Cheeky Logo
Ready To Get Hired?
Apply To Book A Free Call With Our Transition Specialist Team

3 Networking Blunders Every Unemployed PhD Makes

Ok, I get it.

I have to network if I want to transition into industry.

Every reference website made a point of mentioning this again and again during my job search.

But I hated even the thought of networking.

I was a typical PhD introvert.

I also suffered from imposter syndrome all through graduate school, which made networking even more challenging.

I always understated my experiences and skills, especially when talking to others I perceived as experts in the field.

Like a meek little lamb.

I made myself invisible before I even showed up.

The thought of walking into a room full of industry professionals and convincing them I belonged in their company riddled me with anxiety.

I would sign up for events and then on the day of, I would make a sorry excuse to not go.

I was too tired.

Too busy.

Too afraid.

I was holding myself back from everything I wanted by being a chicken.

When I did actually make it to a networking event, I ended up talking to people I already knew.

Like, people who came with me from my lab.

Or other PhDs who were looking for the same job as I was.

Occasionally, I would force myself to talk to someone new, but when I did, all that came out of my mouth was a minute-by-minute history lesson of my academic experience.

I’d blather on about my thesis work, my postdoc work, and all my amazing technical skills… until the other person excused themselves to go to the bathroom.

One day, I decided to try something different.

I decided to volunteer at a regional science center.

This involved teaching children how to build a rocket out of a film canister and why magnets attract iron.

Coincidentally, I would start up conversations with their parents and grandparents and we would casually chat about my job search.

This was a light bulb moment for me.

Many of these parents were scientists who had jobs in industry.

Several of these parents reciprocated my generosity to volunteer by sharing their industry insights and even providing job referrals.

Learning to network like this — in unconventional locations — was the key element in my transition out of academia.

Why Most PhDs End Up Unemployed Or In Postdocs

Finding work is hard work.

Many graduate students and postdocs say they are serious about transitioning into industry.

Then they spend their days and nights at a computer, filling out online applications, and writing cover letters — applying, applying, and applying online.

This so-called job search strategy is redundant and wasteful.

According to figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, the length of a typical job search is over 3 months.

A PhD-level job search can take between 6-12 months on average.

Meanwhile, major job boards boast a measly 1-4% average response rate.

NOT 1-4% odds of getting a job.

1-4% odds of getting a reply.

Think of all the time you’re spending on those job boards.

And for what?

1-4% odds of someone actually messaging you back.

How pathetic.

If you want to increase your success rate, you need to have face-to-face meetings.

80% of today’s jobs are landed through networking.

The problem is most PhDs have no idea how to network effectively.

Instead, they consistently make the same mistakes over and over again.

As a result, many PhDs end up settling for low-paying postdocs or even for unemployment.

Young businesswoman traveling with a private airplane. A pilot is sitting in a cockpit.

3 Networking Mistakes Every Unemployed PhD Makes

Industry careers are not built sitting in front on the computer and applying endlessly to jobs.

(Remember the 1-4% response rate?)

The only way to get hired is to get in front of real people.

You need to network.

But you need to network correctly.

This means skipping PhD-only events and getting in front of some new people.

It means learning how to effectively communicate your transferable skills, not just your technical skills.

It also means learning how to build rapport with people — learning how to talk about other people’s passions and interests outside of science.

Here are 3 common networking blunders every unemployed PhD makes and how to avoid them…

1. Only networking at designated networking events.

Networking is NOT restricted to only defined settings at defined time points.

You should be conscious of how you present yourself and the impressions you make wherever you go.

Serious job hunting is a round-the-clock job.

Random conversations that you strike up with your hairdresser, yoga teacher, or local grocer can lead to unexpected leads.

Seriously.

We’ve had hundreds of Cheeky Scientist Associates get hired through these types of conversations.

You have already built rapport with them by being a dedicated customer or a friendly neighbor and they might be more than willing to extend their network to you.

You never know who knows someone at Pfizer or who is married to someone at Merck.

The key is to allow yourself to converse with others and always be approachable.

Change your body language so that you’re more approachable.

Change your habits so that you are more approachable.

Avoid always wearing your headphones in public settings and giving the impression that you would rather be left alone.

Don’t walk around with a wad of gum in your mouth or wearing your pajamas because you were too lazy to put on proper clothes.

You can’t get an industry job by acting like you plan on staying in academia forever.

A word of caution — networking anywhere at any time does not mean asking random strangers for job referrals.

It means being friendly and approachable and giving value when and if you can.

This will allow you to build up professional relationships which will in turn lead to more referrals.

2. Only networking to get a job.

What are you passionate about?

If you are having difficulty making meaningful connections at mundane networking events, maybe you need to find a setting that’s aligned with something you actually care about.

Maybe you need to stop seeing networking as a job and start seeing it as a ‘cause’.

