Writing an application for a job such as a post doc position isn't always straightforward, and there are many potential pitfalls. One has to try and stand out while at the same time trying to conform to expressed and hidden agendas. However, there are certain things one can do which both helps with the organization of the application and aids in making one's application look serious. One thing to keep in mind is to READ THE F*KING ANNOUNCEMENT at least well enough to notice a large section in bold-face giving a detailed list of which attachments to include and then make good and damned sure you conform to this list. Failing to provide the documents clearly and specifically listed in the announcement tells the hiring committee at least one in five things about the applicant, none of them good:
- Applicant can't provide said documentation and is thus not qualified
- Applicant doesn't bother to read the announcement carefully and thus isn't what you can hope for in a potential hire
- Applicant is not skilled enough in the language of the announcement to understand what's required - which in most cases means that applicant lacks skills in Norwegian AND English. Consequently, the applicant isn't qualified to work in an international work environment with minimal English skills being required.
- Applicant is too stupid to understand the announcement...
- Applicant is unable to control his or her ego even at this stage, and thus ignores the rules in favor of how the applicant would prefer to organize the application. DEFINITELY not one to hire.
I got roped into being on one of them committees - does it show?
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9 comments:
I got roped into being on one of them committees - does it show?
No
..good...
The application for a post doc position is pretty formal process (or I assume so), which means that the universities across the country demand pretty much the same in all their announcement. So the, applicants should have no problem include whatever neccaseary. Or else you wouldn't be qualified.
However, outside the universities, the situation is different. Sometimes I do not include everything stated in the ad, but still don't feel home in any of your categories (except for the stupid one, but for other reasons). The stupidity is sometimes on the employer side.
The stupidity is sometimes on the employer side.
Sure, but if this is your default position as a job applicant AND you also project this in the application, then you're certainly at a disadvantage, wouldn't you say? ..something about knowing when to hold and when to fold...
However, outside the universities, the situation is different.
...what do I know about the real world? :-)
Sure, but if this is your default position as a job applicant AND you also project this in the application, then you're certainly at a disadvantage, wouldn't you say?
Are you saying I should stop doing that in my applications?
...depends on your desired outcome, I guess.
Seriously though; there are attachments you can leave out, and attachments you sorta' kinda' should strive to turn in.
Like if the job announcement for a scientist specifically asks "if you were given this job, what type of researh would you like to do?", then leaving that blank speaks volumes about your abilities or lack thereof
...what do I know about the real world? :-)
You lead a very sheltered life behind your white, picket fence...
:-D
Whaddoyamean? Next you'll be telling me that there's something to the rumors of a "financial crisis" in the world.
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