PhD Transition Report On-Demand

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**PhD Transition Report On-Demand**

Podcast by Cheeky Scientist

Latest Episodes:

Escaping The Academic Journal “Publish Or Perish” Culture Jan 22, 2024

Show notes

The post Escaping The Academic Journal “Publish Or Perish” Culture appeared first on Cheeky Scientist.

Why Getting A PhD Is Absolutely Worth It Jan 19, 2024

Show notes

Join us as we talk about…

In this week’s episode…

You will what the challenges are from transitioning from Academia to Industry
You will learn that if a PhD is leveraged correctly it can be a gateway to personal and professional advancement
Finally you learn that having a PhD gives opportunities for innovation, making contributions to knowledge, meaningful collaborations, and professional relationships.

If PhDs struggle to get hired in industry, then why should they get a PhD in the first place? I had a PhD send me this question recently and wanted to share it because I get asked it a lot. The problem is not that a PhD is not worthwhile, it’s that the academic-publishing complex doesn’t train PhDs on how to leverage their PhDs to get hired into a meaningful career that rewards them for their investment.

And to be fair, why would academia or academic publishers want to help PhDs get out of academia? All of higher education and academic publishing is held up on the backs of underpaid PhD labor. Think about it. Have you ever been given a royalty for a paper you published? Nope. You were indoctrinated on the publish or perish culture keeping you in line to slave away for the next publication. Meanwhile, publishers copyright your work and sell it back to you and other universities.

Many of these publishers have profit margins greater than Google, Apple or Amazon. Still, the transferable skills you gain during your PhD are highly valuable. Embarking on the journey to earn a PhD is a monumental decision, marked by years of hard work, research, and profound learning. While the path is challenging, the rewards of completing a PhD are immense and multifaceted.

This article aims to elucidate why pursuing a PhD is a worthwhile endeavor, offering insights for those considering or currently undertaking this academic journey. The biggest reason getting PhDs is worth it is because, if leveraged correctly, it is a gateway for your Advancement in terms of Personal and Professional Expertise, specifically in terms of In-Depth Knowledge and skill development.

A PhD allows you to delve deeply into a subject you are passionate about. This intensive study leads to a level of expertise that few attain, setting you apart in your field. As for skill Development, The process of getting a PhD hones vital skills such as critical thinking, research methodology, data analysis, and academic writing. These skills are highly valuable in various professional contexts beyond academia, including industry, consulting, and government roles.

Second, getting a PhD provides Opportunities for Innovation and Making a Contribution to Knowledge: PhD research often pushes the boundaries of current understanding, allowing you to contribute original insights to your field. This can be immensely satisfying, knowing your work could have a lasting impact.

Third, if you make time for it, getting your PhD will lead to meaningful and useful Collaborations and professional relationships. Pursuing a PhD provides opportunities to collaborate with leading experts, attend conferences, and engage with a global community of scholars. These interactions can lead to exciting research opportunities and lasting professional relationships.

Fourth, and again, this is only true if you prioritize it, your PhD will provide you with Enhanced Career Prospects and Credibility. In short, you’ll be more employable. Despite the competitive job market, PhDs often have better employment prospects. I know I know, if you’re getting rejections right now you’re thinking “yeah right”. But those rejections don’t mean you and your PhD are not valuable, it means you’re applying the wrong job search strategy. As a PhD, your specialized skills and knowledge make you an attractive job candidate for high-level positions in academia, research, and beyond.

Fifth, your PhD gives you Credibility and Recognition. Earning a PhD is a testament to your dedication, intelligence, and resilience. It often brings a level of respect and credibility in professional circles, opening doors to consulting, speaking engagements, and authorship opportunities.

Sixth, getting a PhD is the ultimate way to learn how to overcome Challenges. It’s the ultimate resilience training. On your way to getting your PhD, you’ll learn to overcome obstacles, manage complex projects, and persist through setbacks. You’ll also gain self-Discovery. The journey of getting a PhD is one of self-discovery, helping you understand your capabilities, interests, and values more deeply. It can be a transformative experience that shapes your personal and professional identity.

In sum, The pursuit of a PhD is more than an academic endeavor; it’s a journey of personal and professional transformation. The challenges are significant, but the rewards – in terms of expertise, contributions to your field, career opportunities, and personal growth – are substantial.

The post Why Getting A PhD Is Absolutely Worth It appeared first on Cheeky Scientist.

