4. Media

Although partly eclipsed by the growth of internet advertising, traditional media advertising remains an important source of information on job opportunities. Companies will often use an ad in a newspaper or trade publication to boost their profile as well as source suitable candidates and it certainly pays to keep an eye on the press. In Scotland, the Friday recruitment sections of the Herald and Scotsman remain the premier printed source of positions, while Nature and New Scientist offer comprehensive national scientific recruitment sections. In addition, more specific roles are often advertised in relevant journals associated with a particular institute or professional body.

Your own background and area of interest will determine which publications are most relevant to you, but again some research at the onset of your job search and ensuring that you check new issues regularly will make sure that you do not miss any positions that match your requirements.