevant question. All of a sudden, you and the interviewer are having a discussion, not a one-sided interview.

9. Arrive early: Aim to get to arrive 5-10 minutes before the interview is scheduled to start. Running late will only increase those stress levels.

10. Don’t be afraid to be nervous! Above all, don’t be afraid of being nervous. In a high stress situation, nerves will help you. They will essentially enable to you respond quickly to questions and will make you more aware of what’s going on around you.

Tags: analytical jobs, arrive early, banish interview nerves, calm interview nerves, careers advice, chemistry jobs, engineering recruitment, environmental, food science jobs, get a good nights sleep, good breakfast, honest, how to, how to calm interview nerves, Interview, interview anxiety, jobs in science, nerves are a good thing, oil and gas, pep talk, preparation, prepare, reduce interview stress, role playing, science recruitment, scientific jobs, scientific recruitment, waste
Posted in General, News | No Comments »

The Best CV Buzzwords

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

There are a number ‘feel good’ buzzwords or phrases that you should use on your CV or application to help make your CV or application form sparkle.

The following competencies and associated keywords may help you when putting together a CV or application form when applying for your next job in science:

Teamwork
Advised, co-operated, counselled, facilitated, guided, managed, negotiated, participated, presented, supervised
Problem-solving
Implemented, Improved, instigated, interpreted, initiated, inspired, introduced, investigated, account for, resolved, executed.
Taking the Initiative
Created, designed, developed, devised, directed, established, formulated, innovated, motivated, negotiated, organised, originated, lead, innovation, instigate.
Coping with routine
Conscientious, consistent, controlled, coped, dealt with, efficient, managed, performed, meticulous, participated.
Achievements
Accomplished, achieved, co-ordinated, created, developed, formulated, revitalised, recommended.

Do you have any ideas as to other buzzwords you think might help a CV or application form stand out from the crowd? Please leave your thoughts in the comments box below.

Tags: analytical jobs, application form, buzzwords, careers advice, chemistry jobs, competencies, cv, food science jobs, jobs in science, Oil and gas jobs, science jobs, scientific recruitment, scientist jobs, uk
Posted in General, News | No Comments »

25 Ways to Make a Great First Impression at Interview

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

First impressions are everything. Fact.

You can only make a good first impression once, so what is the best way to do it?

In order to find out, CK Science conducted a poll via Linkedin asking professionals, ‘In your opinion, what is the best way to make a great first impression at interview?’

Following our poll, we have compiled a list of the best 25 ways to make a good first impression at interview:

1. Do your homework on the company.

2. Smile.

3. Be genuine.

4. Speak slowly and clearly.

5. Be polite.

6. Be on time.

7. Know the name of your interviewer.

8. Review the job description.

9. Be attentive – retain eye contact and posture.

10. Don’t lie.

11. Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake.

12. Dress smartly.

13. Watch your body language.

14. Think twice before you open your mouth.

15. Listen.

16. Avoid Simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers.

17. Be comfortable with silence.

18. Wait to be shown where to sit.

19. Be positive.

20. Introduce yourself properly.

21. Be yourself.

22. Before the interview, check out the Linkedin profile of the interviewer.

23. Bring some examples of previous work, e.g. PowerPoint presentations, reports etc.

24. Ask questions.

25. At the end of the interview, thank the interviewer for their time.

If you have any other ideas or would like to share your opinions with readers, please feel free to leave your comments below, it would be great to hear from you.

Tags: 25 ways to make a great first impression at interview, analytical jobs, biology jobs, careers advice, chemistry jobs, engineering jobs, engineering recruitment, environmental science jobs, food science jobs, help with interview, how to make a good first impression at your interview, interview tips, linkedin, science jobs, scientific recruitment, uk
Posted in General, News | No Comments »

Coping with Redundancy within the Scientific Industry

Wednesday, December 9th, 2009

redundancy

In these difficult economic times, if you haven’t been a victim of redundancy yourself, it is more than likely that you will know someone who has. If you are unfortunate enough to be facing redundancy, it’s important not to take it personally. After all, it’s not you being made redundant, it’s the job. Bear in mind that, while the impacts of redundancy can be devastating, it can, at the same time, be a liberating experience and will not affect your employability within the scientific industry. Try to think of your redundancy as an opportunity for change.

