{"id":657,"date":"2012-10-10T04:08:29","date_gmt":"2012-10-10T02:08:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/antoine.wojdyla.free.fr\/blog\/?p=657"},"modified":"2014-02-11T21:25:17","modified_gmt":"2014-02-11T19:25:17","slug":"finding-a-job-phd","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/antoine.wojdyla.fr\/blog\/2012\/10\/10\/finding-a-job-phd\/","title":{"rendered":"Finding a job – PhD edition"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ok, so now you’re a PhD, and you’re looking for a job in the industry, because you realized that academia was rotten<\/a>, and you have no fear of making a step ahead<\/a>.
\nYou’re looking for a super position, but you will face a lot of incomprehension :<\/p>\"Super<\/a>But no hope is lost !<\/p>(edit December ’13)\u00a0If you live in the Bay Area, and you are interested in doing a job in data science, you might want to enroll\u00a0Insight<\/a>, which is a 6-weeks program for postdoc on the topic of data science. There are about 4 sessions a year (the January one is beast suited for foreigners, since they can have interviews immediately after, apply for a H1-B visa right for the April deadline and start working in October). It is a fully paid fellowship, the attached string is that you have to go into interviews with companies that are partners to the program (facebook, LinkedIn, etc.) and you might be required to give a hand once in a while.
\nApplications deadlines are about 2 months before the sessions.<\/em><\/p><\/p>Note to foreigners applying for jobs in the US : your resume must show no mention of your age, your nationality and contain no photo : due to legal issues, employers have to be able to prove they had been neutral, so they will instantly send your resume to the trashbin if it does not comply with these rules.<\/p>There are some website, such as indeed<\/a> indeed, but applying online is utterly unuseful : an online job offer can be i) a recruiter’s last hope to find a candidate with the right skills, which you will not have ii) a legal obligation for the recruiter, while already have the perfect candidate at hand. In any case, they receive shit tons of applications (100+, sometimes 1000), so the odds that they will pick yours are at best infinitesimal.
\nYou can still try, I might be wrong… and it doesn’t cost much to give it a shot.<\/p>The best (if not the only) way to land a job is always by contact, especially when you come from research. For that, LinkedIn<\/a> is currently the big thing. Be sure your profile is complete and good looking (You can read more on how improve you use of it here<\/a>.)
\nAs a general rule, avoid cold contact : it bothers people, who might be afraid to lose credibility if you are a bad match. Instead, thread through your contacts to find acquaintances that may help you. You can always ask people to have a phone call, they are generally very give good advices, thanks to the power of hubris<\/em>.<\/p>There a good online ressources for resumes etc., such as resumebear<\/a>.
\nYou will also find very interesting informations on how to shift from academia to the industry on the Berkeley’s Postdocs or the Industry Exploration websit<\/a>e (I really liked attending this one<\/a>).
\nHere’s my share :<\/p>\n

Skills acquired during your PhD\/postdoc<\/h2>

After spending half a decade or more in research, you probably forgot what you learn, maybe thinking that all you know to do is bullshit.
\nBut it’s not ! You just have raised your standards… don’t forget the big picture.<\/p>Here’s some of the skills any PhD have acquired during his education :<\/p>Research, data analysis, written and verbal communication<\/p>\n

    \n
  • \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Time, budget, and project management. Add \u2018Supervisor Management\u2019 on the list, as well!<\/li>\n
  • \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Intellectual maturity, ability to process information in a timely and efficient manner<\/li>\n
  • \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ability to work with limited or no supervision<\/li>\n
  • \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ability to work in a team, using relevant lab equipment<\/li>\n
  • \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Strong commitment and work ethic, perseverance and management of uncertainty (and change)<\/li>\n
  • \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Natural (by this point!) aptitude towards high quality work, originality, excellence<\/li>\n
  • \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ability to effectively impart knowledge and deliver training<\/li>\n
  • \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Administrative experience (organising module timetables, producing student and module progress reports, participating in departmental meetings, managing whole modules)<\/li>\n<\/ul>

    Project skills:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • Project management<\/li>\n
    • Managing budgets<\/li>\n
    • Team working<\/li>\n
    • Problem solving<\/li>\n
    • Organising meetings and events<\/li>\n<\/ul>

      Entrepreneurship:<\/p>\n

        \n
      • Thought leadership<\/li>\n
      • Innovation<\/li>\n
      • Bidding for funding<\/li>\n
      • Networking<\/li>\n
      • International experience<\/li>\n<\/ul>

