Am I doing this wrong?

Discussion in 'General Advice' started by Lebesgue Integreat, Aug 12, 2018.

  1. Lebesgue Integreat

    Lebesgue Integreat Lesbian Intrigue

    So like. I've been doing job hunt things. I've had only one response that wasn't a rejection, and they didn't want me after the interview. Everything else either gets ignored or a solid no. So I'm wondering if I'm just completely fucking something up. I've been applying for data analyst jobs specifically (yes all junior/entry level in their titles) as well as data entry. I think probably my biggest issue is that I don't have enough experience but even that!!! I've applied for several no experience necessary jobs and they've just completely ignored me or rejected me. I looked through all the other job search threads and none of them really helped even the no experience resume link, I've already put all of that in.
     
    Last edited: Aug 12, 2018
  2. Lebesgue Integreat

    Lebesgue Integreat Lesbian Intrigue

    To: x
    From: x

    To whom it may concern, I am writing to you to state my interest in the job opportunity for a Clinical Analyst that you posted on your site and on indeed.com. I have recently graduated Bridgewater College this May with a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics as well as significant time spent in the department of Psychology. With this time, I have worked to synthesize these two fields in order to make myself as capable a statistical analyst as possible. In these studies, I have become quite comfortable working with numbers and statistical analysis using multiple different software systems including Microsoft Excel, SPSS, and R. The combination of all of this led to my appointment by my professor as the sole statistical analyst in an experiential course designed to introduce students to clinical research which has given me an introductory medical literacy which I believe would greatly further my ability to learn the mechanics of this position quickly and allow me to excel in the role.

    My education has not been limited to purely working on my own with numbers, though. Throughout this course as well as others, I have gained a working familiarity with both human and animal model research, the guidance of good clinical and laboratory practice, the IRB approval process, and both leading and generally participating in group meetings.

    I have been trained on presenting both mathematical and scientific information to both moderately advanced peers and to layman audiences. This is furthered by my tutoring job, in which I was to explain mathematical concepts to students struggling in their classes. It has consistently been stated that the students that learn from me are immensely impressed with my patience and ability to explain a concept in multiple different ways until it is fully understood.

    Additionally, I am currently teaching myself both the Python and SQL languages to complement my experience with Excel so that I will be better able to perform data management techniques in a wider variety of settings. I am a quick study, capable learning complicated subjects and readily adapting to new information and techniques. I am always willing to be given direction, and consider on-going learning to be an integral part of my ideal career.

    In short, I feel that I have the experience and skills necessary to be a good fit for this job. I am passionate about educating people about science and medicine and the fact that Grand View Health is such an important name in the field of medicine makes you a highly desirable place to begin my career and further develop what skills I currently possess. I hope to hear back from you soon.

    Sincerely,

    [Name]
     

    Attached Files:

  3. Chiomi

    Chiomi Master of Disaster

    Okay, the sentence about graduation is redundant: you graduated recently in May. That can be tightened - I'd find it off-putting reading that so early in the letter. Does the job posting mention IRB or lab practice? If not, I'd cut that part. The listing specific programs and programming languages is good, as is saying you could adjust quickly. You specifically mention stuff about the company, which is good, if a touch on the obsequious side. On strength of your cover letter, I'd probably interview you.

    The format of your resume, on the other hand, is a mess. Just opening it up, that's what struck me. I wouldn't do numbered lists as your primary headings. Also, maybe do two pages? You need to list job experience, even if it's just as statistical analyst on that project, plus any volunteer stuff or orgs you were in - especially if you were on the board. Also I'd just ditch all the sub-bullets under technical writing. Based on your resume's organization alone, I would probably have noped out of interviewing you.

    (I have been interviewing so many undergrads)
     
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  4. Lebesgue Integreat

    Lebesgue Integreat Lesbian Intrigue

    lol I have no work experience, I can maybe fit in a couple of projects I've done but that doesn't count as professional work experience I think. To be honest I'm pretty sure I have literally every piece of content I possibly can have in there. I will post updates when I have everything organized. Yeah, my academic adviser mentioned that just yesterday, he said he would be emailing suggestions about what specifically he felt would be best. Also yes, the job for that cover letter was specifically asking about IRB and lab experience. and thank you. I'm definitely going to be including all of what you said in editing.
     
