Welcome PracticalMouse! The last two months will fly by, which may or may not be a good thing...

Thank you both, that has helped a bit. I am well into my write up, three significant chapters finished and half-way through the next one. Then one more to go and all the nitty gritty... Some days I just feel like it's neverending, writing, refining, writing more...

I am now in the 'good feedback, no job' club too! Had my first interview for a research post yesterday, and they gave me almost immediate positive feedback, but said they'd decided to employ someone whose previous research was more similar to theirs. I am trying to focus on the 'good feedback' aspect of the experience, but it's also a bit frustrating that they ultimately selected on the basis of information that was on the CV - feel like nothing I could say or do in the interview was going to make any difference!

It could be that they have interviewed 4-6 candidates each of whom has a stronger or weaker match to their research. If you have a weak match then you will always be struggling but remember you will be cheaper.
The interviewer will probably recruit based on skills/experience matching, reputation (if any), whether the candidate is known to them, personality match, enthusiasm and knowledge about the post and finally cost. There will be other things as well but I suspect these are the main things. If yo get interviewed it means you usually have at least a chance. What you need to do is identify what THEY are looking for and demonstrate what you have which matches that. This is especially important if you lack the skills and experience match. It's unlikely going to be down to a pure CV match.

This infuriates me too Chickpea. One interview I had a few weeks ago was similar. It was for a teaching position (teaching academic skills to undergrads) and this is something I have done as part of other modules I have taught, but have never taught 'academic skills' as a stand alone thing. During the interview, I provided examples from modules I have taught where I have specifically helped students develop an academic skill- all entirely relevant to the questions. One of the panel interrupted me when I started an answer with 'when I was teaching x module at x university, I supported students with...' she jumped in 'NO, I meant when you have ONLY taught academic skills' (?) I was quite taken back and another panel member told me to continue with my answer. THEN later in the interview, I began answering a question from another panel member in a similar way (referring to a module that was not 'academic skills' but included this within it) and the same panel member who interrupted me tutted (yes tutted!) and sighed.

Obviously, this was very rude in itself, but I mean it was like they had not even looked at my CV. Within ten mins of that interview, I just wanted to leave as it became clear we were wasting each others time and I wasted a lot of money travelling to it.

I believe for the majority of jobs in academia, they already have someone in mind for the job, and are just interviewing to go through the official formal process.

That sounds like an awful experience, Zutterfly, with the only possible silver lining being that you don't have to work with such a rude and impatient person. I always think that if someone comes across so badly before you even get the job, things can only get worse from there.

My interview was thankfully a lot easier-going than that one, but the lead interviewer did say during the interview that his reservation about me was my research background and how I would fit with the team, and they confirmed when they rang me later in the day that they'd given the job to someone whose experience matched the research better. They asked if they could keep my application on file as they have other posts coming up, so we'll see, although obviously I need to plough onwards with finding something in the mean time!

I'd second that! I've never heard of anyone being so rude! Awful behaviour.

I know and to make matters worse, that was my first formal job interview in 6 years! So, I was already very nervous beforehand, I was relieved when it was over and really did not want the job after what I witnessed during the interview.

I had another job interview one week later and that was much easier- pleasant panel, positive body language. They were all so enthusiastic about everything I said and it was a punch to the gut when I didn't get that one, but like you Chickpea, they said they have another post coming up and asked me to apply for that one but I need to find something soon. We can't just wait around!

I applied to two this week, but realised after applying for one that the travel costs would take up the majority of my wage and not leave enough for rent/bills (there is nothing locally). Train fares are so ridiculously expensive, even with a season ticket.

I am having some informal meetings this week about casual teaching across a few different institutions starting next semester- should hopefully buy me some time to put in more job applications for something more secure rather than bits and pieces of income from different places on zero hours contracts.

This sounds like a good plan. I've also got a couple of temporary things lined up for a few months before I get a proper job. It takes the pressure off a little.

I'm going back into one of my old jobs on a zero hours basis this week. Better the devil you know and all that, plus it will motivate me to get out of there once again, I am sure :-)

Hugh- that's great, what will you be doing? :) Only a couple of mine are confirmed at the moment but fingers crossed after some meetings this week I should have a few more temporary roles.

Chickpea- That sounds like a good idea, it will get you back into the swing of employment :) If you don't mind me asking, what field is your old job in?

Sent you a pm, Zutterfly :)

Hello all. Happy to report that I submitted last week. It's not perfect but it's done, which I think should be the motto for PhD study in general!

Back at my zero hours contract job here too. Going to take until Christmas off before actively seeking employment in HE - hopefully! My viva is in the new year so don't have to think about that for a few weeks either thank goodness!

For anyone else writing up, I didn't think I could ever finish and submit,but you can and will get there. Stay strong!

litphdgirl, congratulations and well done! :-)

Zutterfly, I'm doing some teaching. But I will need to crack on to find a permanent job.