So, how can you move on and get your next top science job? Here are a few tips:

1. Remember, it’s not what you know, it’s who you know: Stay connected with your work colleagues and client contacts – you never know when they might be able to help you further along the line.

2. Never give up: When you are made redundant, your confidence can take a real knock and the prospect of getting back into the science jobs market can be a daunting one. Although it may be easier said than done, it is important that you stay positive. Try to think of redundancy as an opportunity to make positive changes to your life. Even in today’s difficult job market there are still plenty of exciting opportunities in the scientific industry. You just need to get out there and find them! Here are some tips to improve your chances of finding your next big break:

- Update your CV: A great CV is the key to getting your next great science job. Both employers and recruiters within the scientific industry can receive hundreds of CVs for every science related vacancy they advertise, so it is important that your CV stands out from the rest. You should use your CV to showcase your strengths and to sell your scientific background to the reader, demonstrating that you are the right person for that particular science job. For more CV writing tips, click here.

- Get surfing: There are lots of online resources you can use to get your next job in science. Some great online job boards include Totaljobs and Access Science. In addition, you can quickly and easily search CK Science’s website for the latest job opportunities in the science industry. To search for CK Science’s latest science job opportunities, click here.

- Get social networking: When you have been made redundant, it is more important than ever that you use all the tools at your disposal to find your next job. One important new tool available to job hunters is social media. By using social media you can build your personal brand and enhance your professional reputation. Social media can also bring you closer to finding that perfect science job by helping you to establish a relationship with recruitment agencies and potential employers. For more tips on finding your next job using social media, click here.

- Explaining redundancy to your next employer: Redundancy is nothing to be ashamed of, so be honest and upfront with your next employer, whilst at the same time putting a positive spin on things and projecting into the future rather than dwelling on the past.

If you have recently been made redundant and are looking for a new job in science, please contact us, and we will be happy to help and advise in any way we can.

Tags: analytical, biology, biology jobs, Biotech, Biotechnology, biotechnology jobs, careers advice, chemistry, coping with redundancy, dealing with redundancy, job, Jobs, jobs in science, science, science jobs, scientific, scientific recruitment, uk
Posted in General, News | No Comments »

How to Prepare for an Interview for a Science Job

Tuesday, November 17th, 2009

Give yourself a pat on the back- you’ve got an interview for that perfect science job! You have obviously impressed your potential employer through your well-written CV and the next step is to bowl them over at interview.The key to success during a scientific interview is preparation. Through good preparation you are more likely to win over the interviewer and convince them that you are the best man or woman for the science job.

Below you will find some useful advice as to how best to prepare for an interview within the scientific industry:

- Research the Employer

By demonstrating to the interviewer that you are clued up about the company and what they do within the scientific arena, you are showing them that you mean business and are serious about getting this science job. Some great ways to research the company are as follows:

- Visit the company website

- Get hold of company brochures

- Read company press releases and news articles

- Research yourself

Many employers within the scientific industry will ask competency based questions during interview. Competency based interview questions tend to focus on a specific skill or competency. Typical questions include:

- Give me an example of when you have had to organise something?

- Give me an example of when you have had to plan your time effectively?

- Give me an example of when you have worked as part of a team?

A great place to start in order to prepare for these types of interview questions is to think really think about you and your background-

- What experience have you gained in the scientific industry?

- What are your strengths? How can your strengths be applied to the scientific role?

- What skills are required for the scientific job? Do you have any experience that demonstrates that you have these skills?

Asking yourself these questions of yourself is a great way to prepare for competency based interview questions.

- Look the Part

Decide what you are going to wear the day before the interview. It is a good idea to find out from your recruiter the culture and dress code of the organisation and dress accordingly, if not a little smarter. Remember that less is more. After all, you want to be remembered for the right reasons.

- Don’t be late!

Prior to the interview it is advisable to do a test run. This will eliminate the stress of getting lost or being late on the day of the interview. It is a good idea to arrive ten minutes before the interview is due to start and allow enough time in case you get stuck in traffic.

