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

Top 5 Hiring Trends Savvy PhDs Leverage To Get Hired In Industry

I was about to finish my postdoc soon, my project was nearly complete.

I had submitted my research manuscript for publication; it was accepted after some revisions.

I was going to have a great closure to my academic career, something from which a lot of PhDs are deprived.

I was ready to move on in my career, and explore new, exciting territories.

In short, I was seriously considering transition into industry.

I did a lot of research to find out what options were available to me in the industry.

I figured out what industry roles interested me the most, and prepared my resume to target those positions.

I was ready.

At least, that is what I thought.

To make my transition efforts successful, I attended industry events and networked with industry professionals.

I got several informational interviews.

People were generous with their time and knowledge, and willing to share information with me.

I even got a few referrals. This was exciting!

I prepared thoroughly for all sorts of interview questions.

I thought I was going to breeze through because I had done everything perfectly and made a great impression.

I had no doubt that I would get the position of my choice, in the company of my choice.

Until I came across an article that talked about HR recruitment trends.

I realized that my transition efforts would not be successful if I did not educate myself on the hiring trends in industry and align my job search and interview preparation accordingly.

So I set out to learn and understand the latest hiring trends and how I could use them to my advantage.

Why Hiring Trends Matter For Your PhD-Level Job Search

PhDs who cultivate an awareness of industry hiring trends will find it easier to create an effective job search strategy.

An effective job search strategy is one that includes the right kind and the right amount of preparations.

For example, Jobvite reports that 83% of recruiters consider culture fit an important factor in making hiring decisions.

So this is one of the things you should be including in your job search preparations.

PhDs can use their knowledge of hiring trends to ask the right questions during informational interviews.

They can narrow down the focus of their preparation by leveraging this knowledge, to areas that matter the most to employers.

They can use it to demonstrate their commercial acumen and commitment to industry career in during networking, interviews and through their online presence. .

According to a CareerBuilder survey, 70% of employers use social media to screen job candidates during the hiring process.

Ultimately, being well-informed of hiring trends in industry will not only help in getting hired in industry, but also in spotting career opportunities after transition.

How Savvy PhDs Integrate Hiring Trends Into Their Successful Industry Job Search

In academia, PhDs are used to working on their own, on independent projects, often purely for the sake of learning.

Industry, however, is market-oriented and only projects that will lead to revenue generation are considered.

This means that anyone considering a career in industry must learn to educate themselves and align their career plans with current and future trends.

Knowledge of hiring trends is extremely important, they are the direction in which most recruitment efforts will align in that company/industry.

PhDs ignorant of hiring trends will face more challenges in finding a great job in industry.

They will find it harder to face the interview, or to convince the company that they have the skills necessary to do the job if hired.

PhDs working toward industry transition should consider these 5 industry hiring trends while crafting their job search strategy…

1. The rise of the machines – AI and data-driven assessment and hiring tools in recruitment.

Hiring new talent is a major decision for a company and employers want to be sure that they are recruiting the right candidate.

Interviewing trends are changing to accommodate new technology and workplace needs.

Diversity and inclusion are now a top priority for recruitment in industry. Employers are using assessment tools to overcome recruitment bias.

The increasing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data-driven tools in HR analytics means that employers now have a new tool at their disposal for evaluating job applicants.

AI is used to assist employers in screening and shortlisting potential job candidates with the desired skills and experience.

Employers are also increasingly using cognitive assessment tools to evaluate potential hires and choose the best fit for the company.

These tools allow screening of job candidates based on not only experience, skills and aptitude but also motivation and behavioral factors.

New tools used in the interview process include assessments conducted in virtual reality (VR), on-the-job auditions, video-based assessment, psychometric tests and casual meetings outside the workplace.

2. Hiring for potential is the new normal.

According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, the US has over 7.5 million unfilled jobs. This tight labour market has made companies reconsider their hiring criteria.

Companies do not want to miss out on talented hires who do not conform to the traditional academic and career routes.

Instead, employers are increasingly willing to provide competency-based training to develop potential talent for the company.

Hiring decisions based on the potential career trajectory of the job candidate instead of their educational qualifications or experience level is the new normal.

PhDs serious about an industry career must be aware of and prepared for, fierce competition for industry roles.

PhDs must be willing, and able, to demonstrate high value in the job market.

They must build on their rigorous research training and work toward upskilling to meet the needs of the job market.