Maybe you need to stop faking it.

Showing up to a networking event you don’t care about just because you think it will lead to a job referral is a poor strategy.

A better strategy is to find events and causes you care about.

Start showing up to places and functions that naturally excite you.

Other people will be attracted to your excitement.

You’ll be surrounded by like-minded people.

Conversations will flow easily.

Pressure will decrease.

You’ll be engaged.

When you’re involved in something you’re passionate about you won’t feel like a fake and, as a result, you’ll have a much easier time building rapport.

Volunteering is a great way to do this, which is why volunteering is a very common source of job referrals.

Volunteering builds industry credibility by showing you have a diverse background that extends beyond technical skills.

It shows you care about something beyond just yourself and things that only benefit you.

Volunteering will allow you to increase your network while improving your interpersonal and communication skills.

Prove that you care about more than your tiny PhD bubble and extend your network to your community.

3. Only going to networking events that others host.

You’ve scoured the Internet, your institution’s events board, and the local newspapers.

Nothing.

You can’t find any networking events.

Perhaps you work in a small university city with few networking events available.

Or the ones that exist are poorly attended, dry, and void of any real opportunity.

It’s time to change your strategy.

It’s time to show some initiative.

It’s time to start your own networking event.

The advantage of this is three-fold.

First, setting up an event allows you to develop your leadership skills and other transferable skills.

Second, setting up an event helps you build credibility as an expert and as a ‘super-connector’.

Third, setting up an event helps you build your network.

Starting your own Meetup group or promoting events on Eventbrite or through other social media takes minutes and you can do it from your phone.

Or, you can invite industry professionals to give a talk at your university on alternative careers for PhDs.

Or, create an event outside of your academic circle.

For example, you can start a book club, a foreign language learners group, or beginner’s photography group.

Either way, your fellow academics will respect what you’re doing, as will potential future employers.

You don’t need hundreds of people in attendance for it to be a ‘real networking’ event.

Even meeting with one other person is a networking event.

Starting your own networking event (or event series) will often lead to referrals from unexpected sources.

By inviting others to your own event, you’ll become well-known and will place yourself at the top of other people’s minds.

If you want to get a job referral and maximize your job hunting efforts, you need to stop making common networking mistakes. You need to start networking in unconventional locations and in unconventional ways. You also need to start communicating your transferable skills, not just your technical skills. Remember — no matter where you are, there is always opportunity to strike up a conversation and you never know where these kinds of conversations might lead to. By starting your own networking event or volunteering for something you’re passionate about, you can start getting job referrals in unexpected places.

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.

Book a Transition Call
Get Free Job Search Content Weekly

ABOUT CATHERINE SORBARA, PH.D.

Cathy has a PhD in Medical Life Science and Technology and is COO of the Cheeky Scientist Association. Cathy is passionate about science communication including translating science to lay audiences and helping PhDs transition into industry positions. She is Chair of Cambridge AWiSE, a regional network for women in science, engineering and technology. She has also been selected to take part in Homeward Bound 2018, an all-female voyage to Antarctica aimed to heighten the influence of women in leadership positions and bring awareness to climate change.

Catherine Sorbara, Ph.D.

Here's What Others Are Saying

"I am happy to share I am starting a new position!"

Mary Hidde

Mary Hidde

Clinical trial manager

at Medspace

"I accepted my job offer today. I was able to get 5k more + the exact PTO package I wanted. I am very happy and very thankful for everything that I learned through the event. I plan to stay involved with Cheeky Scientist as I love what y'all are doing and I'm still learning."

Tracy Gardner, PhD

Tracy Gardner, PhD

Senior Measurement Advisor

at Pearson

"I am happy to share I am starting a new position!"

Kamrul Hansen

Kamrul Hansen

Principal Scientist - Analytical Technology

at Servier Pharmaceuticals

"I started working with you all back in October 2022 and it took me about four months to secure my new role. I actually had two six figure salary offers in the learning and development arena! One was from a prestigious HBCU and the other one was with a scientific research organization. I signed my six figure offer letter for a Head of Talent Development role with the scientific research organization on March 1st. I negotiated and received a $7,500 increase in salary and I also received an increase in my relocation package. I cannot thank you all enough!"

Dr. Rhonda Anderson

Dr. Rhonda Anderson

Head of Talent Development

at Southern Research

"I am THRILLED to share that I am starting a new position... my sincerest thanks and gratitude to all the inspirational people who've I met along the way in my journey as an aspiring MSL, who helped make this happen."

Leandra Mangieri

Leandra Mangieri

Medical Science Liaison

at Allergan Aesthetics

"I am happy to share I am starting a new position! Excited to start this position with excellent colleagues!"

