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PhD Transition Report On-Demand

Hosted By

Isaiah Hankel
Isaiah Hankel
Chief Executive Officer Cheeky Scientist

The premier podcast by industry PhDs. With thousands of monthly listeners, the Cheeky Scientist Radio podcast is dedicated to helping PhDs transition into their first or next industry position. Every episode provides leading edge insights on how PhDs can avoid career failure and job search rejections, and instead attract hiring managers and recruiters to get hired into top industry jobs. Recent shows cover industry resumes, LinkedIn profiles, creating a job search strategy, identifying surging career tracks and avoiding dead end career tracks, successfully preparing for and passing phone screens, video interviews and site visits, and much more. This show features top industry PhDs in 50+ different industry positions. Subscribe now and listen.

Episodes

Why Today's ATS Software Hates Your Resume

Friday September 22, 2023

Join us as we talk about… In this week’s episode… You’ll learn why employers are using Applicant Tracking System Software Next, you’ll learn 2 things to keep in mind regarding ATS systems Finally, you’ll learn how to tailor your resume to speak to the hiring managers What you should know about the ATS Software. 98 percent. That’s the number of Fortune 500 companies that are now using applicant tracking systems, according to a survey by Jobscan. A Kelly OCG survey estimates that 66% of large companies rely on ATS software, too, and 35% of small organizations also rely on recruitment software. As a job seeker, you know what an applicant tracking system is. Maybe you even know how to get your resume past one, or are actively learning about what that entails. But have you ever wondered why their prevalence is rising? I ask because you must understand how and why employers are using these systems if you want to get hired. Today I’m going to address the 2 things you need to keep in mind about an employer’s perspective as you work to build your resume. First: Does the candidate’s experience match the job title they’re applying to? This…

Leverage An Employee's Fears About Retention In Your Job Search

Wednesday September 20, 2023

Join us as we talk about… In this week’s episode… You’ll learn why employee retention is top priority for every employer. Next, you’ll learn 3 ways to put an employer’s mind at ease during the interview process. Finally, you’ll learn how to anticipate the employer’s concerns during the interview. Leverage An Employee’s Fears About Retention. If you ask any manager what their number one priority is, they’ll tell you without hesitation: it’s retention. Employee engagement and retention are at the top of every employer’s priority list. Why do employers care so much? Because high turnover is costly. Quantifying exactly how much businesses spend to replace every employee who leaves is a challenge, and estimates can only measure dollars. Experts estimate that anywhere from six to nine months of an existing employee’s salary is lost between productivity, retraining, initial hiring costs, and the expense of hiring and retraining a new employee. There’s also a more abstract cost when talent leaves – they take their institutional knowledge with them. This puts a ceiling on the speed and quality of the work that can be done. Every company wants to attract and keep the best talent. If you can send the message to…

5 Game-Changing Resume Strategies

Monday September 18, 2023

In this week’s episode you'll learn about careers for PhDs who are sick of being stuck in the same place for years. Next, you'll discover specific job titles like Medical Science Liaison and Consultant where travel is common. Finally, you'll learn other aspects of these roles so you can decide if they're right for you.

Don’t Be That PhD At Networking Events

Friday September 15, 2023

In this week’s episode you'll learn about careers for PhDs who are sick of being stuck in the same place for years. Next, you'll discover specific job titles like Medical Science Liaison and Consultant where travel is common. Finally, you'll learn other aspects of these roles so you can decide if they're right for you.

3 Attention-Grabbing Resume-Cover Letter Combinations

Wednesday September 13, 2023

In this week’s episode you'll learn about careers for PhDs who are sick of being stuck in the same place for years. Next, you'll discover specific job titles like Medical Science Liaison and Consultant where travel is common. Finally, you'll learn other aspects of these roles so you can decide if they're right for you.

Try These 5 Networking Strategies Like Yesterday

Monday September 11, 2023

In this week’s episode you'll learn about careers for PhDs who are sick of being stuck in the same place for years. Next, you'll discover specific job titles like Medical Science Liaison and Consultant where travel is common. Finally, you'll learn other aspects of these roles so you can decide if they're right for you.

3 Toxic Academic Habits That Hold You Back In Industry

Friday September 8, 2023

In this week’s episode you'll learn about careers for PhDs who are sick of being stuck in the same place for years. Next, you'll discover specific job titles like Medical Science Liaison and Consultant where travel is common. Finally, you'll learn other aspects of these roles so you can decide if they're right for you.

Make an unforgettable impression at your new job

Wednesday September 6, 2023

In this week’s episode you'll learn about careers for PhDs who are sick of being stuck in the same place for years. Next, you'll discover specific job titles like Medical Science Liaison and Consultant where travel is common. Finally, you'll learn other aspects of these roles so you can decide if they're right for you.

