Education and training for scientists
The education and training for scientists varies depending on the areas they want to focus in, but all true scientist jobs require at least a college degree in the necessary sciences and sometimes in mathematics as well. For scientists who prefer to work in research or teach, advanced degrees may also be required. In some cases, depending on the particular job, extra certification may be required. Ongoing certification or educational work beyond the initial degree work is usually required for a scientist to stay current in his or her field and therefore retain his or her job or to advance further.
Scientists who work for the government on the state, federal or local level may need to take a civil-service test to qualify for a particular job. In most cases, these types of tests are not required to work for private companies or organizations. Certain jobs, however, may need the security clearances, background checks, and other measures necessary to make sure that those who work in particularly sensitive areas are qualified psychologically and based on past behavior to be given this level of responsibility.
Getting scientist jobs
Once you have chosen your area of expertise and have gotten the necessary education, your school may be able to help you with placement in your first job. You may also look online for jobs available in your particular area. Again, be advised that even after you have completed your degree work, your particular job of choice may require you to take additional tests and certifications, as well as background checks, to qualify for that particular job.
Looking online for scientist jobs
When you look online for work, keywords become particularly important, especially as they appear in your resume and brief cover letter. Therefore, concentrate on keywords that precisely specify the field you want and the skills you have in both your cover letter and in your resume. Using the correct keywords will help make sure that employers can find you when they're searching for suitable applicants. In addition, of course, you should use keywords to find employers who have the job you want and apply to them directly. You find jobs by typing the proper keywords into your favorite search engine, and/or finding jobsites where you can input keywords to bring up relevant jobs in your area.
Recruiters also are often looking for job candidates for particular positions, which their clients have hired them to fill. It may be advisable, then, to look for a recruiter online that specializes in the scientific field you are interested in; you may contact them to see whether or not they have any jobs suitable for you available. When you get in contact with a recruiter, remember as well that they may have more contacts than you can find on your own. This means that even if they don't have a job suitable for you, they may know of someone who does or may be able to introduce you to the proper people so that you can find that perfect job.
Getting your resume in order
If you are a senior scientist, of course, your resume is going to look somewhat different than if you are just out of college and looking for your first job. Nonetheless, it's a good idea to construct your resume so that it's easy to read and tells your prospective employer what he or she needs to know about you at a glance. The purpose of the resume, of course, is to get you in the door for that interview. Therefore, besides the basic contact information at the top of the page, you can list skills and experience briefly so that a prospective employer knows what you can do. Next, list your work experience. You only need to list two or three relevant employment experiences as they apply to the job you want. Stress responsibilities and skills you acquired on those jobs.
After your work history, briefly list your educational history chronologically, including any certifications you received or civil service tests, etc., you have taken.
Conclusion
Applying for jobs as a scientist has become easier today because of the advent of the Internet. It can be quite simple to find suitable jobs for you as long as you input the proper keywords. Using a recruiter, too, can help you find a job much more easily than you can by yourself. A resume that's properly constructed and has the proper keywords included as applicable can make it easier for prospective employers to find you online, too.
