======= Date Modified 29 46 2010 12:46:53 =======
Hello All,

May I ask how many jobs did you apply for before getting an interview/job?

I have applied for ten jobs so far, how many was yours? and how long you have been waiting?

I would like to know to keep me going :(

:$

There was another thread about this recently, here:

http://www.postgraduateforum.com/threadViewer.aspx?TID=14393

Personally I got the 4th job I applied for (research job, social science), but my husband put in 25+ before getting anything (humanities).

I've applied for probably over 20 non-academic jobs, only had 4 interviews and haven't got any of them. I think a lot of companies tend to advertise jobs but can't actually afford to take anyone on. My other suspicion is that a PhD may be a slight disadvantage - they probably think that us postgrads are incredibly geeky and have no life!!

Hi Someone 3

I applied for 7 jobs in all, 6 academic, one not. $ rejected me, I was offered interviews by the other 3, went to interview for one job, was offered it and accepted. Still don't know how I managed that, I was and still am a fairly average PhD student (thesis defence 21st of May), I had a decent but not amazing interview, and there were plenty of other applicants. My field is neurosciences, maybe this had something to do with it.

Good luck is all I can say, this seems to be what is required.

Cakeman

Hello cakeman,
Would it be possible for you give us some tips on how to get a job in academia from your experience...so far I applied for tens of job but without a success!!. Your opinion highly appreciated....P.S I do not have any teaching experience and I have finished my PhD.

Hi Looking4job

As far as tips for job hunting go, there are a few things I can recommend, although these are quite general, and you have probably already thought of them. If you want I can send you a copy of my CV/covering letters, just pm me your email.

1. Use the facilities available. Most universities have a decent careers service, get them to take a look at your CV, even if these people know nothing of your subject, they can still ensure that your CV looks slick.

2. Make the most of your experiences. Do not lie, however you can make things sound perhaps a little more significant than they actually are. For example, I was using a piece of equipment regularly, as I was the only user of this piece of equipment I also cleaned/maintained/serviced this. You may think this is all part of your job as a lab based student, but I chose to list it as a "technical responsibility" thus showing ability to owrk independantly etc. Basically try to sell even the small things you have done.

3. Tailor your application, in academia, length is better, in the outside world, it is not. Also really push the envelope with the covering letter, this is your only chance to write down why you should get the job. 3 good bullet points should do it. Also tailor your CV, so if collaborations are mentioned, try and find some example of this in your work, even very small examples can be made to look useful.

4. If you get an interview, make sure you know your field inside out, back to front etc, assuming you don't already. This is the one key expectation I think interviewers will have of you. Ensure that you can communicate this to your interviewers effectively. Also try and judge character to a certain extent, would the odd wisecrack go down well? and more importantly is this somebody you could work with in future. Interviews work both ways.

5. Widen your search, if you see a job description that you like the look of, but don't have all the key requirements, then maybe contact the employer and explain, "i don't have X, but I do have Y and Z and am really excited by your advertisemnt etc" This may work in a number of ways. You may be the only applicant, or they may appreciate your initiative. Generally when you do decide to go slightly speculative, if they get back and say have a go, or "you have to be in it to win it" as one place did with me, it is good manners to email first, and remeber that no means no.

6. Don't restrict yourself geographically. London is a nightmare for academic jobs at present, the north, somewhat less so methinks. Obviously if you have family a move is probably not the way to go. If it's just a partner then I'd say go anywhere, if the relationship is meant to last it will, if it wasn't it won't and less time will be wasted.

Good luck, pm me if you want any more tips

That is very nice of you cakeman, thanks for the informative reply,
Take care and good luck with your job. (up)

Cakeman you are a great man thank you very much for your tips...I did PM you with my email....I look forward to hearing from you....
(up)(up):-)

Ah...nice too hear people are having the same experiences...

I have thus far applied for 15 jobs (all non-academic) - rejected by 4, waiting to hear back from about 8, interviewing with one in a week and shortlisted for 2 more.
Frustrating, to say the least. And all that juggling with final thesis corrections and sorting out the viva etc...