A thread🧵 on application systems for postdoc jobs in the UK (applies to my university, but I've seen others and they're similar).
I have seen (too many times) good applicants who don't seem to understand how recruitment is done on our side - not their fault! it's a privilege! - so here's how
I have seen (too many times) good applicants who don't seem to understand how recruitment is done on our side - not their fault! it's a privilege! - so here's how
Comments
when application forms insist on a CV but then insist you pretend you don't have one and you input all your CV into their special boxes then of course applicants are confused
We (Maths in Edinburgh) would always base our assessment on the entire application. I understand the need for more systematic HR processes. But this just seems counter-productive to good hiring.
Being able to write a good and clear cv is also a skill and requires training - just like understanding and filling an application.
I particularly liked "see CV" = 0 So true!
-> don't write: "I have published papers" - add a list of the papers and if you want, a 2 sentence summary of findings and/or what you did for each one.
-> don't write: "I have given talks" - add title, location, audience, whether it was invited.
At the end, the total score will be added up, and the top 2-4 applicants will be interviewed.
Good luck with your applications! Don't hide your light under a bushel - tell us your achievements & what you think about science! In the boxes! 📦