Trying to get a job in the field of Forensic Science but don’t have any experience? Keep on reading to find out the 9 biggest things you can be doing to land your dream job with zero experience.
So you have the fancy Forensics degree, now what? Congratulations by the way! Finally completing organic chemistry, biochemistry, statistics, and forensic chemistry is no joke! Been there, done that, and never again! If you don’t know what classes I’m talking about then the first piece of advice I’m about to share with you is something you will want to think about.
The number one question I get from people looking to get into Forensic Science is how do I get a job after graduation? Because the field of forensics is so popular and saturated with new graduates, I’m not gonna lie…trying to get a job in the field is like the Hunger Games!
The competition is fierce out there! How can you even compete with someone who has a higher-level degree, who completed a four-month internship, or who has past experience?! Well, I’m going to tell you how!
If you are committed to landing a job as a newbie in the forensic field (which clearly you might be since you are sitting here reading this), it is going to take a few key things on your end. A RE-EVALUATION, HARD WORK, & PATIENCE! Read that again!
If you think your dream job is going to just fall in your lap then you need a BIG reality check!
The advice I’m about to share with you is from my own personal past experience. These are things that have worked for me in the past and I hope, if implemented correctly, will work for you too. It’s like my own little secret sauce for landing a job!
Personal Hacks for Getting a Job in Forensic Science
Take a look at your course transcripts…Did you complete all the required classes agencies want you to have prior to getting hired?
Your general chemistry and biology courses are not going to cut it. Agencies are looking for candidates who have taken the hard science courses such as organic chemistry, biochemistry, genetics, etc. Having that familiarity around a lab setting is crucial…agencies do not want to have to take the time to train a new hire on the basics of a lab setting, laboratory safety, or how to mix chemicals.
Look at the job description and the job requirements. This information will give you a better understanding of whether or not you need to do some reevaluating. This might mean you need to go back to school to complete a few more classes. This advice may be disappointing but if you want a job that bad and it’s financially feasible, it might be worth considering.
Make sure your resume is strong, to the point & that your cover letter really sells.
Employers can see right through the fluff you include in your resume and cover letter. Include action verbs and buzzwords in any job descriptions. Mention any specialized training or internships you have completed. Be careful not to overstate your qualifications…this can come back to bite you in the batootie.
Your cover letter should be so well written that any employer reading it has that feeling in their gut like “wow, we need to interview them!” Make sure to highlight your assets while still making sure you include personal touches. Also, if you are applying for multiple jobs at a time, triple check to make sure you are addressing your cover letter to the correct agency!
Get an internship, ride along, job shadow, or volunteer position.
I know it’s hard to land an internship 1. because they are super competitive and 2. because a lot of agencies only cater to actual students. Gaining any kind of hands-on experience sets you up for success and sets you apart from other candidates. This is also a great way to find out whether you like a particular forensic field. Call around and do some digging! It doesn’t hurt to ask!
Be willing to relocate.
This is a hard pill for students to swallow. Most students just think they can get a job in the area they grew up in or are already settled in…I hate to break it to you, but that’s not how real life goes.
I know that is not advice you want to hear but it took me 7 years working in the field halfway across the country in order for a position to open up in New England. Larger states like Florida, California, and Texas have a million job openings. If you want a job that badly, then sometimes you have to make the necessary sacrifices that come along with it. It sucks but unfortunately, it is what it is.
When job searching, look for entry-level positions.
Many agencies want to hire people who have been in the field for quite some time but entry-level positions usually imply that they are looking to hire a young graduate so they can train and mold them into what they want for an employee. With entry-level positions, agencies understand that candidates most likely are applying with little to no experience in the field. Landing an interview really comes down to your education, resume, and cover letter.
Take forensic training classes or forensic related webinars.
In the meantime, while you are waiting and if you can financially afford it, start taking forensic training classes/webinars. If you go to the IAI’s website or google forensic training, there are a bunch of opportunities out there. Add these trainings to your resume. Courses range from free- to $600, it just depends on what you are interested in. Ron Smith and Associates, Evolve Forensics, TriTech forensics, and GAP Science are all very reputable training companies.
Attend forensic conferences.
If you can afford to attend conferences, try to attend regional or national conferences. Check out the IAI’s or AAFS’s website for information regarding dates, registration, and course details. Conferences are so informative and are the BEST place to network with other forensic practitioners.
Network, network, network.
Networking doesn’t cost you anything but it can pay out in dividends. You should be treating networking as a way of life and not a one-hit-wonder. One cannot just simply network when it’s convenient and when you need something…this should be something you sincerely make time for.
There are 4 levels of networking…friends & family, current or past work colleagues, alumni networks, and cold outreach. Start by chatting with friends and family. Someone who knows someone, who knows someone can hopefully point you in the right direction. Make sure you never burn any bridges!
Join a professional organization.
Become a member of a professional organization like the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) or the International Association for Identification (IAI). Also, check out the regional chapters like the New England Division of the IAI (NEDIAI) closer to where you reside. Not only do you get access to journals, the latest research, and training opportunities, you can also search for job opportunities.
Getting a job in the forensic science field as a new grad can be very frustrating and trying at times. I applied to around 100 jobs before I landed an interview. During that time I was constantly doubting myself, wanted to give up, shed a few tears, and was very impatient. The important thing is that you don’t give up!
Once you land an interview, which you will, make sure to really prepare! Interviews can make or break a candidate. Download my foolproof interview preparation guide here!
It only takes one agency to take a chance on you. Show them what an asset you would make to their agency by applying the advice above!