|
[Print-friendly version]
While it is important to keep an eye on the advertised market (whether you are staying in academia or not), it is crucial to remember that building contacts and networks will likely be the key way that you will find a position that best suits your needs and interests. Many people first hear about postdoctoral positions through contacts, and in some instances the jobs may not ever be advertised. The more people you talk with the more likely you will be able to find useful information and leads. Follow up any leads that you are given and your network of contacts will become larger.
Some Notes on Networking
It can be useful to talk to as many people as you can when you are seeking information about the field that is of interest to you. The information you gather can help you plan your career as well as your job-search. The people you know may be able to give you the names of others they know that can provide you with the information you seek, because they work in a field connected to your career/employment interests.
- Make a list of the people/places you would like to contact
- Research related subjects of interest to you, so that you are reasonably informed on the field (if it is slightly away from your current research area)
- Make contact by phone or letter with the people who may be able to help you
- Explain the reason you'd like to talk with them: that you are researching your career area of interest and would appreciate if they could give you a little time of their time to talk about their field
- If they can't spare any time, ask if they can refer you on to someone who can
- Aim to agree on a time that's convenient for them to meet you
- Prepare well and rehearse what you want to say
- During the meeting ask for a referral to someone else who knows about their field
- When you're networking, don't ask people for a job outright!
- Don't forget to send a thank you letter or email to everyone you meet
When you have enough information from networking, you may want to begin to investigate opportunities to build collaborations or opportunities to apply for funding with a particular person whose research matches closely with your future interests.
For more information on networking, then read the networking section in job seeking strategies.
Activity 7 will help you to begin listing potential people that might be able to help you along in your journey.
|