Why PhDs Are Powerhouses Of Productivity Jan 17, 2024

Show notes

Join us as we talk about…

In this week’s episode…

You will uncover the importance of highlighting soft skills, such as work ethic, resilience, and passion for the company’s mission, in addition to technical qualifications
You will explore the influence of effectively communicating skills during the job search, focusing on showcasing rigorous training in research and analysis, analytical abilities, time management, and organizational skills
Finally you will recognize the importance of a deadline driven work ethic and perseverance gained through the challenges of earning a PhD

“I just can’t seem to get hired Isaiah, even for jobs where I have all the skills.” This is something I hear often. But I also hear, “Isaiah, I don’t have all the skills and I don’t have experience, so I’ll never get hired.” Yet, these 2 classes of PhDs continue to get hired in industry every single day, regardless of how their skills match. How is that possible?

Well, eventually these PhDs stop obsessing over their skills and start focusing on mastering the job search process and mastering how to communicate other key skills. In particular, when PhDs lean into communicating how productive they are, how strong their work ethic is, how quickly they can learn on the job, how they’ll never stop in the face of failure, and how passionate they are about the cause of a company, they get hired.

In today’s competitive job market, PhDs stand out not just for their specialized knowledge, but also for their exceptional work ethic and productivity. So let’s explore how you can communicate yours.

First, make sure you’re showcasing your Rigorous Training in Research and Analysis. Talk about your ability to Deep Dive into Complex Problems. Remember, PhD programs require students to delve into complex problems, often requiring years of dedicated research. This intense focus cultivates an ability to work deeply on challenging tasks without losing momentum or focus.

Second, communicate the skills you have in Analysis and Problem-Solving: Your rigorous academic training has honed your analytical skills, enabling you to dissect problems efficiently and devise effective solutions quickly.

Third, be sure to mention your exceptional Time Management and Organization Skills. As a PhD, you have the ability to Juggle Multiple Responsibilities. PhDs often balance research, experiments, documentation, meetings, writing papers and grants, teaching, and their own studies. This juggling act fosters exceptional time management and organizational skills.

Fourth, PhDs have what I call is Deadline-Driven Work Ethic: The nature of PhD programs, with their strict deadlines for publications, conferences, and thesis submission, instills a disciplined work ethic. Most people do not deal with any strict deadlines. Seriously. Don’t just assume that your daily experience is the same as other non-PhDs. It’s not. PhDs learn to work effectively under pressure and manage their time to meet stringent deadlines.

Fifth and finally, discuss your Resilience and Perseverance with employers. As a PhD, you have a high level of Adaptability to Challenges: The path to earning a PhD is filled with obstacles, from securing funding to conducting original research. This experience teaches PhDs to be resilient and adaptable, qualities that translate to high productivity in the workplace. On top of this, completing a PhD takes years of sustained effort, demonstrating a level of perseverance and commitment that is rare.

This long-term focus enables PhDs to tackle large volumes of work with a consistent and persistent approach. Employers looking for candidates who can deliver high-quality work quickly and consistently would do well to consider the powerhouse of productivity that PhD graduates represent

The post Why PhDs Are Powerhouses Of Productivity appeared first on Cheeky Scientist.

5 Persuasive Mind Tricks To Use On Interviewers Jan 15, 2024

Show notes

Join us as we talk about…

In this week’s episode…

You will learn the importance of giving to receive during a job interview
You will learn the influence of showcasing endorsements and approvals from previous employers or colleagues
Finally you will learn the concept that once someone commits to something small, they are more likely to agree to something bigger.

As PhDs, we really hate the idea of selling ourselves. Even watering down the word “selling” to “marketing” ourselves or “persuading” others hurts. But to get hired, that’s exactly what you have to do. This is especially true during the interview process. When it comes to sitting across from another person, by video or in person, the art of persuasion can significantly boost your chances of success.

So today I wanted to talk about 5 psychological tricks (they’re not really tricks, more like nuances, but the word trick spices things up a bit).

First is the law of reciprocity: you have to give to get. The concept here is simple, people feel obliged to return favors. So how do you apply this? Offer something valuable during your interview, like unique insights or solutions to potential problems the company faces. This can create a subconscious desire in the interviewer to reciprocate with a job offer. One example might be sharing a relevant article or piece of information that can help the company or the interviewer.

