How To Get A Job
Tips From The Experiences Of
Garrett W. Oakley
Department of Chemistry
University of Florida
May 19, 2005
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Disclaimer
• Many of these point are my opinions that I have formed
from my personal experiences
• You do not have to follow all these techniques to be
successful, but I believe the more you do, the better off you
will be
• Even if all techniques are consistently followed, it still may
take 6-8 months to get a good offer – Be patient!
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Methods Of Attack
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Attack The Job Search From Multiple Angles
• Networking
• Mass mailing/emailing
• Using the UF CRC as a resource
– On-campus career fairs
– Company information sessions
• Appling online (Mainly use internet as a search tool)
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Networking, Networking, Networking
• Everyone you know is a network contact!
– Former group members/Polymer floor members
– Company employees you meet at career fairs and information
sessions
– Anyone interviewing you
– Gator Club presidents
– Your friends and family
– Your doctor, dentist, hairdresser, etc.
• It is up to you to maximize your time by prioritizing the
people you talk with
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What Is Networking?
• You are NOT asking your contact for a job
• You are asking them for “advice”
• Your contacts may even be flattered that you are seeking
their thoughts
• Ask them if they know of any opportunities:
– Their company, other companies, people you should contact,
advice on the job search, etc.
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Networking Call Suggestions:
• Have a goal (and a backup goal)
– Ex) Set up a time to talk, send a resume, make a contact within the
company, etc.
• If it is during the work day, they are busy
– Always ask if now is a good time to talk
– Don’t reminisce
• If the contact is not giving you much, ask them question
about themselves and the company
• Always thank them for their time and advice
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Follow Up Or You Will Be Ignored
• You have to actively follow up with each opportunity
– Industry is slow at getting back to you, sometimes they do not even
respond
• Be active, but do not be pushy about things; do not become
a pest
• Each time you contact someone, choose a date (2-3 weeks
away) as to next time you want to follow up with someone
(if you do not hear from them) and put it on your
calendar/organizational tool to remind you
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Postal Mail vs Email
Postal Mail
• Advantages
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Email
• Advantages
Have something tangible
Can use quality paper
Some people prefer it
You can show extra effort***
• Disadvantages
– Some consider it outdated
– People do not know what to do
with a paper copy
– It’s slow
– Need an address
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Preferred by most people
Easy to forward***
It’s fast***
Easy to print
Do not need an address
• Disadvantages
– Email is easily overlooked (or
easily deleted)
– They have to print
Message: Use Both!
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Treat Each Email Like It Is A Profession Letter
• Put a heading at the top with the person’s name, title, and
company
– Date is optional (it is email), but I think it make is look more
professional
• No typos or errors
– If you are unsure, check it
– Read everything over carefully
• Have a nice signature with your contact info at the bottom
of the email
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UF Career Resource Center: A Valuable Resource
• The CRC is located on first floor of the Reitz Union
• Their job is to help you find a job!
• Use their resources
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Attend workshops
Resume/cover letter critiques
Career fairs
Info Sessions
On-campus interviews
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Campus Career Fairs
• Have a “one-minute commercial” to sell yourself
• Plan out what companies you want to see and research
them beforehand
• Get your bearing once you are there – Do not start out with
the companies that are most important to you
• Very useful for making contacts
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Company Info Sessions
• This is a wonderful place to make network contacts and
learn what the company is looking for
• The same people are often holding on-campus interviews
the next day
– Bring copies of your resume
• Go with goals
– Getting an on-campus interview (if you do not already have one)
– Making network contacts
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Applying Online Is Futile (But Necessary)
• Most companies require that you complete this step
(sometimes twice)
• When you are talking to a potential employer (especially at
career fairs), you are typically asked if you have already
applied online… It is nice to be able to say, “Yes”
• Realize, however, that it is not a fruitful use of your time
• You need to get your foot in the door another way
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Getting Started
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When Should You Start Looking?
