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CONFIDENTIALITY DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
I, Matthew Seavey, will present slides describing my various experiences as a
scientist searching for a position within the private sector of commercialized
science. Ideas, opinions, and comments described in these slides and during this
seminar are my own and do not represent those of my current work affiliation
company, Cephalon, Inc. I am here on the behalf of the University of
Pennsylvania and as an alumni and not as a Cephalon employee.
Approval Date: March 27th 2010
Public Disclosure Date: April 1st 2010
Matthew M. Seavey, Ph.D.
UPenn Career Talk, 4-1-2010
E-mail: matthew.seavey@gmail.com
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Applying and Interviewing
for Industry Science Jobs
Brief Overview
• Searching and Applying for Industry R&D Positions
• Working with Recruiters and Headhunters
• Building Your Industry Resume
• Interview Preparation and Conduct
• Selecting a New Hire and Starting Your Job
• What Helped Me Find a Job and How You Can Help Yourself
Matthew M. Seavey, Ph.D.
UPenn Career Talk, 4-1-2010
E-mail: matthew.seavey@gmail.com
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Is Industry Right for Me…Right Now?
• Life, Family, Health, Goals, Dreams – What do
you need right now and where do you want to
be in 5, 10, 20 years down the road?
• Do I want to do a fellowship or lead a team of
scientists?
• Am I leader or a follower? Can I be organized,
competent, results driven and focused?
• What are my salary requirements, healthcare
requirements? Job security?
• Am I willing to relocate, commute?
• Can I handle the stress, long hour work weeks,
travel associated with the job?
Matthew M. Seavey, Ph.D.
UPenn Career Talk, 4-1-2010
E-mail: matthew.seavey@gmail.com
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Pros and Cons of Working in Industry vs. Academia
Depends on What You Want
• Environment/Creature comforts – Campus Life versus Cubicle Hell
• Age Differences – Campus is alive with young people, companies are filled with
experienced professionals that joined 15-20 years ago and with kids in college
• Academic labs are alive with energy, Industry labs are tools for focused work
• Industry – Things move fast, always something going on, very dynamic, never a
dull moment, data/results driven, plenty of opportunity
• Industry – Plentiful resources, larger budgets, office spaces, perks, established
reporting hierarchy and policies – very organized, business oriented
• Opportunity for publishing depends on the company, many promote conference
attendance and publishing
• Meetings, seminars, presentations, reports – reading/writing/presenting all the time
• You are seen as an expert tool for the organization, you hold a real responsibility to
stay on top of the literature and justify your actions/ideas
Matthew M. Seavey, Ph.D.
UPenn Career Talk, 4-1-2010
E-mail: matthew.seavey@gmail.com
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Researching Your Options…Finding Open
Positions…Networking
• DO NOT: Limit your time and effort you invest in your job search – it must be
almost an obsession – always be aware of how your actions and comments could
be used for or against you when looking for new opportunities
• DO NOT: Limit yourself by searching the same job boards – diversify yourself
• Job Fairs – Worthless?? Depends – Talk more to the people around you and less
to the single HR rep at the end of a long line
• “Networking doesn’t work and is fake and artificial” – DO NOT force or fake
networking, it is a natural part of making contacts and keeping friends, be sincere
and network by being proactive – networking is about relationships
• DO NOT project your desperation; when “networking” watch out for the “J word”,
this is a clear sign that you are more interested in your own self promotion than the
conversation or person
• My Rule of Thumb: Look for a job when you don’t need one…the smell of
desperation stinks…don’t get burnt by your efforts to find a new position
Matthew M. Seavey, Ph.D.
