“CVs are not just passive records of things that you happen to do. […] The [academic] CV is a document that you grow with intention and deliberate effort” – Karen Kelsky: The Professor Is In (2016), p.94 This post originally appeared on ‘The PhD Place’ (17th June 2023). Over the past 6 years in myContinue reading “A Document with Intention: 5 top tips for your academic CV”
Category Archives: Making job applications
I Practised What I Preached: What happened when a PhD careers adviser took her own advice
‘I give myself very good advice, but I very seldom follow it’ – Alice, Alice in Wonderland 2022 marked me passing five years in my current job. Over five years… that’s the longest I’ve ever done anything. Longer than any degree I’ve done, relationship I’ve had, place I’ve lived (except my parental home). With thisContinue reading “I Practised What I Preached: What happened when a PhD careers adviser took her own advice”
What industries really value… and how to leverage this in your post-PhD job hunt
In academia, you might publish a paper and then say to an industry employer ‘hey, look, I have this thing!’ And the industry employer will respond ‘Ah, ok great…… what is that??’ – Eric James Stephens There’s a line in the Barenaked Ladies song ‘One Week’ (or as we called it at school, ‘The ChineseContinue reading “What industries really value… and how to leverage this in your post-PhD job hunt”
‘Someone who can’… how to close-read your way to convincing post-PhD job applications
‘You might think, for example, that as a teacher you’re an obvious fit for a non-profit seeking someone with “great communication skills.” But unless you know what that phrase means in the context of the organisation, you’re likely to miss the mark when enumerating your specific talents.’ – Dr Christopher L. Caterine I haven’t talkedContinue reading “‘Someone who can’… how to close-read your way to convincing post-PhD job applications”
Be the solution: how to really articulate your PhD (and other) skills to employers
‘Change your perspective from “how can I beat the odds and win the tenure-track jackpot prize?” to “how can I be the solution to a department’s hiring problem?”’ – Dr Loleen Berdahl & Dr Jonathan Malloy There’s nothing like friends sending you photos of their home-baked halloumi and mint focaccia to make you feel inadequate.Continue reading “Be the solution: how to really articulate your PhD (and other) skills to employers”