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

5 Important Items PhDs Leave Out Of Their Resume

The day I finished my PhD was bittersweet.

I was beyond excited to be finished and to have accomplished something that I had wanted since I was a child.

But, when I looked toward the future, I was lost. 

What could I do next?

I did not want to stay in academia or work in a lab anymore, it just wasn’t for me.

But, I had no idea how to get a job.

Seriously, it was a huge mystery, how did people do this?

I knew a LOT about the chemistry project I had just spent years researching, but I knew absolutely nothing about how to get a job.

If I wanted a future outside of academia, I knew I had to figure out what jobs were available to me and how I could get them. 

I’d earned a PhD, surely I could learn how to get a job?

So, I started learning.

I developed a job search strategy that involved tons of networking, but I also spent quite a bit of time on my resume.

I went from thinking that my resume was just a boring piece of paper to understanding that it is an essential part of my job search strategy. 

My resume became a place for me to prove that I was the perfect job candidate.

Now, once I was recommended for a position, I had an excellent resume to follow up with.

A resume that I was confident would earn me an interview.

Why Your Resume Is Not Just A Formality

Glassdoor reported that out of every 250 resumes, only 4-6 candidates will get an interview.

That means, at least 244 out of 250 job candidates will be rejected, based on their resume alone.

With a poor resume, you will never make it past a hiring manager’s initial screening.

With a bad resume, you will never move forward to a phone screen or interview.

And, you have to show your value in your resume very quickly.

A study by The Ladders found that recruiters spend an average of just 6 seconds looking at a resume.

6 seconds!

Your resume must clearly demonstrate that you are the right candidate for the position, or you will go straight into the reject pile.

Everything that you put on the resume has to add value to your application and be relevant to the job you’re applying for.

It’s up to you to prove that you are the best candidate.

5 Features To Include In Your PhD-Level Resume

If you have been sending out resume after resume and not getting any response, you are clearly doing something wrong.

Are you networking and generating referrals?

Do you have a persuasive cover letter?

If you are networking and sending your resume to the recruiter or hiring manager via your referral, and still not getting any response, the problem is likely your resume.

Your resume is your first impression, so make it a good one.

Here are 5 features many PhDs forget to include in their resume…

1. Tailor your career experience to the specific job.

Of course, your resume will have a section that details your work experience.

But, your work experience is more than a list of the duties that you performed in each role.

This section allows your potential employer to get a sense of how your experience will fit into the role they are trying to fill.

You should tailor your experience to highlight the skills that are relevant to the position you are applying for.

As a PhD or postdoc, you have a wide variety of experiences to draw upon and make relevant to the industry position you want.

Use your transferable skills and a quantitative result to make your PhD or postdoc experience relevant to the industry position.

Your resume will look slightly different for every position that you apply for.

This is how you will show your potential employer that you are a worthy candidate.

2. Include all relevant credentials and awards.

Most PhDs have no problem including their academic accolades on their resume.

But, are you including other credentials or awards you have received in your resume as well?

For example, have you taken any online courses?

Do you have any special certifications in specific lab techniques?

You should include credentials like this on your resume.

Another area that is often neglected is the hobbies section of your resume.

This is not just a superfluous section.

This is where you can demonstrate that you are well-rounded, are a leader, and are a team player.

Include hobbies and sports that highlight your teamwork and leadership skills.

Showing a potential employer that you are part of a team demonstrates that you can work well with others and will be a positive addition to a workplace environment.

Also, include any volunteer or community organizing you are a part of.

Being a community volunteer demonstrates initiative and leadership.

Leadership skills are particularly useful if you’re applying for a management position.

While it is a great idea to include relevant accomplishments and credentials in your resume, this does not mean that you should list all your publications.

Listing your publications on your industry resume is a surefire way to have your resume discarded.

3. Add links to your professional content.

You should include links to your website, articles you have written, or any other professional online web presence you have.

If your resume has peaked the employer’s interest, these links will give them a place to learn more about you.

If you don’t have any relevant web links to add, then it’s time to generate some.

A great way to do this is to create your own professional website.

There are many free web hosting sites that are easy to use.

Here, you can create an online resume where you can expand into more detail than is possible on your 2-page industry resume.

A professional website or links to your online content show that you are involved in your professional community. 

This is important, because demonstrating that you are an active part of your professional network is a great way to build rapport.

On this same note, ensure that every part of your online presence is professional, consistent, and aligns with your overall job search goals.

4. Use keywords found in the job posting.

Many companies use applicant tracking software to screen resumes.

This software rates submitted resumes and will reject a large portion of resumes before they are even seen by a person.

The specific criteria the software uses to rate candidates is unique to each company, but they all rate resumes based on keywords.

Therefore, you need to have a look at the top keywords used in the job descriptions and ensure they are in your resume.

You should insert the keywords several times throughout your resume so that they naturally blend into the content.

