PhD Transition Report On-Demand

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

• First, Isaiah discusses how the right resume-cover letter combination can make you an A-list job candidate
• Next, Isaiah explains the different resume and cover letter formats that effectively communicate your skills and abilities
• Finally, Isaiah presents different resume-cover letter combinations that are both complimentary and impactful

As a PhD in the industry job market, your competition is stiff.

Nearly 50% of resumes are automatically weeded out by applicant tracking systems software, and for those that remain, only 20% will get an interview.

So how do you stand out in the crowd? The answer is a well-tailored resume and cover letter.

An effective cover letter demonstrates how your experience translates into the transferable and technical skills relevant for the position.

There are two formats you can use: either the standard 3 paragraph business format or the T-format.

The business format describes skills in standard paragraph form whereas the T format lists skills in a two-column table.

For resumes, their are 5 formats that are ideal for PhD-level job candidates, including the functional, combination, sidebar, recruiter, and reverse chronological order resume templates.

Functional resumes organizes your experience by the relevant skills instead of by chronological order, whereas the combination resume combines both function with chronological order.

Meanwhile, sidebar resumes are more creative.

They use a two-column format where the smaller sidebar half on the left side lists education, applicable skills, awards, and achievements.

Then, the larger column on the right lists your professional summary and work experience.

What are some effective cover letter-resume combinations?

For example, to choose a combination resume and a T format cover letter demonstrates that you have previous industry experience and are focused on the role at hand.

Keep in mind that these two documents should be complimentary.

A functional resume paired with the T-format cover letter is perfect for those getting into their first industry role or for those pivoting into a different sector of industry.

If you find yourself unsure of which resume-cover letter combination to use, ask.

Reach out to someone working at the company, get to know them, and ask what the company prefers.

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 3 Effective Resume-Cover Letter Combinations appeared first on Cheeky Scientist.

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

• First, Isaiah examines how imposter syndrome hurts PhDs in their industry job search
• Next, Isaiah explains how job descriptions are nothing more than a wish-list – it shouldn’t dissuade you from applying
• Finally, Isaiah discusses the most effective ways to show employers you’re the perfect candidate for the job, despite lacking certain skills

In your industry job search, what keeps you from applying for a job?

For most PhDs, the answer is they lack the skills needed for the job.

That’s because PhDs often suffer from imposter syndrome which leaves many feeling that they’ll never live up to industry expectations.

In academia, you’re taught to be overly critical of yourself and your abilities.

But this type of thinking is not only harmful to your job search, it’s also mentally detrimental.

You could bypass the perfect job for you just because you didn’t meet all the job requirements up front.

So, today, I’ll walk you through several strategies that will get you hired even when your skills don’t perfectly match the job posting.

When hiring managers create a job posting, they’re envisioning their ideal candidate; it doesn’t mean that it’s exactly what they expect.

Sometimes, the requirements listed are part of a standard company template, meaning some skills listed are more pertinent for one job over another.

Now is not the time to discount the number of years you’ve spent honing your skills during your PhD.

Don’t let the laundry list of requirements scare you.

When writing your resume, address your experience gaps by linking skills you don’t have to relevant technical or transferable skill you do have.

For instance, say a job posting lists skills related to mass spectrometry.

Even if you’ve never personally performed mass spec, perhaps you’ve helped prepare samples for a mass spec analysis.

In this case, you could say “Prepared X number of samples for a mass spec analysis which led to the discovery of XYZ”.

Keep in mind that, as a PhD, you have the unparalleled ability to learn things quickly. Never undervalue this skill.

Even if you don’t have the exact experience they’re looking for, show them that you can learn quickly.

Highlight an instance where you had to quickly learn a new skill or a new topic. Then, tie this back to the required skill.

Overall, the lesson is simple: The candidate who gets hired is not the most skilled, but the one who makes the best argument for their candidacy.

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 Get Hired WITHOUT Meeting The Job Requirements appeared first on Cheeky Scientist.