Second is the law of social proof and the easiest way to leverage this law is to showcase endorsements. Look – like it or not, people are influenced by actions and approvals of others, so make sure you’re mentioning endorsements from previous employers or colleagues subtly during your interviews. Share stories of how you’ve been a valuable team player or leader in past roles. Discuss awards, recognitions, or positive feedback from past projects or roles. They’ll know what you’re doing but it doesn’t matter; it still works.

Third, show commitment and consistency: The concept here is straightforward – once someone commits to something small, they’re more likely to agree to something bigger. How to apply this is also simple. You can encourage the interviewer to make small commitments, like agreeing to a second interview or a follow-up call. This can lead them to be more open to offering you the job.

Never leave a conversation with an interviewer without getting their phone number and committing to a date for you to follow up with them by phone if you don’t hear back. You can also do this in the reverse in a sense, by applying the Door-In-The-Face Technique. This refers to a famous experiment that involves making a large request that is expected to be refused, followed by a smaller, more reasonable request. The refusal of the first request increases the likelihood of the second request being accepted.

How is this relevant. Well, in an interview, you can apply this by initially discussing a major achievement or how qualified you believe you are for a bigger role, then quickly scaling back to how your skills perfectly align with the job at hand.

The fourth concept is likability, or building rapport. Oh man, how I wish I could give a 5 day seminar on this to PhDs (and have them attend and listen). It’s the number one reason they don’t get hired. Look – people are more likely to be persuaded by those they like, so you need to immediately find common ground with your interviewer. Compliment the company and its achievements genuinely. Show enthusiasm and warmth. Commenting on a recent company achievement or finding a common interest with the interviewer will go a long way to getting you hired.

Fifth and finally is scarcity. You need to highlight your unique skills because people value what’s scarce. So build rapport by discussing your transferable skills, the skills the hiring manager understands, but then emphasize unique skills or experiences that set you apart from other candidates. Make it clear that what you offer isn’t easily found in the job market. Keep the conversation coming back to your PhD and how that makes you better equipped to learn on the job than anyone else. Persuasion is a powerful tool in job interviews.

By understanding and applying these psychological principles, you can significantly enhance your chances of receiving a job offer. Remember, it’s not just about what you say, but how you say it and the psychological cues you utilize

The post 5 Persuasive Mind Tricks To Use On Interviewers appeared first on Cheeky Scientist.

4 Job Search Facts Some PhDs Hide From Jan 12, 2024

Show notes

Join us as we talk about…

In this week’s episode…

You will learn that how important transferrable skills and communication are
You will learn the importance of optimizing your resume content
Finally you will that you must manage your online presence

“I have an interview coming up in 3 days Isaiah. It’s by video.” Congratulations, I said. “What are some of the big things I should pay attention to?” They asked. So, I told them how to research the position, how to approach the panel by making each person feel heard and paid attention too, not just the most vocal person, and we talked about some more practical tips like blurring his background or using a different virtual background (his current background showed a very messy bookcase and desk). “My background is good, I’ve used it before. It will be fine.” Okay, sure, I said. Why fight with him? You’re either coachable, or you’re not.

Too many PhDs fail to get hired because they’re not coachable. They insist, without any openness or humility, that they’re not getting hired because they lack the skills, not because they’re coming across as unlikable, or naive to the social norms of industry. I see this a lot which is why today I want to give you some direct advice on some of the biggest errors PhDs make when trying to get hired – errors they think don’t matter or that they’re doing really well.

Are you coachable enough to take this critique and think differently? Let’s find out.

First and foremost, as a PhD trying to get hired in industry, even if you have some experience, you’ll be seen by many as a clueless first-year intern on their first coffee run. And your degree will be seen as a checkbox indicating that you’re intelligent but also likely untrainable and difficult to get along with. Are you compensating for this? Are you leaning into transferable skills especially those that indicate you can work cross-functionally with others and that you value communication? If not, you better start.

Second, your resume is too dense to read and is as bland as unsalted crackers. Sounds like a corny joke right? But these are the exact words I heard from a top Talent Acquisition Specialist I interviewed who worked for both Genentech and Novartis for years, hiring hundreds and hundreds of PhDs. News flash: Recruiters spend about six seconds looking at a resume and don’t have your niche background. If all your bullet points are describing what you specifically did and not balanced in a one-to-one ratio with easily digestible transferable skills and quantified results that employers care about, your resume will go right into the trash bin.

