The application process is all about making you stand out against hundreds of other potential competitors. Before you think about that, though, keep in mind the following points:

• First, never send off anything that contains spelling and/or grammatical errors. Some hiring committees will immediately eliminate any applications that include errors, as they demonstrate a poor level of attention to detail.
• Second, don’t be afraid to send your application even if the submission deadline has already passed. Even if you’re too late to enter in the selection process, the institution/company where you applied might not have found the ideal candidate and might consider new candidates.

OK, let’s get writing!

How to write the cover letter for your job application

The cover letter is perhaps the most important part of your application: it’s the first thing that the employer will look at, and first impressions count. Furthermore, since it’s only a single page, it needs to be written with particular care.

In general, be sure to include all of the following points:

• A brief self-introduction
• A clear indication of which position you’re applying for
• A summary of your research accomplishments – and an explanation of why that work is both important and unique
• A brief description of your future research plans – and, once again, an explanation of their importance
• A brief description of your clinical and/or teaching experience if it’s relevant to the position
• Any other information that you consider to be valuable

Also be prepared to use discretion in what you explain at this point. While you may have special circumstances and/or needs regarding certain points, it’s often more appropriate to raise these during or after the interview stage.

Composing your resume for a research job application

Once you’ve attracted attention with a compelling cover letter, you’ll need to follow it up with an impressive resume. Be sure to include all of the following details:

• Your name and address
• All of your higher education, including the degrees that you obtained and when you obtained them
• All of the professional positions that you’ve held, including a brief description of each position and the dates
• Any awards and honors that you’ve received, including both pre- and post-doctoral fellowships
• The major sources of any independent funding that you’ve received
• All of your published materials
• Any teaching experience that you have
• Any relevant keynotes and/or presentations that you’ve been invited to
• References, including names, titles, addresses and other contact information
• Board certifications and eligibility for physicians

Pay particular attention to the section covering your published materials, as this information can really work in your favor. For best results, print the names of all of the works’ authors in the published order – but highlight your own name in bold, and in cases of equal authorship, add an asterisk to all of the names and explain it in a footnote.  List any manuscripts that are currently being prepared/sent but not published in a separate section, following the same format once again and classified by date. Also, carefully look over the application’s directions: if you’re required to include reprints of your papers, then be sure to do so. Also include any unpublished papers that you’ve worked on, as these will give the employer a more comprehensive insight into your experience.

How to draft the research proposal for your job application

This section provides a detailed description of your future research plans. Clarity is key here, as the people who read it are likely to come from scientific backgrounds that are different from your own. If they can’t quickly understand what you’ve written, then they’re unlikely to offer you a position. To ensure the best results, always include:

• A statement of the problem behind your research
• How your research will contribute to solving the problem
• A simple but detailed explanation of how you intend to tackle the problem
• Published references (where appropriate)
• Illustrations and figures (where appropriate)

Many successful applicants write two or three research proposals for each position – the first explaining your research plans that relate to your recent post-doctoral work, and the second and third demonstrating your ability to go beyond what you’ve already covered. Don’t be afraid to take risks in these additional proposals, as unique plans are likely to attract the employer’s interest.

If the position includes a teaching component, be sure to include details of your prior teaching experience. Also explain why you’re interested in taking up a teaching role.

Letters of recommendation

It’s a good idea to include at least a few letters of recommendation when submitting your application, even if they aren’t explicitly requested. These letters should come from your advisors and/or people that you’ve worked with – but only those that are well acquainted with your research, your strengths and your general work ethic.

To ensure that you get the best recommendations possible, make your request well before the application deadline and offer your assistance in preparing the letters. If the advisors/colleagues are going to send the letters themselves, also be sure to supply them with pre-addressed, postage-paid envelopes, and request that they contact you with confirmation once the letters are posted.

Finally, if you don’t get any answer from the institution/company that posted the job, don’t be afraid to contact them again after a week or so to confirm that they received your application.

Do not hesitate to contact us if you need help preparing the letters, your CV, or anything else and good luck!!