Forum - Ask the Hiring Manager

QUESTION:

Hello Brian,

I am a recent graduate of East Carolina University, with a BS in Biology. I am trying to get a job in wildlife conservation, wetlands science, or a lab tech position. I have been using many job resources on the internet but most donot list for an entry level position I require. I have applied to many private companies on the environmental level and the state & federal goverment on any job that comes close to what I am trying to get a job in. If you have any suggetions or questions my name & e-mail address are listed here.

From: Kenneth Stuart, East Carolina University


ANSWER FROM BRIAN KRUEGER:

Hi Kenneth -

You are competing in a very difficult entry level field. Wildlife conservation is a popular college major for college students, but there are typically not enough entry level positions to go around. I didn't say there aren't ANY, just that there aren't enough for everyone. So you'll need to do your part in standing out in the crowd.

You mentioned that you "have applied to..." many companies, etc. What have you done specifically? Have you contacted them directly? Talked on the phone with potential hiring managers? Any interviews, in person or on the phone?

Also, are there any not-for-profit groups that you could be contacting? Are there any trade or industry associations that you can join?

Regarding further networking, do you have any contacts in the field? What about your professors at ECU?

While you have said you have applied to "many" you didn't say you applied to all. I would recommend three things to help:

1. Refine your research. Make sure you are contacting every potential employer in your field.
2. Refine your market. Try to identify peripheral or ancillary industries and/or job types that may provide you with the "initial in" for that first job.
3. Refine your approach. Make sure you make every contact count. Use some of the phone scripts in Chapter 11 - Getting Inside Hiring Companies in my book if you need further help in this area.

As you can see, I have more questions for you than answers. But the answer for you is likely contained within the questions above. As you answer these questions, you will further refine your research, market and approach. If you need more specifics on any of these areas, please spend some time between the covers of my book. There are plenty of tips, techniques and tactics there for you to utilize in furthering your job search.

Never give up. Your new job may come at a time or through an avenue that you least expect. Broaden out your search to bring in all possibilities.

Do you have a question that you would like to have answered here in this forum? Send your question direct to Brian Krueger.

All job search information at this forum is provided by Brian Krueger, author of the book College Grad Job Hunter, the definitive guide for college grad job search. Used by permission of the author.