Tips for those trying to land a job?
Ask A Biologist Monday 2/20/23
Answers from Biologists:
If you interview for a position and don’t get it, ask for feedback on what you can improve for the next time.
Reach out to the hiring manager before you apply if their contact info is listed.
Be mentally prepared for some frustration and try not to take rejection to heart.
Don’t burn bridges if you can possible avoid it. The wildlife field is small.
Personally reach out to the hiring manager.
Remember that it’s a numbers game. Keep applying.
Look up and know the different rules/tricks for federal job applications.
Use the USA jobs resume builder when applying for federal jobs.
Apply even if you don’t meet all of the qualifications.
Get a professional designation if you can (in places like Canada).
Use keywords from the job posting in your CV and cover letter. The first round is often just a scan for these.
Study the company’s website and mission statements/current projects before and interview.
Follow up the interview with a thank you email reiterating why you’d be a good fit.
Prepare 2-3 good questions for the interviewer. Remember you are interviewing them too.
If you are having no luck, cold call consulting firms asking to work.
Put relevant work experience first on your resume, followed by less relevant positions you have had.
Have other people look over your cover letter and resume.
Apply for jobs that are outside your dream job/focus area. Skills transfer job to job.
Notify your references after an interview that they may be contacted by the interviewer.
Do your research and be ready for the interview.
If you’re enthusiastic about the job, don’t be afraid to show it in the interview.
Make an effort to learn who the hiring manager is and email them directly.
Keep a list of interview questions and practice them.
For a federal job, state the GS equivalent level of previous non-federal jobs on your resume.
Keep track of interview questions you were asked in a journal so you can review them.
Even if you don’t have all of the qualifications, still apply. A strong work ethic and ability to learn are key.
Try not to get your hopes up once you’ve applied. Submit, follow up if needed, and then forget it.
Save a copy of the job posting text so you can reference it during job interview prep.
Relate non-relevant skills to this job (attention to detail, working as a team, etc.).
Be confident in applying. Don’t assume you’re not an expert.
Be persistent. It may take a lot of applying to finally land something. It’s very competitive.
List volunteer time and all trainings you have taken.
Find a shirt list of places you really want to work for and cold call them about opportunities.
Don’t ghost potential employers, even if you are no longer interested in the position.
Apply again. We remember names season to season.
Apply to jobs you don’t fit all the qualifications for.
If you interview but don’t get hired, it could be work reaching out again in the future.
Look for special hiring authorities for federal positions.
Remember you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you.
Leverage you network. Ask folks in biology or related fields for job and company leads.
Research the organization you are applying to. It shows you care and we always ask.
