Many postdoc positions are not formally advertised, and are instead offered to scientists who contact group leaders directly to ask about opportunities to join the lab. So be proactive, and reach out to labs that interest you. Whether you are applying to an advertise position, or reaching out proactively, your materials should concisely communicate your motivation to join that specific group and clearly highlight your most relevant skills.

When hiring group leaders, selection committees look for evidence that the applicant’s research is both exciting and beneficial for the institution. You need to convince them of the potential impact of your work.

Applications for group leader positions in Europe typically require a cover letter, CV, research proposal, recommendation letters, and occasionally a teaching statement. However, keep in mind that requirements and application materials can differ, as various countries offer multiple tracks and entry routes for group leader roles.

For non-academic roles, hiring managers and recruiters often receive hundreds of applications and have limited time for detailed review during the initial screening. In large organisations, applicant tracking systems may also be used to filter applications for relevance. It is therefore essential that your application highlights your work experience, key achievements, and core skills at a glance. Familiarise yourself with the terminology used in your target career area, and tailor your application to reflect the keywords, acronyms, and requirements of each position.