Your online presence, or digital footprint, is being stalked more than your ex. Another funny joke? Nope, this is a comparison I heard from a recruiter I interviewed when I asked how much employers are looking up past online posts and accounts during their final review of a job candidate before they send a job offer. Creepy? Maybe, but true.

If your social media profiles are controversial or if you’re bashing people and businesses online, is it really a stretch to think that employers will strongly question whether or not to bring you into their company? What if you get mad at them? Will you bash them too?

Fourth and finally, job Interviews are less about your skills and more about your vibe. That’s right – an employer’s job during an interview is less about drilling you on your skills (as hard as that is for most PhDs to swallow, it’s true) and it’s more about seeing if you’re someone they can tolerate eight hours a day without going insane.

So, while you’re busy prepping your technical answers, don’t forget to work on not being a robot. Personality matters. Likability matters. You might not be a loner, you might be good at talking, but that has nothing to do with the business acumen and professional awareness it takes to persuade an employer to hire you into an industry position.

The post 4 Job Search Facts Some PhDs Hide From appeared first on Cheeky Scientist.

Why PhDs Learn Faster Than Anyone Jan 10, 2024

Show notes

Join us as we talk about…

In this week’s episode…

You will learn that that employers are looking for PhDs that can adapt quickly and learn autonomously.
You will learn 5 reasons why PhDs learn faster then anyone
Finally you will that having these skills make PhDs valuable candidates in the professional world

I often get asked what is the number one skill that I think PhDs have and every time I’m quickly able to respond with “learning how to learn”. PhDs learn faster and more autonomously than any group of people in the world. In fact, they’re doctors of learning because they’re doctors of philosophy and philosophy is knowledge and the ability to ascertain knowledge.

In today’s rapidly changing job market, employers are constantly on the lookout for candidates who can adapt quickly and learn autonomously. PhDs are at the top of this desired pool, and it’s not just because of their specialized knowledge or research skills.

Here are five reasons why PhDs learn faster and better, making them prime candidates for employers who prioritize quick and independent learning.

1. Advanced Research Skills. PhDs are trained to dive deep into complex subjects, dissect large volumes of information, and distill the essence of their findings. This skill set is directly transferable to learning in a new job role. Employers value PhDs because they can independently undertake comprehensive research to overcome learning curves, allowing them to grasp new concepts and systems at a pace that outstrips other candidates.

2. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving. A hallmark of a PhD education is the development of critical thinking. PhDs are adept at analyzing problems from multiple angles, questioning assumptions, and developing new hypotheses. When confronted with new information or tasks in a professional setting, they can deconstruct the problem and form innovative solutions. Their trained instinct to approach problems methodically enables them to learn not just quickly, but also with a depth that ensures robust understanding and application.

3. Tenacity and Perseverance. The journey to a PhD is not for the faint-hearted. It requires a significant amount of perseverance and resilience, qualities that are indispensable when learning new skills or adapting to a new job. PhDs have weathered the storm of rigorous academic challenges, often over many years, which means they’re unlikely to be daunted by complex, unfamiliar tasks in a new role. Employers appreciate this tenacity, knowing that a PhD will not shy away from challenging learning experiences.

4. Self-Directed Learning. PhDs are, by necessity, self-starters. They have spent years managing their own projects, setting goals, and meeting deadlines without close supervision. This autonomy in learning and development translates seamlessly into the workplace. Employers can trust PhDs to take initiative in their learning process, identify their own knowledge gaps, and seek out the resources needed to fill them. This level of self-directed learning ensures that PhDs can upskill themselves effectively without the need for constant hand-holding.

5. Ability to Synthesize and Communicate Complex Information. An often overlooked but critical aspect of a PhD’s education is the ability to synthesize complex information and communicate it effectively to different audiences.

In a professional context, this means that PhDs are not only fast learners but are also able to teach and explain concepts to their colleagues, enhancing the collective knowledge of the team. Employers value this dual capability because it means PhDs can help elevate the entire team’s understanding of complex matters.

In conclusion, the intellectual rigor and personal qualities that PhDs develop during their academic pursuit are precisely what make them stand out as fast and autonomous learners in the professional world. Their research prowess, critical thinking, perseverance, self-directedness, and communication skills provide a potent combination that can be applied to almost any field.

For employers, hiring a PhD is not just about the depth of expertise they bring; it’s about investing in someone who can quickly adapt, learn, and contribute to the company’s success from day one.

