Translating years of specialized research into a compelling job application requires a shift in perspective. Whether you are tailoring a CV for a faculty search committee or condensing your expertise into a high-impact industry resume, the goal is to clearly communicate your value to a specific audience. This section provides the technical guides, behavioral interview strategies, and communication tools needed to navigate every stage of the hiring process – from the initial cover letter to the final negotiation.

CVs, Resumes, Cover Letters

Difference between a resume and an academic CV (UNC OPA Handout) A foundational guide on how to structure your credentials depending on whether you are applying for faculty roles or industry positions.

CVs for academic careers (University of Washington) Detailed advice on organizing academic sections, including research, publications, and teaching experience.

Salutations to use in job search correspondence (UNC OPA Handout) A quick reference for professional greetings and etiquette in emails and formal letters.

How to write a cover letter (UNC OPA Handout) A step-by-step breakdown of how to connect your background to the specific needs of a job description.

Uncovering the secrets of the cover letter (Inside Higher Ed) Focuses on the narrative strategy of the cover letter, moving beyond a simple list of facts.

Writing a winning cover letter (Science) Offers a scientist-specific perspective on making a strong first impression with hiring managers.

Interviewing

Professional polish – What to wear at a job interview (Science) Practical advice on navigating modern professional dress codes for various scientific environments.

How to put your best foot forward in faculty job interviews (Science) Focuses on the unique endurance required for multi-day faculty interviews and departmental visits.

30 essential behavioral interview questions (LinkedIn) A comprehensive list of questions designed to reveal your soft skills and how you handle professional challenges.

Mastering the phone & Zoom/Skype interview (UNC OPA Handout) Essential tips for technical setup, lighting, and non-verbal communication in virtual settings.

Interviewing for academic positions (UNC OPA Handout) An overview of the faculty interview timeline and common themes you will encounter.

Job interview questions (UNC OPA Handout) A curated list of both common and difficult questions you should prepare for in any career track.

Why interviewing your interviewers matters (Inside Higher Ed) Explains how asking insightful questions can demonstrate your fit and high level of interest in the role.

Negotiating offers for faculty positions (UNC OPA Handout) A guide on when and how to discuss salary, start-up packages, and lab space once an offer is on the table.

The dreaded phone interview (Science) Offers strategies for overcoming the lack of visual cues during initial screenings and how to project confidence through voice alone.

Interviewing at church-related colleges (Inside Higher Ed) Provides unique insights into navigating the mission-specific questions and cultural expectations of faith-based academic institutions.

Nailing the final interview question (Inside Higher Ed) A guide to effectively answering the “Do you have any questions for us?” prompt to leave a lasting, positive impression on the search committee.

Following up a job interview with a thank-you note (Huffington Post) Explains the etiquette of post-interview correspondence and how to use a thank-you note to reinforce your qualifications and interest.

Industry Interview Job Talks

Similar to faculty interview job talks and chalk talks, many industry job interviews require a presentation on your past and current research. If you have questions about the talk (e.g., audience, duration, preferred subject matter, setting, audiovisual equipment) – ask the hiring manager with whom you have been communicating.

To ace your job talk, you need to know your audience (Science) Advice on pivoting your presentation style from academic peers to industry stakeholders and cross-functional teams.

Tooling up: job talk jitters (Science) Strategies for managing anxiety and delivering a confident, memorable technical presentation.

Improve Your Communication Skills

Belltower Toastmaster’s Club A supportive group meeting at the Health Sciences Library dedicated to helping UNC members develop public speaking and leadership skills.

Talk Like Ted: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets An excellent guide to delivering presentations that are engaging, persuasive, and memorable.

LinkedIn Learning Access hundreds of expert-led video courses on professional communication using your UNC credentials.

Speaking about Science: A Manual for Clear Presentations Essential reading for researchers who present data at meetings and academic conferences.

Why science job seekers need to market themselves (Science) An article on reframing your technical expertise as a marketable “brand” to stand out in the competitive job market.

Free Headshot

National Postdoc Appreciation Week – During UNC’s National Postdoc Appreciation Week each September, OPA hosts a professional photographer to provide free headshots for postdoctoral scholars, helping them update their professional profiles and networking materials.

IRIS Professional Headshot Booth – UNC Career Center offers two self-service IRIS professional headshot booths on campus, providing high-quality photos for LinkedIn, Zoom, Heels Engage, or other professional uses. No appointments are needed. Booths are located in Hanes Hall (2nd floor Resource Room, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.) and the Health Sciences Library (1st floor by Columbia St. entrance, during Library hours). The booths allow you to review and edit multiple photos to ensure your headshot reflects your professional style.