Applying Successfully for Jobs in Academia

The rules and requirements for job applications in academia are different from those in other fields. How should application documents look like? Which key skills acquired during dissertation or early postdoc years should be highlighted? How do I prepare for and present myself during the interview and which type of questions should I expect?

At the beginning, the seminar will mainly focus on the period prior to the job interview. Participants will identify which postdoc formats (e.g., research assistant, junior professorship) might be suitable for them and their career aspiration. Additionally, participants will learn about the requirements for a full academic profile and analyze the current state of their own profile. Moreover, they learn the specifics about the written application (e.g., cover letter, curriculum vitae, list of publications, research & teaching profile) and how to present their academic profile.

Subsequently, the seminar will concentrate on the job interview and the academic job talk. Participants will learn how to prepare optimally for the interview or the oral presentation.

Please note: This workshop will only address applications for academic jobs and positions in Germany. It will not cover applications for grants, fellowships, or research funding.

Schedule

• Compact workshop on 16 September, 9 am to 3 pm & 17 September, 9 am to 12 pm 
• Individual coaching sessions on 17 September in the afternoon (individual appointments will be made during the first workshop day).

Recommended Career Stage - Final-Year Doctoral Candidates and Early-Stage Postdocs: Doctoral researchers in the final year of their PhD and postdoctoral researchers in the early stages of their postdoctoral phase, typically up to 2-3 years after completing their doctorate.