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It seems like yesterday…l just graduated college and now was on the hunt for an operational meteorology job. That period of my life was one frustrating and nervous time as I sent out resumes and cover letters to any company that had job openings. Yes, I got turned down or didn’t even hear back from some, but in the end I found the perfect fit here at WeatherWorks.
As Shailene Woodley said, “Every single journey that I’ve embarked on, I’ve learned something new”, and the journey taught me a lot about what it takes to find that coveted career. So here are the most important things I think graduates should keep in mind when on the job hunt, especially for meteorologists:
1. Check, check, and check your resume. Don't let your resume get thrown out because it's sloppy and filled with mistakes. Watch punctuation errors and have the correct format with well-spaced margins. Also, customize your resume and cover letter to the specific company and position at hand. Another word of advice is to eliminate accomplishments from high school and focus on the most recent four years. Lastly, make sure your cover letter is addressed to the right person and more importantly, correctly spelled. Think about when you receive a phone call and they can't pronounce your name properly, do you pay attention or blow it off?
2. Do not be phony during an interview. What do I mean? BE YOURSELF. Employers can sense if you are being fake and putting on a show for the interview. In addition, be sure to dress and act professionally as well. Like my grandmother always preached, sit up straight and keep good eye contact. Show a genuine willingness to learn about the company and let your true personality shine.
3. Know the fundamentals of your field. In terms of a forecasting positions, master the basics of meteorology. You'd be surprised how much of an edge you will gain over the competition. Here are a few important topics to review:
a) Initialize current conditions. Knowing current conditions is key to forecasting and can become a sticking point during your interview. Many new forecasters love to "model watch" without checking if the models are even performing well. You'd be amazed how much the accuracy of your forecasts will improve just from correctly picking out sea breezes, back-door fronts, and convergence lines. Something as easy as missing a surface northerly wind in a valley can throw a winter forecast way off track.
b) METARs - They are so important, they deserve their own paragraph. Do you know what the METAR code RMK FQT LTGICCCG OHD-W PK WND 02027/0150 SLP 111 or SNINCR 1/2 P0010 means? While it might seem like a foreign language to some, to a meteorologist it provides key information. Deciphering METAR code is vital when briefing in on current conditions. Many entry level candidates struggle with METAR code, and thus get passed by in the hiring process. If you're fluent, you will know the current conditions in minutes and have an advantage over someone who isn't.
c) Be familiar with various radar and satellite products as well as the different types of models. Don't forget about soundings/Bufkits too! Be sure you can differentiate between precipitation types and pick out severe weather parameters.
A Bonus Tip to Always Remember… Never let the fear of failure discourage you from applying. Even if you have to work somewhere else outside the field for a while, never stop learning new skills and applying for that sought after career, because in the end it will all be worth it.