PhDs with a history of developing new skills are top candidates for any employer in industry.

Transferable skills are key to getting hired in industry.

According to a report by LinkedIn, the top transferable skills valued by employers include creativity, persuasion skills, teamwork, adaptability and time management.

PhDs that able to demonstrate their transferable skills are top candidates for any industry role.

3. Videos are here to stay.

Videos are now the employers’ top choice for communicating their brand to potential hires and for screening job candidates.

LinkedIn research shows that over 75% of job seekers research the company’s employer brand before applying.

Job candidates are increasingly selective about the roles and companies they join.

Companies are increasingly investing in employer branding to attract the best candidates and retain their best employees.

Employer branding refers to a company’s reputation and popularity as an employer. It also shows its employee value proposition.

Companies with a poor employer brand struggle to attract and retain talented employees.

Videos are great as tools to communicate the employer brand and company culture.

More and more companies are leveraging videos in their recruitment branding strategy to communicate their employee value proposition to talented job seekers.

A company’s videos are a glimpse into its organizational culture.

Savvy PhDs can leverage this information in their resume and interview preparation.

PhDs can use information gathered from company videos and other sources to develop discussions during networking and informational interviews.

Informational interviews and a core component of job search strategy.

PhDs who are able to demonstrate knowledge of the company in informational interviews improve their chances of generating referrals and getting hired.

4. Social recruiting is big.

Social recruiting refers to the use of social media platforms for recruiting.

Employers are using various social media channels including Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, as well as blogs and platforms like Glassdoor to attract new talent.

More and more companies are proactively reaching out to high-calibre candidates via social media to vet them, and build a relationship with them.

In fact, social recruiting is one of the top 10 recruiting trends.

Previously companies hired talent locally, but with increased remote working options or limited talent pool for skilled job, recruiters are reaching out to international candidates to fill vacancies.

PhDs can leverage social media to make their career transition into industry, and land the industry role of their choice.

The social media footprint of candidates provide a wealth of information about their character, and if they are a good fit for the role and company.

According to a CareerBuilder survey, 70% of employers use social media to screen job candidates during the hiring process.

PhDs able to convey their personal brand through a polished, industry-oriented LinkedIn profile and social media networking improve their chances of getting hired.

Building a personal brand will highlight their key skills, demonstrate their business acumen and attract recruiters.

5. It is a candidate-driven job market.

This is music to the ears of any highly-skilled job seeker.

Research shows that 90% of recruiters believe that the labor market is candidate-centred and is likely to remain so in the future.

Job candidates have no hesitation in turning down job offers that they find unsuitable or less exciting.

Many companies are now competing not only for recruitment but also for retention of talent.

Great candidates can easily gain multiple job offers by being strategic in their approach.

Recruitment focus is shifting from what the employer wants to what the candidate wants.

So the outlook for PhDs seeking to transition into an industry career is…..great!

This is the right time to make the switch.

This is the best time for transitioning into industry.

All PhDs need is an excellent job search strategy that they execute perfectly.

Because, although the market is candidate-driven, employers are still careful in their recruitment.

Companies want to be certain that the candidate they hire has not only the right technical skills but also the soft skills required for the job.

They want to be sure that the candidate will be committed to the job and company if hired.

So what can PhDs do to take advantage of this candidate-driven job market and be successful in getting hired?

PhDs keen to transition into industry should take these steps in their job search strategy:

1. Be committed to industry transition, and ditch the academic mindset.

2. Develop their business acumen to understand business dynamics and demonstrate value to employers.

3. Develop their soft skills, as teamwork, negotiation, time management and communication are essential, and emotional intelligence highly valued in industry.

4. Create the job search strategy that will get them hired even in a competitive job market.

Understanding the latest trends and developments in hiring is essential to getting hired. It is how you can prepare yourself to shine in interviews. Don’t leave this to chance, do your research. A few of the trends you should be aware of include the rise of the machines – AI and data-driven assessment and hiring tools in recruitment, hiring for potential is the new normal, videos are here to stay, social recruiting is big and it is a candidate-driven job market. These trends and others are influencing how hiring managers make decisions. The more you know the higher your chances of getting hired.

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 SURAYYA TARANUM

Surayya is a PhD in Biochemistry and is currently a cohort member at Entrepreneur First in Paris. She is also Director of Membership at the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association Paris Chapter, and Communications Lead in its Entrepreneurship Group for Women. Surayya is passionate about biology, science communication, and inclusive leadership. She is also an avid reader and hiker.