UPenn Career Talk, 4-1-2010
E-mail: matthew.seavey@gmail.com
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Working with Recruiters and Headhunters
• Help recruiters and headhunters to find candidates…they will help you in return
• They will keep a file on helpful sources, some jobs may be a fit for you
• Headhunters tend to be independent consultants, experienced and field specific
• Recruiters are more generalized, less experienced and very broad field wise
• Cold call a recruiter if you see a posting, this saves them time searching for you
• Many companies use several recruiting firms simultaneously in addition to online
postings, sometimes they are the facilitator other times they are the “middle man”
• Join online networking sites like Linked-In - #1 Source Used by Recruiters
Matthew M. Seavey, Ph.D.
UPenn Career Talk, 4-1-2010
E-mail: matthew.seavey@gmail.com
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Building Your Resume for an Industry R&D Position
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Focus on accomplishments and
achievements, focus on results, provide
facts!
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Throw out the standard academic CV,
describe yourself, use key/buzz words for
HR
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Make both a single page and full version of
your resume, bring both versions to all
meetings
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Give the full version when prompted or to
the hiring manager/HR rep
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Make sure you build a cover letter and make
it specific to the job
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References – Keep them updated, keep a
working relationship, send them a thank you
letter – references are key, send them a gift
when you land a position
Matthew M. Seavey, Ph.D.
UPenn Career Talk, 4-1-2010
E-mail: matthew.seavey@gmail.com
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Full Resume Example – Geared for Industry
Clear contact info, add LinkedIn address
Clearly communicate your professional
expertise and career objectives
Quickly highlight your accomplishments
Good for buzz words/HR – Job description
List your accomplishments, provide numbers/facts
Translate your experience into
a skill for the job
Show that you are organized
Matthew M. Seavey, Ph.D.
UPenn Career Talk, 4-1-2010
E-mail: matthew.seavey@gmail.com
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Full Resume Example – Geared for Industry
You are a diverse and
experienced scientist
Turn an old experience into a
new edge for your job
Give them the skill that they want
Show them you can lead a team
You are well accomplished…brag a bit
You get involved
You get things done
Don’t believe me?…just ask
these people
Matthew M. Seavey, Ph.D.
UPenn Career Talk, 4-1-2010
E-mail: matthew.seavey@gmail.com
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Application Process…or “Black Hole for Resumes?”
• Three basic methods of applying for an industry position
• Through a recruiter or headhunter (30%)
• Online application (10%)
• Your immediate network (60%)
• Make sure you apply to a specific job make a resume for each job, include words from the job description – HR search
engines will only pull out specific matches
• If you do not apply to a specific job, “general submission,” your resume will sit in
HR’s database until the company needs a quick hire…then the search will begin
• In the past year I have been on both sides – one of the biggest problems is that
people apply for jobs for which they are overqualified or lack the requirements
• Make sure you have a cover letter for each specific job, this is where you can
expand on your one page resume
• Follow-up – Remember people are busy, be persistent but patient
Matthew M. Seavey, Ph.D.
UPenn Career Talk, 4-1-2010
E-mail: matthew.seavey@gmail.com
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Getting a Bite – First Contact – The Phone Interview
• Tip – Prepare just as much as you would for a face-to-face
interview – e.g. wear a suit – this will make it easier for you to
“play the part”
• Cold Call Phone Interview – Let the interviewer know that you
are “in the middle of something” and to call back in a few
minutes – get yourself ready in the process
• Speak clearly into the receiver, modulate your voice – Your
voice is the only way you have of showing eagerness,
enthusiasm and zest for the job
• Introduce yourself, engage in some “small talk” at the start of
the interview
• Avoid sloppy speech habits – “um”, “ah”, “you know”, “okay”,
“like” – this tells the interviewer that you are not prepared or
confident in yourself
• Avoid incorrect grammar or slang – “she don’t”, “me and my
friend”, “so I goes to him”
Matthew M. Seavey, Ph.D.
UPenn Career Talk, 4-1-2010
E-mail: matthew.seavey@gmail.com
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You Can Talk the Talk…Can You Now Walk the Walk?
– First Interview – Proving Yourself
• You may visit the facility – Be nice to everyone!