• I suggest allowing 2-3 semesters of looking if you want to
start work shortly after graduation
• Balance research and writing up with the job search
• Once you have defended, you are available to start in a few
weeks notice – Use this to your advantage if you can
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The Polymer Floor Rolodex
• This is a great place to start
• Sarah has it on a electronic file
• Not always up-to-date
– Check addresses, titles, and company name at your discretion
• Be warned – Incorrect or outdated information can be
perceived as lack of research (lack of interest)
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Before Doing Anything, You Need:
1) A solid cover letter
2) A solid resume
•
Seek several people’s advice on content:
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Your adviser
Group/Floor members
CRC employees
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The Cover Letter
• The purpose of the cover letter is to get the person to look
at your resume
• Format is subjective, but I like:
– Paragraph 1 – State your interest and your expertise
– Paragraph 2 – Sell yourself (most important part)
• What make you stand out from everyone else?
– Paragraph 3 – Brief closing, restating interest
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The Cover Letter
• If it is too long, they likely will not read it!
– Be on the brief side
• Put someone’s name, address, and title on it
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NOT Dear Sir/Madam or To Whom It May Concern
Make sure it is correct and up-to-date
Research and networking pays off!
However, an incorrect name (spelled wrong or outdated company
name) is worse than no name at all
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The Resume
• The purpose of your resume is to get an interview
• Leave off the “Objective” (My opinion)
– Unless you know exactly what type of job you want (in which case
are limiting yourself), this can only hurt you
• Put your strongest points on the first page
– Your first page should be able to stand alone
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The Resume
• No longer than two pages for PhD level
– I used to have three pages, and I got feedback from several
companies that suggested a two-page version
– If publications are too long, I suggest that for an optional third
page that you can offer to the company
• When applying online, text CV version can and should be
longer
– Create two versions, one to print and one to paste in online text
boxes
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Screening Interviews
• The purpose of the screening interview is to get an onsite
interview
• Usually on-campus or by phone
• Typically discuss your research
• Mostly behavioral interview questions
• Always have several questions ready to ask
• Get them to talk about themselves
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Onsite Interviews
• The purpose of the onsite interview is get an offer
• These are longs days – It is difficult, but important to keep
up your enthusiasm
• Make every interview count – Every has to like you
• You are being judge by people during the whole trip (even if
there is a dinner)
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Onsite Interviews
• You generally give a 30-50 minute presentation
– This is where people form their technical opinion of you
– Your answering of the questions is (in my opinion) the most
important part of the whole onsite interview
• You undergo a series of interviews (each company is a
little different)
• Typically you see a mix of behavioral and technical
questions
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The Offer Game
• Companies are hesitant to give an offer unless you already
have an offer – It helps to be able to say that you have one
• Only tell them the company name if it is recognizable –
The more respected, the better
• When asked if you have an offer, do not just say, “No,” if
you actually do not; say something like, “I have
interviewing with a variety of companies across the
country, and a few have expressed significant interest in
my skill set”
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The Offer Game
• Follow up every lead, even if you are not actually
interested in the position – Being able to say you have an
offer will make you more attractive (and confident)
• Explore venues like:
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Small companies
Postdocs (industrial and academic)
Government positions
U.S. Patent Office was mine
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Do Not Make This Mistake
YOU DO NOT HAVE AN OFFER
UNTIL IT IS IN WRITING!!!!!!
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The Offer Game
• Once you have an offer in writing, you have some leverage
with the company and even other companies (finally)
• Let all the other companies you are still interested in know
ASAP – They may become more interested in you
• Typically, once you receive one offer, you start receiving
multiple offers – Use offers as leverage in negotiating
salary
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Negotiate Salary At Your Discretion
• Once you accept the offer, negotiations are over – This is
you only chance
• Many people regret not negotiating salary before accepting
• All your raises are based on starting salary
– An increase in starting salary of $2000-5000 can make a difference
of ~$250,000 in your career
• Take a class if possible – Mark Lyden from Boeing
– 2/3 people do not negotiate; the other 1/3 is bad at it
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Tips If You Do Negotiate Salary
• Have a script and a plan:
– “We’re Close” – From Mark Lyden
– “My ideal salary is (I.O.+$7000) with a range of (I.O.+$2000) to
(I.O.+$7000)”
• Never let the conversation go in a negative direction
– Once they, say, “No,” immediately change the subject
– Ask about the person’s view of the company, the area, benefits, etc.
– Then come back after he/she is more comfortable with you
• If salary negotiations fail, you can try negotiating benefits,
relocation, etc.