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

• First, Isaiah explains the reason industry postdocs were developed (and it’s not what you think)
• Next, Isaiah reveals the shockingly low proportion of industry postdocs that are hired into permanent positions
• Finally, Isaiah list the reasons why the industry postdoc actually sabotages your industry career in the long-term

Many PhDs think the only way to get their foot into the industry door is through an industry postdoc. But this just isn’t true.

In fact, industry postdocs are a complete scam created only to benefit big companies.

They were created to breath new life into Research & Development Departments, not to bolster company recruiting efforts.

That means PhDs shouldn’t expect their industry postdoc to end with a job offer.

You’d be surprised at how few postdocs are hired into permanent positions.

In fact, studies show that 40% of industry postdocs don’t end up working in industry at all.

You heard that right. Four in 10 industry postdocs don’t end up working in industry! They go back to academia.

Other studies show that up to 90% of industry postdocs don’t get hired at the company they did the postdoc with.

So, if your postdoc company isn’t going to hire you, then what other advantages does it provide?

Many PhDs assume that an industry postdoc is a great way to build a strong industry network.

But they’re wrong.

In an industry postdoc, you’re working closely with industry professionals at your company. However, due to the sensitive nature of the work, external collaborations are extremely limited.

And if your current company isn’t going to hire you, those external collaborations are what you need to find an industry job.

Not only that, but as a postdoc in industry, your travel budget is extremely limited. This means you won’t be able to attend many conferences, making you miss out on yet another networking opportunity.

Another misconception is that an industry postdoc better prepares PhDs to work in industry. But as a postdoc, you’re just a temporary employee.

To protect their trade secrets, companies often assign postdocs projects that are on the outskirts of the real research.

That mean you’d experience many closed doors – not being allowed to attend important meetings or any other internal discussions pertaining to classified information.

So, if you’re considering an industry postdoc – stop. Consider a full time role in industry instead.

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 Proof That Industry Postdocs Are A Scam appeared first on Cheeky Scientist.

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

• First, Isaiah narrows down the reasons you’re getting ghosted in the later stages of the interview process
• Next, Isaiah explains how using interview answers that reveal your lack of confidence can sabotage you job search
• Finally, Isaiah shows you how to turn negative answers into positive ones that leave a lasting impression on employers

If you feel like you’ve done everything right – from building a strong network to writing an effective resume – but you just can’t seem to get past the interview stage, you need to figure out why.

Each interview process is unique. However, what’s not unique are the interview answers that guarantee a rejection.

Never say, “I’m nervous” during an interview. You may think this makes you seem more human but you’re only creating a negative vibe.

It’s normal to feel nervous during an interview, but you should never show it. Companies want to hire someone that is calm and confident – especially under pressure.

Another glaring mistake that PhDs make during interviews is they reveal their sense of desperation.

They either admit to not having any other interviews lined up or they eagerly agree to the first salary offer that’s put on the table.

Interviews give you an opportunity to exemplify your value. To do this, you must show employers that you’re in demand and that you know your worth.

“Why do you want to leave academia?”

Interviewers ask this question because they truly want to know. But they also want to see how you answer – because let’s face it, no one that is happy in their current position is looking to leave.

So, when answering this question, it’s important to steer clear of negative language.

Never complain about your advisor or your toxic work environment. Instead, tell them how, even from the start, you’ve always planned to leave academia.

You should also never outright admit to not having a skill. Even if you don’t, expound upon this.

Explain that you don’t have the skill but you have a relevant skill, or you have the ability to learn the skill quickly.

There’s no doubt, interviewing well is tough work. It takes preparation and it takes practice.

To get advanced access to the full length versions of these podcasts, as well as access to our live training webinars, exclusive training videos, case studies, industry insider documents, transition plan, and private online network, get on the waitlist for the Cheeky Scientist Association now.

The post 5 Interview Answers That Guarantee Rejection appeared first on Cheeky Scientist.