Receptionist, potential co-workers, etc…
• Manners, tact, confidence, eye contact, strong
handshake…first impressions matter – gut instincts start
forming now
• Three reasons employers hire you:
• Do you have the skills? – “Past performance predicts
future behavior” – Provide examples from the past –
What is your leadership style?
• Do you like the skills? – Show passion, energy,
commitment
• Why do you love our company? – Your hiring
manager is most likely proud of his/her
department…they want you to want them…genuinely
Matthew M. Seavey, Ph.D.
UPenn Career Talk, 4-1-2010
E-mail: matthew.seavey@gmail.com
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You Can Walk the Walk – Do You Play Well With Others? –
The Second Interview – Personality/Team Fit
• Relax a bit…they are interested…but expect more of everything in the 2nd interview
• Will be a long day…may include a lunch and dinner…may have a group interview,
another seminar or meeting with senior directors and executives
• Try to find out in advance the agenda, HR can help. Research all whom you will be
meeting, make a file for each person, have questions ready
• Know something about each person as a “conversation starter”
• You may have to present to the department or select individuals
• What are they really looking for in a “team player?” – Are you a normal, happy,
professional person with good work ethic?
• Inter-communication skills
• Personality, attitude, tact
• Eger, ambitious, goal setter, energy and passion
• Motivated, committed, quality > quantity
• Find out what they are looking to accomplish and let that be your guide
Matthew M. Seavey, Ph.D.
UPenn Career Talk, 4-1-2010
E-mail: matthew.seavey@gmail.com
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Preparing for an Industry Interview
• Know what you know and what you don’t know…and be comfortable with
this idea of yourself
• Ask yourself – “What contributions will I bring to the employer?”
• Prepare a list of answers to a list of frequently asked questions during an
interview…classic cookie cutter Q&A sessions
• Research the Occupation - Read articles written by people who are in the field,
inform yourself about future trends
• What problems does the organization need to overcome – match your abilities to
meet the need of the company in your specific area (e.g. R&D)
• What is the company’s mission statement or history? Current issues?
• Make a checklist – confirm date, time, place of interview
• Pack several copies of your resume, personal business card, list of references,
cover letter, if possible a previous performance evaluation
• Be punctual, plan to arrive early (15 minutes)
Matthew M. Seavey, Ph.D.
UPenn Career Talk, 4-1-2010
E-mail: matthew.seavey@gmail.com
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Common Interview Questions
• “Tell me about yourself”
• “Can you describe a time where you have been required to perform as part of a
team? What was the situation? What part did you play in the team and what
was the outcome of the exercise?”
• “How do you establish a working relationship with new people?”
• “Where do you expect to be in 5 years time? What will you do if you are not
successful in gaining this position?”
• “Why are you leaving your current position?”
• “What do you consider your most significant accomplishment?”
• “Why do you believe you are qualified for this position?”
• “What do co-working say about you?”
• “What is your philosophy towards work?”
• “Why should we hire you?”
Matthew M. Seavey, Ph.D.
UPenn Career Talk, 4-1-2010
E-mail: matthew.seavey@gmail.com
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Common Interview Situations
• Lunch/Dinner (1st/2nd interview)
• Allows the company to review your communication and interpersonal skills as
well as your table manners and tact
• How do you relax? Get along with others outside of the business environment?
• Make sure you “connect” with your table, tact and personality matter
• Small Group/Team interviewing (1st interview)
• How are you up close and personal? Can you handle yourself with a barrage of
questions and inquiries?
• Can you “think on your feet?” Interpersonal skills tested
• Large Group/Department Interviewing (2nd interview)
• Public speaking skills? Confidence?
• Communication skills tested
• One-on-One (1st/2nd interview)
• Get more in-depth, bring along plans/ideas, discuss possible future goals
Matthew M. Seavey, Ph.D.