The post Why PhDs Learn Faster Than Anyone appeared first on Cheeky Scientist.

A Drawn Out Job Search Damages Your Career Jan 08, 2024

Show notes

Join us as we talk about…

In this week’s episode…

You will learn that you will need to move fast when transitioning into an industry position
You will learn why speed is a factor in your job search
Finally you will learn some action steps you should implement now

Every week I talk to dozens of PhDs personally, at least, and one of the most common things I hear from them is that they want to take their time to consider all their options in industry. This is understandable but “taking your time” in academia is far different than taking your time in industry.

In industry, things move much faster. And your career and other people’s perception of it, from an industry standpoint, can change rapidly. In short, time matters and most often, you need to push yourself to get hired faster. There are many compelling reasons to expedite the job search process.

The first is to maintain relevance. In industry, sectors evolve rapidly, and skills can become rusty or outdated if you’re not in a role that allows you to use them regularly. A quick job search and reentry into the workforce help ensure that your skills and knowledge remain current and that you continue to grow professionally.

Second, you want to maintain a Competitive Advantage. When you start looking for a job, chances are, you’re not the only one. Acting quickly gives you a competitive edge. By applying early, you might be one of the first candidates considered, which can increase your chances of landing the job before the competition intensifies.

Third, momentum matters when it comes to your career, and your job search. The job search process in particular requires a certain level of momentum — networking, reaching out to contacts, interviewing, and negotiating. If you draw out the process, you might lose this momentum, along with valuable opportunities that might have arisen from being actively engaged in the search.

Fourth, Market Perception matters. Candidates who secure a new position quickly are often perceived as being in high demand, which can enhance your professional standing and marketability. Conversely, extended periods of unemployment might lead to negative bias and the unfounded perception that a candidate’s skills are not sought after.

Fifth and finally, there are Psychological Benefits to starting and ending your job search quickly. A prolonged job search can be mentally and emotionally taxing. It can lead to self-doubt and diminish self-esteem. Conversely, securing a job quickly can be a substantial psychological boost. It validates your skills and experience, giving you a sense of accomplishment and confidence.

So if you’re ready to start your job search, or you’ve started but aren’t going anywhere fast, here’s your immediate action items:

1. Get your current CV or resume down to 2-pages (500-600 words)

2. Balance every niche skill or experience on your resume with a broad transferable skill and a quantified result (no exceptions).

3. Rewrite your LinkedIn Headline and About Section to match your resume before you target your resume to each job posting (employers want to see continuity).

4. Choose a minimum of 10 long-tail (more than one word) keywords from the job posting and get them on your resume at a density of 0.5%-2% (that’s a 2-word keyword used 2-3 times on the average 550 word industry resume).

5. Build a list of 100 companies in your sector(s) of interest without worrying about location or other factors for now.

6. Track which companies are adding employees over the next 3 days (LI shows you employee reported employee counts).

7. Apply to the best fit job (choose the best one even if you’re not a good fit) at those companies who are adding employees because your only other option is to sit back and do nothing or randomly apply to auto refreshed job posts that are more and more likely to be ghost job listings.

8. Reach out to a hiring manager at each company to ask them if the job is still available to start conversations.

9. Make one new connection at each company you applied to each day and follow up with those who reply to get intel on unposted positions.

In conclusion, while a job search should never be so rushed that you make ill-advised decisions, there are valid reasons to make the process as efficient as possible. A swift job search minimizes financial risks, maximizes professional relevance, and leverages momentum, all while enhancing personal well-being. Ultimately, the decision on how quickly to pursue a new role depends on individual circumstances, but being mindful of these factors can help guide a successful job strategy

The post A Drawn Out Job Search Damages Your Career appeared first on Cheeky Scientist.

Worst Things To Say When Networking Jan 05, 2024

Show notes

Join us as we talk about…

In this week’s episode…

You will discover the crucial role of technical preparedness
You will uncover the link between professionalism and presentation
Finally you will recognize the key role of nonverbal communication

I was at a networking event several months ago and this PhD who didn’t know me came up and introduced themselves and then asked me where I worked. I told them and then they told me they never heard of it. Fair. But then they said, “can you get me a job at your company?”. Wait, what? I politely told them to share their resume and then asked what they wanted to do. “I’m pretty desperate at this point, I’ll do anything.” Oh my God. Then they went on to tell me that no one is responding to their resumes or giving them a chance. I hate being in situations like this because what do I say – hey, I mentor PhDs on job searching, let me tell you everything you’re doing wrong.

