Hey all!
Not the best start to the week: submitted two papers months ago and got responses today.

One paper submitted to the top journal in my field got rejected- the editor's letter was personalised and said that the analysis was well-exectued and it was interesting but not significant enough for a general-interest journal. I don't even know what that means to be honest! I introduce a new model for heaven's sake so it can't get more original than that! If the analysis was poor (i.e. the model was flawed) then fair enough but this is strange- is it common to get rejections from journals (I don't know what the stats for rejection/acceptance are generally) any clues?

The second paper got a revise and resubmit, and I have to add more sections (though I don't need to do more research) even though it's based on my PhD which passed and was praised by my supervisor. Is it just me or is it very difficult to get published anywhere these days (this journal doesn't have the same impact factor ranking).

Starting to feel a bit discouraged by the publishing side of academia but I don't have much experience so any views would be appreciated.

Hey Sadface I'm sorry to hear about your ordeal. First things first, marasp is absolutely right: this outcome is in fact VERY COMMON! The 2 most common outcomes are pass with major corrections and R&R. I passed with minor corrections that only my internal was required to approve but went thru a horrid experience of waiting for months prior to approval (as documented here). Will use my experience and keep it short:

1) Several ppl in my department got an R&R so it's common (one in fact was not allowed to resit and had to either accept an MPhil or leave!)
2) Use this as an opportunity to enhance your work and maybe get at least a couple of publications out of it.
3) Ppl who get R&R, as noted above, do tend to receive more support from their department, as one of my PhD cohort colleagues is currently after getting that verdict.
4) Don't blame your supervisor or yourself. If I were you, I'd try to improve relations with him/her at this stage as antagonism is unhelpful (and may harm you when you need references for applications in the future whether postdocs etc...)
5) As Pineapple30 said: forget Facebook and don't look at others! I'm currently doing that myself as I try to get papers published: it's a weakness that I myself struggle with but I am deactivating Facebook as it's detrimental in every sense of the word.
6) Follow the examiner's Joint Report recommendations TO THE LETTER!! That's fundamental: after doing my corrections I wrote a separate several thousand word report explaining how I tackled each one of the 6 points! You can use that in your 2nd viva to present your case.

We're here for you, and if you need any info do let me know as I know firsthand how demoralising this experience can be at first- STAY POSITIVE you'll get the PhD for certain.

Thanks HazyJane will get someone to look at the CV. In the meantime, I've just been applying for jobs and fellowships, working on publications on the side, and keeping my fingers crossed. Is there anything else I can do?

Hi HazyJane
Many thanks for the wonderful reply! I certainly don't resent anyone finding happiness that's cruel- I am simply not happy about my situation and those people I referred to happen to be my best friends.
I have emailed a few individuals that I became acquainted with either through conferences or my supervisor- fingers crossed this will lead to something. As for someone looking at the CV, unfortunately I cannot use the Careers Service at my uni as I'm currently overseas, but I don't think it's a bad CV.
I am just shocked at how competitive this whole thing is, and was hoping there are others with similar experiences who could share their views. It's not that I frown upon people who are not as qualified or their jobs- it's just that I went thru so much to get this PhD and asking for a job that appeals to my skillset (pay is not an issue) is not unreasonable. Are you currently in the same boat?

I passed my viva with minor corrections a few months ago and currently I'm applying for postdocs and research jobs in NGOs/companies. I'm currently in Canada as I got a part-time teaching job last November which lasted until July of this year, and am currently applying for jobs both in Canada and the UK. The one thing I seem to have underestimated is how competitive getting a job has become: my PhD is in Economics from Oxbridge, I have 4 years research and teaching experience, speak four languages fluently, and am good at both quant and qualitative methods (used both for my thesis).
Nonetheless, now I feel so worthless: I have submitted applications for JRFs but even my supervisor warned me they are fiercely competitive, applied for vacancies at two Canadian ministries, and am going to apply for another postdoc back in the UK. Was it a mistake to do the PhD? It's just so depressing to see ppl who don't even have a Bachelors working and getting married, etc...whilst I'm not getting any younger and still can't find one job in either country. Is anyone going thru a similar situation? Would appreciate any comments as I'm new to this experience.

Hi Patseya
Sorry for my late response have been busy working on publications and postdoc applications- yeah in my case my relationship with my Masters supervisor was not great but my undergraduate and PhD supervisor love me. I asked them to write me references, and the third is from a former manager of mine at work where I used to be a researcher. As for Vimes, you're right: if you're not sure someone will 100% write you a good reference DO NOT ask them! That's the rule I'm following.

