What’s the one most important rule when making any job or funding application?
The answer: TARGET!
Recently, I’ve been reviewing quite a large number of CVs, and the one piece of advice I keep passing on to applicants is: LINK your CV and covering letter to the job description and person specification.
And to make this advice more accessible and relevant to researchers, who’ve no doubt spent much of their time in education, let me give you some tips you may already have heard from your school or university days, so that you can apply them to your job applications.
“The clue is in the question.” Remember when teachers and professors repeatedly told us how to write a good essay or answer an exam question? They were urging us to stick to the point, focus on the question, and not to stray from the main argument. To do this well, we had to examine the wording of the essay or exam question carefully for hints about what information to include, what to highlight, and what to leave out altogether.
When you only have three hours to write everything you know about a subject, you prioritise the most relevant information and showcase it early on to secure the marks. You revise, read around the topic, and add evidence that distinguishes your answer from others.
Now, beyond school and university, these words may not seem relevant anymore … but, believe me, they very much are – in the shape of writing an effective CV and covering letter, where you have only one or two pages to ‘sell’ yourself to an employer.
Here are some tips to help you to target your future applications:
When confronted with a job description or person specification, highlight the keywords and make sure you include them in your application. This shows that you’ve understood the employer’s needs and are actively demonstrating your knowledge and experience to match them.
Similarly, research the organisation thoroughly – whether it’s a commercial company, a start-up, or a research institute. Look at their mission statement, projects, or recent publications. Use this insight to shape your application so that it resonates with their goals and demonstrates how you can contribute. Think of it as answering the exam question they’ve set: Why should we hire you?
Above all, remember: you’re not writing your life story, you’re writing a tailored response to a specific question. Just as a good essay earns top marks for relevance and evidence, a good application succeeds because it’s clear, targeted, and focused.
So next time you apply for a job, channel your inner researcher, analyse the “question” and make sure that every sentence of your CV and covering letter helps you to earn full marks.
Can you describe your research in just a few sentences? How about in one sentence?
Or, better still, in only five words?
The art of simplification and summarisation is highly skilled (without the aid of AI of course!). You will need to use it during your PhD or postdoc when you submit your 100-word abstract for consideration at a scientific meeting. You’ll need to pull together your results into a meaningful message when you create your poster or prepare your talk.
Even more skill is required when explaining your science to general audiences, such as the public, schools, undergraduates and other non-specialist researchers (in other words, everyone outside of your specific field of expertise).
And the ultimate test is to answer the interview question, “Tell me about your research”, when the interviewer is a non-academic employer. Can you describe your many years of hard toil, numerous experiments, analyses, blood, sweat and tears in under one minute? Can you make it interesting and relevant, cutting out all the extraneous detail, in order to convince the employer to value your experiences and understand the thrust of your research aims and the significance of your conclusions?
Science communication, public engagement, media training and even teaching can help you to simplify your science and even to understand it better, by going back to first principles. Children, the public and journalists can ask the most basic questions, such as “Why do you do what you do?”, “What’s the point of what you do?”, forcing you to reflect on the very essence of your science, even to wonder why you chose to do it in the first place. I once posed this question to a high-profile professor and he said it made him re-think his whole life.
Powerful stuff indeed!
So, don’t dismiss this valuable side of your research experience. Communication is at the heart of every business, especially in industry, where you have to connect closely on a daily basis with non-specialists, who need to understand what you’re saying.
Doing outreach, going into schools, signing up for media training workshops, teaching or getting involved in initiatives, such as (to name but a few), 3-Minute Thesis (3MT), Pint of Science, Voice of Young Science, the Royal Society Summer Exhibition, café scientifique and Falling Walls (you can Google them to find out more) are fantastic ways to hone your summarisation and simplification skills, whilst meeting new people and having a great time too.
And if you’re not a person who likes to take to the stage, there are other ways to communication your science in writing, such as submitting an article to The Conversation, contributing to school or university magazines/newspapers, summarising others’ research post-conference in membership magazines or journals. You can even set up your own blog or post onto social media.
So, what are you waiting for?