        Communication skills:<\/p>\n

          \n
        • Writing<\/li>\n
        • Public speaking<\/li>\n
        • Publicity and PR<\/li>\n
        • Stakeholder management<\/li>\n
        • Web, email and social media<\/li>\n<\/ul>

          Knowledge and information skills:<\/p>\n

            \n
          • Research<\/li>\n
          • Teaching and training<\/li>\n
          • Managing information<\/li>\n
          • ICT<\/li>\n
          • Writing Reports<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            Preparing an interview<\/h2>

            I found this advices somewhere on the internt.
            \nI couldn’t find the source, so I will ctrl+c\/v it for you !<\/p>Don’t forget that, at your level, recruiters assume<\/em> that you have prepared the interview.
            \nThis is the least they should ask from somebody in a near exec position- it’s like doing homework : if you don’t nobody is going to blame you, but you will have to endure the consequences !
            \nFeel free to blend the previous paragraph with this one, to come up with the best possible preparatiob<\/p>1. Why do you want to work in this industry?<\/strong><\/p>Bad answer:
            \n\u201cI love to shop. Even as a kid, I spent hours flipping through catalogues.\u201d<\/p>Don\u2019t just say you like it. Anyone can do that. Focus instead on your history with that particular industry, and if you can, tell a success story.<\/p>Good answer:
            \n\u201cI\u2019ve always loved shopping, but my interest in retail marketing really started when I worked at a neighborhood boutique. I knew our clothes were amazing, but that we weren\u2019t marketing them properly. So I worked with management to come up with a marketing strategy that increased our sales by 25% in a year. It was great to be able to contribute positively to an industry I feel so passionate about, and to help promote a product I really believed in.\u201d<\/p>2. Tell us about yourself.<\/strong><\/p>Bad answer:
            \n\u201cI graduated four years ago from the University of Michigan, with a Bachelor\u2019s in Biology \u2013 but I decided that wasn\u2019t the right path for me. So I switched gears and got my first job, working in sales for a startup. Then I went on to work in marketing for a law firm. After that, I took a few months off to travel. Finally, I came back and worked in marketing again. And now, here I am, looking for a more challenging marketing role.\u201d<\/p>Instead of giving a chronological work history, focus on your strengths and how they pertain to the role. If possible, illustrate with examples.<\/p>Good answer:
            \n\u201cI\u2019m really energetic, and a great communicator. Working in sales for two years helped me build confidence, and taught me the importance of customer loyalty. I\u2019ve also got a track record of success. In my last role, I launched a company newsletter, which helped us build on our existing relationships and create new ones. Because of this, we ended up seeing a revenue increase of 10% over two years. I\u2019m also really interested in how companies can use web tools to better market themselves, and would be committed to building on your existing platform.\u201d<\/p>3. What do you think of your previous boss?<\/strong><\/p>Bad answer:
            \n\u201cHe was completely incompetent, and a nightmare to work with, which is why I\u2019ve moved on\u201d<\/p>Remember: if you get the job, the person interviewing you will some day be your previous boss. The last thing they want is to hire someone who they know is going to badmouth them some day. Instead of trashing your former employer, stay positive, and focus on what you learned from him (no matter how awful he really was).<\/p>Good answer:
            \n\u201cMy last boss taught me the importance of time management \u2013 he didn\u2019t pull any punches, and was extremely deadline-driven. His no-nonsense attitude pushed me to work harder, and to meet deadlines I never even thought were possible.\u201d<\/p>4. Why are you leaving your current role?<\/strong><\/p>Bad answer:
            \n\u201cI can\u2019t stand my boss, or the work I\u2019m doing.\u201d<\/p>Again, stay away from badmouthing your job or employer. Focus on the positive.<\/p>Good answer:
            \n\u201cI\u2019ve learned a lot from my current role, but now I\u2019m looking for a new challenge, to broaden my horizons and to gain a new skill-set \u2013 all of which, I see the potential for in this job.\u201d<\/p>5. Where do you see yourself in five years?<\/strong><\/p>Bad answer:
            \n\u201cRelaxing on a beach in Maui,\u201d or \u201cDoing your job.\u201d<\/p>There\u2019s really no right answer to this question, but the interviewer wants to know that you\u2019re ambitious, career-oriented, and committed to a future with the company. So instead of sharing your dream for early retirement, or trying to be funny, give them an answer that illustrates your drive and commitment.<\/p>Good answer:
            \n\u201cIn five years I\u2019d like to have an even better understanding of this industry. Also, I really love working with people. Ultimately, I\u2019d like to be in some type of managerial role at this company, where I can use my people skills and industry knowledge to benefit the people working for me, and the company as a whole.”<\/p>6. What\u2019s your greatest weakness?<\/strong><\/p>Bad answer:
            \n\u201cI work too hard,\u201d or for the comedian, \u201cBlondes.\u201d<\/p>This question is a great opportunity to put a positive spin on something negative, but you don\u2019t want your answer to be clich\u00e9 \u2013 joking or not. Instead, try to use a real example of a weakness you have learned to overcome.<\/p>Good answer:
