If you’re in the middle of a jobsearch, receiving a job offer can feel exciting—and sometimes relieving. After sending dozens of applications and attending multiple interviews, it’s tempting to say “yes” right away. But before accepting an offer, it’s important to pause and ask yourself why you want the job. During a jobsearch, many professionals—especially early in their careers—accept positions for the wrong reasons. These motivations may feel valid in the moment, but they can lead to frustration, poor job…
Category: Jobhunt
Should You Take Up a Fixed-Term Position? Pros and Cons for Your Job Search
Fixed-term contracts are more common than ever—especially for young professionals and recent graduates entering the job search. When browsing job ads today, temporary or fixed-term positions often seem like the norm rather than the exception. If you’re early in your career, you might be wondering: Should I apply for fixed-term roles, or focus only on permanent positions during my jobsearch? While it’s true that you don’t always get to choose the type of contract you’re offered, understanding the pros and…
Why It’s OK to Be Second Best in Your Job Search
Why is it okay to be second best—especially during a jobsearch? Shouldn’t you always strive to be the best? From an early age, we’re taught to aim for excellence. Being second best often feels like failure, or even worse, like being average. Without a doubt, you should always give your best effort in everything you do. But when it comes to your jobsearch, being second best isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it can sometimes work in your favor.…
How to do a video application to get your next job
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, face-to-face interview meetings have been reduced a lot. In addition, meeting your future employer on networking events such as job fares is also less likely due to various restrictions. Because of this, a video applications are a great way to allow a possible new employer to get a somehow personal impression of you as a person. Besides, video applications are not very common, yet. That makes your application stand out from the crowed. A video…
Templates for a great CV design
There is much to be said for having a CV with a beautiful design. A CV template with a neat and well-arranged appearance helps you get selected for job interviews. You might be bored by your old and stale CV design. Choosing a fresh new design for your resume will lift your spirits and boost morale. Making your CV beautiful can be fun! Read also more tips on how to mix up your job application. Of course, you can design…
How to get information about a potential new employer
You sent out some job applications already. Now you hope to hear back from them soon. Once you get an invitation to a job interview, your need to inform yourself about the company. This is easier said than done. Here are a few ideas how to boost your knowledge about your potential employer: The company’s homepage is the go-to source of information The company homepage is a great source of information. Normally, this is the obvious choice and the place…
Find your way through the house of change when job hunting
Well, it is this time of the year again. Leaves are falling. The mood is turning gloomy. The wind is picking up. You are feeling chilly. It is time to apply for jobs. Oh and yea, it is autumn, too. While reflecting on my feelings about this particular time in my live, I came across the house of change. The house of change is a concept introduced by Claes Janssen used to describe any change process. I noticed that it…
Should I do another course after completing my PhD?
Upon completing a PhD, many PhD students decide to pursue a career in industry. Lots of them get a position in a company straight away. But many do find it hard to get a job offer in industry right after completion of their doctorate. Those might be facing the question whether to do an extra training course in preparation for an industry job. Why do another course after your PhD? You have already invested many years into your education. When…
The three most embarrassing mistakes I made in a job interview
No one likes to talk about their mistakes, especially if they are very embarrassing. Still, there is an emerging error culture, which you can experience for example in fuck-up nights. In this spirit, I share three of my most embarrassing mistakes in connection with job interviews. I am sure similar faux pas happen to many of us. If it happens to you and you embarrassed yourself so much that you wanted to vanish through a hole in the ground, know…
Seven overlooked employers for scientists
Most graduates are looking to continue their career in academia and work either at the university or at a research intuition. Or else they try to get a job in a well-known big company. However, it is worth it to consider some alternative career paths. As a jobseeker, you want to consider some often overlooked employers for scientist. Expand the scope of your job hunt, if some of these alternatives resonate with you. Staffing agencies are overlooked employers for scientists…