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Applying for Jobs

Open Positions

This is the last step in the career planning process (many people make the mistake of starting here!)

After you have:

  1. Identified your skills, interests, and values
  2. Selected career options that will meet your needs
  3. Networked with people working in the organizations you are targeting

Then you will be ready to create a strong targeted resume and cover letter. The most common error postdocs make when creating a resume is to forgo tailoring it – it is incredibly important to take the time to examine the position and identify all the skills the employer is looking for – including all the soft skills (communication, teamwork, etc.).

Here is a table that outlines the differences between an academic CV and a resume:

  ACADEMIC CV RESUME
Targeted to… Targeted at fellow academics Targeted at specific job
sectors
Length Flexible 1 OR 2 pages
Focuses on… Academic achievements and
research profile		 Skills and accomplishments
Publications
Presentations, Grants, and Fellowships		 Always included Sometimes included briefly
Work & Extra-Curricular
Experience		 Sometimes included briefly Always included – focus on
transferable skills
References Included Not usually included
Overall the CV
Provides…		 A full history of your credentials A snapshot of your skills for
the job you are seeking
Key Question(s) What is the future of your
research program?		 Do you have the skills our
organization requires?

Here is a summary of what to include in your cover letter:

cv

The following guides and sample industry resumes will help you see what kind of information employers in the industry are looking for:

  1. https://ocs.yale.edu/gsas-postdocs/resumes
  2. https://ocs.fas.harvard.edu/resumes-cvs-cover-letters
  3. https://careerservices.upenn.edu/channels/resume/
  4. http://www.careereducation.columbia.edu/resources/basics#OnPaper
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