Surayya Taranum

Here's What Others Are Saying

"You will not believe it..... I got them up another 60K and they changed my title!"

Ryan Hendricks

Ryan Hendricks

Project Manager, Rapid Industry Solutions: On-Set Virtual Production

at SMPTE

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

Debadrita Pal

Debadrita Pal

Scientist

at Sanofi

"I'm happy to share that I'm starting a new position as Clinical Scientist at Arvinas!"

Ana Luiza C. Zaninotto

Ana Luiza C. Zaninotto

Clinical Scientist

at Arvinas

"I am happy to share that I'm starting a new position as a Research Scientist at Cellecta, Inc.!"

Chaitali Saqcena

Chaitali Saqcena

Research Scientist

at Cellecta, Inc.

"I aced the interview, I signed yesterday and begin next month!"

Sinduri Vuppala

Sinduri Vuppala

Field Application Specialist

at Bruker Daltonics

"Thank you for your advice, Isaiah! I’m super excited and grateful! I would never negotiate the salary and the other details of the offer if it weren’t for Cheeky Scientist. Thank you again"

Marta Silva

Marta Silva

Policy Analyst

at Health Canada

"I'm happy to share that I’m starting a new position as an associate computational scientist at md anderson cancer center!"

James Jennings

James Jennings

Associate Computation Scientist

at MD Anderson Cancer Center

"I'm excited to announce that I have accepted a position as an Innovations Analyst at Cleveland Clinic. Looking forward to using my background to help commercialize healthcare innovations!"

Joe Thomas

Joe Thomas

Innovations Analyst

at Cleveland Clinic

"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

"I am happy to share I am starting a new position as Principal Fatigue Specialist at Qantas!"

Gemma Paech

Gemma Paech

Principal Fatigue specialist

at Qantas

"Aside from all the technical pieces, the comradery, I really had an excellent time at the symposium that I was in Florida, that was super helpful...having a community that takes a part in your wins and also helps you pick yourself up and dusts yourself off when you don't get those wins and that you're not alone."

Christine Lo Bue-Estes

Christine Lo Bue-Estes

Medical Communications

at NBA

"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

"Hi Isaiah - I just want to inform you that I've accepted a job offer from Sandoz, Inc. I want to say a special thank you to you and your dedicated staff for all your help and support throughout the job search stage."

Odeniel Sertil

Odeniel Sertil

Manager, Regulatory Affairs Biosimilars

at Sandoz, Inc.

"I am deeply grateful for all the incredible support, professional and personal, I got here and was essential for me to get here. I just completed 4 months at my present company and successfully transitioned, from the training process to working full-time in the team in the team I was hired for, this last week! I never fully thanked Cheeky for all the help they gave me in the training in the job search process, in a way that I was able to realize succes on one of the first jobs I applied for, only a bit more than a couple of months after joining the association. I heard and was told it was possible to have such quick results,but I never believed that it would happen to me; for this I am deeply grateful for you all! Joining CSA was one of the best decision I have ever made, and is something that will still help me for many years to come, for as long as my career goes on!"

Jose Hugos Elsas

Jose Hugos Elsas

Geophysical Researcher

at CGG

"Thrilled to announce that I have joined a new role as a Research Associate at HJF to work at the WRAIR. Very excited to join a dedicated and brilliant team working to eradicate HIV. Thanks to my family, friends, and fellow Cheeky associates for their support in my job hunt journey.""

 Lakshmi Rani Iyer

Lakshmi Rani Iyer

Research Associate

at HJF

Similar Articles

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…

5 Miscalculations That Are Holding You Hostage In Academia

5 Miscalculations That Are Holding You Hostage In Academia

By: Isaiah Hankel, PhD

As a PhD student, I felt more and more lost the closer I came to graduation. That’s because I had started to doubt that I knew what I wanted anymore. You could say I was torn, but that would be an understatement. I was absolutely wracked with indecision. My original plan had been to continue on in academia.  I was going to apply for a postdoc.  Then on to Assistant Professor.  And so on. However, I was starting to see a real pattern emerge among the PhD graduates I knew. I liked to check in periodically with those colleagues and…

