Are you looking to land your dream forensic job? Welcome to the cool kids club. We understand firsthand the challenges and frustrations of breaking into this industry, but we’re here to help make the process easier.
In this quick guide, we’ll provide valuable insights and tips on navigating the application and interview process plus other important resources to aid your journey.
Start with Knowledge and Training Resources to Reach Your Forensic Dream Job
For those interested in pursuing their forensic dream job, there are some things you should know to start your career. Organizations like the American Academy of Forensic Science and the International Association for Identification can also offer you such information.
Moreover, the Crime Scene Investigator Network on Facebook is another good medium for accessing the latest information on the industry and job opportunities.
Forensic job descriptions can also be found on LinkedIn, Indeed, and USAJOBS.
Or you know there’s also our community… just saying. Click Here to Join the Family
Utilize Job Alerts
One effective method of finding your forensic dream job openings is setting up job alerts on LinkedIn or other job search sites. The early bird gets the worm, after all.
Additionally, by specifying your desired job title and location, you can receive notifications whenever relevant positions become available.
This way, you can stay proactive and never miss out on potential opportunities that align with your career goals.
Preparation is Key to Landing Your Forensic Dream Job
Proper preparation is essential to increase your chances of landing your forensic dream job. We’re not just talking college credits either.
Employers often value practical on-the-job experiences like internships, volunteering, job shadows, or ride-alongs. These experiences can offer valuable insights into the field and make you stand out as a candidate.
Additionally, ensure that you have the required education and courses for the position you are applying for. Furthermore, it’s crucial to clearly understand the educational requirements and any specific classes needed for the role.
Contact the human resources department or review the official job description to gather accurate information.
Watch this video about career paths to gain valuable insights:
The Hiring Process
When applying for a position in forensics, be prepared for a thorough and multi-step hiring process. This process often includes submitting an application, undergoing a psychological examination, background checks, polygraph or CVSA tests, drug screenings, and pre-employment testing.
These steps may occur in any order and can span several months. Maintaining honesty throughout the process is crucial, as any dishonesty can lead to automatic disqualification and damage your credibility for future opportunities.
Nail the Interview Process
Congratulations! You’ve landed an interview, and this is the perfect opportunity to shine.
Showcase your passion and skills.
Dress professionally and pay close attention to your appearance, as the interview board will relate it to how you represent the agency in a courtroom setting.
Study extensively, not just the job-related information but also gather knowledge about the agency, its policies, and the population it serves.
If permitted, update your resume and bring multiple copies to the interview board upon arrival. Arrive early to give yourself enough time to sign in and familiarize yourself with the interview location. You could even think of the interview as a mock trial. How would you present yourself in court?
Interpersonal Skills Matter
During the interview, be prepared to answer questions that assess your interpersonal skills. Employers value technical knowledge and look for candidates who can effectively handle conflicts, work well in a team, and manage stress.
Practice answering questions about your strengths, weaknesses, instances where you handled disagreements with supervisors, and how you cope with stress. These answers will provide insights into your character and ability to thrive in a forensic environment.
Ask Your Own Questions
At the end of the interview, take the opportunity to ask questions that help you gain further insight into the position, the unit, and the agency.
Inquire about the unit’s size, schedule, the types of cases it handles, the duration of the training program, and the next steps in the hiring process. This will demonstrate your interest and allow you to determine if this is the right fit for you.
Stay Connected and Continue Growing
After the interview, communicate with the agency and update them on any developments. Remember to follow up with a thank-you note or email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity.
Remember, landing your dream job in forensics is a process, and success often comes with continuous learning and growth.
As you progress in your career, consider attending webinars and training programs focusing on leadership, supervision, and accreditation in forensic science. These resources will help you stay ahead and advance further with each career milestone.
Learn More about Preparing for the Forensic Accreditation Process
“The Roadmap to Acing Your First Assessment”
What if everything you need to get started is all in ONE place?
These strategies include:
- Maintaining laboratory manuals and documents
- Reviewing customer feedback
- Updating personnel files
- Keeping inventory lists and logs
- Completing audits and management reviews
- ...and more!
Ready to join the discussion to Landing Your Forensic Dream Job?
Join our Gap Science Family online community!
PSSTTT… It’s Social Media Free!
What makes the Gap Science Family online community truly special is that we understand the stigma social media platforms create throughout your forensic career. Many prefer to stay off platforms like Facebook or Instagram altogether, which is why we’ve created a dedicated space where you can feel safe to interact and network with like-minded individuals without the hassle of social media.
How does it work? It’s free to join, but we have opted to make it a private space where our admin must approve all members so we can do our best to keep out the robots and spam.
Most of the spaces within the community are free to access, including forums where you can swap files, post job openings, advertise your forensic merch, announce upcoming training, and even share your wins! In the future, you may also see private spaces designated for students in our paid courses.
So join us inside the Gap Science Family online community powered by Circle, your all-in-one destination
We can’t wait to welcome you to the Gap Science Family online community! Just click the link to get started, and we’ll take care of the rest:
-OR-
Close the Gaps with Gap Science:
FORENSIC-SPECIFIC TRAINING AND RESOURCES FOR CAREER ADVANCEMENT ARE OFTEN LACKING (OR JUST PLAIN NON-EXISTENT!)
While forensic technician courses are widely available, they may not prepare you for new roles and responsibilities.
Generic leadership courses also may not address the unique challenges of a Forensic Unit. What if you could access forensic-specific training and resources to support your career growth?
Gap Science training courses and resources may be just what you’re looking for!
Ready to take the next steps in your supervisor training? Check out our Courses – Here!
Plus, learn more about how to Land Your Forensic Dream Job!
There’s More: New Taboo Topics episodes will be published at the beginning of every month! Currently, we’re available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Anchor.
