PhD Transition Report On Demand

You are getting closer. You are making progress. You’re in the arena. The haters are not. They’re just on the sidelines looking in. They’re powerless to stop you. Keep going.

In this episode of Career Leadership, hosts Donna Serdula and Isaiah Hankel explore the extreme lengths some job seekers might go to secure employment. Donna shares a deeply disturbing story about a job seeker who created a fake LinkedIn account and job posting to gather information about competitors.

In this episode of the Cheeky Scientist News, we discuss the 2 biggest sticking points for job seekers right now. If you're stuck, you're either not getting enough interviews. Or, you're not converting enough interviews.

It’s not what you add to your resume as much as it’s what you subtract from it that will help you get through today’s AI.

While these quirky interview questions can catch you off guard, they also provide an opportunity to showcase creativity, problem-solving skills, and personality traits that might not be evident through traditional interview questions.

The person who gets hired is the person who makes the best case for their candidacy and who games the AI filters. Period.

Creating a resume that effectively navigates through today's Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) requires a strategic approach to content, layout, and design.

Today we’re going to check in about some outdated things that you should delete from your resume if you haven’t yet.

In this episode of Career Leadership with Donna & Isaiah, learn about how professionals are turning to starting their own businesses during their job search, or doing fractional executive work in addition to their full time jobs.

In today’s episode of Cheeky Scientist News, we discuss how to understanding a job posting, including how to parse the posting into 3 key sections and how to match your resume to each section correctly. We also discuss resume headlines and the power of a strong Professional Summary and how to write one.

Getting hired in today's landscape requires a recalibration of expectations. It's not a sprint; it's a strategic marathon.

Despite not having the “manager” title, you were doing just that throughout your PhD and beyond.

Negotiating a remote work arrangement requires a thoughtful, benefits-focused approach, thorough preparation, and a willingness to compromise.

Salary negotiation is not just about stating your desired number; it's about engaging in a dialogue that uncovers the most competitive offer a company can extend.

Success often comes down to perseverance, but a compelling personal narrative can make all the difference. Join Donna and Isaiah as they examine the art of storytelling in your job search, sharing how to craft a background and persona that resonates with employers. Discover how to cultivate an aspirational mindset and present your best self during your job search.

In today’s episode of Cheeky Scientist News, we discuss the power of questions to get a response from an employee working at a company and how to turn that response into a meaningful professional conversation and a referral. The science behind this specific line of questioning is reviewed, as well as how to ask the right questions during an interview when an employer says “Do you have any questions for me”.

When faced with a precise figure, the other party is more likely to assume that you have a strong understanding of the value of what's being negotiated.

The key overall is understanding that the "desired salary" field isn't just a formality; it's a crucial part of your application that can significantly influence the hiring process.

Never forget that today’s ATS and AI screening tools, and the gatekeepers themselves, are screening tools, not selection tools.

By aligning your current skills, academic or otherwise, with industry needs, you can position yourself as a valuable asset ready to tackle real-world challenges, drive innovation, and contribute to organizational success

By strategically framing our academic backgrounds as assets rather than liabilities, we can better navigate the industry job market.

Get empowered with Donna & Isaiah with today's topic on how to harness AI indicators of success and combine them with your unique human strengths to achieve your career goals.

Unemployment rates are low and monthly job reports are high. So why can't highly skilled, highly educated job seekers get hired? Why are so many experienced professionals being laid off? There is an employability crises for overqualified job seekers and this episode of Cheeky Scientist News digs into how to get hired, even if you're qualifications currently confuse (or, intimidate) hiring managers.

To counteract the overqualified label, PhDs should focus on tailoring their application to match the job's requirements closely.

This is your chance to dispel any concerns about your overqualification and to demonstrate how your background can be an asset.

Understanding why industry employers may view PhDs as overqualified and recognizing the signs can empower candidates to navigate job applications more effectively.

Showing that you’re not just looking for a job but are deeply interested in the work itself indicates a naturally critical and analytical mindset.

Answering "Why are you leaving academia?" offers a unique opportunity to showcase your motivations, aspirations, and the value you bring to industry.

By understanding how to project certainty through consensus, repetition, ease, and preparedness to defend your qualifications, you can more effectively persuade interviewers of your suitability for the role.

One of the biggest mistakes PhDs make when interviewing is not adapting to the interviewer's communication style.

Avoiding these mistakes requires self-awareness, preparation, and the ability to adapt to the dynamics of the interview.

Applying to multiple jobs at the same company at once can be perceived as unfocused or desperate, which is not the first impression you want to make.

While not every reposted job will lead to success, your proactive approach and willingness to refine your application can improve your chances in the future.

When you're applying for a position without having all the skills, your resume should be more than a list of experiences; it should tell a story of your learning journey.

Hiring managers are more likely to pay immediate attention to candidates recommended by trusted colleagues, increasing your chances of being considered for the role

By taking these steps after applying for a job, you're not just waiting for an opportunity; you're actively pursuing it, and in today's job market, that's a distinction that can make all the difference.

The new limit necessitates a more strategic approach to LinkedIn outreach, emphasizing the value of each connection request and the need for personalization to maximize the effectiveness of each invite.

A recent report published in Fast Company found that 91% of alumni connections are willing to refer a fellow alum.

Get empowered with Donna & Isaiah with today's topics of anxiety and building leadership routines to reduce stress and achieve career success.

Excluding quantified results from your resume is enough to get an automated rejection or silence. Many of today's AI filters will also screen out your resume if you're rounding numbers to the nearest 5 or 0.

Understanding who is looking at your profile can offer strategic insights into your visibility on the platform.

Premium can be particularly valuable for job seekers looking to rapidly expand their professional network, connect with hiring managers, or reach out to potential references

Everything you post online or have posted is being scored and how much of a risk you are to an employer is being ranked.

Get empowered with Donna & Isaiah with today's topics of building trust, neutrality and in-person interactions.

Certainty is compelling. If you believe in your abilities and can communicate them effectively, employers are more likely to believe in you too.

By effectively communicating your skills and experience in a way that resonates with industry hiring managers, you can turn your advanced degree into an asset, not a liability.

To clinch that coveted role, you need to demonstrate not just competence but a burning desire to win.

The longer you wait, the more competitive the job market becomes. By applying quickly and efficiently, you increase your chances of getting interviews and, ultimately, a new job.

The path to your ideal job might be challenging, but it's not insurmountable.

By adopting a proactive approach centered around asking thoughtful questions, engaging in informational interviewing, and showcasing genuine curiosity, PhDs like you can navigate the digital networking landscape with confidence.