Chat with Nikhil

I talked to Nikhil last night about the post-doc / job search. He said some interesting things that I thought I should write here.

• Letters are the most important thing. Good letters are more important than a good CV or research statement.
  
• A good research statement is a statement that is tailored to the university you are applying to. Show that you have some interest in / idea about the work going on there.
• Professionally it isn't great to stay at the same place, but people understand if there are extenuating circumstances (two body problem etc).
• Get as many people as possible to look over your applications, especially those that have been on hiring committees.
• Get on a hiring committee / grant review committee. That's how you learn what people are looking for.

Helpful information. But now I am afraid that I didn't tailor my applications enough for the specific universities.

I ended up applying to 15 postdocs and 8 faculty positions. My work is done, now I just have to hope that someone wants me.