FINDING A NEW CAREER
your reading list
When it comes to starting a job search outside of academia, it can be easy for you to get overwhelmed and struggle to know where to begin.
To help you get started and stay on track, I’ve created a 5-step framework to guide and support your efforts.
For each of these steps, I’ve written detailed articles exploring the activities you need to undertake, and the outputs you need to create. I’ve also written about the whole process of getting started with your job search, for instance, learning about the non-academic job market and adopting the right mindset for changing careers. There are also guest articles by other career experts.
You can work through this reading list according to which step of your job search you’re at, or dip in and out, depending upon where you feel you need support.
My 5-step job search framework:
Getting started (things you need to know first)
Step 1: Identify your transferable skills – knowing what you can do
Step 2: Choose your profession – focusing your job search
Step 3: Get the right experience – proving that you can do it
Step 4: Create your professional brand – communicating your value
Step 5: Tell a great story – shining in interviews
filter articles:
Applying for jobs outside academia – from PhD to fellow professional
Question: After your PhD, how do you go about marketing your skills and capabilities to employers outside of academia?
Answer: Work on presenting yourself as a fellow professional who is just changing sectors, moving out of higher education into working in business or for not-for-profit organisations.
How to translate your skills into language employers can understand
On 14 May 2016 had the pleasure of giving a talk on ‘How to translate your skills into language employers can understand’, for the 2016 Beyond the Professoriate conference.
Join a professional association before leaving academia
Are you looking for ways to add weight to your resume when moving outside of academia? Why not give your applications a boost by joining a professional organisation or association in your target field of employment?
Sorry to turn you down, but you’re overqualified
I recently answered a question over on my Facebook page, about what to do when your job application is rejected because you’re ‘overqualified’. This is a frustrating response for applicants to receive; and researchers transitioning out of academia may encounter it more than most.
How to convert a scientific CV into a business CV
Seán is back with another guest post, this time on the tricky subject of turning your scientific CV into a business CV!
How to get a job using LinkedIn
In the first ever guest post for Jobs on Toast, Seán Mac Fhearraigh explains the benefits of using LinkedIn during your job search. Enjoy!
