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HELP!
Hello,
I am Rachel and I just recently graduated with a Bachelors in Chemistry with extensive undergraduate research experience. Since graduation I have actively been searching for a position within the cosmetic industry. I have sent my resume to numerous companies. I also have sent it to all of the Lab Support Offices in my region and also in California, New York and New Jersey. Unfortunately the California, New York, and New Jersey Lab Support offices are not willing to consider me for the positions they have open because I’m currently in Georgia.Although I expressed that I was very willing to relocate at my own expense. I also contacted McKenna Labs, YG Labs, Kira Labs, Columbia Cosmetics, L’Oreal, Avon, Nu World Beauty, Kolmar Lab Group, and Estee Lauder just to name a few. I have reached out to all of the staffing and recruiting resources I know (Aerotek, Kelly Scientific, StaffMark, New Age Clinical, and Randstad.) I also check the Society of Cosmetic Chemists chapter websites weekly but there are no recent job postings. Not to mention all of the small chemistry related jobs I have applied for in an attempt to build my work experience. I have had my resume and cover letter reviewed dozens of time by numerous recruiters. They all have been impressed by my resume and research experience. I have also been very active on LinkedIn networking with HR Managers and R&D Supervisors but no luck there either. As you can see I’m extremely determined to land a job in this industry. In response to all of the emails I have sent out and applications I have completed I have only received one phone interview and unfortunately I did not get offered the job because I currently live in Georgia. It is extremely frustrating trying to break into this industry, I’m convinced I need a streak of good luck. This career path is my dream and I refuse to be defeated but I don’t know what else to do can anyone offer me any help? -
11 Replies
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Have you checked with ZEP? http://www.zepinc.com/
Other possibilities include a position with a raw material supplier: Essential Ingredients, Brenntag, Nexeo, etc. -
Another way to break in is to start as a QC Chemist…
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@DavidW, do you know of any entry-level positions open?
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Only thing I know of is FillTech, but in Charlotte.
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I haven’t tried Zep yet @bobzchemist i will look into the site and I recently emailed my resume to FillTech hopefully something develops
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I don’t know of anyone. Just keep reaching out to people and be open to ANY position in a lab to get your foot in the door. You may want to contact ICMAD (Independent Cosmetic Manufacturers & Distributors) and try to see who their members are and contact them. Maybe they even have a special rate for recent grads to join.
Also look at the advertising section of magazines such as HAPPI or GCI (Global Cosmetic Industry) or others. Then call the manufacturers who advertise. Everyone who tells you no, as them “who do you know that may need someone”. Best of luck.
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I would also suggest looking at the local SCC chapter websites. I know the Midwest SCC chapter has a few open job listings which might be appropriate for you.
Here is the complete list of chapter websites.Here is a list of all the chapters and websites for the SCC around the country including 2 in Canada.
California Chapter
Carolina Chapter
Connecticut Chapter
Florida Chapter
Intermountain West Chapter
Lake Erie Chapter
Long Island Chapter
Michigan Chapter
Mid-Atlantic Chapter
Midwest Chapter
New England Chapter
New York Chapter
Ohio Valley Chapter
Ontario Chapter
Quebec Chapter
Southeast Chapter
Southwest Chapter
St. Louis Chapter
Twin Cities Chapter -
Another thing to consider is Suppliers Day in NJ. If it’s at all possible for you to go, you should. Dress professionally, bring many 1-page resumes, and have a very short intro speech, for example, “Hi, I’m looking for a R&D job. Would you please give my resume to the head of R&D?” and also a 2-3 minute “elevator” speech well-rehearsed and polished. Give your resume to every company that has a booth.
If/when you are talking to people who sell ingredients to the cosmetic industry who have the time to chat a bit, ask them if they know of any open positions at other companies. You might also want to consider asking them about their jobs as sales reps, to see if you want to try that side of the business. -
Great idea @Bobzchemist!
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Also, keep good track of who has been given your resume, and who you give your resume to. It’s somewhat unprofessional/disorganized looking to give duplicates.
More importantly, any company who’s been given your resume by a recruiter should never, ever get a resume from you directly for at least 6 months - they could use that to try to deny a recruiter their commission.Lastly, while we’re on the subject, please send me your resume. -
Thank you for all your help. I will apply all of the new information you guys have supplied. I will keep trying and applying for positions. I am open to relocate as well as working any position within the industry, I know experience is valuable when trying to land a job in this industry. I will also prepare myself for the NYSCC Suppliers Day, I know attending this will definitely get my foot in the door. Hopefully something will develop soon. @bobzchemist Do you have an email address I can forward my resume to?
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