Careers FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

PROFILE QUESTIONS

How do I update my cover letter/ Resume?
After logging into your profile, click on Resume/CV Manager. You can see which jobs your resume is attached to by clicking on View Submissions. If you would like to edit a resume you submitted for a particular job, click on the pencil icon next to that resume. This will allow you to upload your edited resume. Follow the same steps as above to edit your cover letter.

Even if there are no current positions available that match my skill set, should I still create a profile for future openings?
Yes. The profile enables you to enter your information once and apply to many positions. You may keep your information and resume up to date and when a recruiter reads your resume, it will always use the current version. Creating a profile also allows us to find current and future jobs that may suit you.

How will my profile information be used and will it be kept confidential?
The information in your account always remains confidential to Life Technologies. It will only be shared with members of Talent Acquisition and with hiring manager of the position(s) you have applied for. The information will be used for us to keep in contact with you regarding your interest in our positions and to evaluate your skills and experience against the requirements for the positions you have expressed interest in.

PROCESS QUESTIONS

After I apply directly to a position, will you confirm that you have received my resume?
Yes, an automated email will be sent to you for a confirmation of receipt of your application for a position.

How can I meet with a recruiter to discuss my background?
Due to the volume of daily profile submissions our Talent Acquisition Team receives, we cannot guarantee an opportunity to discuss your qualifications with a recruiter. Should a particular current opening match your skills, we will call you directly to set up a time to discuss further.

I recently submitted my resume to a specific position. Now what?
Your resume will be reviewed against the position's qualifications. If it is determined that there is a match, a member of Talent Acquisition will contact you to schedule a telephone or on-site interview.

What are the steps in the hiring process?
After an initial screening of your resume by a member of our Talent Acquisition Team, qualified resumes are then sent to the hiring manager for review. The manager will then request interviews to be set up with those determined to be a good match. A series of interviews, including telephone and on-site, are conducted. Based on the results of these interviews, an offer for employment is extended to the most qualified applicant.

How should I prepare for an interview at LIFE?
As you’ve most likely already discovered, Life Technologies has a comprehensive website with information about our culture, our history, news and more. Take a few moments to review it; you’ll probably find some interesting facts that will make great conversation starters. We also suggest taking some time to research the department/business you’ll be interviewing with. This will help you to understand the specifics of the team and relay your experiences more relevantly. You can also directly reach out to your recruiter for specific information on the department. In addition, prior to your interview it’s always a good idea to review the job description. Be prepared to talk at length about your resume and experience, as well as professional goals and desires. We also recommend to always dress in interview attire for an on-site interview.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

What type of Benefits am I eligible for?
At Life Technologies, we support our employees’ health and wellbeing with a suite of competitive and flexible health, wellness, financial and supplemental benefits for every phase of personal and professional life to support their drive to make life even better. We offer benefits for all of our full-time employees with the exception of fixed term temporary and intern employees.

What type of career development opportunities does Life Technologies provide?
At Life Technologies, we are shaping discovery and improving life. We encourage actively pursuing new career opportunities. Goal setting is the first phase and ultimately drives results by aligning employees, driving accountability for results and linking performance to rewards and promotions. Part of our commitment is to ensure we have a culture that values open and honest communication. The quarterly dialog process is another example of how we ensure that all employees receive the coaching and feedback needed to be successful.

Are you on Social Media Channels?
Yes! Please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn and Flickr.

What web browsers does Life Technologies Careers site support?
Our careers site is designed to work on IE6+, FF3+, Safari 4+

GENERAL INTERN/NEW GRAD QUESTIONS

Do you hire students?
Yes! We hire college students and new graduates into a variety positions in all areas of our company including research and development, manufacturing, sales and marketing, information technology, human resources and finance.

Do you hire international students? Do you sponsor visas?
Yes, we hire any student who is able to provide authorization to work in the particular location of his or her internship.  We also sponsor visas as necessary and at the discretion of the business.

Do you offer relocation for your students and new grads?
Yes, we provide relocation at the manager’s discretion and as allowed by IRS regulations.  Not all positions are eligible for relocation assistance.

When do the positions internships/ new grad opportunities start?
We are flexible with the start dates for both intern and new grad positions.  We understand that you have your school obligations and will determine a start date that will be suitable for you and your hiring manager.

What is the recruiting student/new grad process?
Once you submit your resume to a position, we review your qualifications against the requirements of the position.  If you meet the requirements, we will forward your information to the hiring group.  If the hiring group is interested in speaking with you further (either through on-campus interviews or other methods) we will contact you.  Once interviews are complete, an offer decision is usually made.

Where can I meet a recruiter?
Our recruiters are always out and about, click here to see our upcoming events.

What is the best way that I could stay connected/aware of student opportunities at Life Technologies?
We have a special student group on Facebook, the “Life Technologies Student Hotspot. We encourage students to join and find out the latest info the intern and new grad program.  In addition, you can find us on Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn and Flickr or email us at recruiting@lifetech.com .

How do I find out if you are coming to my school?
Click here to see our event schedule.

What type of students are you looking for?
We are looking for students in a wide array of majors from science to engineering to IT to business who are passionate about working in the life sciences industry.  Our most successful candidates are engaged, curious, driven, insightful and responsible.

What is a typical day like?
In general, we are a fast-paced and agile environment and you will find that a “typical day” reflects that. If you are scientist, you may find yourself running lab experiments one day and presenting the results to management the next.  If you are in marketing you may be interviewing customers one day and interpreting your results the next.   The list goes on and on. 

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM QUESTIONS

Can you tell me about your internship program?
All of our internships are project based.  In addition to the project you are assigned, University Relations hosts a variety of events/activities (executive speaker series, community volunteer events, video projects, poster presentations, etc.) that encourage a social atmosphere and also help you meet managers and learn about our company, industry, culture.

How long is a typical internship?
Most of our internships take place over the summer and are 10 to 12 weeks in duration.

What types of majors do you look for?
We hire for every division within our company and as a result look for a wide variety of majors including biology, chemistry, bioinformatics, chemical engineering, computer science, marketing, human resources, finance, etc. 

Does it help my chances to get a regular full-time job if I do an internship first at Life Technologies?
Absolutely, we view our internship program as a source of not only short-term hiring, but long-term as well.  We have an evaluation process in place that encourages intern conversion.

Can I get course credit for an internship?
It is up to the student to work with his or her school to determine if credit is available.  In most instances if students are eligible for credit for the internship, we can work with them complete the necessary steps.

NEW GRAD PROGRAM QUESTIONS

What types of majors do you look for?
We hire for every division within our company and as a result look for a wide variety of majors including biology, chemistry, bioinformatics, chemical engineering, computer science, marketing, human resources, finance, etc. 

Do you have learning and development programs?
Yes, we offer new graduate hires a on-boarding tools and resources, access to our Life University training curriculum and opportunities to develop through a variety of programs that foster networking, mentorship, community outreach and career planning.