UW-L Career ServicesOne Grad's Experience in the Job Search

How Mitchel Hunter, a May '09 UW-L Biology graduate, landed his job.

"Persistence was the main thing.  I would get online everyday and search several websites for new postings.  Some companies will only list their position for a week, so it was important to stay on top of them.  The websites I found most helpful were the UW-L career center job postings, careerbuilder.com, craigslist.com, the UW Biotechnology Center Job Board and ... various hospital and university websites." 

"I applied for many jobs, starting before I even graduated.  Until two weeks ago I had only had one interview.  I did not get that position and for a month and a half I heard practically nothing.  Then within one week I had three interviews scheduled.  It just took a long time for the companies to sift through all the resumes and offer me an interview.  Most places would say that after only two weeks of a position being listed they would receive 60 resumes plus." 

"I also found it helpful to gear my resume toward the size of company I was applying to.  If It was a large company I would put more scientific experience on and if it was a smaller company I would put something to distinguish myself such as volunteer work.  I also think writing a good cover letter was very important.  When I started out applying for jobs I would send more generic letters and resumes but after a few weeks of hearing nothing I started to research the companies more heavily and put down exactly what they wanted to hear.  Of course not being deceitful, but if they said they wanted someone that could work in a hood for an extended period of time I would say that I could"...

"So the biggest advice that I would give is to stay on top of what jobs are out there by searching the websites I noted and to treat each resume and cover letter as if it was your absolute dream job, even if it may not be." 

The staff of UW-L Career Services appreciates Mitch's willingness to share his experience.  If you have suggestions or tips to share with others, email them to us.