Dive in and find the audience(s) you want to engage with, inspire and inform! And if you’re slightly daunted by the prospect, don’t worry – there are plenty of ways to get help honing your science communication skills these days. You can attend courses, visit your local science centre, learn from other professionals, such as Duncan Yellowlees and Alaina Levine (find them on LinkedIn), read popular science magazines, such as New Scientist, or simply start practising …..
I’ve just come back from a great holiday in France, where I had the chance to get away from my desk and gather my thoughts – even more so because we had no access to the internet for most of the time (unthinkable, I know!).
Even though I wasn’t actually working, I was still mulling over my careers work and, during a walk around a nearby lake, I stood and stared at the view thinking about how much it mirrored typical career journeys: The track was winding and uneven, you couldn’t see a clear path ahead and the water seemed both inviting and unpredictable.
At the beginning, academic careers can feel like a well-marked trail – structured, linear, and clear. You do your experiments, interpret your data, publish papers, write grants, apply for the next research position, etc… However, in reality, as most researchers discover, the path is often winding, full of unexpected turns, occasional dead ends, as well as the need to step off the track altogether.
The myth of the straight path
In academia, there is a powerful myth: that success follows a straight line from PhD to postdoc to permanent faculty role. While this happens for some, the majority experience a more complex journey. Many academic careers involve temporary contracts, international moves, shifts between disciplines, and, for the most part, a challenging transition outside of academia altogether.
It’s only human to feel anxious when your career doesn’t unfold in a neat progression. Standing at the metaphorical fork in the path, it can be difficult to know whether to push ahead, pause, or change direction. However, the path itself is rarely the problem – the uncertainty lies in not knowing what’s around the corner…
Pausing to look around
Too often, you can get caught up in the cycle of the next deadline, the next experiment, the next paper. There is little time to stop and ask: Am I heading where I want to go?
Taking time for reflection is not a sign of indecision, it’s an essential part of navigating uncertainty. A pause allows you to notice the landscape, assess the terrain, and consider alternative routes. This might mean:
Reflecting on what aspects of your work energise you most;
Talking to mentors or peers about their experiences of different career paths;
Considering what values matter most to you: for example, stability, intellectual challenge, impact, flexibility;
Having a discussion with a professional career coach to clarify your thoughts.
Just as on a walk, stopping to look around doesn’t mean you abandon the journey. It means you continue on with greater clarity and purpose.
Embracing detours
Another lesson from the winding path is that detours can lead to surprising discoveries. This might mean taking on a role outside your immediate field, joining an interdisciplinary project, or exploring careers beyond academia.
These moves are often seen as deviations from the “main” path, but they can be opportunities to build new skills, networks, and perspectives. They can also reveal directions you might not have considered before, which can sometimes be more interesting and fulfilling than the one you thought you were supposed to follow.
The power of flexibility
When you’re walking along an uneven trail, it helps to stay flexible – adjusting your pace, changing your footing, or even doubling back if needed. The same is true in academic careers. Flexibility doesn’t mean giving up on your ambitions; it means recognising that there are multiple ways to achieve them.
This might involve:
Being open to roles outside of traditional academia;
Seeing temporary contracts as opportunities to build experience rather than setbacks;
Developing transferable skills, such as communication, project management, or teaching.
Flexibility is what allows you to adapt when the path ahead shifts unexpectedly. Along the way, you will contribute knowledge, mentor others, collaborate on exciting projects, and grow in ways that extend beyond any job title. Even if the path twists and turns, these experiences are what make the journey worthwhile.
Moving forward
So, if you are a PhD or postdoctoral researcher feeling uncertain about the road ahead, take heart. The winding path is not a failure, it’s the reality of a complex and evolving career landscape. Permit yourself to pause, to reflect, and to explore. Trust that detours can enrich your journey, and that flexibility will carry you through the uneven ground.
Above all, remember that you don’t have to see the entire path to take the next step.
Being a doctoral or postdoctoral researcher often feels like sprinting a marathon while juggling 10 (or more) balls in the air. Deadlines, imposter syndrome, endless revisions, grant anxiety – it can get very intense sometimes.
This is where my cat philosophy comes in – you might think that the only path to success is relentless productivity, that resting is laziness, and that taking a break is a sign that you’re falling behind. However, if you spend time around a cat you’ll quickly notice they live by a radically different set of rules.
