Research and development applications
How should scientists apply for jobs in R&D?
What must scientists keep in mind when applying for jobs in research and development? © Jovanmandic / iStock.com
When young researchers apply for research and development positions in the private sector, they are frequently entering a world completely foreign to them. We have assembled a few tips to simplify the process.
Updated: 2024-10-09
Soft skills of scientists: Recognising one's one strengths
Scientists have a unique skillset: Over years of conducting research, they have learned to approach problems creatively and they have developed a significant tolerance for frustration coupled with tenacity. “Many young researchers don’t recognise their own strengths, and that is the greatest hurdle when applying for jobs in the private sector,” says Dr Stefanie Schönbach-Fuleda. Having earned doctorates in education and psychology, she advises and coaches scientists on career strategies.
Applications, she says, need to highlight interdisciplinary skills because they are of utmost importance to company human resource managers. “In academia, where publications are paramount, it isn’t a common currency,” says Schönback-Fuleda, discussing why many researchers require a bit of assistance when it comes to marketing themselves. “Think more about specific activities and less about content,” she tells those who have trouble defining their strengths.
A couple of examples:
- Involved in planning public outreach events like the Long Night of the Sciences or other public lecture series/events? Perfect for demonstrating organizational ability.
- Significant experience with developing and delivering lectures at conferences? Shows a structured approach to work and self-confidence.
- Established contacts with universities abroad? A clear indication of intercultural competence.
- Supervised numerous doctoral students? Proof of excellent communication skills.
The application should always list the skill and then the corresponding proof – “I have achieved” instead of “I am.”
Recognising strengths is one thing, but actually naming them is the next challenge. Because research is more important than personality at the university, young academics find this difficult. “What do stand for? In what am I an expert?” Only those who are clearly aware of their abilities can authentically sell themselves.
Professional requirements for performing research in private industry
Those who transfer from science to industry change their focus from basic research to applied research, in accordance with the tasks in R&D. The result is that issues become relevant that hardly ever come up in a university setting: patent law, profitability and corporate strategies, for example.
Particularly when it comes to research in the engineering sciences, there are numerous projects in which companies in the private industry cooperate closely with universities. In such projects, young scientists don’t just establish valuable contacts, but they also get a clearer picture of research and development activities in Germany or in the country where they are active. Those who have amassed such industry-related knowledge and experience should definitely include it in their application.
A well-organised list of publications curated specifically for the position in question shows the human resources manager the extent to which the applicant’s previous and future research activities fit together. The focus of one’s university research and the company’s own objectives may not match up completely, but anyone entering the commercial R&D environment for the first time will likely have to gain familiarity with a new topic anyway. As such, it is still worth applying for such positions.
Form and content of the application
The cover letter should expand on the technical information provided in the CV/resume. Structure should be guided by the question: “What does the recipient of the application need to know?” And individual skills should be the focus. It isn’t enough to present one’s skillset in a formulation that will then be used for all applications. Schönbach-Fuleda says that not specifically addressing the position being applied for is one of the most common mistakes made by applicants. “When companies are looking for team players or leaders, applicants should take that into account in their cover letters,” she says.
The applicant’s motivation for transferring from science to applied research should be addressed. What, aside from a permanent contract and the prospect of earning more money, is the appeal of a job in the private sector? “The fact that the working conditions in academia don’t fit well with the applicant’s desired lifestyle is a legitimate reason that can be mentioned – but not the only one,” says Schönbach-Fuleda. Interdisciplinary cooperation, a focus on practical use, societal benefits and teamwork instead of working alone are arguments that motivate many of her clients to make the jump to the private sector.
The CV should definitely include internships and part-time jobs, at least for early-career applicants. Though such activities are irrelevant in the university context, they tell human resource managers a lot: Serving tables develops customer orientation, contact with non-academic co-workers while stocking shelves helps when carrying out leadership tasks.
The same is true for hobbies: Those who coach a young handball team demonstrate comfort with responsibility; hobby cooks who focus on Indian cuisine show an interest in foreign cultures; amateur photographers have an eye for details. The most important thing: Stick to the truth.
For more information about the formal aspects of an application, refer to our article on applying in academia.
Language and style: Keep it short!
An application is more of an abstract than it is an essay. Those interested in moving to research and development from academia must express themselves simply and concisely. After spending time in a university environment, doing so can require a bit of practice. Stefanie Schönbach-Fuleda recommends: “First write the cover letter, and then turn the long sentences into short ones.”
Human resource managers cannot be expected to pick out the relevant points in an application. Those who assist hirers with specific formulations have an advantage over those who get lost in elaborate verbiage or empty phrases.
Interview tips and tricks
Scientists are often far too abstract, says Stefanie Schönback-Fuleda, in both in their cover letters and during interviews. “They say: ‘I am involved in researching XY,’ and they think that their interviewer knows what that means,” she says. Instead, applicants should list examples, talk about experiences they have had and go deeper. “By describing my experiences, I invite the human rights manager to imagine my workplace as a researcher,” says the coach.
Many young scientists have never had to interview for a position at a company. To practice, there are plenty of workshops and training courses offered by universities. Instead of trying to conceal one’s nervousness, those new to job interviews should out themselves. “Go ahead and say: ‘This is a totally new and exciting situation for me,’” says Schönbach-Fuleda. “It shows that you, as a young researcher, can rapidly adapt to new challenges, including those offered by industry.”
A common pitfall: Many young scientists have the feeling that all they have done is earn their doctorate and haven’t yet performed any “real” work. They often frame their application as further training. “Avoid saying: ‘I want this job because I can learn so much here.’ That’s not what you’re being hired for,” says Schönback-Fuleda. Though learning is always a part of a new job, employees are paid for doing their job well, she says.
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