            \n\u201cI\u2019ve never been very comfortable with public speaking \u2013 which as you know, can be a hindrance in the workplace. Realizing this was a problem, I asked my previous employer if I could enroll in a speech workshop. He said \u201cyes.\u201d I took the class, and was able to overcome my lifelong fear. Since then, I\u2019ve given lots of presentations to audiences of over a 100 high level executives \u2013 I still don\u2019t love it, but no one else can tell!\u201d<\/p>7. What salary are you looking for?<\/strong><\/p>Bad answer:
            \n\u201cIn my last job I earned $35,000 \u2013 so, now I\u2019m looking for $40,000\u201d<\/p>If you can avoid it, don\u2019t give an exact number. The first person to name a price in a salary negotiation loses. Instead, re-iterate your commitment to the job itself. If you have to, give a broad range based on research you\u2019ve conducted on that particular role, in your particular city.<\/p>Good answer:
            \n\u201cI\u2019m more interested in the role itself than the pay. That said, I\u2019d expect to be paid the appropriate range for this role, based on my five years of experience. I also think a fair salary would bear in mind the high cost of living here in New York City.\u201d<\/p>8. Why should I hire you?<\/strong><\/p>Bad answer:
            \n\u201cI\u2019m the best candidate for the role.\u201d<\/p>A good answer will reiterate your qualifications, and will highlight what makes you unique.<\/p>Good answer:
            \n\u201cI\u2019ve been an Executive Assistant for the past ten years \u2013 my boss has said time and time again that without me, the organization would fall apart. I\u2019ve also taken the time to educate myself on some of the software I regularly use (but didn\u2019t really understand the ins and outs of). I\u2019m an Excel wiz now, which means I can work faster, and take over some of what my boss would traditionally have had to do himself. What\u2019s good enough for most people is never really good enough for me.\u201d<\/p>9. What is your greatest failure, and what did you learn from it?<\/strong><\/p>Bad answer:
            \nI never finished law school \u2013 and everything that\u2019s happened since has taught me that giving up, just because the going gets tough, is a huge mistake.\u201d<\/p>You don\u2019t want to actually highlight a major regret \u2013 especially one that exposes an overall dissatisfaction with your life. Instead, focus on a smaller, but significant, mishap, and how it has made you a better professional.<\/p>Good answer:
            \n\u201cWhen I was in college, I took an art class to supplement my curriculum. I didn\u2019t take it very seriously, and assumed that, compared to my Engineering classes, it would be a walk in the park. My failing grades at midterm showed me otherwise. I\u2019d even jeopardized my scholarship status. I knew I had to get my act together. I spent the rest of the semester making up for it, ended up getting a decent grade in the class. I learned that no matter what I\u2019m doing, I should strive to do it to the best of my ability. Otherwise, it\u2019s not worth doing at all.\u201d<\/p>10. How do you explain your gap in employment?<\/strong><\/p>Bad answer:
            \n“I was so tired of working, and I needed a break,\u201d or \u201cI just can\u2019t find a job.\u201d<\/p>Employment gaps are always tough to explain. You don\u2019t want to come across as lazy or unhireable. Find a way to make your extended unemployment seem like a choice you made, based on the right reasons.<\/p>Good answer:
            \n\u201cMy work is important to me, so I won\u2019t be satisfied with any old job. Instead of rushing to accept the first thing that comes my way, I\u2019m taking my time and being selective to make sure my next role is the right one.”<\/p>11. When were you most satisfied in your job?<\/strong><\/p>Bad answer:
            \n“I was most satisfied when I did well, and got praised for my work.\u201d<\/p>Don\u2019t give vague answers. Instead, think about something you did well \u2013 and enjoyed \u2013that will be relevant at this new job. This is an opportunity for you to share your interests, prove that you\u2019re a great fit for the job and showcase your enthusiasm.<\/p>Good answer:
            \n\u201cI\u2019m a people person. I was always happiest \u2013 and most satisfied \u2013 when I was interacting with customers, making sure I was able to meet their needs and giving them the best possible customer experience. It was my favorite part of the job, and it showed \u2013 I was rated as \u201cGood or Excellent\u201d 95% of the time. Part of the reason I\u2019m interested in this job is that I know I\u2019d have even more interaction with customers, on an even more critical level.”<\/p>12. What did you like least about your last job?<\/strong><\/p>Bad answer:
            \n“A lack of stability. I felt like the place could collapse around me at any time.\u201d<\/p>Try and stay away from anything that draws on the politics, culture or financial health of your previous employer. No matter how true it might be, comments like these will be construed as too negative. Also, you don\u2019t want to focus on a function that might be your responsibility in the next role. So think of something you disliked in your last job, but that you know for sure won\u2019t be part of this new role.<\/p>Good answer:
