Applying

Before you are actively on the job market, familiarize yourself with job postings you may be interested in. Save these listings as PDFs so you can refer to expectations, responsibilities, and salary ranges. You can then use this information to start enhancing your skills that companies will be looking for to be best prepared when you are actively on the market.

Several job sites allow you to create custom searches or sign up for their listserv to be notified when a job gets posted that matches your specifications. That way, relevant job postings get sent directly to your inbox, and it can reduce the amount of time you spend scrolling through 100's of postings.

There are many websites that have job boards, and several websites are dedicated to biomedical careers. Check out our curated list of biomedical sciences job search websites, organized by career field, to help you target your search more effectively.

Remember, quality matters more than quantity: a smaller number of well-targeted applications is often more effective than sending out dozens (or sometimes hundreds!) of generic ones. To avoid this, carefully review each job description, tailor your resume and cover letter to reflect the key qualifications and responsibilities, and highlight your relevant experience and achievements in the context of the job posting. Remember, this is a great time to reach back out to your network to see if they have any insights into upcoming job postings!

It is also important to remember that you don't need to meet 100% of the job requirements. In fact, you may only need to meet 40% of the listed requirements to be a strong candidate.

As you begin applying for jobs, it is easy to lose track of the status of your applications. Using an Excel spreadsheet (or other tracking tool) can be a great way to manage the details. You might include columns for deadlines, company information, the version of your resume or cover letter you submitted, and the names of any contacts you have at the organization. You can also track your application status and follow-up actions. Having everything in one place means that if you get a call for an interview - sometimes with little notice - you'll have the information at your fingertips and can quickly refresh your memory before the conversation. Here is an Excel spreadsheet template you can download and adapt to your needs: Job application tracker

Finding the right job takes more than just scrolling through LinkedIn. You will need to be intentional with how and where you search. Having a clear strategy can help you find opportunities that fit your skills and values, while making the whole process less overwhelming. One of the most effective strategies is to start with your network. Talking with them may help you hear about opportunities that may never be posted online. They may also want to ask them if there are certain job board sites that post jobs relevant to you. From there, many job board sites allow you to set up custom alerts so that relevant positions land directly in your inbox. Check out the ASPIRE Path to Career Search Strategies blog for more resources and tips.

Not hearing back from applications can be discouraging, but it can be a normal part of the job search process. Sometimes the role was filled internally, or perhaps the timing wasn't right. Learn how to shift your strategy and keep your momentum by reading our guide to Navigating Dead Ends.

Unfortunately, not every job posting is real. Job scams are becoming more popular - especially with the rise of AI. Bottom line, if something feels too good to be true, it probably is. Always research the company, be careful with sharing personal details, and legitimate employers will never ask you to pay anything when applying or starting a job. More information can be found in our Beware of Job Scams blog post.

If you are an international applicant or have a specific visa status, you may encounter questions about your work authorization during the application process. Here's a guide on how to handle work authorization questions on LinkedIn.

• When should I start applying for jobs?
  • In most cases, you should begin applying for jobs about three to four months before your intended start date. However, there are a few factors to consider. If the job market is slow or highly competitive, you may want to give yourself a longer search window. Graduate students should also keep in mind that they typically can't start new positions until after defending and completing degree requirements; therefore, applying too early may create timing challenges. In these cases, it's a good idea to talk with your advisor about possible flexibility after your defense so that you have time to job search and transition smoothly. Postdocs, on the other hand, may have a bit more flexibility with their end dates, which can make it easier to coordinate a start date with an employer.
• I came across my dream job, but I am still about a year out from graduating. What do I do?
  • You have a couple of options. First, you can treat this as a research opportunity – study the job posting to identify the key skills and experiences that they are seeking, and start working to strengthen those areas over the next year. You can also set up informational interviews with people at that company to learn more about their work culture and expand your network. However, you may also wish to go ahead and apply. In some cases, employers might be willing to wait if you are the right candidate, or they might keep you in mind for future openings. Even if you are not selected now, applying helps put you on their radar and can make you a more recognizable candidate when you reapply closer to graduation.
• Should I include a cover letter if it is not required?
  • Yes – it is generally recommended to include a cover letter even if it is not required (unless the posting explicitly says not to). Cover letters gives you the opportunity to explain your motivation for applying, highlight relevant experiences, and explain how your skills align with the position in ways your resume may not convey. If there is no place to upload a cover letter in the application system, but you know who the hiring manager is, you can email it directly as a brief note expressing your interest and/or attach your cover letter. Keep your message concise and reference the specific position title in the subject line.
• What if I keep hitting dead ends?
  • If you've submitted several applications without hearing back, don't get discouraged. It is a normal part of the process. Revisit your strategy: are your materials tailored to each position? Are you highlighting the skills and outcomes employers value most? Consider asking a mentor or the ASPIRE team for feedback on your documents. You can also shift your focus to networking, since many jobs are filled through referrals or connections before they are even posted. Most importantly, treat this as a learning process and make small, strategic adjustments along the way.