47 replies to this topic

[toejam]

woohoo I'm shortlisted for a postdoc, never thought they'd reply

[pcrman]

Usually no reply means no interest by the employer. It does not hurt to follow up by sending another email just in case your email did not reach the recipient or the recipient forgot to reply. For postdoc application, initial contact with CV and Cover letter are enough. If the employer is interested in you, he or she will request references or interview. I don't like reference letters sent directly from the candidates.

[Curtis]

toejam, on 26 February 2013 - 02:08 PM, said:

woohoo I'm shortlisted for a postdoc, never thought they'd reply

congrats and good luck!

[toejam]

thanks Curtis just had the interview over skype, i'll let you know what happens.

[casandra]

toejam, on 04 March 2013 - 11:20 AM, said:

thanks Curtis just had the interview over skype, i'll let you know what happens.

hey tjcito...we're keeping our fingers crossed for you....is the job on our side of the pond or over on the other side.......goodluck hombre....

Edited by casandra, 04 March 2013 - 12:16 PM.

[toejam]

hey cas, thanks! how you doing? the postdoc position is back in the old world...

[casandra]

toejam, on 04 March 2013 - 06:01 PM, said:

hey cas, thanks! how you doing? the postdoc position is back in the old world...

you really like it over there eh? Anyways....buena suerte....

[toejam]

yeah, it's alright cheers my dear lass

[casandra]

toejam, on 04 March 2013 - 07:16 PM, said:

yeah, it's alright cheers my dear lass

and to you too, my dear sire....

perhaps you can post here some of the questions that you were asked during the interview? We probably need a thread where people who've gone through an interview can post the questions they were asked, the questions they asked, give a few tips and guidelines...the possible pitfalls etc.....or a plain overview of the whole process...this would be very helpful to a lot of people I think...

[toejam]

I agree with you Cas. I also think it could be potentially helpful to other people appying for postdocs. I had another interview for the dark side. Completely different.

Basically, in academia there were three people that I would be working with in the same room. They asked me to give them a presentation about the work I had done, I guess they wanted to see the "scientific" thinking I achieved (if any :lol;). During the presentation and also afterwards there were questions about the work presented. After the presentation-related stuff was done, they started asking questions about technical stuff regarding the position itself, e.g. the techniques I'm familiar with and also testing whether my knowledge is convenient for the position. I believe one of the main focuses was whether I had conducted other people's research. I'd say another of the main concerns of the interviewers is to assess whether the candidate is able to perform independent research. Of course, they don't want another PhD student

They also asked if I have experience working in a multicultural environment. To be honest I would say I didn't do too bad, but I didn't do great either. It was the first online interview I've ever had. All of them were friendly and the questions were always clear. One thing I do during interviews is try to be as honest  as I possibly can. If they ask something and I don't know it, I don't really see the point in trying to make something up. Besides, I would like to think there is no person in the world that knows everything

Anyway, I hope this helps other members of Bioforum and as I normally finish first emails "Should you require any further information please do not hesitate in contacting me"

Cheers guys!

tj, phd

[casandra]

toejam, on 04 March 2013 - 09:52 PM, said:

I agree with you Cas. I also think it could be potentially helpful to other people appying for postdocs. I had another interview for the dark side. Completely different.

Basically, in academia there were three people that I would be working with in the same room. They asked me to give them a presentation about the work I had done, I guess they wanted to see the "scientific" thinking I achieved (if any :lol;). During the presentation and also afterwards there were questions about the work presented. After the presentation-related stuff was done, they started asking questions about technical stuff regarding the position itself, e.g. the techniques I'm familiar with and also testing whether my knowledge is convenient for the position. I believe one of the main focuses was whether I had conducted other people's research. I'd say another of the main concerns of the interviewers is to assess whether the candidate is able to perform independent research. Of course, they don't want another PhD student

They also asked if I have experience working in a multicultural environment. To be honest I would say I didn't do too bad, but I didn't do great either. It was the first online interview I've ever had. All of them were friendly and the questions were always clear. One thing I do during interviews is try to be as honest  as I possibly can. If they ask something and I don't know it, I don't really see the point in trying to make something up. Besides, I would like to think there is no person in the world that knows everything

Anyway, I hope this helps other members of Bioforum and as I normally finish first emails "Should you require any further information please do not hesitate in contacting me"

Cheers guys!

tj, phd

Will there be a second round (next phase) or was that it? Did they ask about your salary expectations?

Edited by casandra, 05 March 2013 - 02:55 PM.

[toejam]

The post announcing the postdoc already said the salary expectations. They said they'd contact me later to tell me the final decision, whether I am or not chosen

[toejam]

so... I didn't get it.

[pito]

toejam, on 17 March 2013 - 07:45 PM, said:

so... I didn't get it.

They explained why? or they just let you know you didnt get it without explaining it?

[hobglobin]

bad luck TJ...anyway it's normal and you'll find something sooner or later...and better try to find a job in a company...university is usually a dead-end