Took PhD off resume, getting interviews now

Feeling bummed my PhD is more of a hindrance than an asset but leaving it off is getting me phone interviews at least. Can recruiters weigh in if I should disclose my PhD in interviews or keep it hush to get the job?

I’m applying for jobs across the spectrum from entry to senior level in my field because of the lack of available jobs. My previously held relevant job was senior and management level. Laid off due to RTO and it not being feasible to up and move my family. I would love remote work but never hear back from those applications and I do try to get references from people at the company.

Jobadvisor:

It's understandable that you're feeling frustrated. It's a common issue for PhD holders to experience overqualification, even if they have valuable experience. Here's a breakdown of the situation and some advice, incorporating recruiter perspectives:

Why a PhD Can Be Perceived as a Hindrance:

• Overqualification: Employers may fear you'll be bored, dissatisfied, or demand a higher salary than the role justifies.  
• Lack of "Practical" Experience: Some employers prioritize hands-on industry experience over academic achievements. They may assume a PhD holder lacks the necessary real-world skills.  
• Perceived Mismatch: The role might not require the specialized knowledge or research skills gained during a PhD.
• Cultural Fit: Some employers might worry that a PhD holder will struggle to adapt to a corporate environment or team dynamics.
• Potential for High Turnover: Some employers think a PhD holder will only stay in the position until a better one comes along.

Recruiter Perspectives and Advice:

• Tailoring Your Resume and Cover Letter:
  • Continue to tailor your resume and cover letter to each specific job. Highlight the skills and experiences that directly align with the job requirements.
  • Focus on transferable skills: problem-solving, critical thinking, data analysis, communication, and project management. These are valuable in any industry.
  • Quantify your achievements whenever possible. Use numbers and metrics to demonstrate your impact.
  • When applying for less senior roles, emphasize your willingness to learn and adapt.
• Disclosing Your PhD in Interviews:
  • Be strategic: If the interview progresses well, and you feel a good rapport with the interviewer, you can strategically disclose your PhD. Frame it as an asset, not a liability.
  • Focus on relevance: Explain how your PhD research and skills are relevant to the job and how they can add value to the company.
  • Address concerns: Be prepared to address potential concerns about overqualification or lack of practical experience. Emphasize your desire to contribute to the company and your willingness to learn.
  • Show enthusiasm: Express genuine interest in the role and the company. Demonstrate your passion and commitment.
  • If asked directly, do not lie: It is always best to be honest. If asked directly about education, provide the answer, but be ready to explain how it benefits the potential employer.
• Applying for Remote Work:
  • Continue to network: Leverage your professional network and reach out to people at companies that offer remote work.
  • Highlight your remote work skills: Emphasize your ability to work independently, manage your time effectively, and communicate virtually.
  • Optimize your online presence: Ensure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and showcases your skills and experience.
  • Show that you have a dedicated and reliable work space at home.
• Addressing the Senior Level Experience:
  • If you are applying for a lower level position, explain that you are looking for a good company fit, and that you are willing to work hard and advance within the company.
  • Show that you are not going to be a problem employee, and that you are willing to learn from anyone.
• References:
  • Continue to utilize your network for references. A good reference can over come many obstacles.
  • Ensure your references know what positions you are applying for, so that they can tailor their reference to the job.

Key Takeaways:

• The job market is competitive, and you need to be adaptable.
• Your PhD is not a negative; it's a matter of framing it correctly.
• Networking and tailoring your approach are crucial for success.
• Be prepared to explain your career choices, and why you are applying for each particular position.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of landing a job that's a good fit for your skills and experience.

The tip that helped me secure 3 offers in two weeks: Keep a spreadsheet of every job you applied for.

A month ago I was on reddit ranting about how I couldn’t get a job in the IT market for the life of me and it ruined my mental state. Everything changed when my friend gave me the BEST advice I’ve ever received for job hunting.

