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Get noticed.

Searching for a job can be quite difficult. Employers that are hiring have hundreds of applications.

Two friends: one is searching & one is hiring for a job both of which are now done. The person searching made it to the phone interview and found out that there were 300 applications for the position. The one that was hiring had over 180 applications, in the first week, after posting the position.

If you consider the cover letter, resume and CV of 300 applications – you are looking at over 500 pages not including references or HR materials.

I want to give you a specific task that you haven’t heard to make you stand out.

Recently, the Public Library of Science (PLoS) has opened up papers for comments. Search PLoS for papers that are published by the lab that you are applying and leave a comment. You can now start having a conversation with the person that is responsible for hiring.

By leaving a comment, you stand out.

Currently, there are not a lot of crystallographic publications on PLoS, but that will change. I have noticed across the board that there are very few comments. Once everyone figures out it is a good idea – you will no longer standout.

Don’t forget, make your comment insightful – you know, just like the ones that you leave here.