UPenn Career Talk, 4-1-2010
E-mail: matthew.seavey@gmail.com
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Industry Interview DO’s
• Focus on how you will contribute to the company and/or team, not the converse
• Sell yourself, sell your skills (knowledge, network, communication, teamwork)
• Be cool, calm and confident…not arrogant, avoid looking nervous (this is hard!)
• Be sincere, considerate, act interested in the company, always remember basic
manners, attitude and body language really matters
• Demonstrate that you are the best choice
• Follow-up with every person you met, including associates, via e-mail and send a
signed thank you letter on cover head to the hiring manager in addition to the
thank you e-mail
• Be prepared to talk about salary/benefits be ready to negotiate
Matthew M. Seavey, Ph.D.
UPenn Career Talk, 4-1-2010
E-mail: matthew.seavey@gmail.com
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Industry Interview DON’Ts
• Dominate the interview, talk 40%, listen 60%
• Look over qualified, unfocused or banter between past experiences
• Lack of interest and enthusiasm; passive or indifferent, be too modest
• Criticism of past employer (no matter the situation), “drama queen” (difficult to
manage), trash talking
• Overbearing, aggressive, “know-it-all” complex
• Lack confidence, poise, be nervous, ill at ease
• Expect too much too soon, focus on funds/$
• Lack tact, courtesy, be ill-mannered
•Cynical or have strong prejudices
• Inability to express self clearly, poor voice, poor dictation, poor grammar
• Forget to follow-up – Signed cover head typed letter to hiring manager, e-mail to
everyone (24 hours post interview)
Matthew M. Seavey, Ph.D.
UPenn Career Talk, 4-1-2010
E-mail: matthew.seavey@gmail.com
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Questions for the HR Rep/Hiring Manager
• What would I be expected to accomplish in the first six months on the job?
Objectives for the first year?
• How is an employee evaluated and promoted?
•What is the retention rate of individuals in the position for which I am interviewing?
• How would you describe your company’s personality and management style?
• It is company policy to promote within?
• Is this a new position or a replacement?
• Are there any recent or anticipated changes in structure of the organization
(M&As, downsizing)?
• Can I provide you with any other information to help you in the decision making
process?
• Does your company require that I sign a non-compete agreement?
• How many other candidate are you considering for this position?
• How soon can I expect to hear from you?
Matthew M. Seavey, Ph.D.
UPenn Career Talk, 4-1-2010
E-mail: matthew.seavey@gmail.com
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What Things Do Employers Most Want
to Know About You?
1. Are you qualified for the position?
a. What are your greatest strengths?
b. Do you have experience in this field?
c. What do you believe you bring to this job?
d. Why should I hire you?
2.
What motivates you?
a. What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?
b. Where do you see yourself five years from now?
c. What is more important to you the money or the job?
3. What about the negatives? (trick questions – don’t take the bait)
a. Why did you leave your previous job? (stay positive)
b. What did you like least about your last supervisor? (nothing, you liked your old boss)
c. What is your greatest weakness? (turn weakness into a strength)
Matthew M. Seavey, Ph.D.
UPenn Career Talk, 4-1-2010
E-mail: matthew.seavey@gmail.com
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What Things Do Employers Most Want
to Know About You?
4. Are you a good fit?
a. What kind of people do you find it hard to work with? (tricky questions, proceed with
caution)
b. Tell me about a time when you worked as a member of a team?
c. In what kind of environment are you most comfortable?
d. Do you prefer to work alone or with others? (can work with both)
5. Do you really want this job?
a. What are you looking for in a position?
b. Who else are you interviewing with?
c. Why are you interested in this position?
d. What do you know about our company?
Matthew M. Seavey, Ph.D.
