The Importance of Being Strategic with your Academic Job Applications

Pursuing new job opportunities can be exciting yet daunting, particularly within the competitive landscape of academia. With so many jobs available within universities and research institutions, we feel it’s important to approach the job application process strategically to avoid disappointment, unnecessary frustration and maintaining your sense of self-worth. In this article, we explore the pitfalls of applying for positions without meeting the essential criteria and provide some guidance on making informed decisions about which opportunities you should pursue and how you can identify those.

When you look at a job listing, it’s really important to not only read the job description and understand what’s expected of you in the role, but to take a look at the essential criteria, as well as the desirable criteria outlined in the person specification.  In academic jobs, this is very important as they often include critical qualifications, skills, and experiences that are deemed necessary for successful performance in the role. While it may be tempting to overlook certain requirements because it is a position that you would dream to be doing, and one you potentially know that you could do, we would advise that you don’t apply. Doing so can ultimately lead to disappointment and wasted effort.

Before even considering writing an application, honestly reflect on your qualifications and experiences and compare those to the essential criteria specified in the job posting. Ask yourself whether you possess the necessary qualifications and skills to perform the duties outlined in the role. If you find that you do not meet a significant portion of the essential criteria, refrain from applying and instead focus your time and efforts on applying for opportunities where you are a stronger match.

Applying for positions without meeting the essential criteria not only wastes your time but also places a burden on recruiters and by applying without being strategic and clear about how you meet the essential criteria, you risk diluting your credibility and diminishing the impact of any future applications you make to the organisation.

In another article, we explore how to cope with rejection, and outline how it can be difficult, and can affect your self-confidence and sense of self-worth: rejection is particularly likely if you apply for positions without meeting essential criteria. Each rejection serves as a reminder of the gap between your qualifications and the requirements of the role, and this can lead to feelings of inadequacy and discouragement. So, protect yourself and your self-esteem by focusing your efforts on opportunities where you are a stronger fit and can showcase your skills and expertise effectively.

If you really feel that you have skills and expertise that should be considered against the essential criteria, you could always have an informal chat with the recruiting manager and in this conversation you can get a better understanding as to whether this is an opportunity you should pursue or not.

Finally, we would advise that you adopt a strategic job search approach. This involves targeting opportunities that align closely with your qualifications, experiences, and career goals. So, instead of casting a wide net and applying for every available position, take a targeted approach by identifying roles where you are a strong match for the essential criteria. Tailor your application materials to highlight your relevant experiences and demonstrate your suitability for the role, thereby increasing your chances of success and minimizing the risk of rejection.

If you consistently find that the jobs that you would like to do require a different skill set, take a look at our article which explores the many other careers in academia beyond research and teaching.