Applying for Postdocs: What are Your Tips?

research-in-germany.de

by Sociological Imagination: http://sociologicalimagination.org/archives/16858 

This Guardian Higher Education articles offers 18 tips for applying for postdoc jobs. 

There’s some really useful advice supplied for each one, which you can read in full here:

• Get advice from your PhD supervisor
• Start building your networks early
• Finding funding
• Be cautious about firing off out-of-the-blue emails
• Look for opportunities outside your specialism
• Look worldwide
• Consider opportunities for a portfolio career
• Try working as a researcher for a company
• If you don’t meet the essential requirements, don’t apply
• If there is a formal application process, read the guidance
• Avoid excessive jargon
• The cover letter should entice the recruiter to the CV
• Always tailor your application
• Put yourself in the principal investigator’s shoes
• Show that you’re a team player
• First impressions count
• Talk about something other than your PhD
• Make sure you are able to work well with your prospective boss
• Think carefully about whether you want to stay in academia

What would you add? Are there any you disagree with? Are there some disciplinary specific aspects to this question which a general article overlooks? How do these issues differ internationally?