3 careers for PhDs who love to travel

Monday September 4, 2023

In this week’s episode you'll learn about careers for PhDs who are sick of being stuck in the same place for years. Next, you'll discover specific job titles like Medical Science Liaison and Consultant where travel is common. Finally, you'll learn other aspects of these roles so you can decide if they're right for you.

Reframe Your Academic Skills As Industry Accomplishments

Thursday August 31, 2023

Slay The Applicant Tracking System With These Killer Tech Tips

Slay The Applicant Tracking System With These Killer Tech Tips

Wednesday August 30, 2023

Slay The Applicant Tracking System With These Killer Tech Tips

3 Resume Trends You Can’t Ignore This Year

Friday August 25, 2023

Join Isaiah as he reviews three of the most important resume trends that have emerged in this year’s job market In this week’s episode… First, Isaiah explains that every year has its own unique trends, and this year is in a definite cycle of contraction Next, he breaks down three of the top resume trends that PhDs are leveraging to land industry roles Finally, Isaiah gives a few examples PhDs can use to demonstrate their understanding of these trends Resume Trends Can’t Be Ignored In A Job Market As Unpredictable As This One The job market this year is in a definite cycle of contraction.  You can see evidence that this is true every time you flip on the news or scroll past headlines online.  Companies are responding to the Great Resignation and bracing against a recession by investing more in finding the perfect candidates. Namely, ones who are going to stick around and who actually want to work for their specific company.  There are three trends that I want to talk to you about today. You truly cannot ignore these if you want to attract employers.  A Market-Driven Resume Demonstrates An Understanding Of Global Business Concerns The first is…

Add These 5 Irresistible Transferable Skills To Your Resume Right Now

Friday August 4, 2023

Join Isaiah for a look at five sought-after skills that every PhD should add to their resume ASAP In this week’s episode… First, Isaiah explains that it’s transferable skills, not technical ones, that employers are giving priority in today’s job market Next, he takes a look at five important skills that employers report are in high demand Finally, Isaiah points out examples from academia that PhDs can use to demonstrate their mastery of these important skills Transferable Skills Are An Excellent Predictor Of Company Fit And Long-Term Success You might think that the skills you’ve been developing in graduate school are the ones that employers care about most.  But you might be surprised to learn that it’s your transferable skills that employers are going to ask you to speak to during your interview.  Transferable skills are sometimes referred to as soft skills or adaptable skills.  They encompass all the things you’ve learned in graduate school and behind the bench that aren’t situation-specific.  These are all the abilities that you can use from industry to industry and company to company. They are an asset no matter what career path you choose.  Many PhDs make the mistake of filling their resume with…

Stuck On An Interview Question? The STAR Method Is Your Salvation

Wednesday August 2, 2023

Join Isaiah as he introduces PhDs to the STAR Method, a foolproof formula that helps answer the toughest interview questions In this week’s episode… First, Isaiah introduces PhDs to the STAR Method, an acronym that stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result Next, he breaks down what employers want to hear in each part of your STAR Method-guided answer Finally, Isaiah reminds PhDs that interviewing is a skill that should be practiced and perfected The STAR Method Provides Guidelines For Answering Open-Ended Interview Questions There are too many moving parts in your job search to trust that, when the time comes, you’ll just innately know what to say.  And yet I talk to PhDs every day who tell me that their plan is to have no plan. To just wing it. Some things just do not come naturally to people.  When it comes to PhDs especially, finding a way to take credit for your accomplishments and to do it succinctly, in a way others can digest, is a challenge.  That’s why I recommend that, long before you even have an interview on the books, you start practicing how to answer behavioral questions using the STAR method.  Start Every Answer By…

Here Are 5 Examples Of A Post That Adds Value On LinkedIn

Monday July 31, 2023

Join Isaiah as he breaks down five different types of posts PhDs can create on LinkedIn that add value to their network In this week’s episode… First, Isaiah reminds PhDs that LinkedIn is designed to facilitate professional communication and connection Next, he shares five kinds of posts that drive engagement and add value on LinkedIn Finally, Isaiah breaks down the specific benefits of each kind of engagement Start Splashing In The LinkedIn Pool By Posting Strategically There are more than 900 million users on LinkedIn, and each and every one of them – including you – get on the site for two reasons:  One: to improve themselves or their career. They go looking for content, resources, or professional support.  Two: to create, curate and share content in order to be more visible and relevant to companies, clients, and potential business partners.  The platform was designed to drive engagement between users.  Sharing and posting content on LinkedIn shows your connections and potential employers your aspirations, interests, and unique value.  Today we’ll talk about five engagement-driving posts you can create and discuss what value they offer.  Text-Only Posts Are A Quick, Easy Way To Gain Visibility The first is simple: text-only posts. …

