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Step 1
Think of your quest to get a research job as a research question. You must investigate a problem and formulate goals. Make a plan.
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Step 2
Build your own network. When job hunting, network is both a noun and a verb. The people you contact for information make up a network, but so does what you do with them. Networking is talking to people. Each person in your network has his own network as well. That's why networking is such an effective tool.
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Step 3
List your professional contacts, starting with professors you worked with in college. Include peers and co-workers on your list as well.
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Step 4
Look to your personal contacts as well. Perhaps your sister is married to someone who works at a company you're interested in working for. Talk to your neighbor who just might have a daughter who is a researcher. Talk to people at church and in the gym. You never know who might be able to help you.
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Step 5
Remember that you can use the Internet for networking opportunities as well. Subscribe to mailing lists or listservs. Don't start a discussion by saying you want a research job. Just share information that applies to the discussion topics and help others as you are able to. Once you establish online relationships, bring up your job goals.
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Step 6
Join professional organizations that focus on the type of research you hope to break into. Attend meetings or seminars regularly. Try to stick with just a couple of groups that you enjoy the most. You'll get to know people, any of whom might be able to help you with a research job.
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Step 7
Develop a reputation so that people have heard of you. A good way to accomplish this is to publish. Scientists and researchers often publish their work in professional journals. Make certain that anything you submit is your very best work and demonstrates quality writing.
