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Here’s a quick rundown on this week’s episode:

Ever wonder why some people say “you’re such a perfectionist” like it’s a bad thing? 

You have a PhD and you have very high standards for yourself. 

But could your perfectionist habits be sabotaging your job search? 

It’s easy to think that the benefits outweigh the pitfalls of perfectionism, but today I’m going to ask you to consider if any of these scenarios describe you. 

Can time management be a struggle for you because you often don’t think your work is “good enough” to ever be done? 

Do you ever feel like other people are frustrated by your expectations of them – do they complain that you “expect everything to be perfect”? 

When you spot mistakes, do you see them as a sign of inadequacy – especially in yourself? 

If any of this sounds familiar, your high standards could be the reason your job search is stalling out. 

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You might be very, very focused on the “right” next step, and as a result, you aren’t taking any steps at all. 

Before long, all these self-made setbacks can start to feel insurmountable. 

But they aren’t.

First, lower the stakes. 

As a perfectionist, you’re invested in the end goal. But the journey is equally valuable. That’s why it’s really helpful to create small goals. 

This might feel like a step backward from your big ambitions, but it’s the right move. 

Trust that you are going to gain something valuable and useful from any job, not just a select few. 

Second, set boundaries. 

You need parameters to work within or you are going to spin your wheels on the same task for far too long. 

Give yourself an hour at most, for instance, to make all the changes on your cover letter before you send it out. Allow yourself no more than three passes before your resume is good enough to send out. 

Your goal for the day should be to move ahead, by any means necessary. 

Those who stand still are doomed to fail. 

Third and finally, take risks…slowly. 

Focus on incremental steps you can take to move forward. 

Your first challenge might be connecting with a stranger on LinkedIn. 

Your next might be scheduling an informational interview with them. 

Do this with every aspect of your job search and check back on your progress at key intervals. 

You will very likely be blown away by how these little changes have paid exponential dividends. 

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** for the full podcast, check out the audio player above.

If you’re ready to start your transition into industry, you can apply to book a free Transition Call with our founder Isaiah Hankel, PhD or one of our Transition Specialists. Apply to book a Transition Call here.

The post How Perfectionism Is Crushing Your Job Search appeared first on Cheeky Scientist.

Here’s a quick rundown of this week’s episode:

Do you feel completely invisible to employers?

Is it time to shake things up?

Start your search from the outside in. Research sectors of industry that you’re interested in, and then research companies within those sectors.

Once you’ve found a few companies that you feel excited about – in other words, you like what they stand for and feel your values align with theirs – identify people working for that company and connect with them on LinkedIn.

Calling a hiring manager directly. Reaching out to an HR professional or a recruiter at a target company by phone could help you break through the masses by just sending emails or LinkedIn messages.

The key here is to not ask for an interview – instead, simply call to introduce yourself and ask if there are any opportunities on the horizon for someone with your qualifications.

This can have surprisingly positive results.

Of course, the caveat is that you should use your best judgment to determine if the company you’re calling would be receptive to this strategy.

A startup environment, a mid-sized organization or a nonprofit might be more impressed with this direct tactic than a Fortune 500 company with a more formal corporate structure.

This strategy will grow your industry network lightning-fast and will propel you toward the people that can help you get what you want: a great job in industry.

For example, you can ask: “Is there anyone else you could introduce me to who could tell me more about what it’s like to work in this industry sector?”

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** for the full podcast, check out the audio player above

Ready to start your transition into industry? Apply to book a free Transition Call with our founder Isaiah Hankel, PhD or one of our Transition Specialists. Apply to book a Transition Call here.

The post Shake Up Your Job Search With These Unconventional Hacks appeared first on Cheeky Scientist.

Here’s a quick rundown on this week’s episode:

The job market is contracting, which means it’s time to start networking more than you have been. 

If the word networking makes you cringe, you’re not alone. Introversion and busyness are the #1 and #2 reasons PhDs list as why they can’t network effectively. 

If the idea of attending a conference and rubbing elbows with industry leaders seems too ambitious to start with, don’t stress… there are other impactful ways to build network connections than the convention circuit or cold contacting people on LinkedIn. 

