香港六合彩官网

Author: Christabell Ndive

Are you just starting out in your career as a researcher and trying to navigate the competitive world of scientific hiring? You鈥檙e not alone. asked over 1,100 hiring managers across 77 countries to share how they recruit talent and what they value in potential hires. 

In this blog post, we鈥檒l break down some key insights from the survey, including where recruiters search for new hires and what makes applicants stand out. If you're applying for your first research role or thinking about transitioning into the industry, these findings might give you some ideas to boost your confidence and move forward in your career. 

Essential career development insights for researchers

, many recruiters begin their search online, often before a formal application is even submitted. So, that's why building a strong online presence is no longer optional. For early career researchers, it's worth noting that your digital profile can be a powerful tool to showcase your expertise, connect with other researchers online, and get you noticed by hiring managers. 

There are a few platforms that are recognised and used for professional networking. is one of those in this space. It hosts global science job listings and also allows you to follow and learn about the working culture and values of hiring organisations. It鈥檚 a valuable hub connecting both job seekers and recruiters in science.  

Platforms like LinkedIn are widely used for visibility and professional networking, especially outside academia. While it may not capture the full depth of a research career, it鈥檚 still a useful tool to help meet potential employers or mentors. For showcasing academic credentials in more detail, platforms like ORCID, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate - and even personal academic websites are worth exploring. This is because they allow you to highlight publications as well as experiences in the industry, which in turn showcases a more comprehensive view of your research journey.

Make your application stand out

And visibility alone isn鈥檛 enough. Once your online profile gets noticed, the next step is to make it through the initial screening process. During the screening process, hiring managers believe that applicants should demonstrate expertise in their field. This often comes down to how well your CV and cover letter communicate your fit for the role.

Academic and industry recruiters (25%) expressed being cautious with applications that feel generic or impersonal, especially when they suspect the use of artificial intelligence tools (AI). While AI can help organise your thoughts or improve clarity, they shouldn鈥檛 replace your own voice. It鈥檚 important to highlight relevant skills and achievements in your application and let your unique voice shine through.   

One of the top frustrations reported by hiring managers, is when candidates show a lack of knowledge about the workplace鈥檚 research. This signals a lack of preparation and genuine interest. To stand out it's important to take time to research the organisations recent publications including any ongoing projects and reflect that knowledge in your application. Taking the time to complete your application with this in mind can go a long way in showing you鈥檝e done your homework and are well prepared for the interview process.   

Elements to make sure are covered in your application: 

• A strong CV should highlight your skills, achievements and the impact of your work. 
• Recruiters value authenticity, so a good cover letter should highlight relevant experience, and convey genuine interest in the research area or institution. And be written in your own words.  
• Your application should show that you understand the lab's research and goals. 

The rising importance of soft skills in scientific careers

Research environments are becoming more collaborative and interdisciplinary. And whilst technical skills may get your foot in the door, soft skills are often what help researchers thrive. Employers are placing greater value on qualities including; communication, teamwork and adaptability for scientific roles. 86% of hiring managers rated soft skills as a primary or secondary factor key to decision making when reviewing applicants. 

鈥淭otally depends on level. People coming in at director level need to be able to oversee teams. Whereas lower levels need more specific expertise鈥� [and also need to] communicate effectively and collaborate.鈥� 

- Industry Hiring Manager, UK

鈥淭he candidate must show a good fit for the open position, making it explicit about how she/he could contribute to our group/institution.鈥� 

- Academic Hiring Manager, UK

What this means for candidates is to demonstrate the ability to communicate well and collaborate. It's important to highlight these skills in your application as well as during the interview process through thoughtful responses to questions. These are what employers are actively looking for and showcasing this can help you stand out as a well-rounded candidate. 

Charting your path to career success

Now that you have a better understanding of what hiring managers are looking into, you can approach the application process with more confidence and strategy. From building a strong and visible online presence to tailoring your online application. It's important to show hiring managers your genuine interest in the role, skills working within a team and knowledge of the research environment. These are what hiring managers want to see demonstrated in your application and is ultimately what can set you apart.    

With the right tools and insights, you can take steps to move forward in your career. There are a number of platforms to take advantage of and resources to support your job search, network with an online community and continue developing your skillset.

connects researchers at every stage with job opportunities and expert career advice. Explore the site for additional career development resources.