Tanumoy Mondul

Tanumoy Mondul

Senior Scientist

at Sanofi

"I just accepted an offer to be a Clinical Researcher Coordinator for a pain clinic near me. I'll be helping them run their clinical trial that uses a device to stimulate nerves to relieve patients pain. I start next Wednesday. So excited! I wanted to say thanks to Isaiah and all the members of the Cheeky team for your help! I really appreciate it!"

Natasha Fowler

Natasha Fowler

Clinical Research Coordinator

at Columbia Pain Management, P.C

"'....all the modules and associates really helped me understand the job and interview aspects really well. Meera specially helped me a lot prepare for the 8 interviews (written, analytical, on-site, assessments). She was very prompt in responding to my questions and concerns and really helped me keep my morale whenever I felt I might loose this position.... This is something I was looking for in a job so it is perfect for me."

Haymanti Bhanot

Haymanti Bhanot

Editorial

at Elsevier

"The decision is final - it is Cormetech!"

Carlos Vargas Garcia

Carlos Vargas Garcia

at Cormetech

"Hi Isaiah, I hope you are good....I did receive and accept a job offer!"

Debadrita Pal

Debadrita Pal

Scientist

at Sanofi

"I just wanted to say that I officially accepted a job! I want to thank everyone at Cheeky Scientist for all the help and support. Overall, my job search went pretty smoothly and I have CS to thank for that. I am now convinced that making connections and networking is how you find jobs, and once I began implementing what CS teaches, I started to see more results. I hope this helps others who are in the job search process!"

Jack Schultz

Jack Schultz

Research Computer Scientist

at Southwest Research Institute

"I am BEYOND ECSTATIC to finally say I am starting a new position as Patent Examiner in Biomedical Engineering at USPTO!"

Jo Ramos

Jo Ramos

Patent Examiner in Biomedical Engineering

at USPTO

"I'm happy to share that I'm starting a new position as Scientist in Pharma Division at NeoGenomics Laboratories! After all the trainings and advice I could get a 25% increase in my salary! So I’m very happy for that."

Maribel Donoso

Maribel Donoso

Scientist in Pharma Division

at NeoGenomics Laboratories

"Hi Isaiah - I have news to share! I applied for a position on Monday night. I had an interview Tuesday and was just offered the position! (Wednesday). I can't believe it! All the hard work. The LinkedIn Messages. The resume building All your keys. I countered 5k more than they offered and they accepted it! I am so over the moon right now and so excited!"

Brittni Levasuar

Brittni Levasuar

"Extra thrilled...I now have a full-time job lined up before I even graduate. Yay! Cheeky Scientist helped me get my internship, 3 offers, and the offer I wanted at a competitive salary because I had other offers to leverage. All before I even graduated."

Srishti Dasarathy, PhD

Srishti Dasarathy, PhD

AI Research Engineer

at Lockheed Martin

Similar Articles

Have A PhD And Over 40 Years Old? Better Do This

Have A PhD And Over 40 Years Old? Better Do This

By: Isaiah Hankel, PhD

“Isaiah, I’ve got 15 years of experience, a PhD, and more publications than I can count, yet no one seems to want to hire me.  What am I doing wrong?”  I hear this from PhDs over the age of 40 who are struggling to get their foot in the door, and the truth is, your age and experience may be working against you in today’s job market.  Employers, especially younger hiring managers, may see you as overqualified, set in your ways, or not as easily trainable as a younger candidate.  The unfortunate reality is that ageism is rampant in today’s…

Why PhDs Are Mentally Tough (& How They Use It To Get Hired)

Why PhDs Are Mentally Tough (& How They Use It To Get Hired)

By: Isaiah Hankel, PhD

“Isaiah, I’m at my wit’s end.  I’ve applied to countless jobs, networked extensively, and still, nothing.  It feels like I’m just spinning my wheels.”  This is a sentiment I hear often from PhDs who are navigating the challenging waters of the job market.  The frustration and mental fatigue are real, especially when you’re used to achieving high levels of success in academia.  But let’s get one thing straight – you are not alone, and this is not the end.  It’s just a bump in the road.  Yes, the job search is grueling.  There’s no sugar-coating it.  But here’s the thing…

6 People to Ignore During Your PhD Job Search

6 People to Ignore During Your PhD Job Search

By: Isaiah Hankel, PhD

When I first began my industry job search, I didn’t know where to begin. Most of the people I asked for advice had none to offer.  Instead, they were adamant I was making a mistake by leaving academia.  I’d spent the last six years siloed in academia – I didn’t really know that many people who weren’t doing a postdoc or staying on to TA.  But I had heard some encouraging things from a few PhDs that had transitioned to industry.  I was really motivated to try and make the same move, even though I wasn’t sure how to start.…

