PhD Transition Report On-Demand

Join us as we talk about… In this week’s episode… You’ll learn about how to deal with Advisors changing your milestone Next, you’ll learn 10 ways to approach the milestone change Finally, you’ll how never giving up and involving others will allow you to reach your goals I recently had a situation where someone I had never met reached out to me with a tone of friendship and kindness. They indicated that they liked my story and company and wanted to have a conversation about it. I agreed. Then, once the conversation started, they started asking me very negatively framed questions. Their tone went from kind to accusatory very quickly. It was a bait and switch. This is something that we’ve all experienced before as PhDs. In particular, many of us experienced it as PhD students; when our advisors gave us a milestone to hit and then once we hit it, they changed the milestone. They also changed their tone from being encouraging and even impressed with our potential and past work, to being critical of our work and “concerned” with our lack of progress. So today, I wanted to talk about how to handle this kind of situation. Here…

Join us as we talk about… In this week’s episode… You’ll learn about LinkedIn and why it’s important to stand out Next, you’ll learn 10 ways to update your LinkedIn Profile Finally, you’ll how well crafting your LinkedIn profile will help you secure your dream job. In today’s digital job market, your LinkedIn profile serves as your online professional identity. It’s not just an online resume but a powerful tool that can help you stand out, make connections, and secure your dream job. To maximize its impact, you need to ensure that the most important parts of your LinkedIn profile are carefully crafted and optimized. Here, I’m going to tell you exactly what you need to do to get your LinkedIn profile up to speed fast. First, add a professional profile picture and a banner picture. Make sure both are high quality files – as in high definition, and be sure to smile. LinkedIn shows smiling candidates in interview-wear more than those who are not smiling or in casual wear, same goes high definition images versus low definition. Second, get your Headline written and use all 220 characters, or as many as possible. Your headline is a brief, attention-grabbing statement…

Ready to start your transition into industry? Apply to book a free Transition Call with our founder, Isaiah Hankel, PhD or one of our Transition Specialists here.

Join us as we talk about… In this week’s episode… You’ll learn how to prepare for an interview Next, you’ll learn 8 ways to research a company before the interview Finally, you’ll how being prepared before an interview will give you an advantage Congratulations! You’ve landed an interview with a company you’re interested in, and now it’s time to prepare. While rehearsing answers to common interview questions is essential, it’s equally important to research the company itself. Studies shared in media from Nature to Forbes to the Wall Street Journal have shown that your knowledge of the company will determine whether or not you get hired more than whether or not you have the right skills. Did you hear that? Don’t be confused. When employers reject someone, they will always say the reason is because you didn’t have the right skills. This is one of the only legal reasons they can give you for not hiring you. In reality, however, they’re not hiring you because you lack understanding of the role, the company and perhaps of business in general. In particular, demonstrating your knowledge about the organization can set you apart from other candidates and show your potential employer that…

Join us as we talk about… In this week’s episode… You’ll learn about Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) Next, you’ll learn 11 key things to incorporate in your resume to make it through ATS Finally, you’ll learn the importance of crafting a specific resume for each job application. In today’s job market, your resume often has to pass through an initial screening process conducted by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) powered by artificial intelligence (AI). These systems are designed to streamline the hiring process by automatically filtering out candidates who don’t meet certain criteria. Filtering is the keyword here. AI is not selecting the best resumes; it’s filtering as many resumes as possible with the goal of streamlining. Employers know AI will miss some good or even great job candidates due to this bias, but they don’t care because they are getting hundreds to thousands of applicants per open position. To increase your chances of getting past the AI gatekeepers, it’s crucial to write a simple, focused resume that resonates with both the machines and human employers. There are 12 important factors to consider here. First, start with a resume format that is ATS-friendly. Stick to traditional formats such as chronological, functional…

Join us as we talk about… In this week’s episode… You’ll learn that AI is affecting job seekers across the country Next, you’ll learn how employers are using AI to filter out job candidates Finally, you’ll learn what a reputation score is and how it can affect your job search Job seekers across the country are struggling to stand out among hundreds if not thousands of applicants for a single job and often receive no response after applying. Many job seekers are starting to understand that AI is to blame and that things will only get worse. This is true. AI has given employers far more leverage than job candidates. Now, many job candidates are surprised to find out that today’s AI gives job candidates a reputation score. Here’s how it works. Today’s AI recommendation systems prioritize factors other than qualifications. AI-driven job matching relies on historical data, including whom employers have typically contacted or liked, their past searches, which resumes they’ve rejected, which they’ve approved, the profiles they’ve clicked on, and more. Not only this, but AI shares this information across platforms and across companies. In other words, if your resume has been rejected numerous times in ZipRecruiter by…

Ready to start your transition into industry? Apply to book a free Strategy Call with our founder, Isaiah Hankel, PhD or one of our Strategy Specialists here.