Nope. That is surely worse. So I gently guide the conversation constructively and help in any way I can. Don’t worry though, the story has a happy ending.

I coached this PhD gently and we ended up working together in full two months ago. They’re now hired into a great role. Still, it’s worth point out some of this PhD’s networking mistakes so others don’t repeat them.

Networking is an art, especially when it’s part of a strategy to get hired. A single misstep or poorly chosen remark can derail months of effort.

Here’s a guide on what not to say when you’re networking for job opportunities.

1. “I’m Desperate for Any Job.” While honesty is a good policy, expressing desperation is a major faux pas. It suggests you’re not interested in the company or the role, just the paycheck.

Here’s a Better Approach: Show enthusiasm for the specific opportunities that align with your skills and interests. Demonstrate how you can add value to the company and team.

2. “I Don’t Like My Current Job/Boss.” Negativity about your current or past employers casts you in a poor light and raises concerns about your professionalism and discretion.

Here’s a Better Approach: Focus on what you’re looking to gain in your next role and how your current job has prepared you to take on new challenges.

3. “Can You Get Me a Job at Your Company?” Putting someone on the spot with a direct request for a job is uncomfortable and imposes undue pressure.

Here’s a Better Approach: Express your interest in their company and ask for advice on how best to apply or inquire about the company’s hiring process.

4. “I Don’t Know Much About Your Company.” Approaching networking without doing your homework shows a lack of initiative and interest. Here’s a Better Approach: Research the company and industry beforehand. Bring up recent news or milestones about the company to show you’re informed and engaged.

5. “I’ll Do Anything!” Being too eager to take on any role can come across as lacking focus and not having a clear career direction.

Here’s a Better Approach: Tailor your conversation to highlight your strengths and how they relate to specific areas within the company where you can contribute effectively.

6. “How Much Does This Job Pay?” Discussing compensation too early in the process can give the impression that money is your only motivation.

Here’s a Better Approach: Wait for the employer or your contact to bring up the topic of compensation. Instead, discuss the responsibilities and growth opportunities within the role.

7. “I’ve Applied a Bunch of Times and Never Hear Back.” This might inadvertently make the person question the quality of your application or professional capabilities.

Here’s a Better Approach: Ask for feedback or suggestions on how to improve your application or make it stand out.

The post Worst Things To Say When Networking appeared first on Cheeky Scientist.

5 Video Interviewing Disasters To Avoid Jan 03, 2024

Show notes

Join us as we talk about…

In this week’s episode…

You’ll learn that technical preparedness is crucial
Next you’ll learn why professionalism extends to presentation
Finally, you’ll learn that nonverbal communication is key

If you can’t manage your internet connection, why should we put you in charge of managing anything else. This was actually said to someone I know when they’re wifi kept dropping and buffering during a video interview. They were at one of the later stage rounds with a very busy executive.

Needless to say, they didn’t get the job. Was the executive a jerk about this wifi issue – absolutely? Does it matter in terms of my friend getting hired? Absolutely not. In reality, the message the executive was conveying was right. The way they presented it was not.

In today’s job market, video interviews have become the norm, allowing candidates to showcase their skills and personality from the comfort of their own homes. While this format offers convenience, it also presents unique challenges. To help you make a great impression during your next video interview, let’s explore some common video interview mistakes to avoid.

First, don’t neglect your technical setup. Technical issues can be a major distraction during a video interview. Before the interview, ensure that your computer, webcam, microphone, and internet connection are working correctly. Test the video conferencing software you’ll be using and make sure it’s up to date. Be prepared with a backup plan, such as a phone number to call in case of technical difficulties.

Second, get the lighting and your background right. Your interview space should be well-lit and free from distractions. Avoid sitting in front of a window with bright sunlight or using harsh overhead lighting that casts unflattering shadows. Choose a neutral, clutter-free background that won’t divert attention away from you.

Third, dress appropriately. While a video interview may take place in your home, treat it as a professional meeting. Dress appropriately in business attire, even if you’re sitting at your kitchen table. Avoid distracting patterns, flashy colors, or clothing that blends into your background.

Fourth, make “eye contact”. Maintaining eye contact is challenging in a video interview, but it’s crucial. Instead of looking at the interviewer’s image on your screen, focus on the camera lens to create the illusion of direct eye contact. This demonstrates your engagement and interest.

