PhD Voice Notes

In episode 31 of PhD Voice Notes , I discuss five common cover letter mistakes. More specifically: The importance speaking to the hiring manager before applying Writing drafts and seeking feedback from the careers service Resisting the temptation to use the same cover letter for multiple applications A cover letter example is available for this episode. You can download it by clicking the link to...

In episode 30 of PhD Voice Notes , I discuss what to do if you’re not getting on with your PhD supervisor. More specifically: Understanding the severity of the difficulties with the PhD supervisor The benefits of a mediator to improve the supervisory relationship Your next steps if the supervisory relationship cannot be salvaged An accompanying worksheet is available for this episode. You can down...

In episode 29 of PhD Voice Notes , I discuss whether you should use LinkedIn during your PhD. More specifically: The positive aspects of LinkedIn (networking, finding opportunities, self-promotion) The cons of LinkedIn (doomscrolling, comparisons, pressure) Considerations for and against using LinkedIn An accompanying worksheet is available for this episode. You can download it by clicking the lin...

In episode 28 of PhD Voice Notes , I discuss what to do if your PhD supervisor is reluctant about you publishing. More specifically: Why supervisors can be cautious about their PhD supervisees publishing Remembering it is your decision to publish or not Considering if you need to publish, and if you have the time, energy, and motivation to publish during your PhD An accompanying worksheet is avail...

In episode 27 of PhD Voice Notes , I discuss the possibility of publishing during your PhD. More specifically: Understanding the types of papers you could publish, and the journals in which could publish in The importance of publishing for your career goals Considering your collaborative options within and outside of your supervisory team An accompanying questionnaire which gets you thinking more...

In episode 26 of PhD Voice Notes , I discuss how you can increase your chances of completing your PhD on time. More specifically: The importance of study selection in your PhD proposal Finding mentors who can support you through the PhD Remaining disciplined during a typical PhD working day An accompanying worksheet is available for this episode. You can download it by clicking the link to the Goo...

In episode 25 of PhD Voice Notes , I discuss how it is normal for a PhD proposal to change. More specifically: The normality of multiple changes in your PhD proposal in the first year of the PhD The importance of communicating proposal changes with your supervisors The benefits of keeping a diary of your proposal changes An accompanying worksheet is available for this episode to allow you to self-...

In episode 24 of PhD Voice Notes , I discuss roles of interest to those who enjoy teaching but wish to leave academia. More specifically: Research-related roles within a university setting Other research-related opportunities outside of a university setting Top tips on starting to consider your options A list of possible roles and a template email to employers is available for this episode. You ca...

In episode 23 of PhD Voice Notes , I discuss roles of interest to those who enjoy teaching but wish to leave academia. More specifically: Teaching-related roles within a university setting Other teaching-related opportunities outside of a university setting Top tips on starting to consider your options A list of possible roles and a template email to employers is available for this episode. You ca...

In episode 22 of PhD Voice Notes , I discuss answering questions at an academic conference. More specifically: Anticipating questions before a conference The importance of practising and completing mock scenarios Learning to pause before answering, or being open to not having an answer An accompanying worksheet is available for this episode. You can download it by clicking the link to the Google D...

In episode 21 of PhD Voice Notes , I discuss some reflection points on how to improve your presenting skills. More specifically: Finding role models to improve your presenting skills Completing a skills audit to reflect on your presenting skills The importance of practise and feedback A self-reflection document is available for this episode. You can download it by clicking the link to the Google D...

In episode 18 of PhD Voice Notes , I discuss working in professional services in higher education. More specifically: The types of roles available. The benefits of working in professional services. How to position yourself towards a career professional services. A list of professional service roles is available for this episode. You can download it by clicking the link to the Google Drive folder -...

In episode 19 of PhD Voice Notes , I discuss why you might be experiencing rejection in the post-PhD job market. More specifically: The importance of tailoring applications. Setting realistic post-PhD career goals. Tips on how to minimise the likelihood of rejection when applying for jobs. A rejection CV listing all my unsuccessful applications is available for this episode. You can download it by...

