How to Find a Wood Science and Technology Job

"Learning is what most adults will do for a living in the 21st century."
-- Bob Perelman  

Job Hunting Tips: The following is a summary of Doc Armstrong's almost famous seminar, "How to Find a Wood Science and Technology Job."  

1. Start early. Begin planning your job seeking strategy one year before graduation. Learn what criterion employers use in hiring decisions. Build your resume as an underclassman. Develop a set of experiences that demonstrate personal qualities that employers are seeking.
   
2. Set goals. What do you want from your first job? What do you want to be doing five years from now? Take inventory of your abilities and interests. Assess how they fit into your career goals.  Narrow down specific things that you desire in a job: type of industry, job responsibilities, geographic preferences, opportunities for growth etc. Keep in mind that setting too narrow a range of requirements for a job (especially location) will reduce the probability of a successful job search. Set priorities. If in doubt, talk to people: faculty, alumni, friends, Career Services. Consider taking an aptitude test.
   
3. Develop a list of resources. Who will you write to? Who knows about job openings? Who can help you contact potential employers? Use your contacts. Most jobs are found because the job seeker knows somebody who knows . . .
   
4. Demonstrate personal qualities that employers want -- Communications skills, quantitative skills, the ability to solve problems (think), interpersonal skills, the ability to learn, common sense, honesty, courtesy, teamwork, motivation, initiative, leadership, etc.
   
5. Prepare a resume and cover letter. This is the employer’s first impression of you. Personalize your letter and resume to fit what the employer is seeking. Use the resources in Career Services. Ask your professors for advice. Proofread your resume and cover letter - one mistake can cost you a job!
   
6. Prepare in advance. Learn as much as you can in advance about companies to whom you apply. Try to fit the image of what they want an employee to be. Demonstrate your interest in your cover letter: "I am writing to you because I have heard a great deal about XYZ Company’s quality products."  Evidence of advance preparation lets them know that you are truly interested in their company.
   
7. Be aggressive without being pushy. If possible, take a tour of the mill. Follow up your initial letters with phone calls or second letters. The objective is to let them know that you really, truly want to work for them without appearing obnoxious or desperate for a job. You need to exercise good judgment about when to push and when to back off. (A little luck also helps.) Remember, faculty are available to lend advice.
   
8. Be persistent. If rejected, send a short, polite letter thanking them for considering your application. They may change their minds. If they tell you that they "are holding your resume in case of an opening", send them a short, polite letter thanking them and letting them know that you are still interested in their company. Never, ever burn bridges that could lead to a job.
   
9. Prepare for interviews. Visit Career Services and ask for their advice on interview preparation. Prepare for employers’ most frequently asked questions. Prepare a series of anecdotal stories about yourself as part of your sales pitch. Do some more research on the company. (Annual Reports are especially useful. Use the Internet.) Prepare a list of intelligent, job-related questions. Carry a pocket-size notebook or notepad. Have your questions written down before hand. Take notes when appropriate and let the boss know that you are doing so. (Asking permission to write some things down is a nice way of doing this.) Ask about what you will be doing for them. Do not ever raise the subject of salary, benefits, etc. They will do that when they are ready. Look your best. Be alert, interested and courteous. The first impression is most important. Don’t forget that the interview is a two-sided evaluation process.
   
10. Follow up your interview with a thank you note.  Let them know that (a) you’re polite and considerate, and (b) you’re interested in working for them. If the interview convinces you that you don’t want to work for them, write them a thank you letter anyway and politely tell them that you don’t believe you fit in their organization.
    
11. Be considerate. Some of the dumber things done by job applicants reflect a lack of consideration for an employer. If you are lucky enough to have to choose between two or more job offers, be considerate of the employer’s situation. Don’t keep them waiting more than a week or two to answer. Above all, remember that you are as good as your word. If you make a commitment and break it to accept another offer, this reflects poorly on your integrity. Never, ever agree to an interview with a company you don’t want to work for just to "see someplace new." Don’t ask for special favors from interviewers (i.e., "can my buddy who’s looking for a job come, too?"). Keep in mind that how you present yourself to a prospective employer reflects not only upon yourself but on the university and program you represent.

1. Grades: Employers hold different viewpoints about undergraduate grades.  Some companies only want to hire students with "B" or better averages.  Others don't care.  Grades are especially important to students thinking about grad school. 
   
2. Experience: Summer jobs and internships are especially important to show that the student has a "track record."
   
3. Leadership: Students should be active in student activities. Many employers consider evidence of leadership in clubs and organizations to be more important than grades. The Forest Products Society is highly recommended.
   
4. References: People who know the student and can vouch for his or her character are vital. This should include a mix of professors and employers.

Job Hunting Links

• About.com's Career Planning page
• About.com's Job Searching: College Grads page
• About.com's Job Searching: Technical page
• About.com's Forestry Jobs
• WVU Career Services
• Forestry Job Search Page
• Search North America