Shouldn't be an issue to be honest. As long as it is not Wikipedia or something like that for example I don't see an issue.

In my case I didn't have anybody: it was just me and the internal and external examiners. I don't think it makes any difference since the supervisor/invigilator obviously cannot do much during the viva. In fact, my theory is that you approach the viva with confidence in your work without anyone being there it psychologically leaves an impression on the examiners. I passed with minor corrections and now I think my ability to retort and respond to their questions played a significant part. My viva by the way lasted 2 hours so it was gruelling.

Congratulations Dr. Button from Dr. Incognito :)

Thanks Patseya,
The only issue is that I passed with corrections and my supervisor suggested that I avoid them as rarely do the examiners act as referees (unless they were totally impressed with the thesis). I've had issues with my internal examiner as documented on this forum a while back. I've contacted my Masters supervisor and the editor of that Journal for which I acted as a reviewer and hope they respond. I'm trying to avoid my examiners after what my supervisor said. Does he have a point?
PS: what's TVBW?

Hi all,

Am applying to postdoc positions to start Oct 2014 and as usual they ask for three letters of recommendation. Good thing is my supervisor really likes me and will write something awesome for certain. Trouble is, who should I select for the other two? I didn't teach during my PhD, however I did act as a reviewer for a paper and the editor of the journal praised me for my excellent comments. Could I select him as a referee? I'm not sure I'd like to ask my examiners even though I passed with minor corrections months ago. Thanks.

You don't need to be physically in the UK; I'm currently teaching overseas. Once the examiner lets you know by email inform the University and discuss with them the bureaucratic procedures. This thing happens very often so don't feel pressured into staying in the UK until they respond.

Hey Sunshine!
I'm in a similar position, passed viva with minor corrections. I submitted my corrections first time a month after, but my internal only replied to me about 5 months later, saying he wanted to see more!!! So I had to resend the thesis with the corrections (that was about 3 weeks ago), and he has yet to respond. My case is more of an extreme than the rule, but it could take them a few weeks to respond. Didn't they tell u in the viva who will check? I was told it would be only the internal. Anyways, I suggest you do what I will do. I agreed with my supervisor if he doesn't come back end of next week I'll send him an email, and if he still doesn't respond, then I'll contact the graduate studies office. I say in your case, wait another 2 weeks before sending such an email to both examiners.

Hi Brit27,
You're right having issues with the internal is unfortunate, and in my case I'm certain it is ego since he's very passionate about something that I strongly criticise in my viva :(. At any rate I'm waiting until mid this month and then send him an email to find out what's happening. In the end, I just hope he approves the corrections so I can move on with my life.

You're right: in my view your case sounds like more of a "pass with corrections" than a resubmission. Acknowledging the other methods can be easily done by including a section in a chapter (your theoretical framework chapter or introduction depending on how you structure your thesis). Are the other points raised in the report all content related, or are some grammatical/minor?

HI Brit27,
I sympathise with your predicament, as someone who's having his own issues with examiners (my internal to be specific). Can you not simply acknowledge the presence of the other research methods in your thesis prior to explaining why you use yours? I did that with my theoretical framework: I explained the different theories before emphasising the relevance of the one I choose to my case study.

As far as your publications/citations, that is impressive. In fact, as far as whether this would be conducive in a viva, it is a double-edged sword: some examiners would be impressed, others wouldn't: I presented at a conference for RAF intelligence officials, and while my internal is aware of my presentation (which was widely praised, including by the head of my department), it did not stop him from challenging me and giving me a torrid time in the viva. I agree with Dr. Jeckyll that jealousy could be at play here, or simply ego (which is the case in my situation).

Finally, whilst I understand what bewildered is saying about formal appeals, I still believe you should give it a shot as a last resort. I feel like you have a very strong case; in my case I certainly will go for that option if he doesn't approve the last two corrections. I think appeals boards can distinguish between "fake" and "genuine" appeals, and yours sounds like a genuine one. Don't let that deter you.

Will keep in touch as I am very interested in your case due to the similarities. Chin up I promise you'll be Dr. Brit27! I don't think unis fail students in their PhDs unless their theses are TERRIBLE (i.e. not even fit for a Masters). I would advise u to do what I did this time around for the revisions: DOCUMENT EVERYTHING!! I wrote a separate report explaining what I did, page numbers, etc... This would reinforce my case should I consider an appeal.