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Preparing For Interviews
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Research Always Helps
• Companies view research as interest in the company (and
consequently lack of research as lack of interest)
• Know general knowledge about the company
– Number of employees, revenue, place of headquarters, etc.
– Find out the traits that the company values (This is what they are
looking for) – Generally found on the company website
– Find areas of the company that you are interested in
• Learn about the contact person’s background
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The Company’s Values/Mission Statement
• These bits on the company webpage are gold to the job
seeker
• You need to fill your interview conversation with examples
of how you exhibit these qualities
– Have one good example for each value on the website
• Each company is different; they value different skills in
their employees depending on the company culture
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Researching Someone’s Background
• Dig into their background to in attempt to answer question
like:
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What schools did they attend?
If they did a PhD, who did they work for?
What have they worked on?
What has been their career path?
What are their hobbies?
• Being knowledgeable about your contact person’s history
works magic!
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Researching Someone’s Background
• SciFinder searches
– Publications – usually say what schools they attended
• Google searches
– Sometimes very fruitful/Sometimes not so much
– See if their former research group(s) has an alumni page
• Look to be able to ask intelligent questions about their
background
– It will show your interest in the company by being interested in them
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Types Of Question
• Technical questions
– Mostly about your research
• Behavioral questions
– Specific situations
• Classic questions
– Your background, strengths, etc.
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What Is A Behavioral Interview Question?
• These questions are asked to get you to be specific about
experiences you have had
• They ask on the reasoning that your past behavior will be
similar to your future behavior
• Then they judge you on whether or not your past behavior
will be a good fit with their company culture
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Some Examples Behavioral Interview Questions
• Give me an example of a time when you were on a team
and someone was not pulling their weight?
• Give me an example of a time when you exhibited
leadership skills?
• Give me an example of a time when a project you were
working on failed?
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Answers Behavioral Interview Questions
With The STAR Technique
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•
•
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S – Situation – Background information
T – Task – What needed to be done?
A – Action taken – What action did you take?
R – Result – What was the result?
• Your answers should take approximately two minutes (no
longer than five minutes)
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You Cannot Prepare For All Possible Question
• You must be able to think on the spot; word choice is
important
• It is alright to take a minute to think through your answer
• Do not just say the first thing that comes to your mind;
think about why they are asking the question and does your
behavior in the answer fit into the company culture
• The same situation can be described in two different ways,
one perceived well, one not; the only difference is word
choice
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How To Prepare for Behavior Questions
• Find 8-10 “stories” from your past (more is even better)
where you display the qualities that companies typically
look for
• You will be able to pick and choose from your library
depending on the questions asked
• You will find that many of your “stories” can be used to
answer several different questions
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You Will Need Situations That Cover The Topics:
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Conflict
Leadership
Teamwork
Problem solving
Disagreements with
coworkers/boss
• Stress
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Persuasion
Risk taking
Contributing
Being overwhelmingly
busy
• Projects failing
• Proud achievements
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Practice Your Answers
• Find websites with examples online (a google search on
“behavioral interview questions” will produce several)
• Make sure you have a “story” that fits for all of them
• Practice out loud until you are comfortable telling them
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Also Have Answers To These Classic Questions:
• What are your strengths?
– Be able to rattle off 4-5 on a whim
• What is your interest in Company X?
• How did you decide on Florida/your undergraduate
institute?
• What salary are you looking for?
• What are your hobbies?
– Believe it or not, companies like well-rounded people
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Take An Interest In Your Interviewer
• The best questions ask about their experiences:
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What is your education background/work history?
Why did you come to the company?
Why do you stay at the company?
How have you progressed at the company?
What is your role in the group?
What is the most exciting project you have worked on here?
• People love to talk about themselves
• You usually get good insight into what it is like to be an
employee and the type of people they hire – Think of it as
a case study
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Other Good Topics For Questions To Ask
• The boss’ management
philosophy
• Your responsibilities
• Your daily schedule
• Measurement of success
• Your top priorities in the
position
• Biggest challenge the
group/company faces
• Learning curve
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•
•
•
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Important projects
Future of the company
Routes for advancement
Handling conflict
Fostering a team
environment
• Retention at company
• Things that separate this
company from others
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My Favorite Last Question
I want to be successful if I come to work here…
What advice do you have for me?
