3 Qualifications Needed to Apply for a Chemist Position
Posted August 13th, 2014
If you are looking for a job, you are probably familiar with how long and complicated job postings can be. They are so stuffed full of qualification and credentials that it can be difficult to know what is essential and what it simply preferred. But no matter what kind chemist position you are applying for, you will need to have these 3 core qualifications.
College Education
Don’t expect to find work as a professional chemist without at least a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. And if you are applying for a position in a specialized field, you will likely need to have a graduate degree as well. The good news is that the field of chemistry does not place a particular emphasis on education from a prestigious program. Some programs are certainly better than others, but there are many successful chemists that have graduated from large state schools and small liberal arts colleges and managed to find lucrative positions in growing companies.
Safety Standards
The specific skills you will need to have to find employment will depend entirely on the position that you are applying for. But the one competency that all employers will be looking for is an ability to work according the to the highest safety standards in laboratory and industrial settings. Handling dangerous chemicals puts you, your coworkers, the facility, and the goals of the project at risk. Employers will be hesitant to hire anyone with a demonstrated record of negligence, or without verifiable training in safety.
Team Orientation
Today’s chemists typically work collaboratively in teams with looser hierarchies than in the past. Employers won’t just evaluate you based on your skills and experience. They will also be evaluating your ability to work productively with others and to make meaningful contributions within a clearly defined role. Having this skill isn’t just important for finding employment, it is crucial for securing promotions as well. As you move up the corporate ladder, your people skills will become equally if not more important than your abilities as a chemist. When you are applying, use you resume, cover letter, and interview to highlight your abilities as a team player.
This is an exciting time to take a Senior Research Chemistry Position in Hercules, CA. The Bureau of Labor statistics estimates that this field will add over 5,000 new jobs by 2022. And the current median salary of $73,060 per year well rise as well. You can position yourself for success from the start by making sure that you have the three qualification mentioned above the minute you begin searching for a job. To find current vacancies and more tips for navigating the recruitment process, work with the STEM-staffing specialists at Bayside Solutions.
