how to get a job in science Archives - The Outlier Model

How to write an awesome cover letter (or not)

cover letter, writing a cover letter, resume with cover letter, job hunting

CF / January 28th, 2013 / 32 Comments

I take a lot of pride in writing awesome cover letters. And you should too! If you have to struggle to write a compelling cover letter, I’m going to bet that you’re not super excited about the position that you’re applying for. At my first computer science co-op, my manager told me straight up that one of the main reasons I got the interview was my strong cover letter. A good cover...

Discarding toxic people from your life

biohazard, toxic people, Discarding toxic people

CF / December 26th, 2012 / 24 Comments

Every year around Christmas, I marvel at how quickly time had passed by. Is it really another year already? As morbid as it is, I can’t help but want to make sure my time is well spent. Earlier this month, I started receiving emails, tweets, LinkedIn messages, and even Facebook messages from my former lab coworkers. Every day they bombarded me with requests to sign off on some forms to authorize...

Posted in: Philosophy Tagged with: dealing with difficult people, difficult relationships, focusing on who is important, how to get a job in science, how to handle stress, science careers, science jobs, toxic relationship, workplace stress

Giving up the 2nd job

Giving up, giving up your job, part time job, side hustle, extra income

CF / June 19th, 2012 / 4 Comments

Some people debate whether or not they should get a 2nd job to supplement their income. (The answer is generally yes!) Now that I’ve finished my second degree program and have a good job, I find myself wondering if I should give up my second job. It’s a casual position at an institution where I used to work as a research assistant. The job involves taking care of laboratory animals...

Posted in: Money, Philosophy Tagged with: 2nd job, how to get a job in science, science jobs, side hustle

So you want to get a job in science? Part 2

get a job in science, field of science, science job, scientist

CF / February 23rd, 2012 / 2 Comments

Last time, I talked about some of the pitfalls of going into science, including a lack of entry level jobs and the dangers of endless grad school. It’s tough navigating a job market that wants experience when there is such an emphasis on theory and grades during post-secondary. It’s also unfortunate that so many bright and engaged young minds get roped into a thankless field like science....

Posted in: Career and Work Tagged with: finding a science job, how to get a job in science, job tips, science careers, work experience