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.
Tips from a pro
Ryan Lothamer, Director of Executive Recruiting, has participated in hundreds of interviews and reviewed countless resumes. He knows what helps you stand out and get noticed. Besides a well-polished LinkedIn profile, there are some steps you can take to present your best self to a recruiter or hiring manager. Ryan shares two down below.
Your Resume
Your resume should be treated as a living document—constantly evolving to match your growth and the specific roles you're targeting. Focus on clarity and conciseness, eliminating anything that doesn't directly highlight your strengths or align with the job. Use the summary section to showcase a broad but relevant set of key skills that frame you as adaptable and well-rounded. Always tailor each version to reflect not just what you've done, but how you fit where you're aiming next.
The Interview
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.
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APPLICATION
ADVICE
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.
INTERVIEW
ADVICE
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:
Join Our Talent Community
We're grateful for your interest in a career with Baxter, and would like to get to know you. Joining our Talent Community is a great way to stay connected, learn more about Baxter, and help our recruiters find you if there's an opportunity that aligns with your background, skills and interests.