Is Cheeky Scientist A Scam? Who Shouldn't Join The Association

Is Cheeky Scientist A Scam? Who Shouldn't Join The Association

By: Isaiah Hankel, PhD

Is Cheeky Scientist a scam?   Has anyone here had any experience with the Cheeky Scientist Association? Is Cheeky Scientist worth it?  What’s the deal with Cheeky Scientist? Is Cheeky Scientist legit? PhDs are trained to be critical.  In academia and in life, every decision they’re faced with is made with extreme prejudice. Examining facts, collecting resources, and determining what is a trustworthy source of information is one of their biggest strengths.  PhDs have superior critical thinking skills, so it makes sense for them to carefully consider any investment – even if it’s an investment in themselves. And in almost every…

Should You Delete Your PhD From Your Resume? The Answer May Surprise You

Should You Delete Your PhD From Your Resume? The Answer May Surprise You

By: Isaiah Hankel, PhD

If you have a PhD, you’re overqualified for an industry job. PhDs are lab rats and can’t understand business. You can’t get a job without industry experience. Do any of these sentences sound familiar to you? Have you been looking for an industry job unsuccessfully and have reached a point where you ask yourself if your PhD has any value whatsoever? These sentences are myths, commonly said by either academics who don’t understand anything about industry, or by other job candidates who don’t want to compete with PhDs. Hiring managers for PhD-level industry positions want the best candidates possible. After…

4 Skills PhDs Have That Employers Are Desperately Seeking

4 Skills PhDs Have That Employers Are Desperately Seeking

By: Isaiah Hankel, PhD

The number of PhDs wanting to transition out of academia increases every year. Initially, most of these PhDs were recent graduates and postdocs.  But as the crisis in academia has gotten worse, we are seeing a lot of adjunct and even tenured professors wanting to leave. They feel professionally unfulfilled in academic positions because they are overworked, work in uninspiring roles, and/or are paid marginal academic stipends, fellowships, and wages.  Far too many PhDs are unable to find any meaning or joy in their academic careers, which negatively impacts both their professional and personal lives. Unfortunately, many of these PhDs end up…

The Exciting (or, Dreadful) First 90 Days Of A New Job. Here's What To Expect

The Exciting (or, Dreadful) First 90 Days Of A New Job. Here's What To Expect

By: Isaiah Hankel, PhD

Like many PhDs, I thought I could jump into my first industry position ready to hit the ground running. Much to my surprise, this was not the case.   During the first few months of my new position, I felt like I was drowning. Everything I thought I knew about my field, how research is conducted, and how companies operate was turned on its head. I was not prepared for this major shift, and it showed. I waivered between trying to impress my managers and sitting mute in meetings, intimidated by everyone in the room. If I had known what…

The Inside Scoop On The Industry Onboarding Process

The Inside Scoop On The Industry Onboarding Process

By: Isaiah Hankel, PhD

Nothing could prepare me for the shock I received walking into my first industry onboarding experience. Literally, everything was different from what I had experienced in academia. The processes, the culture, the pace – absolutely everything. I also had no idea what onboarding meant. I heard the word tossed around but, to me, it was just the process you went through to get all the mandatory paperwork out of the way. That was so far from the truth. My first onboarding experience lasted almost 6 months. Yet, throughout that whole process, I had no idea that I was still being…

The One Productivity Hack Every PhD Needs To Get Hired In Industry

The One Productivity Hack Every PhD Needs To Get Hired In Industry

By: Isaiah Hankel, PhD

If your job search isn’t producing results, perhaps you’re doing too little. Or, just as likely, you’re doing too much… too much of the wrong things. You may think “If I just spent more hours of the day searching and applying for jobs, I’m sure to land a job eventually.” But investing more time into a job search without a strategy is time wasted. An effective job search strategy is one that conserves our most precious resource: our mental energy.   Protecting your mental energy is the one productivity hack that every PhD needs to get hired in industry. As…

3 Factors PhDs Must Consider When Deciding Company Fit

3 Factors PhDs Must Consider When Deciding Company Fit

By: Isaiah Hankel, PhD

If you recently started your job search, you probably feel the pressure of proving that you’re a good fit for the industry roles you’re applying to.  You have to carefully craft your cover letter, resume, and LinkedIn profile, and prepare for countless interviews just to prove you’re  qualified for a position.  This pressure can make you feel that employers hold all the power, and the only thing that matters is convincing them that you’re the best candidate for the role. Don’t let this pressure make you neglect other key components of a successful career, like company fit.  You’ll likely accept…

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.