One of these ways is to volunteer. 

As a PhD you have skills nonprofit organizations could make great use of. 

Volunteerism demonstrates that you have strong soft skills that go beyond your academic qualifications. 

It provides you with an ability to build cross-functional abilities such as project management, budgeting, and event planning. 

Best of all, it gives you a talking point with prospective employers, who may already partner with the nonprofit you work with. 

Everyone you meet while volunteering is a potential new contact, and you’ll find that many are eager to connect you with other experts. 

Another great way to network is through teaching. 

Educating others allows you to practice lesson planning, presentation skills, time management, and self-reflection. 

It can also be a great way to demonstrate everything you’ve learned. 

You may already be teaching or TAing. 

But there are many other places that would love have you as an expert guest speaker, including museums, libraries, science centers or career placement services to name a few. 

Bring your business card, complete with your LinkedIn contact information, and be sure to hand it out to anyone at the lecture. 

A third way you can network is by writing content and publishing it online, whether that’s to your own website, as a LinkedIn article, or on someone else’s blog. 

Writing can position you as an expert, offer other professionals a chance to “meet” you, and help develop your professional brand. 

It’s a low-impact activity with a high rate of return. Start small – create a WordPress, Wix or SquareSpace account and make a goal to post consistently. 

Write about the industry sector you want to get into.

 What is your perspective on current news in your field of interest? 

Where do you think this sector of industry is headed? 

Experiment with different formats such as casual essays, case studies, infographics or even interviews with other people already working in industry. 

By giving these less common strategies a try, you’ll increase your connections and create opportunities where none have existed before. 

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** for the full podcast, check out the audio player above.

Ready to start your transition into industry? Apply to book a free Transition Call with our founder Isaiah Hankel, PhD or one of our Transition Specialists. Apply to book a Transition Call here.

The post Not A Big Networker? Try These Painless Strategies  appeared first on Cheeky Scientist.

Here’s a quick rundown on this week’s episode:

Insecurity and self-doubt rank the highest among the personal setbacks that nearly every PhD deals with. 

But there’s a flip side to that coin – feeling entitled to a job, better pay or success in general. 

It might sound like, at worst, a personality flaw, right? 

Well, there’s actually a landmark study that suggests businesses can quantify the toll that entitlement can take on their bottom line.

People who feel entitled tend to focus on self-optimization, not collective growth. 

They disrupt the flow of business and waste company time and resources. Businesses estimate that entitlement costs their company 6 -21% of annual revenue. 

That means the annual “cost of entitlement” would translate to well over a billion dollars for the average Fortune 500 company. 

There are 3 things you can keep top of mind that’ll make sure you keep from feeling entitled, or at least coming across that way, when interviewing for industry positions. 

First, listen and discuss. Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung said that an entitled personality “is hypnotized by itself, and therefore, cannot be argued with.” 

No one is comfortable talking to someone that doesn’t seem to value or even respect their opinion.  

This is why it’s important to remain engaged no matter the situation – in interviews, meetings, or even in casual office conversations. 

Second, have a beginner mindset. 

Michelangelo is famously quoted as saying, “I’m still learning.” while he was working on St. Peter’s Basilica at the age of 87. 

As a PhD, you are a lifelong learner. 

So, it can be helpful to remember – and express to others – that talent and knowledge are not fixed traits. 

For one, it keeps you humble. 

For another, it helps identify knowledge gaps within an organization. 

Identifying and developing ways to fill those gaps is a way to demonstrate your value.

You don’t have to be a PhD to think that a job is “beneath you.”

…

** for the full podcast, check out the audio player above.

Ready to start your transition into industry? Apply to book a free Transition Call with our founder Isaiah Hankel, PhD or one of our Transition Specialists. Apply to book a Transition Call here.

The post Don’t Let Entitlement Cost You The Job appeared first on Cheeky Scientist.

Here’s a rundown of this week’s episode:

We all have to apologize sometimes but if “I’m sorry” becomes a common expression for you as an adult, it can have some negative connotations that impact how others see you.

This is especially problematic among PhDs. And while this nervous tic may seem harmless, it has the power to sabotage your reputation throughout your job search and career.