• These people are already successful
• They are usually honest and talk from their own
experiences
• I have gotten really good advice that I will surely use
wherever I end up
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Ending The Interview
• Always get business card/contact information
• Find out about the timeline – How long will it take to hear
back from them?
• Thank them for their time and advice
• Enthusiastically express your interest – Leave on a positive
note
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In Preparing Your Onsite Interview Presentation
• KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE!!!!
– Gauge the amount of background for what is appropriate to the
audience (A non-polymer chemist might not know what a stepgrowth polymer is)
– I suggest a slide on why your project is useful to the world –
industry is application driven
• Show as much as can of your contributions
• If you worked on several projects, do not focus on one;
show that you tried different things
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When Asked Questions At The Presentation
• They will question/attack your work
• It is important to be perceived as composed when under
fire – It a lot like the oral exam
• Treat the people asking questions with respect by
acknowledging that they are asking a good question (even
if they are not)
– “I understand why you are asking that question because…”
– “You make a good point, but…”
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Less Obvious Resources
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Gator Club Presidents
• Great network contact if you are interested in a particular
company in a particular area
– Go to the Florida Alumni webpage http://www.ufalumni.ufl.edu/
– Click the link for Gator Clubs
– Lists each president by area
• The will help you make contacts with people in the area
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Contacting Gator Club Presidents
• Tell them of your interest in the company and area
• Ask if there are any UF alumni at the company
• Explain that you would be interested in joining the local
Gator Club chapter if you make the move
• It has been my experience that he/she uses their whole pool
of networking contacts (both UF and non-UF people) to
help you out
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JobsByFax.com
• Use at your own discretion, but this can be a useful tool
• You choose parameters and this company faxes your
resume and cover letter to hundred/thousands of
companies
• Catches:
– You do not know what companies they are sending it to until after
they are sent
– You aught to act like you were the one that faxed it when you
receive a phone call
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Books That Helped Me
• “The Perfect Interview: How to Get the Job You Really
Want” – By John D. Drake
– Outlines the basics of networking***
– Helps you prepare for several of the harder questions
• “How To Win Friends and Influence People” – By Dale
Carnegie
– Learn general people skills that will help you in every aspect of life
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Websites That Helped Me
• Wagener Group Alumni Page
“You never leave the group; you simply change locations.” -KBW
• Monster.com
– My only online success story came from Monster
– Plus they have an extensive advice section
• Alan N. Daum and Asso., Inc webpage
– http://www.adaum.com/index.html
– Career advice and Job search sections
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Final Thoughts
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Find Your Own Way To Be Organized
• You must know who and when you need to follow up with
• Suggestions:
– Index cards of network contacts
– List of contacts on a spreadsheet with columns for last contact date
and next planned contact date if you do not hear back from them
– A job diary – Helps to remind you when you talked with each
contact
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Patience Is A Virtue
• You WILL get a job!
• Things move slow
• The decision to hire or not hire comes down to some fairly
bizarre and random things; don’t let it get you down
– Ex) The way you answer a question; not your answer
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Do Not Let Rejection Bother You
• You cannot lose your sense of self-worth!
– Other companies will sense you don’t feel like your as good as you
really are if you are down on yourself
• You need tough skin
• Some people are lucky (Ed); others work 6-8 months to get
a good offer (myself, John Sworen, Tim Hopkins, Carl
Gaupp, Jim Pawlow, etc.)
• Be consistent – “Don’t give up!” -KBW
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Learn From Your Mistakes
• It may be difficult to hear, but inquire as to why you were
not hired after a rejection
• Just listen – Never argue back
• Learn as much as you can about yourself and the way you
are perceived
• It may make a difference in future interviews
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Closing Remarks
• Please consider me a network contact
• I will happily offer you any help or advice I can in your job
search
• I can email anyone a copy of this presentation, as well as
copies of my resume, cover letters, networking emails, etc.
(even after I leave)
• Do not be overwhelmed – This is doable
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Summary
• Networking is key
• Take an interest in your interviewer
• Use all the resources at your disposal
• Be consistent in your approach
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Acknowledgements
Dr. Wagener
Wagener Group/Polymer Floor Members:
Past & Present
Career Resource Center
Aforementioned Books and Websites
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Episode 3: Hot Stuff ?
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