Your Professional Brand Is Academia. 5 Questions To Change It

Your Professional Brand Is Academia. 5 Questions To Change It

By: Isaiah Hankel, PhD

What’s your professional brand?  As a researcher, my conclusions are based on proven facts and quantifiable results. The concept of something as subjective as brand or image had never felt particularly relevant to me.  I’d heard the question, of course. When you’ve been looking for a job for over a year, you’re bound to come across the idea.  But now, face to face with a recruiter who had turned me down for a job, I was really trying to come up with an intelligent answer.  “What’s my brand?” I asked. I guess feigning ignorance was one way to go.  “Yes,…

Don’t Ignore These 6 Powerful PhD Job Search Trends

Don’t Ignore These 6 Powerful PhD Job Search Trends

By: Isaiah Hankel, PhD

What does your job search strategy look like?  If you had to describe it in 2 or 3 sentences, what would you say?  I ask because, if you’re reading this, you’re in the market for a job. Working with PhDs for more than 10 years, I’ve learned one thing is true above all others: The right job strategy is what’s going to get you hired. That’s right: I’m saying that a concrete job search methodology is more important than anything else in your job search.  It’s more important than your skills, your degree, your personality – more important than you,…

A No-Excuses Look at Virtual Networking

A No-Excuses Look at Virtual Networking

By: Isaiah Hankel, PhD

A lot of PhDs ignore a crucial part of their job search – virtual networking. You may think that because you’re spending a lot of time going to conferences, attending lectures, setting up face-to-face meetings, and checking in with one or two connections when you need a reference or referral that you’ve established your professional network.  Virtual Networking Casts A Wider Net, Even After The Pandemic Nope, you’re networking by halves if you’re only networking in-person. I kept seeing a former colleague of mine at conferences really making the most out of his time networking in person. Everybody knew this…

A Pitch-Perfect Elevator Script For PhDs In Industry

A Pitch-Perfect Elevator Script For PhDs In Industry

By: Isaiah Hankel, PhD

I had heard of the term “elevator script” before my first industry interview.  Was I sure what it meant? No. But I got the gist of it: introduce yourself in a compelling way during an interview or networking session. Don’t annoy someone in an elevator. I dismissed the idea of learning more about it than that If I remember correctly, I told myself that it was nothing more than a remedial gimmick. One of those unnecessary “life hacks” that clueless people gobble up to calm their nerves before an interview.  Definitely not something a PhD graduate with a background in…

How To Get A Referral Without The Messy Emotions

How To Get A Referral Without The Messy Emotions

By: Isaiah Hankel, PhD

Towards the end of my PhD, I felt like I was racing time. And time was winning. I was frantically trying to wrap up loose ends in my research, finish writing my thesis, all the while trying to find a job. I knew I wanted a job in industry. In fact, I knew exactly the job I wanted. I just didn’t know how to get there. I was sending my resume off into the abyss of the internet, but I wasn’t getting any replies. I couldn’t fathom what I was doing wrong. The whole thing felt pointless. Now, looking back…

5 Insider Rapport Building Tips (or, How To Make In Person Networking Non-Dreadful)

5 Insider Rapport Building Tips (or, How To Make In Person Networking Non-Dreadful)

By: Isaiah Hankel, PhD

Like many PhDs, I’m an introvert. That means my tendency is to avoid face-to-face interactions at all costs. But when it came time to search for a job in industry, my introverted tactics weren’t working. I was reaching out to people online, even getting a few responses, but in the end, all my efforts fell flat. After months of this, I was right where I started – unemployed. Then, I started noticing what my colleagues were doing; the ones that were getting job referrals and interviews at least. They weren’t just reaching out to people online, they were also attending…

Our Members Get Hired At Top Industry Companies

Top Industry Career eBooks

63 Best Industry Positions For PhDs

63 Best Industry Positions For PhDs

Isaiah Hankel, PhD & Arunodoy Sur, PhD

Learn about the best 63 industry careers for PhDs (regardless of your academic background). In this eBook, you will gain insight into the most popular, highest-paying jobs for PhDs – all of which will allow you to do meaningful work AND get paid well for it.

Industry Resume Guide for PhDs

Industry Resume Guide for PhDs

Isaiah Hankel, PhD

Learn how to craft the perfect industry resume to attract employers. In this eBook for PhDs, you will get access to proven resume templates, learn how to structure your bullet points, and discover which keywords industry employers want to see most on PhD resumes.

AI & ATS Resume Filters

AI & ATS Resume Filters

Isaiah Hankel

In today's competitive job market, understanding the impact of AI is crucial for career success. This involves ensuring your resume stands out in the digital realm, mastering your online presence, and being aware of how AI assigns reputation scores. Discovering how to leverage AI to your advantage is essential, as it plays a pivotal role in shaping professional opportunities.

Complete LinkedIn Guide For PhDs

Complete LinkedIn Guide For PhDs

Isaiah Hankel

The LinkedIn tips & strategies within have helped PhDs from every background get hired into top industry careers.