Your referees are very important in the job-seeking process. Most people focus on presenting their qualifications, skills and experience and spend little time deciding who should be their referees. But choosing a good referee can make all the difference. If you choose the wrong person, you might be rejected from…>
Jobseeking and Interview Tips
Sending a Thank You Note after an Academic Interview
Have you considered sending a thank you note after an academic interview? If you sent one, did you feel awkward, hopeful or optimistic once you have written it? The idea of sending a thank you note after an interview is nothing new. Many of us, however, consider it solely a…>
Interview question: What’s your biggest weakness?
It’s an old classic and a question that seems to have had plenty of interviewees struggling, but should the question ‘What’s your biggest weakness?’ cause so much worry? Well, today we’re going to have a look at the different types of answers and offer some useful tips to help you…>
How to Deal with Different Application Forms
Preparing application forms can often be a daunting process, especially when you have several applications to finish, both those from universities and those from other public sector organisations and private companies. What differences should you be aware of when completing these different application forms? Are there any effective and efficient…>
Applying for Teaching Positions – Top Tips
For many PhDs and postdocs securing any, but especially, a fulltime, permanent teaching contract is their ultimate career aim. Research across Europe*# consistently shows over 60% of PhD students stating they are seeking a permanent academic career. A lot of people are applying for teaching positions, but they are few and…>
Post Academic Interview: 3 Things To Avoid
There is a period of limbo between having an academic interview and being told whether you have been successful and thereby offered the position, or not. This can be a nerve-wracking, uncertain time, not least because there is no defined period in which this could go on; it could be anything from a few days to a couple of months. How, then, do you act during this nebulous interval?
Top Ten Tips for Applying at Local Council
These ‘Top ten Tips’ were written by Claire Barrie, an HR Professional working for a Local Council. Helping to explain how to apply, interview and hopefully get the job, plus the differences to other sectors. 1. Read the particulars carefully Read the particulars carefully, it explains how to complete the…>
Presentation at an Interview
Have you had any experience of delivering a presentation at an interview? How do you prepare? How do you engage your audience? Presentations are a common part of the recruitment process for graduate, research, teaching, consulting and other professional roles across a range of sectors. Whether you have had a…>
What To Do When You Have Multiple Opportunities
When applying for jobs, you might find yourself in a situation where you have multiple opportunities offered to you at the same time. This might be viewed as a ‘good’ problem to have, but it does mean that you will have to make a potentially life-changing decision and that can…>
Acing the Online Application Form
If you are applying for a job at a Higher Education Institution or research body, you will almost certainly have to complete a lengthy online application form. This is the case even for internal applications. Often you will be asked to attach your CV as well. Most employers use the…>