Comments for Research Careers Blog

Comment on Research employers, stop looking for a unicorn by Amy

Amy — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 18:23:31 +0000

Thanks for posting this article/call to action, Karen. I recently relocated to a new state after my partner got a new job opportunity, and this is something I have encountered while looking for employment for myself (in market research and research positions in other industries). I often don’t submit applications for positions that I’m interested in because they seem to want the whole shebang, and I walk away thinking my skills are inadequate. Even entry level positions seem to have more requirements these days.

I agree that it’s good to have a variety of tools, skills, and experiences under your belt, but there is a threshold beyond which even stellar researchers cannot transcend. It can be rather discouraging when job descriptions list an inordinate number of requirements, especially if I meet most of them except for one or two. I feel that I have an excellent background and an array of experiences in different research contexts, yet I am finding nothing. I am also willing (and eager!) to learn new skills on the job in order to meet an employer’s needs and my own professional development goals, yet never see any language in job descriptions noting such an interest on the employer’s behalf.

Comment on Employers, tap into the power of engaged employees by Amy

Amy — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 23:52:09 +0000

I especially like this one: “Involve. Take action with employees when designing their jobs, improving work processes and solving problems identified through customer and employee feedback. Involving employees creates broader buy-in and a groundswell of engagement.”

Wise companies and organizations, especially those going through major reorganizations/restructuring, make sure to include employees at all levels in change planning strategies to ensure a smooth transition. The consequences can be big for those who refuse to incorporate the grassroots in decision-making processes, especially when the grassroots will be affected by major organizational changes (e.g., job descriptions/roles/responsibilities).

Comment on Welcome to the Quirk’s Research Careers blog! by in home care for seniors

in home care for seniors — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 08:43:47 +0000

Whoa! Really compelling document. So I am bookmarking this weblog immediately. Thanks a lot!

Comment on Don’t make these top five résumé mistakes by Karen

Karen — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 01:07:25 +0000

Hi Jonathan,

Thank you for posting this great read. In relation to your post, I am curious to know if you have any tips/advice to offer career people regarding how to retain a recruiter.

I’m experienced and “mid-career;” however, I actually started over in the middle of it all by attending a master’s program in sociology. Now, I’m looking for a position in marketing research but it’s incredibly tough to get my foot in the door anywhere, much less at a recruitment firm in the business because I am “entry level” in their eyes. I am networking and I am on many job lists. It is all quite overwhelming and I think I would benefit greatly from a recruiter to help me wade through it all and target my job search more efficiently.

I was hoping that my years of experience coupled with a master’s degree would be a “plus” but thus far it has not been. Most recruiters who contact me are interested in placing me in my old career. Any advice you could offer would be greatly appreciated!

Comment on How do you keep your research department happy in a challenging economy? by Greg Timpany

Greg Timpany — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:49:28 +0000

Seeing how I am a department of one, I keep myself happy by looking at new tools and techniques. For example, I recently took on a demo of Q. This appears to be a highly effective analytical software package. Also, webinars are a big part of my professional development. Lastly, networking with other research professionals both here in RDU and globally.

Greg
@datadudegreg
http://www.linkedin.com/in/gregtimpany