1. Comprehensive Agenda Covers Every Step

The workshop provided a structured approach to job applications, addressing every stage of the process:

• Job Search Strategies: Participants explored various channels, such as networking, social media platforms (e.g., LinkedIn), company websites, career fairs, and online job portals.
• Analyzing Job Ads: This is important to understand employer expectations and organizational values. Yasmin shared tips on distinguishing “must-have” qualifications from “nice-to-have” attributes, while encouraging participants to assess employer values and organizational culture.

2. Building a Winning CV

• Concise Format: CVs should not exceed two pages and must use professional fonts in a clean, structured layout.
• ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) Compatibility: Avoid complex designs with images or excessive formatting to ensure readability by ATS.
• Personalization: Tailor content with keywords from the job description while maintaining a human-centric tone.
• Content Essentials: Include employment history, technical skills, education, and a professional profile highlighting job-relevant strengths and experiences.

3. AI Integration in Job Applications

• Benefits: Tools like ChatGPT and DeepL Write can enhance clarity and polish application documents.
• Cautions: However, they can also create overly impersonal texts, so it is important to maintain personal authenticity. For data privacy reasons, sensitive information should not be put into these tools.

4. Leveraging Personal Strengths

Part of this Workshop were exercises to identify one’s unique strengths and transferable skills:

• CAR Framework: The Challenge (What was the challenge?), Action (what did I do to handle it?), Result (What was the result?) method helped participants articulate accomplishments effectively for applications and interviews.
• Practical Exercise: Through self-reflection and peer feedback, participants identified actionable skills and strengths

5. Mastering the Interview and Beyond

Yasmin also gave critical advice on interviews and post-interview steps:

• Pre-interview preparation: Focus on understanding the role, company background, and potential challenging questions.
• Post-interview preparation: Evaluate offers based on work environment, salary, flexibility, and professional growth opportunities. All agreements should be documented in writing.

Key Takeaways for Career Success

Yasmin ended the Workshop with the most important key takeaways:

• Understand the employer’s needs and tailor your application accordingly.
• Structure your CV and cover letter for clarity and impact.
• Practice interviews and learn to articulate your strengths confidently.
• Use AI tools wisely while securing your privacy

RESEARCHERS BEYOND ACADEMIA by Euraxess

Created in collaboration with the Researchers Beyond Academia (REBECA) Hub by EURAXESS.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme within the framework of the ERA TALENT Project funded under grant agreement No 10110347.