The Job Application Procedure

Talking to a prospective employer for a job (informal)

Under the guise of an informal meeting (virtual mostly), employers sometimes want to know who you really are. Based on how you explain your work, talk about your expertise and share your ideas and thoughts on various issues, they want to get a picture of you as a human being. After all, a job is not only about getting someone who gets a job done, but also about how the job is done.

The following is based on what Chat GPT said:

If you're scheduled to talk with a potential employer, but it's not a formal interview, there are still several things you can do to prepare and make a good impression:

1. Research the professor/scientist: 

Before the call, research the person's background, expertise,experiments they are involved in, and what they are looking for. Visit the job advertisement link if they have. Otherwise ask colleagues who know the person.

2. Review the job description: 

If it is for a specific job, review the job description beforehand to familiarize yourself with the responsibilities, skills, and qualifications required for the position.

3. Prepare questions: 

Prepare a list of questions you want to ask about the experiment, your role, or the hiring process. This shows your interest and enthusiasm for the opportunity.

4. Review your resume: 

Review your resume to refresh your memory about your skills, experiences, and achievements. Be ready to discuss your accomplishments and how they align with the job requirements.

5. Prepare a short pitch: 

Prepare a short pitch about yourself that highlights your skills, experiences, and what you can bring to the company. This can be helpful if the conversation takes a more informal, conversational tone.

6. Be professional: 

Treat the conversation as if it were an interview. Be professional, polite, and respectful throughout the call. Remember that the employer is assessing your fit for the company and evaluating your potential as a candidate.

7. Take notes: 

Take notes during the conversation to keep track of important details and to show your interest in the company and the opportunity.

By following these steps, you can make a positive impression on the potential employer and increase your chances of moving forward in the hiring process.

How to ask for Letter of Recommendations

Its not only about who you are and what your skills are, its also about what kind of impressions you have left on your colleagues, peers and the seniors. Here is a link to [suggested by my phD supervisor] on things to consider before asking someone for a letter of recommendations: