PREPARING FOR THE JOB
You're pretty sure research audiology is the career path for you, but you're not quite sure how to showcase your research experience within your clinical resume. Below are some tips and examples of how to format your resume and what to emphasize in your cover letter or interview with potential future employers.
RESUME/CV
By the time you complete your AuD and pass the PRAXIS, most employers assume you are clinically proficient, so there isn’t a need to go into a ton of detail around the clinical procedures you are able to do. Instead, make sure to point out special populations you have experience with & what made each placement unique experience-wise to avoid redundancy. Limit your resume to 2 pages.
Emphasize your research experiences by including a special RESEARCH section: list each lab, director, focus of the projects you worked on, and your role within the project.
COVER LETTER
Always customize your cover letter to be specific for the position and organization. A cover letter should be 1 page long. Questions to get you started:
What is it about that particular workplace that made you want to apply?
How does it fit within your goals and how can you help the organization, lab, team, or department?
It’s acknowledged that you are not bringing a high level of experience straight out of school, so be creative in other ways that you can support the team--social media, cultural/DEI efforts, community engagement, new clinical advances/software you learned in school, etc.
Is your cover letter memorable? Include a relevant, personal story showcasing how you learn, accept feedback, solve problems, and, importantly, interact with other people.
INTERVIEW
After reviewing your resume and cover letter, the employer requests a virtual or in-person interview with you. Remember that the interview is an opportunity for both the employer AND you to figure out if you will be a good fit within their workplace. They will have seen your resume and cover letter, so this is essentially a chance to see how you communicate and think on your feet in person. Interviewers will be wondering if you are a person that would fit well within their team based on your skills, personality, and values. Prepare by thinking of personal examples of when you have learned a new skill, navigated a conflict successfully or unsuccessfully, and lessons learned collaborating with others.
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Before the interview, do some homework about the organization!
Interviewers appreciate when you come prepared with questions. Some topics to consider asking about:
the workplace environment and culture
support or accommodations you can expect
expectations for your independence and autonomy
potential for future employment
availability of continuing education
volunteerism