A cat doesn’t ask permission to take a nap in a sunny spot. It doesn’t apologise for curling up on a pile of freshly washed laundry. And it certainly doesn’t feel guilty for turning away from something that doesn’t interest it.
Cats are masters of strategic disengagement!
Here’s the key lesson: rest is not a reward – it’s a biological necessity. And more than that, it’s a productive act.
Your best thinking rarely happens when you’re hunched over a laptop at 2am, trying to coax some meaning out of your 80th data point. Insight often comes in through the side door, for example, during a walk, a shower, or even during a ‘power nap’.
In academia (and probably in other professions too), researchers are conditioned to believe that being constantly busy is a badge of honour. But working all the time doesn’t make you work better. It can make you tired, resentful, and more prone to making mistakes.
This isn’t to say you can stop showing up – we all know the demands of the job. But like a cat that spends hours resting before one concentrated pounce, your effort will have more impact if it’s balanced by intentional recovery.
So, how can you channel your inner cat? Here’s four suggestions:
Take time out without guilt. Even a short break can restore clarity. Your brain is still working – just differently.
Be selective. Cats don’t chase every opportunity; you don’t need to say yes to everything that comes your way.
Protect your energy. Not everything needs an immediate response. Some emails can wait!
Create boundaries. Cats have an uncanny ability to walk away when something doesn’t serve their needs. You’re allowed to do the same.
And perhaps most importantly: PLAY. Cats play because it keeps them agile and curious. For you, that might mean a hobby, a conversation outside your discipline, doing sport or yoga, reading a book, cooking or just doing something for joy, not output.
So next time you find yourself pushing through for the sake of pushing, ask: Would a cat do this?
Sometimes the smartest thing you can do for your research – and your wellbeing – is to close the laptop, stretch out in a patch of sunlight, and … not do it.
According to a new report from the EUA-CDE, 75% of universities that they surveyed believe that non-academic employers only understand the value of a PhD “to some extent”.
So, what does this mean for those PhD researchers who are looking to move out of academia and into business or industry? What does it mean for those who need to convince employers of their relevance and worth when applying for vacancies or making speculative enquiries?
Well, let’s take a look at that statistic: “75% of employers only understanding the value of a PhD to some extent”. The good news for you is that this highlights a communication gap, not a talent gap. The not-so-good news is that you need to work harder, spend more time and put more effort into your job search and the application process, to persuade these slightly doubtful organisations of your talents!
So, what does this involve? Well, it means you’ll need to put more time aside for your career, take proactive steps to translate your skills, increase your visibility, and align yourself with industry expectations. Here’s how:
TRANSLATE YOUR SKILLS INTO ‘BUSINESS LANGUAGE’
‘De-jargon’ your CV and cover letter: For example, instead of saying “took the lead in a research collaboration”, say “managed a project with five stakeholders and a 50K budget”.
As the survey shows, almost 100% of universities believe that a doctorate equips you with transferable and professional skills ‘to a great or some extent’. If you think you’re lacking in a particular skill, look into ways to close this gap with courses or by volunteering.
Use quantifiable achievements (e.g., “cut data processing time by 30% through automation”, coordinated a team of three international partners …. “
NETWORK AND INCREASE YOUR VISIBILITY
Attend career fairs and/or talks to find out more about industry/business roles and use the opportunity to network and connect with the speakers and exhibitors.
Reach out to PhD alumni on LinkedIn who now work in industry – connect with them and even ask for an ‘informational interview’ to find out more (but before you reach out make sure you look professional – see my previous blog about this).
Like, comment or contribute to online discussions, blogs, or podcasts related to your field.
GET INDUSTRY-RELATED EXPERIENCE
As the survey results show above, exposure to non-academic employers is less prevalent, so if your PhD or postdoc allows, try to get an internship or voluntary experience working in industry/business.
Reach out to industry partners connected with your research project.
TARGET YOUR APPLICATIONS
One of the main reasons that any application is unsuccessful is because it is generic and untargeted. Employers show you ‘the answers’ on their job description, in the person specifications and on their websites and other media. All you need to do is take this information and match your CV and covering letter to their requirements.