Employers Are Testing You If They Ask About These Four Business Terms

Friday July 28, 2023

Join Isaiah for a crash course on business terms that industry employers expect PhDs to know In this week’s episode… First, Isaiah explains that it’s important to have a basic understanding of business terms if you’re transitioning from academia to industry Next, he explores four common business terms that PhDs will be expected to know and understand Finally, Isaiah suggests a few practical ways PhDs can demonstrate their knowledge of business concepts in their industry interview process PhDs Need To Demonstrate An Understanding Of Foundational Business Concepts As a PhD, you need to have some knowledge of business concepts in order to be successful in industry.  You need to understand how your work at the bench translates to a company’s bottom line. Research – even academic research – is done in a market setting.  It has to achieve results and be profitable.  The reason many academic labs struggle is that they are badly managed businesses.  If you want to get hired in a PhD-level position in industry, you need to understand how businesses work and how your knowledge brings value to the companies you’re targeting.  That means that it’s important to have, at the very least, a basic understanding of…

Fool-Proof Networking Tactics For Your Next Conference

Wednesday July 26, 2023

Join Isaiah for five tips that PhDs can use to make the most out of networking at their next in-person conference In this week’s episode… First, Isaiah explains that, especially in a competitive job market, the right kind of experience is key Next, he explores compelling reasons that a postdoc benefits academics and research institutions far more than it does PhDs Finally, Isaiah encourages PhDs to consider applying to industry positions instead of postdocs to maximize the lifetime value of their degree Networking At Maximum Efficiency Requires PhDs To Plan Ahead You know that networking is a crucial part of your industry job search.  Naturally, you expect that the next conference you attend will be a great place to start.  You’re not wrong.  But before you go, there are some strategies that you can use to get even more out of the event.  Strategic Networking Requires A Little Bit Of Research First, you’ll want to research the industry players who will be there.  Many vendors, for instance, announce which employees they’re sending to the conference ahead of the event.  If you can’t find this information online, reach out and ask the company.  Once you know who they’re sending, research them…

Your Postdoc Is A Waste Of Time

Monday July 24, 2023

Join Isaiah for a look at why completing postdoc positions end up costing smart PhDs both time and money In this week’s episode… First, Isaiah explains that, especially in a competitive job market, the right kind of experience is key Next, he explores compelling reasons that a postdoc benefits academics and research institutions far more than it does PhDs Finally, Isaiah encourages PhDs to consider applying to industry positions instead of postdocs to maximize the lifetime value of their degree Postdoc Positions Provide PhDs With Experience… But At What Cost? You don’t need me to tell you that this is a competitive job market.  The economy is in a cycle of contraction, and the job market is restricting along with it.  As you look for ways to set yourself apart from the competition, you’ve probably heard that experience is key.  And, don’t get me wrong: in a very general sense, more experience is better than less. The difference between academia and industry, however, is that industry jobs aren’t exploiting your lack of experience.  Today I want to talk to you about two reasons why completing a postdoc is only holding you back.  Postdocs Positions Take Advantage Of The Trust PhDs…

Proven Tips To Leverage Facebook For Professional Networking

Friday July 21, 2023

Join Isaiah as he takes a look at five ways Facebook can help PhDs build their brand and make meaningful professional connections In this week’s episode… First, Isaiah introduces the idea that Facebook is for more than just social sharing Next, he explores fives ways that smart PhDs can leverage Facebook to build and manage their personal brand Finally, Isaiah encourages PhDs to leverage Facebook as a way to meet new connections and even learn about job opportunities Facebook Can Be Every Bit The Tool That LinkedIn Is For PhDs When it comes to building your professional network, LinkedIn is unmatched.  But it’s not the only option you have when it comes to expanding your professional network.  There’s untapped potential that many PhDs don’t know about, and you’ll find it on Facebook. We generally associate Facebook with social sharing, but there’s a lot going on outside your personal profile feed.  Facebook business pages, for instance, are a great place to get to know your target companies as a brand.  This is where you’ll find out about the business, get to know the brand’s personality, and even learn about job openings.  But there’s much more you can do to boost your…

5 Sustainability Careers For PhDs

Wednesday July 19, 2023

Join Isaiah as he explores five career options for PhDs interested in working with green tech and sustainability In this week’s episode… First, Isaiah points out that climate change has created a fast-growing industry: sustainability Next, he explores fives careers perfect for PhDs who are interested in leveraging their skills to lead change in sustainability Finally, Isaiah shares a few skills that PhDs can focus on developing if they want the competitive edge in their green job search Sustainability And Responsible Manufacturing Are Top Priorities For Industry Businesses Sustainability is a rapidly growing field – one that’s becoming increasingly important as the world faces the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation.  According to a 2022 report by KPMG, all of the world’s top 250 companies report on sustainability, and another 80% of global businesses have followed suit.  The reasons for sustainable business practices go beyond a good moral compass – it’s good optics for a company’s brand, and it can lead to wider profit margins and a decrease in loss or waste.  Companies know they’re going to have to invest in green tech and analysis, and that means that there are a wide variety of career opportunities for PhD…

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