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

• First, Isaiah speaks to the source of PhD burnout and how to avoid it in your industry job search
• Next, Isaiah explains how having a clear vision of next steps saves you time and effort in the long-run.
• Finally, Isaiah shows you how to apply the 30-60-90 day plan and create an effective yet manageable job search strategy

Many academics are burned out.

They work so many long hours, are constantly under the pressure of deadlines, and are so drained of energy that they can’t even think about their job search.

In fact, recent studies show that 3 in 5 employees have experienced burnout at some point in their careers – this is especially true of academics.

If you can empathize, don’t despair. There are a few simple things you can do to make your job search more manageable.

There are hundreds – if not thousands – of industry job postings. No one person has the time to sift through them all.

So, the first step in an effective job search is to narrow your focus.

What is your ideal job? What kind of work environment do you prefer?

Also think about what is currently causing you burnout in your work environment. This is important to know – that way, you can avoid it in the future.

The key is to create more attainable goals.

In the first 30 days, you should start to build a strong professional network.

Many PhDs think that networking means repeatedly clicking the “connect” button on LinkedIn – but it’s so much more than that. You have to make true connections.

Make a list of jobs you want or companies you want to work for. Reach out to people working those jobs or at those companies. And when someone responds, engage with them.

This is your time to build rapport, so don’t let the conversation fizzle out. You need to get to the point of asking for an informational interview. It’s the only way to get a job referral.

Then, in the next 30 days, you can focus on your resume. You should have a custom-tailored resume for every job you apply for.

And by 90 days, you should be actively applying for positions. It’s important to protect your time, especially during this phase of your job search.

If you don’t, it can lead to another burnout situation.

Apply these methods and you’ll feel less overwhelmed and more in control of your industry job search.

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 Burnt Out In Your Job Search? Do This appeared first on Cheeky Scientist.

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

• First, Isaiah explains why you should skip the talks and spend time at the vendor’s floor if you want to increase your chances of transitioning into industry
• Next, Isaiah reviews the information you need to research before going to the conference
• Finally, Isaiah gives you pointers on the best way to network with vendors

If you want to find industry job prospects at a conference, you have to stop acting like an academic. We get it – you love research.

But if your conferences strategy is to hit as many research-based talks as possible, then you’re not making the most of your time (or your money for that matter – conferences are expensive).

So, skip the talks and spend your time perusing the vendor floor. Why? Because while all your colleagues are sitting in a dark room listening to a presentation, you’ll be conversing and making connections with the industry players that are there to promote their company and its products.

Talking to a vendor during a lunch or coffee break is nearly impossible – that’s when every other PhD who desperately wants a job is there. Not to mention that these are the vendors’ peak times for selling products and recruiting new customers.

So, breaks are not the time to ask them about job prospects – that’s not why they’re there. If you speak with vendors during the quiet times, they’ll be more relaxed, less distracted, and more apt to speak to you.

Before you go to the conference, research the industry players who will be there. Some of the vendors may even announce online which employees they’re sending to the conference.

If you can’t find this information, reach out and ask – they may be willing to share it. Once you know which employees they’re sending, research them as well.

Find out what position they’re in and what their research background, if any, is.

When approaching a vendor, it’s important to limit self-talk. Nothing will make a person shut down faster than a PhD or PhD student coming up to them and immediately asking for a job.

To keep them from running in the other direction, first ask about their product or service. Ask about them personally – what their job is, how they like it.

The idea is to give attention, elevate their credibility, and to be genuinely interested. If you’re faking anything they’ll be able to pick up on your charades.

Be sure to emphasize your status as an industry novice and/or student – even if you’re a professor, in a postdoc position, or are doing a TA-ship – if they see you as a novice or student that lacks industry experience, they may be more candid with you. This is because they won’t see you as a threat.

Another good tactic is to invoke social proof and even a bit jealousy. Don’t speak to just one vendor and call it a day. Even if you’re not interested in a company – talk to them. A funny thing happens when you start to network. It makes you look more desirable.

