If you’ve always wanted to work in the cosmetic science field, it’s time to make your career goals a reality. Sure, it’s challenging to find jobs with major companies like P&G and L’Oreal, but if you approach it the right way, you can land the position you’ve always wanted.
It takes a whole lot more than a well-written cover letter and resume to get noticed by a hiring manager in this industry. If you want to get ahead, you’re going to have to network your way in. Impress every person you meet by keeping up with the latest industry trends and knowing how you can add value to a company.
Knowing your worth will also be very important during salary negotiations when you’re offered a job. For future reference, Salary.com cites the average annual pay of an entry-level chemist at $51,858, as of July 2015.
3 Ways to Land a Cosmetic Science Job
Who you know is everything in this highly competitive field. No matter how talented you are, you’ll need to make some valuable connections to get your foot in the door. Read these three tips to get started:
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Network with Industry Raw Material Sales People.
Attend a local trade show filled with cosmetic industry suppliers to make new connections. Most booths will be staffed by sales professionals who are very well connected and likely hear about job opportunities all the time. Bring plenty of business cards and perfect your elevator pitch to make a good impression.
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Take On a Temp Job.
Gain a great deal of experience to add to your resume in a short period of time by working with a temp agency. This is a savvy way to learn more about the industry and the type of company you’d like to work with, while making valuable connections with professionals who may prove very helpful later on. Plus, many companies hire temporary workers at the end of their contract, so give each job your all.
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Connect with R&D Professionals.
Join your local Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC) chapter and attend every event to meet as many professionals as possible. If you meet a professional who works at a company you’re interested in, but not in R&D, ask them to introduce you to someone in the department. You can also use LinkedIn to connect with R&D professionals who may be able to help in your job search. People are always interested in what you can do for them, so research the company to find a problem it’s facing and explain how you would be able to help.
Stop dreaming about a career in cosmetic science and make it a reality. Contact Momentum Search Consultants to get started. We have deep connections with hundreds of industry professionals, allowing us to provide you with key information and guidance throughout the hiring process.