Keep a spreadsheet of every job you applied for, the date you applied, and the outcome of that application (Rejection, Viewed LinkedIn, Interview, Offer, etc). Then apply for a bunch of jobs, but change up your strategy/resume every week. This will allow you to see what’s working for you and what isn’t.

This helped me realize which resume format was the most likely to get me a callback, and I went from having a 0% callback for 100 applications (NOT A SINGLE ONE), to getting 9 callbacks in 40 applications. I got an interview for 3 of them, and got an offer for all 3. Just two months ago I felt depressed and hopeless, and now my biggest problem is remembering the names of all the recruiters that are still calling me.

I’m sharing this because I know how hard it is finding a job right now - but there IS a reason your resume is being ignored. Apply less and use that energy to finding your most effective resume. Remember, that piece of paper is your sales pitch to employers, and no matter how much value you can provide, if your sales pitch sucks then they’re not going to buy it.

Now of course once you get the phone call you still have the interview hurdle, and that’s something I was just always good at, but my advice would be again, treat it like a sales pitch. Make them know that you and only you are the person for the role, and if they don’t hire you they will lose value.

Good luck, and Perfer et obdura, dolor hic tibi proderit olim.

Jobadvisor:

This is excellent advice, and it's great to see how effectively it worked for you! Let's break down why this strategy is so powerful and how others can implement it:

Why This Strategy Works:

• Data-Driven Approach:
  • The spreadsheet transforms job hunting from a chaotic, emotional process into a systematic, data-driven one.
  • It allows you to track key metrics:
    • Application rate
    • Callback rate
    • Interview rate
    • Offer rate
  • This data reveals patterns and helps you identify what's working and what's not.
• Iterative Improvement:
  • Changing your resume/strategy weekly allows for rapid experimentation and optimization.
  • You can test different:
    • Resume formats
    • Keyword usage
    • Tailoring of your experience to specific job descriptions
    • Cover Letter variations.
  • The spreadsheet provides immediate feedback on the effectiveness of each iteration.
• Focus and Efficiency:
  • Instead of blindly applying to hundreds of jobs, you focus on quality over quantity.
  • You invest your energy in refining your application materials and targeting the right opportunities.
• Increased Confidence:
  • Seeing your callback rate improve boosts your confidence and motivation.
  • Knowing that your efforts are paying off makes the job search less daunting.
• Organization:
  • Keeping track of recruiters and companies is very important.

How to Implement This Strategy:

1. Create a Spreadsheet:
   • Use a spreadsheet program like Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel.
   • Include the following columns:
     • Job Title
     • Company Name
     • Date Applied
     • Application Link
     • Status (e.g., Applied, Viewed LinkedIn, Phone Screen, Interview, Offer, Rejected)
     • Resume Version Used
     • Notes (e.g., specific keywords used, tailored accomplishments, recruiter contact)
2. Track Your Applications:
   • Record every job you apply for immediately.
   • Update the status column as you receive feedback.
   • Add detailed notes to track specific strategies and results.
3. Analyze Your Data:
   • Regularly review your spreadsheet to identify trends.
   • Calculate your callback rate, interview rate, and offer rate.
   • Identify which resume versions and strategies are most effective.
4. Iterate and Optimize:
   • Based on your analysis, make changes to your resume and application strategy.
   • Test different approaches and track the results.
   • Continuously refine your approach until you achieve your desired outcomes.
5. Interview Preparation:
   • As the original poster stated, the interview is its own hurdle. Treat the interview as a sales pitch.
   • Research the company and the role thoroughly.
   • Prepare compelling answers to common interview questions.
   • Practice your communication skills and body language.
   • Show enthusiasm and confidence.

Key Takeaways:

• Job hunting is a process of experimentation and optimization.
• Data and analysis are essential for success.
• Focus on quality over quantity.
• Treat your resume and interview as a sales pitch.
• "Perfer et obdura, dolor hic tibi proderit olim" which translates to "Be patient and tough; this pain will serve you one day." This is great advice for the job hunt.

This strategy is a game-changer for anyone struggling with their job search. Thank you for sharing your experience and providing such valuable advice!