How Do I Apply for Genetics Jobs?

Genetics jobs exist in many different fields, including animal science, family genetic counseling, forensics and entomology. In order to apply for a genetics job you should match your skills and interests to a particular field within genetics. Once you have chosen an area of interest, the next step is to contact companies or agencies that are doing genetic work of that type.

The best approach for finding genetics jobs begins with a decision about the specific area you are most interested in. A person who enjoys laboratory work will likely do well working in research for the government or at a university. Someone who likes interacting with people will probably be successful working as a genetic adviser for families that have reproductive concerns. Animal lovers have plenty of genetics employment opportunities working at such tasks as improving livestock through genetics or managing zoo breeding programs.

The next step is to match your skills to the job requirements. Some genetics jobs don’t require that you have anything higher than an Associate’s degree, especially tasks such as a laboratory or research assistant. More often employment will require that you have a Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s degree or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree, or the equivalent, in an appropriate field of study.

Perhaps the most important task of all is locate potential places of employment. Newspapers, trade publications and university job listings are all sources of employment information. An Internet search can also produce a number of companies engaged in the type of genetics activities that you are most interested in. A library will usually have books you can review that list different companies engaged in various types of genetics research and development.

When you are ready to apply for genetics jobs, you should carefully prepare your resume. Include all relevant work experience and education, as well as any other skills you have that may be useful for the task. Be sure to note if you have written any papers in the field or performed volunteer work similar to the job you are applying for. Write a cover letter to each employer you are approaching, briefly explaining who you are and why you are applying for a job at that company.

Mail or hand-deliver the cover letter and your resume. You may be asked to fill out an application as well. Give all of the papers to the appropriate person at the company and wait for them to contact you if they are interested. You may wish to apply to more than one company to increase your chances of finding the right opportunity.