Job Search Strategies for Chemical Professionals
An effective job search has many components. In basic terms, you identify the market you want to access, then plan and execute an effective campaign to find a job in that market.
This publication is to help you assess your values, desires, and needs for application to your job search. It discusses what may motivate you to succeed and how to identify your skills for targeting various jobs. It also describes changing trends in the employment marketplace for chemical scientists, shows you how to find the hidden job market through networking as well as cold calling, and gives tips on locating specific job segments along with staying marketable.
Other necessary components of the job search, such as creating a winning resume and acing an interview, are covered in two more complementary publications available to American Chemical Society members through the Department of Career Services:
- Resume Preparation—Tips for Chemical Professionals
- Interviewing Skills for Chemical Professionals
This guide was written for chemists at any stage in their career. The previous edition, Targeting the Job Market, emphasized market demographics to aid in finding the job most suited for an individual. Because market changes have accelerated and remain volatile—due to investment dynamics as well as changes in business climate and in society overall—this edition concentrates on processes to identify and find jobs. It also includes resources for the most up-to-date information on the job marketplace.
Disclaimer
This guide is meant to serve as a basic information resource about job searching for chemical professionals. Information was compiled from published and other sources deemed reliable (see Appendix A, Appendix B, and Appendix C). Readers should consult the appropriate authorities for additional information or assistance beyond the scope of this guide. The American Chemical Society does not guarantee employment to any reader of this document or accept responsibility for setting standards with regard to any topic discussed here. ACS and the authors, contributors, and reviewers are not responsible for the accuracy of information obtained from other sources.