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Inside the sealed envelope what’s in an (ideal) letter of recommendation. Henrik Dohlman Professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics University of North Carolina May 19, 2009. Qualities of the ideal job candidate. Research Productivity Scholarship Communication Citizenship. Research.
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Inside the sealed envelopewhat’s in an (ideal) letter of recommendation Henrik Dohlman Professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics University of North Carolina May 19, 2009
Qualities of the ideal job candidate • Research • Productivity • Scholarship • Communication • Citizenship
Research • Asks important questions • Conceives and conducts purposeful and informative experiments, and critically interprets their outcome • Knows the literature • Understands the strengths and limitations of each method
Productivity • Is a ‘self starter’ • Is assertive about seeking advice when necessary • Is ‘versatile’ • Is fearless and willing to use any tool needed to answer the question • Managestime wisely • Uses computers at work to do work • Employers & NIH care only about data!
Scholarship • Sees ‘the big picture’ • Attends seminars • Makes unexpected connections • Reads the literature • Is considered an expert • Shares ideas • Speaks up at meetings • Is a resource to others
Communication • Describes findings clearly and can explain the importance of her work • Read Science and Nature. What makes these “short, high impact” articles so special? • Seeks opportunities to present • Takes the lead on writing manuscripts • Speaks at meetings • Seeks feedback • Is enthusiastic
Communication • 1. What is known? • 2. What is not known? • 3. What is the approach? • 4. What is the result? • 5. What is the conclusion?
Citizenship • Is a ‘team player’ • Raises the productivity of her peers • Is willing to lend expertise by providing help that is useful and pertinent • Takes responsibility • Replace reagents & clean up after yourself • Volunteers to do what needs to be done