Join us as we talk about… In this week’s episode… You’ll learn that more and more employers are reviewing job candidates digital footprints before hiring Next, you’ll learn about linguistic footprint and five ways employers can view it Finally, you’ll learn why it is important to protect your linguistic footprint More and more people are starting to understand that employers are carefully reviewing job candidates’ digital footprints before hiring. But, too many people still believe that these footprints are limited to public, self-identifying posts. This is not the case. Today’s Artificial Intelligence systems are focused heavily on identifying posts from people simply by the way the post is written. This has allowed hiring software programs to identify anonymous posts from potential job candidates in order to screen out risky candidates who might troll the company in the future. In other words, employers are now looking at your linguistic footprint online. A linguistic footprint is often referred to as a “digital linguistic footprint” or “language footprint”. It’s a concept that pertains to the traces of one’s language and communication patterns left behind in various forms of digital communication and online interactions. It encompasses the way individuals express themselves, communicate, and engage…

Join us as we talk about… In this week’s episode… You’ll learn the common signs your digital footprint may have been reviewed by potential employer Next, you’ll learn how employers are using AI to review digital footprints Finally, you’ll learn four tips on how to clean up your digital footprint Reports by Forbes, Fast Company, the Wall Street Journal and even the New York Times have found that up to 90% of employers are rigorously reviewing job candidates’ digital footprints before hiring. Maybe you’ve been uploading resumes and not hearing anything back. Or, maybe you were hearing back from employers but aren’t anymore. Or, perhaps you had an interview that you thought went well but then didn’t get a reply – instead, they ghosted you. This is a common sign that your digital footprint may have been reviewed and the employer didn’t like what they saw. In today’s digital age, the internet has become an indispensable tool not only for job seekers but also for employers. As job candidates, we invest significant time and effort into crafting our resumes and cover letters, but often underestimate the importance of our digital footprint. Employers, on the other hand, have grown increasingly vigilant…

Join us as we talk about… In this week’s episode… You’ll learn the only way to identify a ghost job listings Next, you’ll learn the several hacks to assist with identifying them Finally, you’ll learn that that being strategic and selective with job applications will help avoid applying for ghost job listings Every time I tell a PhD that the only way to identify a ghost job listing is to reach out to a hiring manager at the company I’m met with groans. “Ugh, well I know that Isaiah” or “But I don’t know any hiring managers.” Of course you don’t know any hiring managers. You haven’t done your research. You hate reaching out to strangers. Welcome to the club. Cold contact is painful. But that is where you win. Most people won’t face that pain. I do have a few hacks you can try though. None are going to be as good as talking to someone at the company to get the indisputable inside information you need to know the job is open now and they’re trying to fill it now. Still, there is some value to these hacks. First, look at the date the job was posted. If…

Ready to start your transition into industry? Apply to book a free Strategy Call with our founder, Isaiah Hankel, PhD or one of our Strategy Specialists here.

Join us as we talk about… In this week’s episode… You’ll learn what a ghost job listing is Next, you’ll learn the 5 main reasons why companies use ghost job listings Finally, you’ll learn that ghost job listings aren’t going anywhere and why it’s important to be even more prepared. “I’ve applied to hundreds of job postings” a PhD recently told me. “Using the same resume?” I asked. “No” they replied. “I targeted every resume. I’ve heard nothing back. In some cases I was sent a rejection email within the hour. What’s happening?!” “Ghost job listings.” I replied. They asked me what a ghost job listing is and I explained that ghost job listings are jobs posted by real companies but they’re jobs that these companies have no intention of actually filling. Of course, this PhD wanted to know why and I told them that the answer is painful for job seekers but useful for employers. The practice of posting ghost job listings can serve a variety of strategic and practical purposes for companies, helping them streamline their hiring processes and make informed decisions about their workforce. There are 5 main reasons why companies do this. The first is for…

Join us as we talk about… In this week’s episode… You’ll learn about the use of AI in recruitment to help filter out applicants Next, you’ll learn how AI can be discriminatory while filtering out applicants Finally, you’ll learn how why it is important to craft strong resumes in order to get through the applicant tracking systems. “Isaiah, I’ve uploaded hundreds of resumes and have not had a single interview. In some cases, I’ve been rejected immediately – as in the same day. How is this possible? How did they determine I was a bad fit already.” Unfortunately, I hear this all the time now. I also hear this – “Isaiah, I applied to this job last week but they just reposted the same job. What should I do? Apply again?” Welcome to the world of predatory AI. Let’s back up so you can understand the scale of AI use first. The use of AI in recruitment has become extremely commonplace, with 99% of Fortune 500 companies in the U.S. relying on applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter through a large number of applications. Did you catch that? 99%. The only companies who don’t do this are those with very…

Join us as we talk about… In this week’s episode… You’ll learn about today’s job market favoring blue collar workers. Next, you’ll learn why it is important to develop business oriented skills. Finally, you’ll learn how to use your degree to stay ahead in the job market. Robert has had 7 final stage interviews for R&D positions and been rejected every time. He has a doctorate and the exact skills these employers were looking for. What’s happening? The skilled, or white collar job market is contracting sharply and shows no signs of expanding again over the next decade. A recent report in Forbes discussed news that UPS drivers can earn up to $170,000 annually and this has sparked controversy and raised concerns among skilled, white-collar professionals. This development has highlighted a shift in the labor market that seems to favor blue-collar workers while causing anxiety among their white-collar counterparts. Traditionally, challenging economic climates have had a more significant impact on the working class and blue-collar workers. However, this time, the situation is different. Wealthy and high-paid white-collar professionals are experiencing what experts are calling a “richcession.” Companies, in response to a potential recession, have become more cautious in their hiring…

