Tips and advice for navigating your job search
Searching for a new job is tough. The application process can be daunting, and the interview process could be nerve-wracking. We’ve tapped into our Talent Acquisition Partners to get their best advice—from customizing your resume to nailing your interview.
Create a custom resume for each job you apply to
- Tailor your resume to share the specific skills, experiences and examples that demonstrate why you are a perfect match for each job you apply to.
- Articulate your achievements clearly, focusing on the results and your impact, instead of responsibilities.
- Start in reverse chronological order and use bullet points.
- Two pages is often the perfect length.
- Explain gaps in your work history; if you were traveling, volunteering or doing something else, please mention it.
- Depending on the role you apply for, an additional resume in a second language can be beneficial.
Optimize your brand
- Write a brief summary of the skills and experience that qualify you for the role, highlighting ways you will add value to the organization.
- Pay close attention to detail. Your resume should be free of spelling and grammar errors and typos. Consider asking someone to proofread and/or use a tool like Grammarly.
- Speak in terms that are general across industries, instead of using acronyms or slang. A quick description of which type of industry your former employers were in, and with which products you worked (if applicable), can be very helpful for those reviewing your resume.
- Ensure you have a professional Email address, and make sure your contact details are included and correct.
Be specific and include data
- Research Baxter and refer to Baxter in your application, including why you want to work at Baxter in the role you applied to. Be aware of our industry, products and environment.
- Look for keywords in the job posting and include those keywords in your resume, when relevant.
Resume tip
"You have probably heard the expression: You never get a second chance to make a good first impression. Don’t underestimate the value of a well-written resume. It is often your first chance to make an impression with members of the hiring team. Take the time to ensure it is succinct, well-structured and truly highlights your experiences that are most relevant to the role for which you are applying.”
Caroline Onagan, Senior Director — Global Talent Acquisition Strategy & Planning
Preparing for the interview
- Review the job description, research our company and learn about our businesses.
- Learn about your interviewers and prepare questions for them. You may want to review their LinkedIn profiles.
- Be prepared to confidently answer the "Why" questions. Why this specific role? Why Baxter? And why are you a perfect match for this position?
- Think of good examples to demonstrate your skills and reflect your achievements. The STAR principle is a useful method for structuring your examples (Situation - Task - Action - Results).
- For virtual interviews, test the technology prior to the interview (microphone, camera, background, etc.).
Optimize your personal brand
- Write a brief summary of the skills and experience that qualify you for the role, highlighting ways you will add value to the organization.
- Pay close attention to detail. Your resume should be free of spelling and grammar errors and typos. Consider asking someone to proofread and/or use a tool like Grammarly.
- Speak in terms that are general across industries, instead of using acronyms or slang. A quick description of which type of industry your former employers were in, and with which products you worked (if applicable), can be very helpful for those reviewing your resume.
- Ensure you have a professional Email address, and make sure your contact details are included and correct.
After the interview
- Reflect upon which topics had been discussed, what questions you were asked, and how you felt during the interview. Make a pros and cons list to help structure our thoughts and impressions.
- Assess what you have learned about the company and position.
- Share your feedback and insights with your TA contact soon after the interview so they can align with the hiring manager and coordinate next steps. You can also use this as an opportunity to ask unanswered questions and say thank you.
- Update TA about any changes regarding your contact information or availability.
Level Up Your Interview
Interviewing for a new job can be stressful. We’ve created a guide to help you prepare and level up your interview.
Download our guide in the following languages:
Interview tip
"When interviewing, it's critical to understand the non-negotiable requirements of the position. Tailor your responses to demonstrate how you can meet those needs, using specific examples. It's important to be concise, honest, and realistic to establish credibility with the interviewer. Don't be afraid to show your personality, as it's essential to work well with others. Also, prepare thoughtful questions for the interviewer, as the interview is a two-way process."
Ryan Lothamer, Director – Executive Talent Acquisition
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