If you’re in technology commercialization and you’re looking for a new opportunity, you know it’s not as easy as running a search on one of the big career sites. Technology transfer departments don’t always use them. If you’re looking for a new position, consider these five tools to make your job hunt easier and improve your exposure to hiring institutions.
Email Signature
This is one of the easiest things you can do as it takes less than five minutes. Create a professional email signature. Include all of your contact information and your social media profiles, at least LinkedIn. Use it on every email. You never want to make someone hunt for your contact info.
Most email providers help you create a basic text version. If you want something spiffier try WiseStamp.
A Great LinkedIn Profile
Upload a professional picture (don’t leave the egghead) and then fill it out. If you are looking for a job LI is an excellent place to connect with professionals. Make the most of your profile with these LinkedIn tips.
If you’re looking for a high-level position you should also consider publishing to LinkedIn and sharing your thoughts on the industry. High level tech transfer positions require excellent communication skills. Publishing to this platform illustrates your abilities.
An AUTM and/or LES Membership
Association memberships are great ways to hear of hidden opportunities. Technology transfer / technology commercialization is a tight niche. Engage with others in your industry. They may be able to tell you about upcoming retirements and other changes in departments that affect hiring.
The Cloud
You have your choice of platforms here, but cloud access to important documents like your resume is essential for the technology commercialization professional on the go. Upload your resume and information on deals you’ve negotiated to Google Docs, DropBox or Evernote so they’re always with you. This way if you get to an interview and they don’t have a copy, or you meet someone serendipitously, you can share these documents on the spot. This sort of preparedness speaks volumes about you as a professional.
Start-up Knowledge
Okay, this one isn’t a tool and I’m not saying you need to go start a business, but I would highly suggest getting into the start-up mindset. Read a few start-up blogs or books on start-ups, and/or subscribe to some start-up podcasts. Join a start-up Facebook group or Meet-up group. There are many, many ways to increase your knowledge on the start-up mentality and that sort of information goes a long way in an interview.
