PhD Transition Report Podcast

Slay The Applicant Tracking System With These Killer Tech Tips

Slay The Applicant Tracking System With These Killer Tech Tips

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…

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…

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…

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. …

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Join Isaiah as he discusses three careers for PhDs who are interested in a rewarding role in the gaming industry In this week’s episode… First, Isaiah reminds PhDs that in industry, there are many markets that need talent – and gaming is definitely one of them Next, he explores three careers perfect for PhDs in the gaming sector Finally, Isaiah shares a few skills that PhDs can focus on developing if they want the competitive edge among entertainment tech job candidates Gaming And Entertainment Markets Are Leaders In Industry Innovation. That Means These Industries Need PhDs PhDs are often blown away by the diversity of industry.  But, as more businesses shift to an online presence to grow their business, there are an exponential number of sectors that need PhDs.  The gaming industry is no exception.  This is a rapidly growing field with an incredible variety of career opportunities for PhD graduates.  There are video games and interactive entertainment, of course.  But the rise of new technologies such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence is making this field attractive to many Global 500 companies.  In order to harness the power of data acquisition and the insights that these can offer, they’re…

Join Isaiah as he explores a few telltale signs that your new industry job is a disaster waiting to happen In this week’s episode… First, Isaiah reminds PhDs that industry work environments are different than academic ones, and that some culture shock is normal Next, he reassures PhDs that it’s okay to walk away from a bad fit Finally, Isaiah identifies three can’t-ignore signs that your new industry job is not right for you PhDs, Don’t Ignore A Gut Feeling If Your New Job Feels Like A Bad Fit Sometimes – especially if you’ve been unemployed for a while – you might feel compelled to accept a job offer that raises a lot of red flags.  You wouldn’t be alone if you feel like you’re better off accepting a job offer that feels a little off and just waiting it out.  A recent study revealed that nearly two-thirds of job seekers report taking a job – all despite knowing that it wasn’t a good fit.  So now, as you settle into your new role, does it feel more and more like you’re just settling, period?  Academic PhDs Transitioning To Their First Industry Job Should Prepare To Work With Different Personality…

Join Isaiah as he breaks down what it takes to write a killer PhD LinkedIn headline that is memorable, informative, and stands out In this week’s episode… First, Isaiah explains the value of a LinkedIn headline in LinkedIn’s search engine ranking algorithm Next, he tells PhDs the three things that recruiters are looking for in your headline Finally, Isaiah shares a few great examples of a what a strong, scroll-stopping headline should look like A Strong LinkedIn Headline Is What Separates PhDs From Being More Than Just A Name On A List You can have incredible experience, a killer summary, and be ready to start work tomorrow – but none of that matters if employers can’t find you.  That’s the power of an epic LinkedIn headline.  The headline is the first text that appears in your LinkedIn profile, and the keywords in this section factor heavily into LinkedIn’s search algorithm.  Logically, that means it’s also the major differentiator between you and your competition.  If you don’t have a headline that tells hiring managers who you are, what you do, and where you do it, they’re going to keep scrolling and move on to the next candidate.  You probably thought your…

Join Isaiah as he reviews nine of the most unnecessary and outdated elements in an industry resume – and what to use instead In this week’s episode… First, Isaiah explains that resume trends are always evolving Next, he reviews nine outdated resume elements he sees PhDs using today that are big red flags for industry hiring managers Finally, Isaiah explains what up-to-date resumes need to capture and hold a recruiter’s attention Resume Trends Are Always Evolving, Right Along With The Job Market Resumes have been around for much longer than most of us realize.  Did you know that historians give Leonardo DaVinci credit for writing the very first in 1482?  It was his handwritten letter, summarizing his engineering abilities and experience to the Duke of Milan, that serves as one of the earlier examples of the modern-day resume.  Obviously, things have changed quite a bit since that first resume and will continue to evolve.  Today we’re going to check in about some outdated things that you should delete from your resume if you haven’t yet.  Your Resume Should Be A Concise, Persuasive Document – Not A Complex Dossier First is your address.  Employers are reportedly less likely to hire candidates…