Join us as we talk about… In this week’s episode… You’ll learn about warning signs indicating its time for a change Next, you’ll learn when it is time to reevaluate your current role Finally, you’ll learn why it is important to begin your job search with defined goals. Watch For These Warning Signs I’ve seen too many PhDs get complacent once they begin their career in industry. Pew Research Center data shows that 63% of people who leave their jobs resign because they feel undervalued, bored, or overworked. Today we’re going to talk about some signs it might be time to evaluate your current position. The first sign is that you’re feeling unmotivated. Getting out of academia and landing your first job in industry was just part of the process, eventually, you’ll move on from that job. Don’t get complacent. Most professionals don’t stay in one position for more than five years, after that, you should be looking into ways to move on and further your career if you’ve reached the end of your potential in your current role. If you’re feeling unmotivated but want to stay in the company or industry you’re in, network internally and see if there’s…

Join us as we talk about… In this week’s episode… You’ll learn why how to combat academic stereotypes Next, you’ll learn about the different stereotypes Finally, you’ll learn highlight your transferrable skills during the interview Don’t Be One Of These 5 PhD Stereotypes Indeed recently looked at unconscious bias in hiring practices, and while data is still being compiled for this study, it’s clear that education factors into a hiring manager’s preconceived notions of a candidate. Today we’re going to talk about how you can combat academic stereotypes during your job search. When most people think of PhDs they think of the typical nerd stereotype you see on sitcoms wearing superhero shirts and angrily writing equations on whiteboards. Obviously, the first stereotype PhDs are up against is the “brainiac nerd.” Hiring managers assume potential job applicants with PhDs are introverted, awkward, and have bad communication skills. We all know that guy, so show them you’re not that guy. Highlight sections of your work history that show a lot of collaboration and cooperation between other academic entities or departments. You can also showcase your communication skills by having a concise and clear cover letter and resume. Our next trope is the…

Ready to start your transition into industry? Apply to book a free Transition Call with our founder, Isaiah Hankel, PhD or one of our Transition Specialists here.

Join us as we talk about… In this week’s episode… You’ll learn why how important nonverbal communication is Next, you’ll learn about 3 body language best practices. Finally, you’ll learn why a firm handshake is so important Are You Making These Body Language Mistakes? Something as simple as body language can be easy to dismiss when thinking about preparing for an interview. You may be thinking “I know how to be professional, I get it.” But statistics show that only 35% of communication happens verbally. And, according to a recent BioSpace article, too many applicants are forgetting to focus on their nonverbal communication in important interviews. You put in the hard work to get the interview, now it’s time to focus on how to present yourself. Today I’m going to talk about the three best practices for interview body language. First, pay attention to your posture in relation to the interviewer. Sit with your shoulders straight and relaxed, facing the person you’re speaking with. This position makes you seem open and confident and projects your professional demeanor while putting your interviewer at ease. Slouching or hunching your shoulders and sitting angled away from your interviewer can make you come off…

Join us as we talk about… In this week’s episode… You’ll learn why you never want to focus on your weaknesses during an interview Next, you’ll learn why it is important to research a company before the interview. Finally, you’ll learn about the “push” and the “pull” Coming Into An Industry Interview With The Wrong Mindset Can Ruin Your Chances Of Getting Hired. You’ve done everything right – you got the PhD, you may have even worked in academia after, and now you’re ready to leave academia for a job in industry. You started your job search, worked hard, and finally landed the interview… but you’re not done yet. In industry, you will interview with people who don’t know you, don’t know your work, and who don’t know how higher education works. Instead, you’ll be talking to someone who wants to know whether or not you can solve a problem they have while getting along with their current team members in their current culture. As a result, you need to show them your value in a different way than you would in an academic interview. Here, your academic accolades aren’t going to translate into strong reasons why industry employers should…

Join us as we talk about… In this week’s episode… You’ll learn why listing your PhD on your resume is not actually holding you back. Next, you’ll learn the key to having your resume break past the ATS. Finally, you’ll learn how to tailor your resume to the specific needs of a company. Should You Leave Your Ph.D. Off Your Resume? As PhDs we’ve all heard the colorful ways people outside of academia ask about our doctorates: “Oh, does PhD stand for ‘pile it higher and deeper’?” “Haha, don’t you know PhD stands for professional hiring deterrent?” Don’t let others devalue your PhD. The truth is the skills you gained during your PhD are very valuable in industry. Unfortunately, many PhDs today think that industry employers don’t want to hire PhDs. They think that their PhD is a red flag on their resume. You’ve probably heard through someone that they got hired by leaving their PhD off their resume and instead, putting their Master’s degree. This is nonsense. Reports from MassBio and others show you’re twice as likely to get hired with a PhD on your resume than a Master’s degree. It’s not your PhD on your resume that’s preventing…