At one conference, I actually had someone from a company I was interested in come and find me after seeing me speaking to other vendors. We started talking again and the next day I had lunch with the company’s President! So, believe me, it works!

The last sage advice I have for you is to make sure you follow up with vendors with same-day emails. Make it as easy on them as possible. Remind them of who you are and what you talked about.

Companies use the LinkedIn Recruiter platform to fill positions using three main search fields: job title, location, and skills.

Non-PhD hiring managers are not expert researchers. They’re only searching these 3 search fields the majority of the time. So, if your profile doesn’t include these terms, you’ll be completely invisible to hiring managers.

Another trick is to present yourself as the employee you want to be, not the one that you are. This is particularly important for those of you who are transitioning from academia.

Show employers that you’re a professional – not a student or lifetime academic – starting with your profile picture.

Replace the photo of you next to a bookcase, at a desk, or in lab coat with one of you wearing business attire. If you want to be an industry professional, you have to start looking like one.

The same applies to your text. Eliminate academic titles like “PhD Student”, “TA”, “Professor” “Postdoc”, or “Fellow”, and avoid technical or specialty jargon – no company is searching these academic terms.

Another cool LinkedIn feature is the “open for work” function. Below the profile headline, there’s a selection that indicates to employers that you’re seeking work.

You can also specify your desired location – including remote work – and add a brief message that will be visible to hiring managers.

Turn this on and your profile will start appearing higher up in search results. In fact, if you don’t turn this on, you’ll be completely invisible on LinkedIn’s employer platforms.

Always keep your profile up-to-date and remain active in your LinkedIn feed. By consistently interacting with the community, and maintaining a current profile, you’ll create an online persona that will help you reach the top of any employer’s search results.

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 Going To A Conference? Skip The Talks. Here’s Why appeared first on Cheeky Scientist.

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

• First, Isaiah talks about why you’re failing to move past the initial interview stages, even if you’re a perfect fit for the role
• Next, Isaiah reviews the best strategy to use if you want to build rapport with your interviewer
• Finally, Isaiah discusses the importance of non-verbal cues when it comes to building rapport

Have you ever felt like you were the perfect candidate for a job, only to be ghosted by the company after your first interview?

At that point, you’re probably wondering what on earth happened. Chances are, you didn’t establish a rapport with the interviewer.

Many PhDs leave academia thinking the only thing employers are going to care about is what they can do – emphasis on the doing, especially the skills, because that’s what’s important in academia.

But in industry, you’re not only expected to do a job; you’re also expected to integrate into a team. This means that the interviewer is assessing your capabilities while also deciding whether you’re easy to get along with.

To start, do your research ahead of time – your interviewer will likely have an online presence, whether it be through LinkedIn or Twitter. Take note of where they’re from, where they studied, if they have a PhD – what they studied, what sports team or organization they’re interested in, and so on.

Once you have a good idea of who they are, try to find commonalities. And yeah, I know what you’re thinking… “what if we have nothing in common?!” Try and find something. Even if it’s just that a good friend of yours went to their alma mater and told you how much they loved it there.

Mention this in the interview – ask about their experience there. If you didn’t have the time or resources to find out much about them prior to your interview, try looking for environmental queues.

If the interview takes place in their office, see if they have photos or collectibles on their shelves. If you can’t come up with a shared interest or experience on the spot, even just commenting on something helps build rapport.

Tell them the photo of their puppy is adorable…if they have sports memorabilia from a particular team, ask if they grew up there. Finding something (anything!) that will allow them to remember you days or weeks later is key to making a good first impression.

Another great way to build rapport is to use nonverbal cues.

When they greet you, extend your hand and a warm smile. Look engaged and show enthusiasm. Convey your interest by continuing to smile. Nod throughout the interview and sit towards the edge of your chair.

Make sure to ask engaging questions that direct the focus towards them – ask what they like most about their job or the company, or how they ended up in their current position.  