This simple expression demonstrates to others that you are a person who seeks reassurance.

If you say it before you share a thought or opinion, you’re undermining whatever you say that follows.

Saying “I’m sorry” says that you lack confidence; that you seek approval from others and go out of your way to avoid criticism of rejection.

Saying, “I’m sorry” when the situation doesn’t call for an apology also demerits your actual apologies.

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There are times when you may feel tempted to apologize because you think you’ve inconvenienced someone.

Break the pattern of self-doubt and self-deprecation that you may have fallen into in academia and work toward positive, solutions-focused language.

No industry employer wants to hire an apology addict who comes across as unconfident, whiny or even passive aggressive with the overuse of the words “I’m sorry”.

So, in the event that something happens that you are, in fact, sorry about, it begs the question: when aren’t you sorry? It’s not an easy habit to break, but with a little practice you can definitely replace your mea culpas with a much more positive mantra.

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** for the full podcast, check out the audio player above.

If you’re ready to start your transition into industry, you can apply to book a free Transition Call with our founder Isaiah Hankel, PhD or one of our Transition Specialists. Apply to book a Transition Call here.

The post Alternative Ways To Say “I’m Sorry” Without Losing Your Reputation appeared first on Cheeky Scientist.

Here’s a quick rundown on this week’s episode:

Imagine this: you wake up tomorrow and check your email. There’s not one but two incredible offers from two companies that you’d love to work for. 

That’s the dream, right? It would be amazing if you could take both.

Instead, you’re faced with the nerve-racking decision to walk away from one and start a new journey with the other. 

When this happens, the first thing you’ll want to consider are the benefits being offered. 

A company’s healthcare program costs and what it covers has an immediate impact on what your true salary will be.

If the package is not the best, you could be losing as much as $20,000 a year. 

Let’s say one company is offering you 10K over the other in base salary.

If their benefits are lackluster, you could end up losing in the end.

If you can’t tally the total compensation after benefits, you don’t really know what the company is offering. So, ask!

The second thing to consider is the place you’ll be working and the people who work there. 

With any luck, you were able to tour the office and get a feel for the atmosphere at both jobs. 

Could you see yourself working at one site over the other? Does the environment seem to align with your personality? 

Think about what you found during your research of the company and what you’ve seen with your own eyes. Does the corporate culture seem like one you can thrive in? 

If your interviews have all been virtual, ask for a tour of the facility. 

Maybe there IS no facility and your work is remote. Ask if you could set up a video conference with the team you’d be working with. 

You can’t truly compare the two job offers without comparing their company culture and how well you fit into it. 

My last piece of advice is to turn to the data. 

Create a spreadsheet or a list and include the pros, cons, salary, and benefits. Also include any qualitative features that hold value to you. 

Money is definitely important. But in the grand scheme of things, it’s the day–to–day that will affect your happiness and sense of fulfillment. 

Overall, there are many factors worth considering. They include:

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** for the full podcast, check out the audio player above.

If you’re ready to start your transition into industry, you can apply to book a free Transition Call with our founder Isaiah Hankel, PhD or one of our Transition Specialists. Apply to book a Transition Call here.

The post Choosing The Better Of Two Great Job Offers appeared first on Cheeky Scientist.

Here’s a quick rundown on this week’s episode:

There are a few verbal expressions that research shows really turn off hiring managers. 

These simple phrases have strong connotations that can paint you in a very unflattering light. 

So, today we’re going to go over 5 of the big ones. 

The first expression is “I have to.” 

If, during an interview, you’re asked what your responsibilities are in your current role, instead of saying “I have to” or “I’m responsible for”, try saying “I get to” or “I was able to [if it’s a previous role].” 

It’s just the difference of a few words, but there’s power in language. 

One sounds like a complaint while the other sounds like a positive person who appreciates new opportunities. 

Another expression that employers hate is “I feel.” 

We’ve all used this phrase as a prefix to an idea that we aren’t sure will be received positively. 

It’s almost an excuse. 

The subtext is “I’m not confident in what I’m about to say, but here goes nothing.” 

If you pose something as a question, it will be treated as a question. 

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Fifth and finally, please never say the phrase: “I’m just kidding” to an employer. 