Tailor your application to demonstrate who you will contribute to the organisation and even how you will solve an employer’s problem, not just to describe your research.
In interviews, use storytelling (e.g. the STAR technique) to show how your research mirrors industry challenges (e.g. pivoting, testing, delivering under pressure).
GET CAREER SUPPORT
Transitioning to non-academic careers can be challenging for many reasons, not least of all because you may well have spent the majority, if not, your whole career studying and working in academia, so the prospect of leaving can be daunting and even frightening. This is a completely normal human reaction to change, so don’t be alarmed. As well as following the advice above, see if you can get support from within your own institution (some of whom have dedicated academic careers staff) or attend career workshops and events, all of which are free and targeted to PhD and even postdoctoral researchers.
There are also independent career coaches like myself who can help you on an individual basis (but do try to get some financial assistance for this from within your research project or department, if it’s available).
They say that every journey starts with a single step. But it also ends with a single step.
Career planning involves many steps, twists and turns and usually ends with an interview to assess whether you’re the right fit for a particular role (and vice versa).
This final step usually involves ‘interrogating’ candidates in what can feel quite a stressful situation, with questions such as, “Tell me about yourself”, “Why do you want this job?”, “What interests you about our organisation/research group?”, “What can you bring to this role?”, “Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?” Furthermore, you will have questions to ask the employer, e.g., “What is important to your organisation in terms of the working environment and culture?”.
These are very poignant questions and require a lot of preparation, research and self-reflection, if you’re to achieve a successful result. And, ironically, they are exactly the kind of questions you should be asking yourself at the start of your career planning.
So, it occurred to me, why not start at the end of the process when career planning, rather than at the start? It makes sense. Your future employer wants to know what is important to you in your career, what you’re good at, where your passions lie, what motivates you, how you like to work and what are your longer-term plans. And, although you may well be inwardly aware of the answers to these questions, articulating them out loud and in a coherent way for the first time can be challenging, awkward, difficult and even revelatory. Talking about your innermost hopes and aspirations, your interests and values, as well as doing it in a positive, convincing and forthright way to strangers in an interview can thus be quite cathartic! You may surprise yourself as you reveal characteristics about yourself that you haven’t even disclosed to your closest friends.
So how would this reverse career planning work? I’ll propose some steps that you could try out, using the following typical interview questions:
“Why do you want this job?”
To answer this question you need to have researched the role and the organisation/research group. You will need to know the requirements of the post, as well as the culture/values of the work environment. You will also need to show how it fits with your own career ambitions.
Researching roles and organisations well ahead of making job applications will mean that you’re familiar with the types of positions available, how they fit together, who works in these jobs and what are their backgrounds. You’ll also find out who is currently or previously working in this career sector. You can use this research activity as a networking opportunity to connect with research groups, companies, employees etc., even conduct informational interviews, so that you gain more personal and accurate insights into their operations and purpose. You can start to consider what you could offer to them in terms of your own skills and expertise, as well as identifying skill gaps and areas for career development, which you could address during your current role.
“Tell me about yourself”.
This brings me to another very popular question that is usually asked at the start of an interview. Here, you need to consider which aspects of your experience, skills, aptitudes and other characteristics are relevant to the role and that connect you to the requirements of the position. What gives you a sense of achievement and reward? How would others describe you? What are your strengths and blind spots?
On a broader scale, this question prompts you to consider your past experiences – your social background, reviewing your younger self and how you came to arrive at where you are now. What or who has influenced your decisions in the past and how would you describe your life highs and lows – for example, can you recall any significant experiences or turning points? Furthermore, regarding this question, you’ll need to connect your answers to your career choices and evaluate why you’ve chosen this line of work and, more importantly, why. The process of self-analysis and reflection is not an easy one, which is why many people benefit from professional career coaching or educational sessions to help them with their self-discovery and career planning.
“What can you bring to this role?”
This question is perhaps a little easier to answer. It requires you to focus primarily on your experiences, interests and skills to show what you can offer to the project or the organisation. Maybe there’s a focus on your functional or technical expertise, your investigative skills, your ability to manage others, communicate or organise, etc. In addition, you may need to give evidence of certain personal characteristics, such as your tenacity, energy, empathy, precision, etc.
