LICR explores job search basics
Career Series Webinar
Latinos in Clinical Research (LICR) discussed resume, LinkedIn and interviewing skills at its career series webinar on June 15. Executive recruiter Ken Paley was the special guest.
Resumes
Ashley Margo encouraged people to mention their ability to speak another language. With the push for diversity in the marketplace, the ability to speak multiple languages is considered a strength, she said.
Ashley also urged people to use template layouts for resumes. “Lay out everything you want to put into the resume, pick out a template from Word Docs, let your personality show, match the template for the cover letter to the template for the resume and make sure the font works,” she said. “Determine the right length by seeing what other people do. Aim for 2 pages.”
Judy Galindo suggested getting free training to add to one’s curriculum vitae (CV). Many training options are available online.
Monica Cuitiva said that people should use clinical experience and volunteer experience to add to one’s resume. She advised people to look for studies in which they can help. She added that prospective employers are looking for experience as well as the fact that someone is taking classes.
Ken Paley said that resumes should tell prospective employers what company the applicant worked for, what the company does, what the applicant did for the company and how many people worked for the applicant. People should weed out old information but show longevity at jobs. He prefers chronological resumes but believes that people can use bullet points to highlight their strengths. Typos are a deal-breaker, he said, so applicants should proofread their resumes 3 or 4 times.
Ashley suggested using Grammarly.com to fix grammar on resumes. She encouraged people to pay attention to detail.
Judy advised that people should provide a description of themselves and explain why they are interested in the job on their cover letter. They should research the company and reference it in the letter.
Ashley said that a job seeker should not ask for things but offer to help the company to do things in an appropriate fashion after introducing himself or herself. Applicants should link themselves with the company and use and electronic signature, she said.
Ashley commented that people should keep it short, sweet and concise on resumes but put the details on LinkedIn and then put a link to the LinkedIn profile on the resume. People should also look on LinkedIn for information on companies and people who work there to get a sense of the environment at companies where they are applying. LinkedIn profiles should also be linked to Monster and Indeed.
Monica said, “The effort you make in looking for a job will be related to what you get, so make a lot of effort.”
Interviewing
Ashley said people need to be personable during interviews. There needs to be a back-and-forth dialogue between the interviewer and the interviewee.
Ken added that the interview should be a conversation. The interviewee should ask questions too, including what the ideal candidate should be. Now the candidate knows what is important to the company. Ask questions about prospects for growth and fulfilling one’s career path, as well as how the company is different and what the wok environment is like.
Ashley advised asking about whether the company supports education and going to conferences. She also said to bring up questions that could tell the applicant about job security.
Chris Sauber added that interviewees should be on time, be likeable and avoid controversial subjects such as politics. Candidates should be prepared for virtual interviews, making sure the equipment works and that the background is adequate.
Ken concluded, “Don’t be off the cuff, know what to say, find creative ways to ask questions, don’t be nervous, be honest about gaps in the resume and don’t fudge.”