Question about post-viva job applications

F

Hi. I'm currently looking at jobs, and I was wondering how to read into some of the job specifications. Some of them mention that a first degree is essential, even with a PhD. Is this something that is still, in practical terms, considered essential or is there some leeway on this? I have a 2:1 from a BSc and a MSc on top of a PhD so I imagine it wouldn't be a probem. However, those of you with experience in this, I'd like to hear from you.

T

I don't have experience in this, but my advice to you is apply anyway. That seems such a small thing for a potential employer to be hung up on. I think if you have the skill set they are looking for and a PhD, they don't really care about the undergrad result.

F

Quote From TreeofLife:
I don't have experience in this, but my advice to you is apply anyway. That seems such a small thing for a potential employer to be hung up on. I think if you have the skill set they are looking for and a PhD, they don't really care about the undergrad result.


I agree with you, and I do apply anyway. I'm just thinking of anything and everything related to having a succesful job application and how to write a better one. So far I've had four rejections out of six applications, and I'm writing at least another three over the next week or so.

B

There is a difference between a 'first degree' and a 'first class degree' - the former just means that you need to have the BA/ BSc in the subject requested. Many universities use that phrasing in job ads so thought it was worth pointing out.

T

Very good point bewildered.

And try not to be disheartened frere_damas (I should take my own advice haha). I applied for 7 postdocs and got 1 interview (current postdoc). Recently I've been applying for 20 non-academic positions and had 3 unsuccessful interviews and there's 2 interviews still to go. Your numbers are pretty average at the moment.

P

I'm fairly sure that when they say you need a first degree they are referring to the bachelors, not the classification. So apply away.

F

Thanks for the tips, looks like that's the case.

It's a sad sense of reassurance that the numbers are normal! Getting jobs in the field shouldn't be this hard. =/

T

Quote From frere_damas:

It's a sad sense of reassurance that the numbers are normal! Getting jobs in the field shouldn't be this hard. =/


Indeed, especially if you've done everything right, i.e. you have publications, conference presentations, networking etc...

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