Articles Written By Isaiah Hankel, PhD

After careful consideration, we’ve decided to move forward with candidates whose qualifications and experience more closely align with the requirements of this particular role. We have carefully reviewed your application and interviewed other candidates, and have decided to proceed with those whose qualifications and experience are a closer match for this position. Thank you for your interest in the Data Scientist position. We were impressed with your skills and experience, but we felt other candidates demonstrated a stronger alignment with the specific requirements of this particular role. I can’t forget the sinking feeling in my stomach I’d get whenever I…

Get empowered with Donna & Isaiah with today's topics of building trust, neutrality and in-person interactions.

Certainty is compelling. If you believe in your abilities and can communicate them effectively, employers are more likely to believe in you too.

By effectively communicating your skills and experience in a way that resonates with industry hiring managers, you can turn your advanced degree into an asset, not a liability.

To clinch that coveted role, you need to demonstrate not just competence but a burning desire to win.

The longer you wait, the more competitive the job market becomes. By applying quickly and efficiently, you increase your chances of getting interviews and, ultimately, a new job.

The path to your ideal job might be challenging, but it's not insurmountable.

“I’ve had several first-round interviews, Isaiah, but no callbacks,” a frustrated PhD candidate recently confided in me.  “Do you have any idea why?” I asked.  Everyone’s job search is unique, of course, so there’s no one answer to this question. But there are two that I hear more than most.  One is: “Employers say they’re looking for someone with more experience.”  The other? “Employers keep asking me why I’m leaving academia.”  Put another way, these two reasons are a reflection of PhDs being seen as either underqualified or overqualified.  The transition from academia to industry can be a minefield, and…

By adopting a proactive approach centered around asking thoughtful questions, engaging in informational interviewing, and showcasing genuine curiosity, PhDs like you can navigate the digital networking landscape with confidence.

By refraining from making intrusive requests and focusing on cultivating a respectful relationship, you can showcase your ability to navigate professional networks effectively.

Getting hired in today's landscape requires a recalibration of expectations. It's not a sprint; it's a strategic marathon.

If you’re concerned your resume will perform poorly if scanned by AI, then make a better resume.