Creating A Job Search Strategy

Join Isaiah as he explains why a job search strategy needs to be created by PhDs to be hired in high-paying industry roles

Here’s a quick rundown of this week’s episode…

• First, Isaiah discusses why should  PhDs create a job search strategy
• Next, Isaiah reveals how PhDs can create a successful job search strategy 
• Finally, Isaiah explains what PhDs should do after creating a job search strategy

From This Week’s Show… 

Why Should PhDs Create A Job Search Strategy

What does it take to get hired into rewarding industry careers? What must PhDs do to get hired into a fulfilling PhD level job? These questions are essential. PhDs think about getting hired without any actual execution. This leads to a sense of failure, rejection and frustration. PhDs need a PhD level job. A job where you can do meaningful work.

Industry job search needs a campaign. It has to be executed in the correct sequence. Start with understanding your career options. Then create a job search strategy for those options. An effective strategy needs the correct sequence. Don’t haphazardly execute different job search related activities at different times. Rather be organized and in order.

How PhDs Can Create A Successful Job Search Strategy

You have to design a campaign. Sketch a map out from start to finish. Trace the steps. Follow your sketch.  But plan for contingencies. Don’t wake up randomly and submit a few resumes, do nothing to make progress in your transition. Then reach out to a few contacts another day. And wait for magic. This sequence sounds absurd. As you read it, did you think to yourself “Ridiculous! No one searches for a job like this!”?

You need to record your progress. Make a spreadsheet with 5 columns. Mention Companies of Interest, Job Postings or Informational Interview Notes, Company Contacts, Date You Last Followed Up, Next Follow Up Date. These sections are imperative. Don’t just fly by the seat of your pants. If we catalogued your job search activities in a spreadsheet by the hour, what would the end result look like? Thinking about your job search does not count as an activity. Desire to transition doesn’t count. Nor does playing out various scenarios in your head like “If I apply to this job, will anyone get back to me?” or “Should I reach out to this person on LinkedIn, or shouldn’t I?”. Thinking, dreaming and considering the possibilities of your transition are not the same as executing a job search. Document your progress. Write down your plans for each day of the month.

 Do you have a plan? Are you following a protocol? If not, it’s time to start doing so.

What Must PhDs Do After Creating A Strategy

Have a strategy in place? Good! Now, you must grow and engage (or reengage) your network. Do you want a job that pays well? You need referrals. Networking doesn’t have to be painful. Start by growing your network. Talk with the professionals. Ask them about the projects that they are working on. Get them to talk about the challenges. About how they got into those roles in the first place. Do informational interviews. The major component of your networking efforts is following up. Consistently following up with an ever-growing list of contacts at your companies of interest. 

You hate people? That’s bad. Talk to strangers. You can’t stay on government assistance programs for the rest of your life. If you want a job that pays well. And allows you to do the best possible work you can do. You must get comfortable with the process of seeking job referrals. 

At the heart of any effective job search strategy is an intelligent networking strategy. The time for you to start strategizing is now. 

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.