Securing a postdoctoral position in academia is highly competitive and requires a strategic approach to stand out among candidates.
Research from Vitae shows that only 23% of doctoral graduates become research staff in higher education, with 14% becoming lecturers. In certain fields like arts and humanities, the numbers are lower, with only 14% landing research roles.
Whether you’re a recent PhD graduate or transitioning from another field, following these 18 tips can significantly enhance your chances of success in the postdoc application process.
1. Seek guidance from your PhD supervisor
Begin networking early in your career. Research indicates that being familiar to others before job applications, especially in academia, significantly boosts success rates.
Even if a formal postdoc is not available, there may be options for collaboration.
Identify your interests and relevant academics, attend conferences, and explore lab or group visits for potential connections.
2. Explore global opportunities
Being open to relocation is crucial. While this can be challenging, especially for postdocs with partners in stable positions elsewhere, consider international opportunities.
3. Begin Establishing Your Networks Early
When seeking a postdoctoral position, funding can often be a challenge. If you approach a research group and they express interest but mention a lack of funding, they may suggest that if you can secure funding yourself, you could join them.
Many universities have access to Research Professional, a comprehensive database of funding opportunities. Additionally, institutions may have information about local funding sources that you can explore.
Collaborating with the research group to secure funding increases your chances of successfully joining their team.
4. If you lack the essential qualifications, refrain from applying
Submitting an application without meeting the essential requirements is unproductive and can harm your reputation. Recruiters often remember previous applicants, and reapplying without meeting requirements may suggest a lack of attention to detail, a crucial aspect valued in academic roles.
5. Exercise caution when sending unexpected emails
Explore opportunities beyond your field of expertise. In engineering, a common mistake is narrowing job searches to the same area as your PhD.
This limits options because once you solve a PhD problem, it’s resolved. Focus on transferable skills for broader job prospects.
6. Consider a role as a researcher in the corporate sector
While some may hesitate to enter industry, researchers in companies often enjoy enhanced opportunities compared to their counterparts in academia.
They have access to cutting-edge equipment and technology. The key lies in the quality of research and publications, which can be achieved regardless of the work environment—whether in a university or a corporate setting.
7. Securing Funding
When seeking funding for a postdoctoral position, it’s common to encounter responses like, “We’re interested in you but we don’t have any funding available at the moment. If you can secure funding, you can join our group.”
In such cases, many universities have access to resources like Research Professional, which is a comprehensive database of funding opportunities. Additionally, the institution itself may have insights into local funding sources that you could explore for your postdoc funding needs.
8. When there’s an official application process, follow the instructions
Many applicants fail to read and address the questions outlined in the application, leading to frequent rejections. It’s crucial to carefully read and understand the instructions and questions when applying for a position.
9. Avoid using too much technical language
It’s important to avoid using excessive jargon when writing proposals or applications. Many applicants fail to clearly communicate their achievements because they use unexplained technical terms.
To avoid this, it’s helpful to have someone who is not a specialist in your field review your application to ensure it conveys the information effectively. This is especially crucial because awards are often judged by panels with diverse expertise, not just experts in your specific field.
10. Always customize your application
It’s crucial to personalize your application for the principal investigator and their research. Generic letters are easily identifiable, especially when candidates copy and paste text from the job advertisement without matching the font.
While tailoring your cover letter may take more time, it will ultimately streamline your job search if done correctly. Convince the principal investigator that your specific skills, such as (insert specific skills here), make you capable of fulfilling (insert what the principal investigator is seeking in a postdoc).
11. The cover letter should capture the recruiter’s interest
Your cover letter should highlight the key points that make you a compelling candidate for the job based on the requirements.
It should grab the recruiter’s attention and make them eager to review your CV.
Unfortunately, many candidates overlook this and treat the cover letter as a mere formality, simply stating, “Here is my CV, I’m perfect for the job.” This is a significant and widespread mistake.
12. Explore diverse career paths
Many individuals navigate various avenues to stay connected with academia while engaging in external work. This is particularly prevalent in arts and humanities, where a portfolio career might encompass teaching roles, short-term research projects, consultancy work, or part-time positions in other sectors.
13. Consider the perspective of the principal investigator
A postdoc is hired to achieve the promised outcomes to the funders. They are expected to be proactive and capable of delivering results independently.
Therefore, applicants should convince the selection committee that they have the ability to meet these expectations. While there may be room for other activities once in the job, the cover letter should primarily focus on demonstrating proficiency in essential job requirements and showcasing independent work capabilities.
14. Demonstrate your teamwork skills
It’s crucial for postdoc applicants to show an understanding of and readiness to collaborate within a team, respecting the contributions and accomplishments of colleagues at all levels. In fields like ethnography, the applicant should convey their endurance and adaptability to handle challenging fieldwork and navigate diverse situations effectively.
15. Make a strong first impression
During interviews, candidates should exhibit passion and high motivation for the subject. Typically, decisions are made within the first few minutes. A helpful tip is to consider if you can envision working with the candidate for an extended period. First impressions are crucial.
16. Talk about something other than your PhD
One of the things that irritates academic colleagues is when applicants spend half of their cover letter talking about their PhD. Obviously it’s fine if they’re using the PhD to show how they will meet the requirements of the postdoc, but they have to be looking forward to the research project in question.
17. Ensure compatibility with your potential supervisor
Seek guidance from colleagues and engage with research groups to understand the principal investigator’s characteristics. In academia, personal dynamics are crucial; your supervisor significantly impacts your success during the postdoc and in future roles.
It’s essential to establish a good rapport and feel supported by the research group to achieve your postdoc objectives.
18. Consider your long-term career goals in academia
When offered a postdoc opportunity, it’s tempting to accept without considering long-term consequences. Extended postdoc roles can limit transitions to other sectors. Keep options open for diverse careers as few doctoral graduates pursue lifelong academic paths.