Now I’m no comedian, but if you have to explain that you were kidding, then you need to practice your delivery. 

Or you shouldn’t be delivering a joke in the first place. 

This expression comes across as passive-aggressive at best and manipulative at worst. 

People use it to try and backpedal, to walk back a comment or a criticism that comes across as negative, petty, or unconstructive. 

You might feel like this expression takes the sting out of a biting comment, but the truth is, it just reinforces that you know what you said, but don’t want to be judged for saying it. 

Simple statements like these can have a subconscious effect on how others see you. 

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** for the full podcast, check out the audio player above.

If you’re ready to start your transition into industry, you can apply to book a free Transition Call with our founder Isaiah Hankel, PhD or one of our Transition Specialists. Apply to book a Transition Call here.

The post 5 Phrases Employers Hate (Try To Never Say These) appeared first on Cheeky Scientist.

Here’s a quick rundown on this week’s episode:

If you think your industry interview is over once you walk out the door, think again. 

According to TopResume, as many as 1 in 5 recruiters or hiring managers will dismiss a PhD candidate in industry that didn’t send a thank-you email. 

Careerbuilder conducted a survey that revealed 57% of job seekers don’t send follow-up messages. 

This means that sending a sincere thank-you email can help push you ahead of more than half of your competition. 

So, what should be included in a thank-you email? Let’s go over the critical elements that make up a first-class thank-you message. 

First, always send the thank-you email within 24 hours of your interview. 

It’s a great way to keep your name top-of-mind when it comes time to make a hiring decision – even if (or especially if!) you think it didn’t go so great. 

In fact, in the same studies I just mentioned, a whopping 80% of recruiters report that a follow-up email helped them make their final hiring decision. 

In other words, the thank-you email can be a game-changer. 

By sending a thank-you email, you’re reaffirming your interest in the role and reiterating your value. 

Plus, it’s simply courteous. 

After all, interviewing you took time, energy, and resources – the least you could do is show your appreciation. 

Each and every person you interviewed with should receive a personalized message. 

And don’t just use the exact same body text for these messages for each person. Instead, switch up the language of the greeting, body and salutation. 

For your greeting and signoff, make sure to use first names – both theirs and yours. This communicates that you consider yourself a colleague – neither above nor below them. 

Addressing them as Ms., Mr., Dr., or some other distinguished title, is too formal and can make people feel uneasy.

Worse yet, signing off with Dr. so-and-so signals that you think you’re superior to them. 

The rule of thumb for the body of the email is to keep it sincere, short, and to the point. No one wants to read your novella. 

Start by thanking them for their time and emphasize your continued enthusiasm for the position and the company. 

Then, mention something specific about the interview.  

For instance, you could say “I really appreciated hearing about the future trajectory of the company” or “I am very interested in hearing more about the newest product line” – anything that triggers a memory. 

Next, re-iterate how your skills align with those outlined in the job description. Explain how your experience can be used to help the company achieve their objectives. 

For instance, say, “I believe my skills in XYZ can contribute to the team and help the company move towards a solution on ABC”. Lastly, close the email with an invitation to contact you. 

Invite the hiring manager to reach out with any questions they might have that could help them make their decision. 

If you have time or are inspired, create a mock-up of an idea you spoke about during your interview, or an example of your previous work. 

This is a surefire way to demonstrate initiative and show them what you bring to the table. 

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** for the full podcast, check out the audio player above.

If you’re ready to start your transition into industry, you can apply to book a free Transition Call with our founder Isaiah Hankel, PhD or one of our Transition Specialists. Apply to book a Transition Call here.

The post The Perfect Post-Interview Thank-You Email  appeared first on Cheeky Scientist.

Here’s a quick rundown on this week’s episode:

I think every PhD will agree – negotiating is painful. 

For many, it feels so uncomfortable that they avoid it altogether.

At most, they avoid preparing for it. So, if you’re still nervous about having “The Talk” with a potential employer, then get ready to take notes. 

Today, I’ll tell you exactly what to say in a high-stakes salary conversation so you can walk away earning the wage you deserve in an industry job that you love. 

When negotiating, attitude is the key to success. 

