With summer conference season wrapped up, I took some time to think about smart moves that I have seen #PhDstudents make on the job market.
Note, this is the second post on students & the #jobmarket. The one on mistakes is here: https://lnkd.in/eBH_65S6
So ten smart moves.
Savvy PhD students ...
(1) show up to #conferences the year before the job market.
The top #candidates have been to a few conferences, esp. those where interviews are conducted.
They show up knowing a few people, how to navigate #socialevents, & understanding the "job market conference dynamic."
(2) stay the entire conference.
Staying through the conference maximizes the chances of hallway conversations that lead to a job opportunity.
My first #academicjob resulted from a happenstance conversation on the last night of the conference.
(3) attend a #docstudentconsortium.
While the sessions may be fun, the more important part is getting to know your cohort of students on the market. You will make career-long friends & not feel so alone on the market.
(4) review #jobpostings with their faculty.
Take your advisor & committee members the list of available jobs, ask for their insight, & ask for introductions at the conference.
Most people don't mind introducing a student to a friend.
(5) bring business & casual clothes.
Social events tend to be casual & at the conference's end. Wearing a suit makes you stand out & makes people recruiting feel a bit more cautious - especially at the end of the conference because they are tired.
So bring nice clothes & blend in.
(6) attend every social event, meal, & #coffeebreak.
You need to create opportunities for conversations - what better way to do so? Than, at the designated times.
(7) don't lead with "I'm on the market."
Most students have name tags that flag their status. Talk to people in the most natural way possible - let them ask if you are on the market.
(8) become a sponge.
Many academics will offer advice on the job market & the transition to the first school. Listen. Even if you've heard it before. Listen.
You never know when a golden nugget will drop into your lap.
(9) show respect.
Every single person matters. We live & work in communities. We don't want to hire people that are poorly mannered or rude or spread rumors.
An unintended consequence of respect will be expanding your advice network. Some of the best advice I received as a student came from faculty at non-PhD granting schools.
(10). come prepared.
Bring extra clothes & common medicine. You don't want to interview with coffee on your shirt or a cough.
Create a file on each interesting school - on people, location, & curriculum.
If you do these things, the job market will be less uncertain.
Best of luck!
