Masahiro Ryo@RyoMasahiro
May 19, 2021
11 tweets
10 tips for academic job application:
I recently joined a selection committee. I learned a lot by observing candidates. Combined with my experience, let me share my personal ideas about academic job applications for early career researchers. Could be wrong, but hoping it helps.
1.Matter of probability: It is often the case that you are not selected even though you fit well to the position because there is always a chance that there is a better candidate for the position. This is what you CANNOT control.
2.Apply a lot: By applying a lot, you will get a position by chance (due to probability) and you can increase the probability by improving your skill about how to sell yourself. Sometimes, a good candidate advertises him/herself wrongly, losing the chance.
3.Show your trajectory: Some people talk only about past studies or future topics. It is wise to tell how the past & future works are on a single trajectory. Future plan can include potential collaborations with your future colleagues.
4. Know future colleagues: Very important. Many candidates underestimate this importance. Worth spending 5-10 hours to know their recent past/ongoing projects. Explain whom & which ongoing projects you can imagine collaborating.
5. You offer something while learning: Some people say that “I want to learn XX in this position”. Fine, but consider emphasizing “I’m happy to offer YY through this position to the future colleagues”. Sell your expertise.
6. Long-term vision: Some people explain too much about short-term achievements (e.g. detailed techniques used in recent publications). Don’t forget selling your long-term scientific vision. 5-,10-years or longer.
7. Prepare some questions: Some people have good questions that give good impression to the committee. If you spend time on knowing the future colleagues, you can have some specific questions for collaborations.
8. Best publication record ≠ best candidate: This is the reality. Good record is needed, but good fit is often more important. Fitness can be improved by selling yourself better and by knowing your future colleagues more.
9. Read books, blogs, youtube videos: Nowadays it is sooo easy to find others’ experiences. Spend some days to read many so that you can avoid what-you-should-not-do. Avoid simple mistakes
10. Be happy: selected ≠ you will be happy. If you do not know the working place well, it could be bad for your happiness. By applying many with several rejections, you can more fairly know yourself, and you can carefully select which position to work for your wellness.
Masahiro Ryo
@RyoMasahiro
Professor of Environmental Data Science @BTU_CS / Leader of Artificial Intelligence team @zalf_leibniz: AI, biodiversity, & agriculture
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