And lastly, do your best to keep the interview light! That means you should avoid bringing up contentious topics – like politics or religion or their proprietary information – and steer clear of employer/employee bashing.

You may not like your former boss or the team that you worked with – but keep this to yourself. If pressed about why you’re leaving your current job, focus on characteristics of the job and offset your statement with something positive.

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 Make Yourself Unforgettable To Employers appeared first on Cheeky Scientist.

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

• First, Isaiah discusses how you can recognize whether you’re in a dead-end career
• Next, Isaiah discloses the solution to get out of a dead-end career: knowing how to market yourself
• Finally, Isaiah shows you some simples ways in which you can market yourself

If you’ve been in a position for years – whether it be an academic postdoc, adjunct teaching position, professorship that’s going nowhere or even an entry-level industry role – and have yet to acquire any new skills, move up the proverbial ladder, or take on new challenges, you’re in a dead-end career.

And while this situation is frustrating for anyone, job stagnation is particularly hard on PhDs. After all, you spent years acquiring knowledge, fine-tuning your skills, and keeping up with the latest innovations.

For what? To have no impact? To stay where you are? Unappreciated. Underpaid. Stagnant. If you find yourself in this situation, you’re not alone. In fact, a recent Joblist survey found that almost three quarters of employees don’t see any opportunities for growth in their current role.

First – know you can escape it. You may feel exhausted by a job that takes up so much of your time and so little of your mental capacity… but there are ways to market yourself out of a dead end.

Take full advantage of training opportunities and communicate this training to companies. Some institutions will provide you with in-house training or give you access to larger training platforms.

But if you’re at an institution that doesn’t do this, look to reputable continuing education programs offered online or in person.

To decide which training programs are right for you, study the developments in your field and determine which skills you’ll need to stay relevant. A good way to do this is to identify several jobs that you’ll be targeting in your next career move and take note of the most frequently listed skills.

If you’re aiming for an analytical role, identify the most popular statistical tools, brush up on your biostats, or learn a new programming language. While you won’t be able to tout an official degree from these courses, they’ll show employers your willingness to gain new skills.

That’s the point – to do something that shows you’re a lifetime learner and eager to advance, and then communicate these facts to new employers. This is what I mean when I say you have to market yourself out of your dead-end career. You have to take action and communicate that action.

You may be surprised at what opportunities are available – you just have to ask. You should also focus on adding to your transferable skills like communication, leadership, management, and so on.

You can jump at any chance you may have to give a presentation or write an article or review for your institution’s website or newsletter.

You can also work with a mentor. This can be someone you work with, or maybe someone who has the job that you want. A good mentor will provide you with ideas and suggestions that perhaps you haven’t thought of.

They may also provide you with insight into your target company, or a referral to someone at your target company.

Lastly, be intentional. This is especially true if you’re isolated in academia or in any hybrid or remote setting.

The ivory tower or increasingly isolated and remote workspaces don’t always afford casual conversation so, to make yourself visible, schedule purposeful meetings where you can discuss your interests with mentors, coworkers, and potential colleagues.

And again, make sure you’re communicating all of this activity – or, rather, marketing all of this – to employers on your resume, LinkedIn profile, during networking, and in interviews.

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 In A Dead-End Academic Career? Market Yourself Out Of It… appeared first on Cheeky Scientist.

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

• First, Isaiah tells you the blunt true: you’re probably wasting your time by using an obsolete academic job search strategy
• Next, Isaiah shows you the first steps you need to take to stop wasting your time and start seeing results
• Finally, Isaiah discusses what is a mock interview and why you should include it in your strategy to avoid rejections at the later stages of your job search

If you’re not getting anywhere in your industry job search, chances are you’re using an antiquated process taught to you by academics.

The truth is, when it comes to industry, academic job search strategies are completely upside down. So, ditch the long-winded CV and start setting up a strategy that works for industry.

To do this, you need to stop wasting time on things that aren’t producing results.

