Ashley Ruba, PhD’s Post

“But Isaiah, what if I don’t have all the skills on the job posting.” I’m asked this by a lot of PhDs. It’s a touchy subject, to say the least. Many PhDs dread the idea of an employer asking them about a skill they don’t have. Many imagine an employer will invite them to an interview, and start the interview with… “You didn’t list this skill we asked for - why? Why are you here?” This isn’t how it works, of course. Job postings are wish lists and no one has all the skills. Most job descriptions include a laundry list of qualifications, but hiring managers understand that finding a candidate who meets all these requirements is unlikely. They're looking for someone who can grow into the role, bring fresh perspectives, and contribute to the company's culture and goals. This is where your ability as a PhD to learn and adapt quickly becomes a significant asset. Employers are increasingly valuing a growth mindset. Candidates who demonstrate a willingness to learn and face challenges head-on are often seen as more valuable than those who boast perfect technical or niche skills but are less adaptable. When you're applying for a position without having all the skills, your resume should tell a story of your learning journey. For instance, you can include examples of times you've successfully learned a new skill or adapted to a new role. This could be through formal education, self-directed learning, or on-the-job training. Make sure to detail what you learned, how you applied it, and the outcomes. Employers value candidates who can think on their feet and overcome challenges. Include instances where you identified a problem, took the initiative to find a solution, and successfully implemented it, especially if you had to learn something new in the process. The ability to sell yourself, to demonstrate your potential and how you can add value to the company, often outweighs not having a specific skill.  Have you not applied to a job you liked because you didn’t have the skills? Tell me in a comment. Share this post to help inspire another job seeker. - Isaiah #jobsearch #jobtips #careerdevelopment #careercoach #phd #phdlife #postdoc #phdstudent #cheekyscientist

Reflecting on my experiences, I often ponder: which is the greater challenge, securing a job or finding the right PhD Supervisor? Searching for a job requires showcasing your skills, experiences, and personality in a competitive landscape, often marked by countless applications and interviews. On the flip side, finding a PhD supervisor demands a delicate balance of aligning research interests, securing funding, and building a strong rapport with a potential mentor. Having embarked on both journeys, I've come to understand that the silence of potential supervisors can be a silent killer, more painful than any rejection letter. Yet, I remain resolute in my positivity. Each interaction, whether fruitful or not, brings me one step closer to finding the perfect match for my academic pursuits. It's a journey marked by perseverance and determination. To all fellow seekers out there, remember: every setback is a setup for a comeback. Let's stay positive, keep knocking on doors, and trust that the right opportunity will soon unveil itself. Together, we'll navigate this path toward academic excellence! #PhDJourney #PositiveMindset #JobSearch #PhDLife #Persistence"

For the upcoming graduates somehow, it will help You don't need special motivation or guidance from any speaker's that are available in our market, just try to keep faith in yourself and move on with the flow 1. Keep pre decided at what sector you want to enter in. 2.Dig some research into that field so that you can gain some knowledge of it and decide that you will be the best person for the particular role you are going to acquire. 3.Don't rush for the job after completing any professional course firstly ask yourself that you can work at any condition or not parameters like pressure, target's and much more. 4.For the interview part it is compulsory to have a convincing talent in yourself so that you can easily convey your message to the sitting infront.

5 hidden biases that are costing you heavily in your Ph.D job search ➡️Availability Heuristic Bias This is about relying on immediate examples that come to mind when making decisions. That’s why In your job search you prioritize roles that are readily available or familiar, like post-doc, - its relatively easy and feels so much more achievable, isn’t it ? ➡️Sunk Cost Fallacy This is like sticking to something because you’ve already invested so much in it. It happened to you in your Ph.D. when you had to abandon experiments that did no good, and it was hard to move on but you did. And the same is happening again, you hesitate to change career paths because of the years spent in academia.   ➡️Confirmation Bias You looked for research that confirmed your hypothesis, ignoring conflicting data. Didn’t you? Well, I did, and that’s confirmation bias my friend. And it again kick’s in when you are planning to leave academia because you believe academia is the only prestigious path, ignoring non-academic opportunities. Guess what? You are right either way, because you will find data to support what you believe in. ➡️First Impression Bias Remember your paper getting accepted for review on submission in the first go ? It was because of right first impressions created with writing the abstract, reference style aligned with that of the journal. Same happens in industry, your first impressions are created through resume, LinkedIn & your communications & so First impressions can make or break your chances. ➡️And finally, the infamous Imposter Syndrome Feeling like a fraud despite your achievements? You’re not alone. This is more common than you know. And so when it comes to industry roles you doubt your own abilities, thinking, “Am I really good enough for this role?” Have You Fallen Victim to These Biases? Drop a 💡 if you have ever felt this way! P.S.: For me, it's always been imposter syndrome, and it probably always will be! Which one resonates with you the most? You might want to share! #rimadey #phD #careercoach

The CY Partners team recently ran a student survey to explore the key factors influencing their choices when selecting an employer, the go-to resources for job searches, and the major obstacles they're facing in today’s job market. Below we reveal just some of the challenges scientific graduates are currently facing. As a scientific graduate recruiter, we understand these hurdles all too well. That’s why we’re all about helping you tackle these obstacles to help you score an amazing role. Here’s how we can help make your job hunt a success: Spot-on job search: we tap into our powerful network to match you with the best opportunities out there. Tailored advice: our expert team gives you the insider tips and feedback you need to beat the competition. Smooth sailing: we cut through the red tape to make your application process effortless. Full-on support: from your first chat to landing that dream job, we’re with you through it all. There’s no time like the present to take control of your career. So if you’re ready to get a head start in the race to your ideal role, contact us today! info@cypartners.co.uk #graduatejobs #scientificrecruitment #careeradvice #jobsearch #graduateopportunities #careerguidance #recruitmentconsultancy

