JOB Posting
Position: Laboratory Manager
Experience needed/Skills: BS Life science, 5-7 years managing hospital or pharmaceutical laboratory services, 2 years lab bench experience.
Resume Responses: Beauty Salon Manager, Gas Station Manager, Management Consultant, VP of Research, Bank Teller.
You might ask, what do they have in common with the posting? As a recruiter, I would too! I have talked about carefully reading postings in prior blogs and I want to reemphasize that point. In my example, the commonality is the title manager. With that title there are some common responsibilities that are transferable. However when you read the title with the complete posting the similarity ends.
Clue One: Years of experience
When you read a posting with 0-2 years of experience required, it is usually considered entry level. If your former title is a manger or executive, this is not a match and you could be considered overqualified. The more years of training required will be a clue to the level of the position. If your years of experience match but the job is different it might not be appropriate. In my example, using 5 -7 years of experience would indicate a supervisor or manager level of experience.
Clue Two: Type of experience
The posting is seeking a Manager (experience) in specific areas and industry. Read this carefully. If you managed a salon, you will not necessarily have basic laboratory skills (bench) or if your industry is not hospital or pharmaceutical, there is not a direct match. If you are a student and have laboratory classes that will not qualify you to be a manager. You will need to find connections between your experience and the employer needs for a second look.
Clue Three: Level of position
If the title is manager, an executive title will not match and the salary level will not match. If you are making a career change there may be room to explain transferable skills (not too extreme). If the position is entry level and your former position was a VP, it will draw a second look but usually not the right one for consideration.
Clue Four: Educational level
Many postings ask for a particular degree (i.e. BA/BS) and/or years of equivalent experience. That can be useful for a person without an advanced degree but years of relevant experience. It counts. If the degree requires an MD or JD or CPA, the company usually wants that credential for a specific purpose.
Don’t send your resume to the familiar key word that catches your eye unless there is a way to connect yourself with the job. Having a Bank Teller apply to a Lab Manager posting will create a buzz in the office but don’t let your bonafide job assets become liabilities for the wrong job.
Talk soon.
Job Etiquette By Paula 