Should You Apply?

You’ve found a job that looks interesting—awesome. But before you dive into customizing your resume or crafting a tailored cover letter, stop and ask: is this actually worth applying to?

I’ve made the mistake before—spending hours on applications for roles that were either a poor fit or total long shots. As biostatisticians, our time is valuable. You want to focus your energy on the right opportunities—the ones where you actually have a shot at getting a callback and where the role aligns with your skills and goals.

Here’s how I now evaluate every role before deciding if it’s worth the effort:

The Fast Fit Check – Ask Yourself:

Can you apply in under 10 minutes?

If it’s just a resume upload and a few clicks—go ahead and submit. No harm in taking the easy wins. But if the application process is more involved, it’s time for a quick assessment.

Do you meet at least 70% of the listed qualifications?

You don’t need to hit 100%. In fact, most job seekers (especially early-career biostatisticians) underestimate how much flexibility there is in hiring. You don’t need to check every box—especially in biostatistics roles where job descriptions are often wish lists—but if you hit 70% or more, that’s a green light.

Do you already have a healthy pipeline of job opportunities?

If you’re just starting out and options are thin, cast a wider net. But if you’ve already got a bookmark folder full of jobs to apply to, be more selective and go for higher-quality fits.

Does the role align with your long-term goals?

Even if the title looks appealing, ask yourself: Will this role move me in the direction I actually want to go? It’s okay to take detours, but they should still be heading in a direction you’re excited about.

Is the company the right size, industry, or stage for you?

Think back to our lesson on mid-sized companies—don’t just default to the big players. Make sure the organization fits your preferences in terms of team size, culture, and opportunity for growth.

This kind of quick decision-making saves you hours—and helps you stay laser-focused on roles that are actually worth your time.

💡 Action Step: Run a 5-Question Filter on Your Next Job Listing
The next time you find a job opening, go through this five-question checklist. If you say “yes” to at least 3 of the 5—apply. If not, skip it and move on to something better. You’ll waste less time and apply with more confidence to the roles that really matter.