How to get a job with very little or no industry experience? As I mentioned in a previous blog, December 17, 2009, large companies are not predicted to hire many people this year. Finding a job will require creative solutions.
Robert Boles, a Communications, Engineering and Technology Staffing Account Manager, suggests considering contract work through a recruiting agency where you can go “on assignment” for 3 to 6 months with a client. It is an excellent way to gain experience and make yourself more valuable. Boles further advises,
“You need to make yourself attractive to managers budget-wise, as well; it is absolutely critical that you get 2-3 years of corporate experience under your belt after graduation - I can not stress that enough. Entry level jobs aren't that common, since employers are currently in the "driver's seat" - there are lots of experienced candidates out there for employers to choose from, and if everyone is the same price, why should they pick someone who's green?”
In other words, it’s an employer’s market. The employer has the opportunity to assess your work without the risk of a permanent hire and you gain valuable experience. The good news is that often temporary positions are converted into full time jobs. The downside to contract work is that there are usually no benefits like health insurance or unemployment insurance.
Some recruiting firms to consider: Aerotek, Kelly Scientific, Lab Support, Joule Scientific. Aerotek offers a Medical, Dental and Vision plan that employees can participate in while they are on contract with Aerotek. Benefits are something to consider when choosing a recruiting agency.
Following Simply Hired or Indeed may be useful in identifying opportunities as well. For a directory of recruiting firms go to Riley Guide.
Another twist on free lance work is Innocentive, a website where companies post the problem and seek people to solve that problem and offer a “challenge reward.”
So where do you find recruiters? Matt LeBlanc conducted a survey of 633 job seekers and 553 recruiters to see where recruiters go to meet and network with job-seekers. A graph on how employers and job seekers find each other shows that Professional Associations were the clear choice. If you are not part of one in your specialty, you need to become involved in one. An excellent article on networking through Professional Associations discusses the value to your career.
Check out our job listing links on the Biotech Career Services website. Persistence and a creative approach to finding a job will ensure success in this difficult economy.
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