Again, being able to identify and articulate your strengths isn’t an easy activity and takes time and deep reflection to discover authentic answers. Sometimes it helps if you ask others (colleagues, friends, family) to give you some feedback and, of course, a career coaching interview can also assist in the process.
“Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?”
Having a longer-term vision of your career is not for everyone! Many of us like to take things one step at a time and, of course, in a topsy turvy world, who knows what the future holds? Furthermore, personal circumstances change, which, in turn, changes our values and aspirations. For example, having a family might make stability and security more important, which can impact career decisions.
To answer this longer-term question, rather than imagining yourself in a particular job and organisation, think more widely about what you want to do more of and what you would like to diminish. In one of my previous blogs, I use my PhD Career Choice Indicator to help researchers to identify skills of interest to them. For example, you may see yourself building on your research interests, gaining more expertise and investigative seniority. Alternatively, you may be interested in gaining greater managerial and leadership responsibilities or maybe you want to build more artistic and/or communication expression into your career.
Turning to a favourite career planning model, which I’ve described in a previous blog, you’ll see that careers is a complex and messy business! Whether you start at the beginning, end or in the middle any activities you do to address aspects of your career will be helpful. Use your research and analytical skills to interrogate yourself, the job market, career sectors, professionals, networks, etc. and use resources to assist you in these activities, as well as getting practical advice and information about how to write an effective online profile, CV and application, as well as, of course, refining your interview technique!
These simple yet powerful words were spoken by one of the speakers on a career panel at a recent event for doctoral and postdoctoral researchers that I had the privilege of taking part in. The phrase struck a chord at the time, and reminded me of a sentiment that often goes unspoken in academic environments: the quiet undercurrent of isolation.
In the world of academia, where the norm is to focus intently on your own individual project, feelings of disconnection can be quite common amongst researchers, even for those in large research groups. It’s not uncommon to realise you know very little about what other members of your research group are working on – let alone the researchers down the corridor or in the next building.
Beyond the lab, many researchers find themselves in a ‘bubble’, unaware of the breadth of resources, events, and opportunities that exist across their institution, many of which could benefit their careers or simply make their day-to-day lives feel more fulfilling.
That’s not to say that every researcher experiences loneliness, or that everyone needs constant social engagement to thrive. But finding community, whether through friendships, professional networks, or casual shared moments, can be quite powerful. Engaging with others, seeking support, or simply showing up to a talk or social event can open your world in ways that can enhance both your career and your well-being.
So, if you’re looking for ways to feel more connected, here are a few suggestions you might find helpful:
Join a PhD or postdoc association at your institution. These groups often organise career talks, social gatherings, and even day trips. If there are none where you are, why not consider setting one up with your fellow researchers?
Reach out for support from professionals within or outside your department. For example, HR, career services, student unions, and others are there to help you navigate more than just research hurdles. Sometimes, a simple conversation can remind you that you’re seen and supported.
Get involved with a learned society in your field. These communities are rich with opportunities, from networking and policy engagement to writing and outreach. They often host conferences and webinars that can help you expand your network beyond your institution.
Don’t underestimate the value of personal connections and activities. Whether it’s joining a sports club, going on a weekend retreat, or just grabbing coffee with a friend, these moments of rest and camaraderie can make all the difference and help to reduce stress.
Remember that the PhD shouldn’t be a solitary quest. There are fellow travellers all around you, some ahead, some just starting out, and many walking right alongside you. Consider reaching out, showing up, asking questions, and making space for joyful moments and connection: The road is easier to travel when you’re accompanied by others.
PS Thank you to ChatGPT for creating the image for this blog using the new ‘storybook’ style.
Without sounding too big-headed and boastful, you probably do! You know who I am because I have a fully completed profile on LinkedIn, Researchgate and other social media. When you meet me, I’m probably wearing a badge or have been introduced by a host at your institution. When I write to you, I use a professional signature and, of course, I publish this monthly blog.
But, do people know who you are?
More often than not, I receive anonymous emails from PhD and postdoctoral researchers asking for my help, giving no clue about their identity. I receive LinkedIn requests from people with no profile picture, title or description and I see researchers wasting valuable networking opportunities by not identifying themselves at meetings.