    Last edited: Aug 14, 2018
  5. Chiomi

    Chiomi Master of Disaster

    Those projects absolutely count as work experience - if you weren't getting paid, maybe put 'experience,' but it was a thing you were doing that you can definitely mention on your resume. Projects like you being analyst on the thing indicate that you have demonstrated a work ethic and know how to do deliverables, which is huge. I'm glad your adviser is also helping you out! Good luck.
     
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  6. Raire

    Raire Turquoise Helicoid

    I'd suggest finding one of those free resume formats available online to help you spruce up the resume itself, and edit it with your text. That'd help the resume look snappier.
     
    • Agree x 1
    • Informative x 1
  7. turtleDove

    turtleDove Well-Known Member

    Also, even if you continue to have trouble getting responses after you've tweaked your resume and cover letters? Keep in mind that the job market right now sucks for people who are seeking employment. There's a lot of people out there looking for jobs, and not enough jobs to go around.
     
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  8. Wingyl

    Wingyl Allegedly Magic

    I also saw a thing that explained that, at least where that person was, you should be applying for jobs you're slightly underqualified for. Because then you're actually more likely to be hired, and less likely to be rejected for overqualification.
     
    • Agree x 1
  9. Lebesgue Integreat

    Lebesgue Integreat Lesbian Intrigue

    Yeah, I read that too, I've been mixing slightly underqualified and fully qualified in what I've been applying to.
     
  10. Lebesgue Integreat

    Lebesgue Integreat Lesbian Intrigue

    Ok so I took Raire's advice and tried taking from a resume online. This is for a tutoring job I'm applying for, does it look better?
     

    Attached Files:

  11. Chiomi

    Chiomi Master of Disaster

    The formatting is _way_ better - good job on that. I'd leave out the 'volunteer math tutor (self-directed)'? You can mention that in a cover letter, but I think sticking with the one actual tutoring job you had makes it look better.
     
    • Informative x 1
  12. Lebesgue Integreat

    Lebesgue Integreat Lesbian Intrigue

    Ok, I will do that, thank you. The only issue there is that is where the vast majority of my experience lies, and since they say only submit a cover letter if it's "not clear why you're applying" and I'm doing this in a response to an email I got from them, I feel like a cover letter would be left out and then they would think I lied about having 7 years experience earlier in the application. (it asks how many years experience do you have with an answer box open to only numbers).
     
  13. Raire

    Raire Turquoise Helicoid

    It definitely looks better. I'd suggest moving the margin on the right a bit more left - it looks uneven right now.

    Content wise, "friendly and energetic professional with Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics", I'd remove the bachelor of arts in mathematics since that already appears before you write that down, it's just repetition at this point.
     
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  14. Raire

    Raire Turquoise Helicoid

    Oh, and in the "Makes habit of being continually early to all events (on time is late)" I would remove the "on time is late" because it sounds a bit judgemental, better to let the habit speak for itself.
     
    • Informative x 1
  15. Lebesgue Integreat

    Lebesgue Integreat Lesbian Intrigue

    Are you suggesting so that the headings are in line with the subheadings in the skills and experience sections?
     
  16. Raire

    Raire Turquoise Helicoid

    I'm having a hard time putting into words what I mean in margin movement so I just drew some arrows on it and I hope that helps XD

    Screen Shot 2018-08-21 at 7.49.52 PM.jpg
     
  17. Lebesgue Integreat

    Lebesgue Integreat Lesbian Intrigue

    So like this?
    upload_2018-8-21_21-11-47.png
     
  18. Raire

    Raire Turquoise Helicoid

    Yes! That's better and cleaner looking!
     
    • Like x 1
  19. Lebesgue Integreat

    Lebesgue Integreat Lesbian Intrigue

    Thank you. Like. Really.
     
    • Like x 1
  20. Raire

    Raire Turquoise Helicoid

    Just glad I could help! I wish you luck on the job search, I know how tough it is (technically I'm still searching for a job myself <_<)
     
    • Witnessed x 1
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