{"id":20512,"date":"2021-07-15T10:22:03","date_gmt":"2021-07-15T10:22:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.uwb.edu\/?p=20512"},"modified":"2023-10-19T15:14:05","modified_gmt":"2023-10-19T22:14:05","slug":"tips-job-seekers-stem","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uwb.edu\/stem\/news\/2021\/07\/15\/tips-job-seekers-stem","title":{"rendered":"4 quick tips for job seekers in STEM"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Job searching is always a stressful and exciting time filled with mixed emotions. If you\u2019ve ever searched online for job seeker advice or asked for help you are not alone! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The School of STEM Division of Computing & Software Systems (CSS) is a sponsor and partner with ChickTech<\/a> for the upcoming 2021 ACT-W (Advancing the Careers of Technical Women)<\/a> virtual conference taking place July 26-30. This content was sparked based on a conference discussion post for ACT-W job seekers asking \u201cWhat advice would you give to someone seeking a job\u201d?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Here are some tips and tricks from the School of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics Graduate Career Counselor Yasemin Bolstad that have worked well for our students and alumni at the University of Washington Bothell:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4 quick tips for job seekers in STEM<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Have a well-written resume<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most people use their resume to showcase the responsibilities they\u2019ve held in previous positions, but what really makes a recruiter say WOW to a resume isn\u2019t a list of responsibilities, it\u2019s the impact the individual has\/had on the company\/organization. Focusing on achievements makes a resume that much more impactful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although it sounds daunting to focus on impact, it\u2019s as easy as NOT SAYING \u201cresponsible for the design of xx software to optimize user experience\u201d BUT SAYING \u201cDesigned xx software to optimize user experience leading to a higher customer satisfaction, increasing retention by 15% in the first month.\u201d Quantifying your impact is an easy way to illustrate your achievement! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure your resume and cover letter do not have typos or grammatical errors! Recruiters pay attention to those more than you\u2019d think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Customize your resume for every position you apply to<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ever heard of the job seeker that is very qualified, but isn\u2019t getting any calls from the position they\u2019ve applied to? They probably fell into the common mistake of sending the same resume, without any customization, to every position they\u2019ve applied to. While this may sound like an easy thing to do, it is NOT an efficient way of getting a job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For every position a candidate is interested in applying for, I recommend crafting 20% of the resume to the job description with lots of keywords from the job description. This will increase the chances of your resume passing the Applicant Tracking System and landing in front of a recruiter. Remember, some Applicant Tracking Systems will rank your match to the job based on your resume!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Network, network, nework<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hating networking and not sure why you should even network? The job market is very much like the shape of an iceberg\u2014the small portion on the surface is the jobs everyone sees on various job platforms. Networking is crucial because it gives you access to the larger underwater portion of the iceberg: the hidden job market! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The hidden job market consists of jobs that aren\u2019t posted or advertised by employers and are typically filled through employee referrals or internal hires. Networking, and networking strategically, will allow you to have access to those jobs that aren\u2019t advertised. One way to do this is by building a good professional network on LinkedIn and expanding your network through your alumni network. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Interviewing is a skill<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Interviewing is about effective communication. It\u2019s about your ability to articulate thoughts and experiences while demonstrating self-awareness. You may be the most qualified candidate for the position, but a poor interview will very quickly disqualify you. Here are some ways you can train yourself to become better at interviewing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n