As professionals – and that is what you are – you need to start taking yourself seriously and making yourself more visible, so that people (including potential employers) know who you are and what you do. You can do this in a number of ways, and I’ve listed 5 below (I’m sure you can think of others):
Ask a friend to Google your name and see what comes up. Are you getting the exposure that you want, or is it just personal Facebook posts that are at the forefront? You can remedy this by fully completing your professional profiles on platforms such as LinkedIn, Researchgate, Orcid and your University webpage if you have one. Just make sure that they are showcasing you in the best way possible and that your information is up to date, reflecting your interests, skills and experience.
Email is one of our most favoured modes of communication, so make sure that you enable the signature, so that it appears automatically after your name. You can label yourself, for example, ‘PhD student’ or ‘Postdoctoral Researcher’, followed by the name of your department, institution and its logo. You can include your LinkedIn name and any other additional profile addresses (but don’t overdo it).
When attending conferences, consider taking a business card, especially to large international meetings. It’s common nowadays to swap business cards and you can use them to write notes on the back about what you spoke about during your conversation. Then, when you follow up with your new contact afterwards, you can refer back to this information to remind them of who you are.
Also on the subject of conferences, here’s a neat trick to help other delegates recognise you more easily: Take the long lanyard with your name badge at the end (hanging around your waist) and tie a knot in it behind your neck, so that it hangs higher up. Turn the name badge around and write your name on the blank side in bold letters so people don’t have to squint to read it. It also means when you sit at a table for lunch, your name badge is still visible! In my experience, the practice becomes contagious and other people copy.
Finally, consider your reach. In Academia, the extent of your reach tends to be very narrow and limited to highly specialist journals or scientific meetings. You can make yourself more well known by communicating more widely with, for example, the public or the media. You can do it in person, online, writing articles, blogs, press stories and so on. You may be posting pictures on Instagram about your research, or you may even have your own Blog or YouTube channel. Depending on the subject of your research, you can make yourself relevant to broader audiences who would like to hear from a researcher’s perspective.
Whether it’s on paper or on a screen, in a diary or an online calendar, don’t forget to write it down!
Trying to keep track of everything in your head is not only inefficient and unreliable, it can also lead to mental overload and unnecessary stress. Not to mention risking forgetting important tasks and appointments, missing crucial deadlines and meetings.
I ran a workshop today on making fellowship funding applications and one of the most important learning points was the importance of getting organised, checking requirements, planning ahead and seeking guidance and feedback from senior colleagues. Funding calls pop up throughout the year, so it’s vital that you record all the key deadlines on a calendar or diary so that they are not missed.
As researchers, working towards a PhD or on limited contracts, time is truly of the essence! Organising and managing the multitude of tasks associated with your research is challenging, and, on top of this, there’s the need to juggle numerous other activities, such as submitting abstracts, reports and papers or booking in time for meetings, conferences and teaching. It’s important not to miss opportunities, such as connecting with an influential professor or employer when you meet them unexpectedly or to capitalise on resources and valuable sources of information.
Writing stuff down is so easy to do, but how many of us either forget to do it or just don’t bother, thinking we’ll be able to remember and recall things at a later time? Here’s some examples of when writing it down can give you an advantage and ensure (or nearly ensure) that you never forget another appointment or a new acquaintance’s name again:
Make regular ‘To Do’ lists. As someone who hates lists, I still find them very useful when I have loads of things to do. I don’t prioritise my tasks in order, but I may flag the most important ones and cross or tick them off once they’re done (which is quite satisfying). By the way, if you can’t do linear lists, try mind mapping instead – it looks a bit messy but it can be more appealing to some and it’s also easier to add in extra activities than squeezing them into a list.
Put every meeting and engagement into a diary or onto a calendar. Even if you’re not sure you’re going to attend, make a note in case you change your mind. Add in other non-work appointments, such as family, social, hobby and voluntary activities, even if it’s ‘go jogging’, ‘do the shopping’ or ‘meet so and so for a coffee’. If you put it in your diary, you won’t double-book yourself or miss out on anything.