Keywords: Interview preparation for jobseekers in the scientific industry, careers advice, science jobs, scientific recruitment, lab jobs, chemistry jobs, biology jobs, biotechnology jobs, interview tips

Tags: biology jobs, biotechnology jobs, careers advice, chemistry jobs, interview preparation for jobseekers in the scientific, interview tips, lab jobs, science jobs, scientific recruitment
Posted in CK Science Waffle, News | No Comments »

CV Writing Tips for Jobseekers in the Scientific Industry – Part 2

Monday, November 16th, 2009

It is important that you are proud of your CV. After all, if it is effective, it is going to open doors in the scientific industry for you. Below are some more handy hints to help improve your chances of getting a great science job:

- Tailor your CV to the scientific vacancy: Read the scientific advert or job specification closely and tailor your CV to the science vacancy. If your experience matches scientific keywords in the job advert, make sure they feature prominently on your CV and or covering letter. Make it very obvious to the reader what you have done, when you did it and where, in a simple and concise manner.

- Less is more: Ensure your CV is easy on the eye and that it is a maximum of two A4 sides long. There should be plenty of open space in your CV. By using bullet points and good formatting to ensure that your CV is not too wordy.

- Do not repeat yourself: If you repeat yourself in your CV, it will look like you are padding it out or that you have nothing much to say.

- Do not make silly spelling mistakes: Either get a friend you trust or your CK Science Consultant to check it over for you.

CK Science is the largest independent scientific recruitment company in the UK. Our team of specialist recruiters and career consultants are here to help you achieve your career ambitions within the scientific industry. In addition to the above CV writing tips, we can actively offer you scientific careers advice, assistance with your interview preparation and up-to-date information about the scientific industry.

- Visit our website

- Follow CK Science on Twitter

- Join the CK Science LinkedIn Group

- Become a fan of CK Science on Facebook

- To meet our consultants and hear more about our current vacancies, please visit our YouTube Channel

Tags: Biotechnology, careers advice, chemistry jobs, CK Science, cosmetics jobs., CV writing tips for jobseekers in the scientific indust, food science jobs, lab jobs, microbiology jobs, science jobs, scientific jobs, scientific recruitment, scientist jobs, waste management jobs
Posted in CK Science Waffle, News | No Comments »

CV Writing Tips for Jobseekers in the Scientific Industry – Part 1

Friday, November 13th, 2009

A great CV is the key to getting the perfect science job for you. Both employers and recruiters within the scientific industry can receive 100’s of CV’s for every science related vacancy they advertise. Time can be tight for scientific professionals, so it is important that your CV stands out from the rest. You should use your CV to showcase your strengths and to sell your scientific background to the reader, demonstrating that you are the right person for that particular science job.

As a jobseeker in the scientific industry, you may find these guidelines helpful if you are wondering how to structure you CV and what to include in it:

- Contact details: Make certain that your contact details are easy to spot. They should be at the top of the first page of your CV. Include:

-Name

- Home address

- Email address

- Telephone number

- Education: Detail the educational establishments at which you have studied including the attendance dates, in chronological order with the most recent first. You should include any relevant scientific modules, projects or dissertation work you have completed.

- Work experience: List your most recent scientific research first. This makes it easier for the reader to see if you have the right scientific experience and whether have gained it recently. Put your other scientific jobs after your current role in reverse chronological order. You should include:

- Name of the employer

- Job title

- Responsibilities

- Achievements gained

- Interests: Employers in the scientific industry will be particularly interested in activities which have developed your leadership and team-working skills. You should also mention here any volunteer work you have done.

- References: It is best practice to give two employment references, one from your recent employer and one from your place of study. Include address, telephone number and email address.

- Availability: It is a good idea to mention the notice period required by your current employer.

For the next installment of CV tips that will help you write the CV that will get you that perfect science job, visit our website on Monday 16^th November.

- Visit our website

- Follow CK Science on Twitter

- Join the CK Science LinkedIn Group

- Become a fan of CK Science on Facebook

- To meet our consultants and hear more about our current vacancies, please visit our YouTube Channel