Have you ever been to an interview where you felt like you didn’t answer a question specifically, or kicked yourself afterward for not sharing a great example with the interviewer? If you have, you are not alone. Fortunately, an interview is something you can prepare and train for ahead of time by utilizing the STAR [...]

The prospect of going into an interview for a post-doctoral position can be quite unnerving, however in my own experience the same sorts of questions come up time and time again. It is highly worthwhile spending some time before an interview preparing some sample questions and answers. Doing this combined with some investigation into the [...]

We have discussed the importance of thank you emails and thank you cards ad nauseum. If you have read this blog more than three or four times, you have undoubtedly heard each of us espouse the importance of the follow-up thank you. As a result, we have received inquiries directly from our readers asking for [...]

Interviews are great - sometimes it feels good to have been invited in to compete for a position. Interviews are also a crucial time to ask, “What’s next?” This critical question will help you understand the hiring process. Hiring managers often end every interview with the same line, such as, “We are conducting other interviews and we’ll follow-up [...]

Whether you are looking for a PhD Studentship or your first postdoc position, identifying and approaching a potential mentor can be quite daunting and seem like a bit of a minefield. The following are a few tips to help make a first good impression. 1)      Tailor your CV and cover letter to the individual lab [...]

The initial onsite interview: it is a source of anxiety, excitement, and promise, all in one.  It is the first opportunity for you to make an impression with the company of your dreams.  It is also the first chance you have to establish yourself as a legitimate candidate with Human Resources and the appropriate Hiring [...]

Fact: The vast majority of professors are male. By the time you reach the top of the ladder, only roughly 20% of professors are female In most European countries and in quite a few countries the figure lingers around a depressing 15%. Biosciences are no exception. The balance is being redressed but only very slowly. [...]

I have prepped hundreds of candidates for interviews and, by extension, I have been a part of hundreds of interviews. At some point during each of these interviews, the Hiring Manager asks the candidate if they have any questions. This is a pivotal moment in the meeting. As with all questions in life, there are [...]

Please. Thank you. Don’t talk with food in your mouth. Parents all over the world work every day to instill the right types of manners in their children. We all know we should say “please” and “thank you” when ordering at a restaurant, but do you use these some core values when interviewing? Were you [...]

Up till now, we’ve discussed many different ways we can prepare and execute a new career search. In the last series, I discussed getting away from internet job boards and out into the real world. Now, I’m going to challenge you and push most of you way out of your comfort zone. So, there’s XYZ [...]