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:

Step 4 Chris Humphrey Step 4 Chris Humphrey

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.

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