Remember, you’re still auditioning for the job, even once you have an offer letter in hand. 

So, don’t be presumptive, cocky, or smug; instead, show your continued enthusiasm for the position and appreciation; demonstrate that you want to work with them (and not against them).

Remain confident that you bring value worth the compensation you want. 

When negotiating, it’s not just about what you say – it’s about how you say it. 

From the moment you begin negotiations, one of the most important words you can use is we: Can we discuss further options? What can we do to increase the salary? 

Using the first-person plural signifies that you’re invested and want to make this happen – that you’re already part of the team. 

Next, you’ll want to sell your skills while closing the deal. 

This is called “selling into the close.” 

If you’ve done your homework, you already know what they’re looking for in a candidate. 

So, before your negotiation, identify several skills or qualities that are top priority to the employer. 

Based on these, prepare a 30-second pitch that defends the caliber of your worth and demonstrates what you bring to the table. 

Here’s an example of how you might word this pitch: 

“In my PhD, I gained experience in XYZ which could add immediate value to this team (or this company goal).” 

Also, if you have other offers, don’t be afraid to leverage them. 

For example, in response to an employer’s initial offer, you could say, “I like what I’ve seen here at Company X and I’d be excited to move forward with your offer. However, Company Y has offered me $7K more. Is there any room for negotiation? This position is my top choice for ABC reasons, and I really want to make this work.” 

An answer like this shows employers that you’re in demand but that this position is your top priority, which signals you’re not just trying to bump up the other company’s offer in return (even if you are). 

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** for the full podcast, check out the audio player above.

If you’re ready to start your transition into industry, you can apply to book a free Transition Call with our founder Isaiah Hankel, PhD or one of our Transition Specialists. Apply to book a Transition Call here.

The post Advanced Negotiation Strategies For Salary Caps  appeared first on Cheeky Scientist.

Here’s a quick rundown on this week’s episode:

Imagine you’re an employer offering a new hire the minimum salary listed on the job posting.

 You’re not expecting that job candidate to say, “Yes! I’ll take it!” right? 

No – of course not. 

You’re expecting any candidate who knows their value – who is valuable –  to negotiate. 

Unfortunately, many PhDs don’t negotiate – because they’ve never worked for money so they’re not used to asking for more money. Especially when an offer is more money than they’ve ever been given. 

We’re talking about negotiating a salary that gets you paid what you’re worth, while also striking a balance; one that makes both you and your new employer happy.

The first rule of salary negotiation is to never agree to a number verbally. 

Many employers will ask hypothetical and/or general questions regarding salary during the hiring process, like “What kind of salary would you say you’re looking for?” 

They will then hold you to that salary when it’s time for more formal discussions. 

If you encounter this, steer the conversation away from salary and toward other things you will gain on the job like experience, relationships with new team members, and so on. 

For example, you could say, “I’m very excited about this opportunity, so of course, I’ll consider all reasonable offers.” 

You could also say, “Salary is not my first concern. I’m more interested in learning more about the role and the team I’ll be working with. Can we come back to this later?” 

Asking diagnostic questions during the interview and negotiation process is also a good way to increase your perceived value. 

Before you engage with an interviewer at all, you should establish a walkaway number. 

This will be the lowest amount you’re willing to accept for your new role. Where you live and the type of job you’re seeking will factor into the equation – a PhD in New York is probably going to earn more than one in New Mexico. 

Whatever amount you determine is right, make sure to hold that line. 

Once you get an offer on paper, then and only then can you make a counteroffer. But before you do, you’ll want to ask some general questions of your own like, “Is there anything we can do to bump up the salary a bit? The numbers look a bit low.” 

After asking some conversational, open-ended questions, you’ll want to come back with a specific number. Very specific.

For example, asking for $112,575 shows more thought and research than $110,000 or even $112,000.

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** for the full podcast, check out the audio player above.

If you’re ready to start your transition into industry, you can apply to book a free Transition Call with our founder Isaiah Hankel, PhD or one of our Transition Specialists. Apply to book a Transition Call here.

The post Counter With $112,575, Not $112,000. Here’s Why… appeared first on Cheeky Scientist.