PhDs fall into the same mental trap they fell into in grad school – they spend so much time playing scenarios out in their head and preparing for failure that they fail to take any action at all.

Then, when they do submit their resume, they submit the same generic resume to dozens of companies, receive no response, and then give up claiming they did everything they could but couldn’t get hired because they didn’t have enough industry experience.

If this is your current job search strategy, stop. Instead, start being conscious of the time wasting activities that are holding you back.

PhDs make the mistake of focusing more on the job title than the actual job.

You’ve likely heard of titles like “research scientist,” “user experience researcher,” “medical science liaison,” or “data scientist.”

These are all very impressive and well compensated roles –and they’re also incredibly competitive.

If you’re only targeting a title, you’re closing the door on other opportunities that are more ubiquitous and might be a better fit.

Another common time waster that PhDs indulge in is they don’t tailor their resume to the job.

Job search engines like Indeed, LinkedIn, or Monster can receive over 400,000 resumes each week, and that’s just one search engine!

This means that the initial task of weeding out resumes is performed by automated software called Applicant Tracking Systems software. If your resume doesn’t have the keywords they’re looking for, or is missing section headers that include words like “Summary” or “Experience” at the top, it’s automatically rejected.

The best way to circumvent this incredibly narrow funnel is to bypass it altogether – to do this, you have to lean into your network to get your resume into the hands of the hiring manager.

Another common mistake occurs during interview prep – many PhDs only answer interview questions in their head, instead of doing mock interviews.

The mock interview is a great way to test out answers you’ve prepared …and it’s also great for gaining a better command of yourself.

You may have crafted the perfect answers, but if your behavior or appearance is off-putting, you’ll never make it past the first interview.

So, create a list of standard questions and ask a friend to act as the interviewer. Ask for their honest feedback. The only way to calm your nerves is through practice!

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 Gigantic Job Search Time-Wasters appeared first on Cheeky Scientist.

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

• First, Isaiah reveals why you need to let go of your academic mentality before you start writing your professional summary
• Next, Isaiah discloses the information that you should add at the beginning of your summary if you want to catch the hiring manager’s attention
• Finally, Isaiah lists the components of a riveting professional summary and what you should add in each of them

Your professional summary is one of the most critical components of your industry resume.

It’s what hiring managers read first and it’s what helps them decide whether your resume is worth a read.

Think of yourself as a product you have to sell – how can you convince someone to “buy” in just a matter of seconds?

Academia has told you that claiming accomplishments as your own is distasteful or down-right untruthful, but to catch the eye of an industry employer, your summary has to sell YOU – not your academic credentials.

And YOU have the expertise they’re looking for, and it’s you they’re hiring – so yeah, talk about yourself – a lot, even brag a little.

There isn’t one correct way to write a professional summary, but there are certainly tips and tricks you can follow that will make it one that’s hard to ignore.

For starters, you should write a punchy headline – this is your first opportunity to make a good first impression. This starts with the use of positive adjectives like innovative, successful, driven, and so on.

You don’t want to overdo it, but you want to make sure the employer knows your value. Also avoid cliches like “hard-working” and “detail-oriented.”

After your adjective, include your role or your title …so now you’re a “Driven research scientist…” or an “Innovative qualitative researcher…”

Make sure to include terms that indicate your level of seniority – like Senior, Assistant, or Executive – and do your best to include keywords that are used in the job description.

A professional summary is concise – consisting of no more than 3 bullet points.

Every bullet point should start with a transferable skill, move to a specialty skill, and end in a quantified result.

The first bullet point of your summary should include the name of the job title that you want.

Your second bullet point should focus on your relevant skills; in particular your specialty skills.

Then, in the third bullet point, demonstrate how you’re the ideal fit for the company’s culture and team; lean more on your transferable skills here.

Overall, an effective professional summary is one that shines a light on your expertise and showcases the value you can bring to a company.

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 Write A Riveting Professional Summary appeared first on Cheeky Scientist.