In episode 20 of PhD Voice Notes , I discuss how to network at conferences. More specifically: Compiling a list of people you intend to network with ahead of the conference. Networking actions before, during, and after the conference. The importance of following up with people after conferences. A guide to networking at a conference is available for this episode. You can download it by clicking th...

In episode 17 of PhD Voice Notes , I discuss the different types of papers you can consider publishing during your PhD. More specifically: Articles that can be published with original data. Articles that can be published without original data. The benefits of publishing earlier in your PhD. An accompanying worksheet is available for this episode. You can download it by clicking the link to the Goo...

In episode 16 of PhD Voice Notes , I discuss how to answer “why do you want to work here?” at a job interview. More specifically: Demonstrating your awareness of the company. Aligning your experience and skills with the role. Expressing your long-term commitment to the company. A template answer is available for this episode (as well as a grid for you to prepare your own answer). You can download...

In episode 15 of PhD Voice Notes , I discuss how to write a non-academic CV. More specifically: How to structure the CV for a non-academic job application. Distinguishing a non-academic CV from an academic CV. What to avoid in a non-academic CV. A template non-academic CV is available for this episode. You can download it by clicking the link to the Google Drive folder - https://drive.google.com/d...

In episode 14 of PhD Voice Notes , I discuss sensible AI use for job applications. More specifically: 15 AI prompts to consider using across the application process (contacting the hiring manager, writing your CV/cover letter, interview preparation, and follow-up emails). Examples of when NOT to use AI when applying for jobs. A full list of my 15 recommended AI prompts is available for this episod...

In episode 13 of PhD Voice Notes , I discuss how to answer “What is your biggest weakness” at a job interview. More specifically: Identifying which weakness to focus on. Structuring your answer in three simple steps. Concluding your answer positively and showing the interview panel you are keen to develop and make a significant contribution in the role. A template answer to this question is availa...

In episode 12 of PhD Voice Notes , I discuss the idea of reviewing journal articles during your PhD. More specifically: The benefits of reviewing journal articles during your PhD. How many journal articles you should consider reviewing. What to do if you would like to act as a reviewer. A template email to a journal reviewer is available for this episode. You can download it by clicking the link t...

In episode 11 of PhD Voice Notes , I discuss how to increase your chances of employment post-PhD. More specifically: The importance of starting your career planning early. The importance of reading job advertisements early into your PhD. The importance of learning job application skills as soon as possible. An accompanying worksheet is available for this episode. You can download it by clicking th...

In episode 10 of PhD Voice Notes , I discuss how hiring panels score a candidate’s job interview performance. More specifically: Who is on the interview panel. The system used to score interview answers. The importance of rehearsing commonly asked job interview questions. A template scoring sheet is available for this episode. You can download it by clicking the link to the Google Drive folder - h...

In episode 9 of PhD Voice Notes , I discuss how hiring panels shortlist candidates for the interview stage. More specifically: Who shortlists your job application. The scoring system used to shortlist. The importance of tailoring an application to the job advertisement. A template scoring sheet is available for this episode. You can download it by clicking the link to the Google Drive folder - htt...

In episode 8 of PhD Voice Notes , I discuss how to contact a hiring manager before applying for a job. More specifically: Why it is important to contact the hiring manager before formally applying for a position. Tips on how to structure your email. Questions to ask a hiring manager. A template email is available for this episode. You can download it by clicking the link to the Google Drive folder...

In episode 7 of PhD Voice Notes , I discuss how to transfer your PhD experiences into industry ready skills. More specifically: A reminder of the range of options you have beyond academia after your PhD. A breakdown of common PhD skills and how they fit to non-academic audiences. What non-academic recruiters want from candidates. An accompanying worksheet is available for this episode. You can dow...