10 Tips on Finding the Hidden Bioinformatics Jobs

1. Research target employers online. Check out their web pages and learn everything you can about the company. Sometimes they post job openings on their websites. Sometimes you can learn the names of department heads (who are probably hiring managers).
   
   If you would like to work for a particular company, this is a great way to find hidden bioinformatics jobs. It’s surprising how much inside information is freely available to anybody who takes the time to find it on the internet.
   
   


2. Join online newsgroups related to bioinformatics. This is a great way to network and find job openings.
   
   


3. Check out professional bioinformatics jobs search companies. The internet is a good place to start, but don’t neglect to contact local hiring agencies. Many employers use hiring agencies to help them screen employees, rather than simply advertising open positions.
   
   


4. Join a professional organization and get active. This is a great way to network and meet people in the field who know of upcoming job openings. Hiring managers often belong to the professional organization.
   
   


5. Contact your alumnae association. It is very possible that someone in your alumnae association either hires bioinformatics people, or they know someone who does. Networking like that is what alumnae associations are for (in addition to supporting the college financially, of course).
   
   


6. Attend professional meetings, events, conferences and trade shows. You’ll have an opportunity to meet and schmooz with a lot of people, some of whom will know of job openings.
   
   


7. Volunteer strategically. Volunteer with your professional association, or at a business you want to work for. Volunteer where you have access to information and people who know about possible job openings, or who can give you a recommendation.
   
   


8. Keep your eyes and ears open to business news. When you hear of reorganizations, or new developments, or business expansions, or any other positive business news, check for job openings. Companies hire during times of positive change.
   
   


9. Make cold calls. Call people at businesses you want to work for. Try to speak to bioinformatics managers. Show up and scope out the business, and talk to people who work there. Call human resources departments and find out what their hiring practices are. If that company isn’t hiring, ask if they know who is.
   
   


10. Make yourself visible. Put up a professional web site. Teach a class, Publish an article or two. Give a speech. Help the hidden job market find you…and improve your resume at the same time.