During conferences you get to meet a lot of people and it’s easy to forget who they were and what you talked about. My advice is to take a business card from them if it’s offered (business cards are used at academic conferences more frequently nowadays) and make a short summary on the reverse side to remind you. Alternatively, or in addition, investigate whether the person is on social media (e.g. LinkedIn) and send them a connect request (even during the meeting). It’s a great way to expand your online network.
You probably have a system for filing and organising references associated with your research, since you’ll need them for when you come to write your thesis or papers. However, when it comes to more informal resources, such as general interest articles, careers information, potential collaborative sources, etc. you may not record, make a note or save them. Or, if you do, it might be haphazard, such that you can’t easily locate them at a later date – if ever again. I speak from experience!
Finally, going back to my original example, many researchers like the idea of securing their own independent fellowship and funding, which means submitting a research proposal with their application, setting out new and innovative research ideas. Ideas are underrated, especially by those who have them all the time, like a constantly eruputing volcano. Ideas come and go, so it’s important to capture them at the time and make sure they don’t fly away into the ether to be forgotten and lost. Ideas are like gold and should be cherished, especially when they have the potential to form the basis of a new and emerging research area. So, write them down and keep them safe in a notebook so that you can return to them when the time comes.
In conclusion, whether, like me, you like to keep a hardcopy diary and notebooks that you carry around and refer to wherever you go, or whether you prefer an electronic organiser app on your mobile phone, make sure to do it right and write it down 😊
I love reading fairy tales, but imagine them out of context:
The prince has slain the dragon! The princess kissed a frog!
The information isn’t compelling, there’s no story.
In other words, “So what?” Without context, reasoning, purpose and an ending, stories have no meaning. People don’t buy into them or get interested in what you’re saying.
It’s the same when you explain what you’re doing to other people:
I do research I’m a PhD student working on a genetics project
So what? Who cares? And, in an interview, this reaction is even more acute, with the interviewers wondering what exactly it is that you do that is relevant and meaningful to them.
The STAR technique is great for helping you to relate your experiences in an interesting and succinct way, so that you can fit in lots of relevant examples into your interview to impress the employers/research group leaders etc. I wrote about this in a previous blog, which you can read here.
Think of examples that you could use to show that you’re an accomplished researcher. Consider:
Why were you doing this work – what was the aim of project?
What exactly are you doing/have you done (in more detail)?
How are you doing it/have you done it? What did you do (use quantities to bring it to life).
What happened? What did you achieve?
What did this work teach you? What will you do next?
You can do it to show you’re a great analyst, communicator, project manager, problem solver, teacher, leader, etc. The formula can be applied to all your experiences. Even if you failed at what you were trying to achieve, you still did the work and your achievement can focus on what you would change, what you will do next, etc.
Here’s an example from my experience as a career practitioner to show that I am a motivated team player:
As a co-founder of the ‘Careers Advisers supporting Researchers in Europe’ (CARE) group, we wanted to submit a career side programme to be delivered at a scientific meeting.
My role was to contact the meeting organisers and convince them to consider our proposal. Meanwhile, I helped to coordinate the ideas of the group to create a powerful proposal.
I succeeded in convincing the organisers of the meeting by showing them examples of other career programmes including positive feedback from doctoral and postdoctoral researchers who attended them. By theming our proposal to meet the needs of junior researchers, the organisers agreed to trial it at their next meeting.
The programme proved to be a great success. We ran four 2-hour sessions over two days and attracted over 50 participants to each one, with feedback including comments, such as, it was the best part of the meeting and that the course tutors were professional and knowledgeable. We have been invited back again next year.
The experience was especially valuable for reinforcing the connections between the members of the CARE group, as this was the first time we’d collaborated together. We aim to work together on other projects in the future.
Now, you see how you really need to break down into detail the activities that you do, so that you bring your experiences to life and make them interesting and meaningful to the listener. Using good body language during your interview (e.g. eye contact, positive tone of voice), together with this story-telling technique, should make you stand out from the crowd. Furthermore, it should catalyse those listening to ask you more questions, so that a formal ‘question and answer’ situation changes into a less strained and a more natural conversation.
“So what?” should never be a question on the minds of your interviewers or anyone hearing your about you or your research. The aim is always to captivate your audience, whoever they may be, so that they come away saying “How interesting”!