You can use a software like Wordle or Word Cloud to figure out which keywords are being used most frequently in the types of jobs you are searching for.

Using keywords in your resume is important even if you have been executing your job search strategy well and have an internal referral.

These keywords represent what the company is looking for in a job candidate.

When the hiring manager is reading your resume, they will be looking for these keywords to decide if you are the right person to call in for an interview.

5. Ditch the crowded layout for lots of white space.

As a PhD, you have many accomplishments.

You have many advantages over other job candidates, but that does not mean that you need to list every single accolade you have in your resume.

Your industry resume should be short and sweet.

It should highlight the accomplishments that your potential employer will care about the most.

And, it’s important that you don’t try to squeeze too much information into your short industry resume, because that will make it look crowded.

It will look messy and crowded if you do not leave enough white space.

Lots of white space and a clean, crisp layout will make your resume look professional and increase your chance of getting an interview.

Increase your chances of getting an interview by writing a professional resume. Don’t let a bad resume keep you from getting the industry position you want. By tailoring your resume to the job, including your relevant credentials, adding links to your professional content, using the right keywords, and ditching the crowded layout, you’ll be putting your best foot forward in every job application. Having a good resume is an essential part of a successful job search strategy.

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 JEANETTE MCCONNELL, PHD

Jeanette is a chemistry PhD turned science communication enthusiast. During her PhD she realized that her favorite part about research wasn’t actually doing research, but rather talking and writing about it. So, she has channeled her passion for discovery into teaching and writing about science. When she isn’t talking someone’s ear off about her latest scientific obsession, you’ll find her on the soccer field or reading a good sci-fi novel.

Jeanette McConnell, PhD

Here's What Others Are Saying

"I'm happy to share that I'm stating a new position as Medical Science Liaison at Celltrion Healthcare Co, Ltd.!"

Tammy Virdi

Tammy Virdi

MSL

at Celltrion Healthcare Co, Ltd

"I'm happy to share that I'm starting a new position as R&D Scientist II at Chemring Sensors and Electronic Systems, Inc.!"

Karim Dawkins

Karim Dawkins

R&D Scientist II

at Chemring Sensors and Electronic Systems, Inc

"I am delighted to announce that I have accepted the role of Research Scientist with a base salary of 90k. The cheeky scientist resources have helped me immensely and I am really grateful."

Amninder Singh Sekhon

Amninder Singh Sekhon

Research Scientist

"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 proceeded with the offer we were discussing and i signed the contract a few days ago. I would like to thank you so much for your support throughout this process. it was really helpful and beneficial!"

Samir Tohme

Samir Tohme

Project Engineer, Optical Development & Simulation Expert

at EDL Rethschulte GmbH (FEV Group)

"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

"I started my new job as an MSL on the 13th. I never would have got an interview without your company's help on CV and interview prep. I am on a much better salary and have a much better quality of life than I did as a postdoc. So thank you."

Edward Law

Edward Law

MSL

at AbbVie

"I'm happy to share that I'm starting a new position as Senior Actuary, Pricing at HDI Seguros!"

Claudia Wehrhahn

Claudia Wehrhahn

Senior Actuary, Pricing

at HDI Seguros

"I’m excited to share that i am starting my new job as a technical support engineer at lumencor, inc. the ultimate goal is to grow potatoes on mars by 2050 and make other advaces for mankind."

 Andrii Repula

Andrii Repula

Technical Support Engineer

at Lumencor, Inc.

"I would like to express my appreciation and assure that your school was eye-openning, thanks! I registered on your course 2 months ago and from total ghosting I ended up with a dream job in biotech."

Petro Starokadomskyy

Petro Starokadomskyy

Senior Scientist

at Kyverna Therapeutics

"Hi Isaiah, I got hired yesterday!....Thanks for all of your encouragement provided by way of your presentations."

Beverly Brereton

Beverly Brereton

Compliance Manager

at Enel North America

"I'm happy to share that I'm starting a new position as Senior Manager, Project Management -Medical Affairs at Horizon!"

Geeta Peverada

Geeta Peverada

Senior Manager, Project Management - Medical Affairs

at Horizon

"I picked the Planet job! It ended up being the better fit for me... Thanks for all of your help!"

Emily Martin

Emily Martin

Hardware Systems Engineer

at Planet

"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 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.