Fifth and finally, don’t ignore nonverbal cues. Effective nonverbal communication plays a significant role in interviews. Sit up straight, maintain good posture, and avoid fidgeting. Use natural and appropriate hand gestures to emphasize points, but don’t overdo it. Expressive facial expressions can also convey enthusiasm and engagement.

In conclusion, video interviews are a valuable tool for job candidates, but they come with their own set of challenges. By avoiding these common mistakes and focusing on professionalism, communication, and preparation, you can increase your chances of success and secure your dream job. Remember that, despite the virtual setting, your goal is to make a strong and lasting impression on your potential employer.

The post 5 Video Interviewing Disasters To Avoid appeared first on Cheeky Scientist.

You Can’t Get Hired Quickly If You Do This Dec 29, 2023

Show notes

Join us as we talk about…

In this week’s episode…

You’ll learn to focus on targeted applications rather than casting a wide net.
Next you’ll learn that you need to pay attention to your digital footprint.
Finally, you’ll learn to embrace networking as a crucial part of your job search strategy

I was working with a PhD last week who needed to get hired fast. And they did everything on their resume right. 2 pages. Right font. Right margins. A one to one ratio of transferable and niche skills and quantified results in every bullet point. They were targeting their resume too. But, as I found out, that was it.

They barely updated their LinkedIn profile. They weren’t networking at all. And the one interview they had they bombed even though they said it felt like it “went really well”. All of those missteps were keeping them from getting hired quickly. Avoiding certain missteps can dramatically improve your chances of making a positive impression and landing a job.

Here’s a rundown of key mistakes to steer clear of during your job search: One common mistake job seekers make is casting too wide a net. While it might seem counterintuitive, applying for every job you come across can actually slow you down. Employers can typically tell when a candidate has submitted a generic application. Instead, tailor your search and applications to positions that match your skills and experiences.

A second mistake is Neglecting Your Online Persona, or digital footprint. In the digital age, employers often conduct a quick internet search on candidates. An unprofessional online persona can deter potential employers. Before you begin your job search, clean up your social media profiles and make sure any public content presents you in a professional light.

Third, you can’t Underestimate the power of a strong Cover Letter. Skipping the cover letter or writing a generic one is a missed opportunity. A well-crafted cover letter that speaks to the specifics of the job can catch an employer’s attention. It’s your chance to make a personal connection and highlight why you are a perfect fit for the role.

Fourth, you’ll struggle to get hired fast if you Fail to Customize Your Resume. Sending out the same resume for every job is a frequent mistake. Tailoring your resume for each position by highlighting the most relevant skills and experience can significantly boost your chances. Use keywords from the job description to pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and catch the hiring manager’s eye.

A fifth mistake is Ignoring Instructions. Not following application instructions can lead to your resume ending up in the rejection pile. Whether it’s submitting documents in a certain format or including specific information, adhering to the guidelines shows attention to detail and a willingness to follow directions.

Sixth, avoid a “good enough” Interview Preparation strategy. Arriving at an interview without proper preparation is a critical error. Research the company, understand the role, and prepare to discuss your background and how it relates to the job. Practice answering common interview questions, and have a few questions ready for your interviewers.

A seventh mistake is Neglecting to Follow Up. Failing to follow up after an interview or application can imply a lack of interest. A brief thank-you email reiterating your interest can keep you on the employer’s radar and demonstrate your professionalism.

An eighth mistake is Rejecting the Idea of Networking. Yes, rejecting the idea. As in, thinking you rarely have to do it, or that it’s a nice to have and not a must have. Relying solely on job postings is not enough. Networking can be a powerful tool in your job search. Engage with professional groups, attend industry events, and reach out to contacts. Sometimes jobs are filled through connections before they are ever advertised.

Ninth, you can’t get hired swiftly if you display a Negative Attitude. During interviews, how you say things can be as important as what you say. Negative comments about past employers or colleagues can be a red flag for interviewers. Maintain a positive demeanor and focus on how past experiences have prepared you for the opportunity at hand.

Tenth, avoid the mistake of Overlooking the Importance of Soft Skills. Employers aren’t just looking for PhDs with technical abilities; they value soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Demonstrate these traits in your interactions and be prepared to provide examples of them in your interviews.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can streamline your job search and present yourself as a strong, thoughtful candidate, thereby increasing your chances of getting hired quickly.

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