The chemical industry is an exciting field to work in because it is diverse and dynamic. You have the opportunity to work closely with clients and pursue your passion. The downside is that getting hired in the chemical industry can be challenge since the market is highly competitive. Here are some tips that will help you get hired in the chemical industry.
Networking
There are many opportunities and many open positions in specialty chemicals, animal and human health, pharmaceuticals, and other sectors of the chemicals industry. Many of these opportunities are not posted on job sites. Some positions are filled but employers are looking for replacements. These companies want their hiring process to be more confidential, so they use recruiters as a resource to help them fill the positions quietly. If you network with recruiters, chemical associations, and other industry insiders, you will have an advantage.
Make Sure You Have Marketable Skills
Having the right degree is not enough. To stand out, you need to have marketable skills. To supplement your degree, you want to have industry certifications, such as lean or six-sigma. It will also help if you have work or volunteer experience. Technical skills are only part of it. You need to show you work well on a team, can communicate effectively, and can take initiative.
Work with a Recruiter
A recruiter knows the industry and has researched it thoroughly. They will be able to investigate potential jobs and help you understand the expectations of the role. They will also research a company’s mission and goals to see if the company is a good fit for you. The job search in the chemicals industry is hard to navigate alone. You want all the help you can get. A recruiter is an expert in the field.
Be a Job Owner
The best way to get hired is to be a “job owner” everywhere you go. Employers look for candidates who have leadership skills. At all your jobs, you want to lead the team when possible, rather than just following orders. The more you can demonstrate that you are proactive, the better.
Focus on Quantifiable Data
Oftentimes, people emphasize qualifiable data in their resumes when they should be focusing on quantifiable data. Employers want to see in numbers how you contributed to the companies you worked for in the past. How did you contribute to profits? How did you contribute to company objectives?
The key to finding a good job in the chemicals industry is taking control of the job search. You can’t wait around idly and expect the perfect job to fall into your lap. You have to get to network and use every resource you can. Working with a recruiter is one of the best resources you have.
Are you looking for an opportunity in the Specialty Chemical, Plastics, or Animal Health industry?
Contact us to discuss how we can help you in your career path. Boaz Partners is a premier executive search firm focused on the direct recruitment of executives and professionals for the specialty chemicals and plastics space. We are your partner, and our focus is on custom recruiting solutions.
Photo Credit: Crystal Kwok