            \n\u201cThere was nothing about my last job that I hated, but I guess there were some things I liked less than others. My previous role involved traveling at least twice a month. While I do love to travel, twice a month was a little exhausting \u2013 I didn\u2019t like spending quite so much time out of the office. I\u2019m happy to see that this role involves a lot less travel.\u201d<\/p>13. Describe a time when you did not get along with a co-worker.<\/strong><\/p>Bad answer:
            \n“I\u2019m easy to get along with, so I\u2019ve never had any kind of discord with another coworker.\u201d<\/p>Interviewers don\u2019t like these types of \u201ceasy out\u201d answers. And besides, they know you are probably not telling the truth. Think of a relatively benign (but significant) instance, and spin it to be a positive learning experience.<\/p>Good answer:
            \n\u201cI used to lock heads with a fellow nurse in the INCU ward. We disagreed over a lot of things \u2013 from the care of patients to who got what shifts to how to speak with a child\u2019s family. Our personalities just didn\u2019t mesh. After three months of arguing, I pulled her aside and asked her to lunch. At lunch, we talked about our differences and why we weren\u2019t getting along. It turns out, it was all about communication. We communicated differently and once we knew that, we began to work well together. I really believe that talking a problem through with someone can help solve any issue.\u201d<\/p>14. What motivates you?<\/strong><\/p>Bad answer:
            \n“Doing a good job and being rewarded for it.\u201d<\/p>It\u2019s not that this answer is wrong \u2013 it\u2019s just that it wastes an opportunity. This question is practically begging you to highlight your positive attributes. So don\u2019t give a vague, generic response \u2013 it tells them very little about you. Instead, try and use this question as an opportunity to give the interviewer some insight into your character, and use examples where possible.<\/p>Good answer:
            \n\u201cI\u2019ve always been motivated by the challenge of meeting a tough deadline \u2013 in my last role, I was responsible for a 100% success rate in terms of delivering our products on time and within budget. I know that this job is very fast-paced, and deadline-driven \u2013 I\u2019m more than up for the challenge. In fact, I thrive on it.\u201d<\/p>15. How would your friends describe you?<\/strong><\/p>Bad answer:
            \n“I\u2019m a really good listener.\u201d<\/p>While being a good listener is a great personality trait, your employer probably doesn\u2019t care all that much. It\u2019s unlikely that they\u2019re hiring you to be a shoulder to cry on. You\u2019ll want to keep your answer relevant to the job you\u2019re interviewing for \u2013 and as specific as possible. If you can, insert an example.<\/p>Good answer:
            \n\u201cMy friends would probably say that I\u2019m extremely persistent \u2013 I\u2019ve never been afraid to keep going back until I get what I want. When I worked as a program developer, recruiting keynote speakers for a major tech conference, I got one rejection after another \u2013 this was just the nature of the job. But I really wanted the big players \u2013 so I wouldn\u2019t take no for an answer. I kept going back to them every time there was a new company on board, or some new value proposition. Eventually, many of them actually said \u201cyes\u201d \u2013 the program turned out to be so great that we doubled our attendees from the year before. A lot of people might have given up after the first rejection, but it\u2019s just not in my nature. If I know something is possible, I have to keep trying until I get it.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

            Ok, so now you’re a PhD, and you’re looking for a job in the industry, because you realized that academia was rotten, and you have no fear of making a step ahead. You’re looking for a super position, but you will face a lot of incomprehension :But no hope is lost !(edit December ’13)\u00a0If you […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11,6,16,5,10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-657","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-english","category-mood","category-resources","category-science-life","category-skepticality"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/antoine.wojdyla.fr\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/657","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/antoine.wojdyla.fr\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/antoine.wojdyla.fr\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/antoine.wojdyla.fr\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/antoine.wojdyla.fr\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=657"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"http:\/\/antoine.wojdyla.fr\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/657\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1089,"href":"http:\/\/antoine.wojdyla.fr\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/657\/revisions\/1089"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/antoine.wojdyla.fr\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=657"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/antoine.wojdyla.fr\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=657"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/antoine.wojdyla.fr\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=657"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}