If you are truly interested certain positions, then you can reach the research job requirements in creative ways. This does not mean lying or otherwise embellishing to make it appear that you have experience or skills that you clearly do not have. That having been said, you need to truly evaluate what research skills and experience you do have and include it all on your resume.
The resume that gets results is not the simple list of job history and a few references. It is a marketing tool that should present you to a prospective employer in such a way that they will be interested in finding out more. The final award of a job comes as a result of the interview process, background and reference checks, and a decision by the interviewing team. You must remember that most published positions will be applied for by a large number of qualified research specialists.
Some people with the most excellent qualifications apply but never get past the initial interview process because of a sense the prospective employer has that the applicant will not work well within the team or that they will not be coachable to do the job according to company standards. You would do well to research what you can about the personality and goals of the company and be equipped with that information during the interview. It would also help to include a message on the cover page of your resume to indicate that you are aware of the scope of the company, listing skills you have that discover they may be looking for as far as research job requirements go, and a statement proving that you would be an excellent choice for the position.
When compiling content for your resume, there are several key places you should look in your background that would help you meet experience requirements.
List All Research Experience
Consider everything you have ever conducted research on in the past. From a high school history project to a mysterious rash, what methods have you applied to achieve your results? The ability to conduct Internet research is extremely valuable when it comes to the research industry. You have to separate fact from speculation and then do separate research on fact verification. Every time you have conducted research, you have gained valuable experience that should not be dismissed. Experience is experience. This includes more than what you have been paid to achieve.
Consider Entry-Level Positions
Sometimes the industry research jobs of your preference are simply not within your grasp. For positions that you covet, check to see if there are any entry-level research jobs available in the respective companies. You can write a letter to the senior research executive and explain that you have a strong desire to work within their company's research division, but you recognize that your skill set does not yet qualify you for the positions they are advertising. Write with absolute belief in the quality of your present skills and experience and let them know you are confident that you would be able to grow into a top research position within their organization. This type of communication is not common among applicants looking for entry-level research jobs, so it may get you the attention of top management. A passionate worker is very valuable to an employer. The position to which you were referring might be a newly created position that might be perfect for a skilled, yet inexperienced researcher. Or perhaps they were considering or might consider hiring an assistant to the senior researchers that might give you a great leg up in the research industry.
Entry-level research jobs do not typically pay as well as skilled research positions, but they provide excellent experience and education that you will be able to use in the future.
Provide a Sample of Your Research Results
If you want to prove your abilities beyond your experience, you may want to choose a subject that is related somehow to the industry research jobs you are applying for and conduct a comprehensive research study on it. You can publish your research methods, sources, and results on the Internet and give prospective employers the link to the site.
Make sure your research is easy to read, easy to navigate, and free from errors. Include several styles of reports demonstrating the research results and anything else that might point to the fact that you are qualified to meet the research job requirements.
You may also choose to make and maintain a physical portfolio that will show a history of accomplishments that will prove that you are up to the task of various research job requirements.
Research has gotten a negative reputation as being boring and mundane. With creativity and passion applied to industry research jobs, and even entry-level research jobs, you can bring a whole new energy to the field and be recognized as a valuable asset to any organization.