Similar Articles

Your Job Search a Disaster So Far? Here's How to Clean Up the Mess (and Land the Job You Deserve)

Your Job Search a Disaster So Far? Here's How to Clean Up the Mess (and Land the Job You Deserve)

By: Isaiah Hankel, PhD

“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…

How PhDs Can Avoid The Overqualified Label To Get Hired

How PhDs Can Avoid The Overqualified Label To Get Hired

By: Isaiah Hankel, PhD

“We regret to inform you that we will not be moving forward with your application due to concerns that your qualifications exceed those required for the role.  We feel it would not be a good fit. Thank you for applying.”  Oof, that’s part of a rejection email a PhD sent me. An employer had sent it to them after the first interview.  Another PhD told me this recently… “I feel like I’m both overqualified and underqualified for the jobs I apply to Isaiah.”  Which do you feel is more of a problem for you? I asked.  “At first I thought…

How To Answer “Why Are You Leaving Academia?” (& 4 Scientific Ways To Convince Employers To Hire You) 

How To Answer “Why Are You Leaving Academia?” (& 4 Scientific Ways To Convince Employers To Hire You) 

By: Isaiah Hankel, PhD

“‘Why do you want to work here more than anywhere else? And why are you leaving academia?’ Those are the questions I got stuck on, Isaiah.  I told them why I liked their company, mainly because it was aligned with my values, but I also wanted to be fair and ethical so I told them that I was considering other companies. Then I explained that academia was no longer a good fit because I wanted to do more than write grants all day.”  “Okay, I replied, anything else? What did you say after that?” “I asked them a few clarifying…

Should You Apply To More Than One Job At A Company? (& 3 Other Tough Job Search Questions Answered)

Should You Apply To More Than One Job At A Company? (& 3 Other Tough Job Search Questions Answered)

By: Isaiah Hankel, PhD

“Isaiah, I applied to ThermoFisher two weeks ago and a hiring manager got in touch with me and I had my first interview…. But then a second hiring manager reached out to me about another job I applied to there.  I started talking to this second manager and they asked if I applied to any other positions there.  I couldn’t lie so I told them about the other job and the other hiring manager.  Now, neither of the hiring managers will get back to me.  What should I do?”  This is what a PhD told me over the phone last…

How LinkedIn Ranks Job Seekers With PhDs, EdDs & Other Degrees

How LinkedIn Ranks Job Seekers With PhDs, EdDs & Other Degrees

By: Isaiah Hankel, PhD

“Be real Isaiah, there’s not a government bureau keeping track of how our resumes perform.”  This is what a frustrated job seeker said to me recently.  “What do you mean I have a reputation score?” they asked.  “Of course there’s not a bureau dedicated to this, at least not yet” I said.  “But you absolutely are being scored and ranked” I went on, “and your ranking is used to indicate how reputable you are as a job seeker.”  This is what I’ve explained to countless people looking for a job in today’s job market, most of whom were getting initial…

How The Academic PhD Job Market Was Destroyed

How The Academic PhD Job Market Was Destroyed

By: Isaiah Hankel, PhD

“I spent over a year looking for a job in academia and flew to multiple interviews. I didn’t get one offer.” A PhD told me this recently and many other PhDs have told me similar stories.  Of course, the stories involve more than just looking for a job for a year.  They involve living on a meager academic budget, trying to support themselves and their families, often in very expensive cities where many of the biggest universities are located.  They involve decisions to never go on a vacation, to feed their kids cheaper, less healthy food, and to work all…

Give Yourself The Gift Of Leaving Academia Forever

Give Yourself The Gift Of Leaving Academia Forever

By: Isaiah Hankel, PhD

My last year in academia, I didn’t have enough money to fly home for Christmas. So I spent it in Iowa City, mostly alone.  I was broke (of course) so I decided to shovel snow out of driveways for $10 per driveway. I remember thinking how ridiculous it was to be a PhD shoveling snow for money. “What I wouldn’t give to have a better job”, I thought.  That was the gift I wanted for Christmas and the holidays.  A better job.  Not to be a student or a postdoc or an academic PhD getting paid less than I was…

The Ideal Keyword Density For Targeting Your PhD Resume To An Industry Job Posting

The Ideal Keyword Density For Targeting Your PhD Resume To An Industry Job Posting

By: Isaiah Hankel, PhD

Writing a resume for an industry job is one of the biggest sticking points I see with PhDs entering the job market.  What worked even a year ago is not working today due to recent and rapidly accelerating advances in Applicant Tracking Systems.  These systems, called ATS or just AI today, are software tools used by companies to filter resumes.  They scan for specific keywords related to the job role, abilities, credentials, and qualities desired in a candidate.  As a PhD seeking very competitive roles, including relevant keywords in your resume is essential to pass through these systems and get…

AI Is Replacing Recruiters. Here’s How PhD Job Seekers Should Adapt

AI Is Replacing Recruiters. Here’s How PhD Job Seekers Should Adapt

By: Isaiah Hankel, PhD

“I had a recruiter reach out to me, Isaiah, and after I gave them my resume and answered their questions, they never got back to me. What should I do?”  I hear this a lot.  I also hear, “Isaiah, I was on the phone with a recruiter and as soon as they heard that I needed a visa, they hung up” …”or as soon as they heard I had no industry experience, they hung up.”  Man, I personally hate this. What a waste of time. The recruitment industry is broken.  The good news is its being devoured by Artificial Intelligence,…

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.