Have you ever felt like you needed to check every single box before applying for your dream job? It's a common misconception that we must meet every qualification to even be considered. But here’s a gentle reminder: You are more than your resume. The journey to self-discovery and career growth often means stepping out of our comfort zones and into opportunities that challenge us. This insightful article from Harvard Business Review beautifully articulates why it's essential to believe in our capabilities, even if we don't meet every requirement listed. Remember, confidence and a willingness to learn can often outweigh a perfect list of qualifications. Your unique experiences, perspective, and passion are your greatest assets. So, take that leap of faith and apply for that position you've been eyeing. You just might be the perfect fit they didn’t know they needed. #CareerGrowth #MindfulLiving #ProfessionalDevelopment #JobSearch #EmbraceTheJourney

How do you find a career that you enjoy? The first step is💡reflecting about yourself. This is how the Individual Career Development Plan (IDP) takes you on your career journey!   At the Career Center we often meet researchers overwhelmed looking for jobs: ❓ “There is so much on the internet, I don’t know what to apply for.” ❓ “Can I really apply to this job posting?”   Instead, begin by asking yourself: 🔦 What kind of strengths and potential do I have? 🔦  Where does my intrinsic motivation come from? 🔦  Which interests drive me? 🔦  Where do I want to contribute with my work? Reflecting on yourself first makes the career transition🔓easier: job selection, writing CV and Cover Letters, giving Job Interviews.   Therefore, we start the Individual Career Development Plan (IDP) Workbook in Chapter 1 with structured self-reflection exercises.   🚩Are you ready for a first exercise? 🚩Stay tuned, we will follow-up this Wednesday with another post! How have you made career decisions so far? ☺💬Share your best-practices and exerperiences in the chat! 📍If you are a PhD researcher or Postdoc with a Helmholtz Munich contract: schedule a 1:1 coaching session with us to start your IDP journey! https://shorturl.at/jPZ69

“So, tell me why you want a #PhD [at #University?]” asks the #interviewer.   This simple question can significantly impact your admissions decisions to your top choice graduate program.   Good news: there is no one correct answer to this question. But a good answer has common elements: 🤗 Show a passion for learning that is specific to the university, program and potential #advisor. ☺️ Demonstrate that you know a PhD is about creating new knowledge, and give a specific reason why this program is “the place” to do it. 👩🏻🔬 Explain (concisely!) your #career goals, and why a PhD is necessary to achieve them. Note: generic statements like “I want to be a researcher” are not going to help your case.   Notice something here? Answers to PhD Interview Questions need to be specific to you, the program, and the university. 🧐 Spend time on the program’s website to learn about its degree requirements and resources. 📝 Read the advisor’s recent work, identify areas of common interests. ✏️ Have specific questions prepared about the research and resources available. 🎓 Be clear about your goals and objectives. Part of the interview is about finding your perfect match… you and the advisor need to be in sync with expectations, goals and working styles.   Are there wrong ways to answer to this question? Absolutely. Here are a few: 🥱 Tell a ten-minute personal story where the interviewer loses the point after 30 seconds. 🙄 Complain about something… especially a past advisor or university. It makes people think you’ll be negative and blame others for failure. 🤥 Embellish your resume or experiences. Faculty know that you’re just starting your career… that’s great! But tell the truth about your skills and limitations and what you want to learn. 🫤 Talk about the “prestige” of the university/program as being a strong factor. You don’t want to sound like an academic snob… you need to find the right program to do your work, be it ranked number 1 or 100! 🙄 Forget to answer the actual question. Stay focused and keep it short. (See my post from January 7…)  

Just two weeks before my first interview, self-doubt started creeping in. Am I really ready? Do I know enough? The questions kept piling up... In those moments of uncertainty, I turned to my friends and professors for support. Their words of encouragement were a balm to my anxious mind. I also revisited my notes and went over key topics, making sure I had a solid understanding.... Discussed my answers personally with my placement cell mentors ..to check on small things like not being very stern and serious while give answers I realised it is important to drive any interview by showing genuine interest in the company ✅ Recruiters may grill but they do see the resilience and efforts taken by the candidate😀 An open discussion that reveal your insecurities and fear is not wrong . Believe in the process ...〽️ Hard to tell seeing the tough placement season myself but...... somewhere you need to let things flow ... believing that my time would come ..when hardwork meets luck 🤞 To those gearing up for placements, here's my advice: 🟠Believe in Yourself: Confidence is key, even if you feel unsure. 🟠Prepare Thoroughly: Revisit key concepts and practice problem-solving. 🟠Seek Support: Don't hesitate to lean on friends, mentors, or professors. 🟠Stay Positive: Embrace the journey, including the highs and lows. Remember, the placement process is as much about growth as it is about landing the job. Keep pushing forward, and good luck! #PlacementJourney #CareerGrowth #StudentLife #JobSearch #MBA PS : Some Acknowledgement to my friends from the placement cell who exuded faith and confidence in my every process ...as I couldn't have done it all alone 🙂.. Harshwardhan Chaudhary Lakshay Khurana Subhasis Pattnaik Ritwik S. Avinash Sahu Divya Dodeja Divyaraj Singh Gautam Harbola Kumar Abhishek Vinay Mantha

Recently featured in an article on InterviewFocus, I shared my insights on navigating the maze of finding the perfect first job out of college. With 15 practical tips, this article is a must-read for early career professionals and new graduates. Thank you, InterviewFocus, for including me!💜✨ Check out the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eFwA5su8. #careercoach #cghcareers #earlycareer #newgraduates