UPenn Career Talk, 4-1-2010
E-mail: matthew.seavey@gmail.com
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Starting Your New Job – The First Six Months
1. Appearance – dress, hygiene – Perfect the ability to look busy
2. Attitude – Confidence, Flexibility, Empathy
3. Actions – Be on time, Make friends, Listen, Learn, Get Busy
4. DO NOT: Miss deadlines, be tardy, contribute to gossip,
complain, work isolated/alone
5. Seek others and build a rapport
6. Be organized, resourceful and dependable
7. Common courtesy, be respectful and loyal
8. Take responsibility for success and failures
9. Be proactive, get involved, volunteer
10. Manage your time well
11. WATCH OUT FOR: Politics, humor/jokes, rumors/gossip, personal issues
12. Seek out a mentor, stick to your objectives/goals, seek out opportunities
13. New hires issue – “Blind leading the Blind” problem
14. Seek to validate your worth quickly – data/projects/contribution/deadlines
Matthew M. Seavey, Ph.D.
UPenn Career Talk, 4-1-2010
E-mail: matthew.seavey@gmail.com
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Postdoctoral Fellowship in Industry?
• Depends on where you want to go – Academia or Industry?
• Each company is very different – publishing, culture, expectations, policies
• Difficult to find, even more difficult to land – Genentech, GSK, BMS, J&J
• Goal oriented, results driven, focused, more applied less basic science emphasis
• Advantages: Resources, Salary/Benefits, Travel, Network, Experience
• How to find? – Papers, Reach out to scientists, Network
• Want to move back to academia? – Move into an academic postdoc
• Want to move onto a new career? – Feel your way around to marketing, BD etc,
seek out opportunities, transition, gain the experience needed for a new job
Matthew M. Seavey, Ph.D.
UPenn Career Talk, 4-1-2010
E-mail: matthew.seavey@gmail.com
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References that Helped Me Land a Job
• Online sites
• www.jobinterviewquestions.org (very good site)
• www.allbusiness.com
• www.sciencecareers.sciencemag.org
• www.quintcareers.com
• www.worktree.com
• www.biospace.com
• Books
• “Career Opportunities in Biotechnology and Drug Development” by Toby Freedman,
2008
• “Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time” by
Keith Ferrazzi
• “Think BIG and Kick Ass in Business and Life” by Donald Trump
• Journals/Magazines
• The Scientist – www.the-scientist.com
• Tips
• Keep an interview journal, update each experience with new entries, avoid repeating
obvious mistakes
Matthew M. Seavey, Ph.D.
UPenn Career Talk, 4-1-2010
E-mail: matthew.seavey@gmail.com
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What Can I Do Right Now That Will Help Me
Get a Job in the Next 12 Months?
• Get Involved! – PBG, BPC, Local
organizations, Pro bono consulting
• Join online networking sites – LinkedIn is by
far the best site for professionals + recruiters
• Attend business/pharma events – WHCC,
BIO meetings
• Diversify your skills/knowledge/experiences
– Business, Policy, Management
(Internships)
• Put yourself into leadership roles, be
proactive about your self promotion
• Physical and mental health matters –
exercise and eat right…at least until you’ve
landed the job
Matthew M. Seavey, Ph.D.
UPenn Career Talk, 4-1-2010
E-mail: matthew.seavey@gmail.com
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Take Home Messages
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People Hire People They Like – Make sure you connect with your hiring
manager
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People Hire People Who Show They Really Want the Job - “Professional
persistence”
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People Hire People They Believe In – “Go with your gut” mentality
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When “Networking” – Focus on Relationships…Act Like a Human Being
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When searching for a job – Diversify as much as possible, do not limit yourself
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When job hunting - Avoid falling into the desperation trap – be personable when
looking for opportunities
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Most important – Be proactive about your exposure to possible opportunities by
getting involved – time commitment and attention to details matters!
Matthew M. Seavey, Ph.D.
UPenn Career Talk, 4-1-2010
E-mail: matthew.seavey@gmail.com
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Thank You for Attending
Good Luck!
Matthew M. Seavey, Ph.D.
UPenn Career Talk, 4-1-2010
E-mail: matthew.seavey@gmail.com
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