Join Isaiah for a look at 10 of the most played-out buzzwords that smart PhDs are cutting out of their resumes In this week’s episode… First, Isaiah breaks down the reason that buzzwords are so off-putting in your industry resume Next, he reviews 10 of the most common buzzwords he sees PhDs wasting valuable space on Finally, Isaiah explains which words you can use instead, and why they’re so much more effective Industry Decision-Makers Are Not Impressed With Overused Buzzwords A hiring manager’s eyes will start to glaze over when they see certain words.  This kind of buzzy resume language can become outdated quickly among the inner circles of industry and can sometimes read as a desperate attempt to sound in the know.  But above all, the problem with resume buzzwords is that they don’t say anything meaningful about your qualifications or experience.  One study by The Guardian revealed that the use of buzzwords can reduce a candidate’s chances of getting a phone screen by 30%.  Today I’m going to cover 10 of the biggest offenders and explain what exactly is so wrong with these particular buzzwords. There Are 10 Buzzwords That Have Been Done To Death In Industry “Enthusiastic”…

Join Isaiah as he examines the importance of quality and LinkedIn connections – and how to tell who is who In this week’s episode… First, Isaiah explains that smart PhDs should have a minimum of 500 LinkedIn connections Next, he breaks down why not all connections are created equal Finally, Isaiah reviews which connections contribute to your success and which ones you should consider letting loose A Strong Professional Network Takes More Than Just Making Connections When you’re looking for job opportunities, it makes sense to focus on making new connections.  Having a scarce network tells recruiters two things: a) you’re scared of technology and social media and 2) you are not good when it comes to meeting new people.  That’s why so many of us tap the blue “Connect” button repeatedly and try to amass as many contacts as possible.  But did you know that the quality of your connections can matter just as much as the quantity? There Are 4 Types Of Connections That Undermine Your Professional Reputation Recruiters can see your connections.  When they do, they’re looking for a combination of quality and relevance.  For example, if you have 500 connections but most of those contacts don’t…

Join Isaiah as he explains how to create compelling resume bullet points that pass the applicant tracking system test In this week’s episode… First, Isaiah explains that PhDs need to include both transferable and niche/technical skills in their resume’s bullet points Next, he explains the optimal structure of PhD-level bullet points Finally, Isaiah reminds PhDs that a network is only a strategic networking tool if you treat it like one You Need To Tout Your Niche And Your Transferable Skills If You Want To Impress Employers As a PhD, you have high-level niche skills.  You are an expert.  But, there are lots of experts out there, especially if you are applying for a position that requires a PhD.  The best way to set yourself apart is to highlight your transferable skills.  That’s why every bullet point on your resume should start with a transferable skill.  To a hiring manager, transferable skills are more important than niche skills.  They demonstrate you can work successfully with other industry professionals who do not have your niche skills.  It also shows them that you understand the importance of the foundational skills that give rise to all current and future niche skills.  The Transferable Skills…

Join Isaiah as he walks PhDs through the major differences between a LinkedIn Basic and LinkedIn Premium account In this week’s episode… First, Isaiah reminds PhDs about the features and benefits of a LinkedIn Basic account Next, he examines a LinkedIn Premium account and provides an overview of its advantages Finally, Isaiah offers his recommendation about which account is the best fit for PhDs searching for a job right now Most Job Seekers Start Off With A Basic LinkedIn Account Almost everyone starts using LinkedIn’s free account.  And why wouldn’t you? It’s the most comprehensive directory for professional contacts for every industry you could possibly be interested in.  LinkedIn is also the perfect way to build a professional brand, find job leads, keep in touch with your contacts, and the list goes on.  With more than 58 million companies to connect with, it would be a huge mistake not to have a Basic account.  But if you’ve been wondering about moving to a paid account, you might be asking yourself: What do I need this for? What are the benefits?  39% Of LinkedIn Subscribers Pay For Premium Service Here are the main limitations of a free account: You can’t send…

Join Isaiah as he examines how professional network connections fall into three categories, and why PhDs need all three In this week’s episode… First, Isaiah introduces the concept of classification as it pertains to a PhD’s professional network Next, he looks at each type and explains the utility that each type can offer PhDs in different seasons of their career Finally, Isaiah reminds PhDs that a network is only a strategic networking tool if you treat it like one Creating A Professional Network That Works Requires Strategic Thinking If you know anything about networking, you know it’s important.  Maybe you’ve done a little bit of it yourself.  Maybe you’ve started to build a network of professional connections.  You know that networking is the process of establishing mutually beneficial relationships.  But did you know that the kind of network you’re building matters?  Strategic Network Connections Are Important During Your Job Search Your contacts all fit into categories based on your career trajectory. You need to leverage different ones to accomplish different things.  Business experts classify networks into three categories: operational, developmental, and strategic.  As a new job seeker, you’re most likely focused on building a strategic network right now.  This category…