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SERVICES FOR CURTIN STUDENTS CURTIN CAREERS, EMPLOYMENT & LEADERSHIP
Dr Kathleen Franklyn (PhD)Career Development Consultant - Health Sciences & HDR students
HDR - Resumes & Cover Letters, 27 June 2019
Designing your career is a process, not something that will happen two
weeks after submitting your thesis or completing your higher degree …
so it is important you start thinking about this earlier, and developing your
job search strategy.
ISTOCK/DIRTYDOG_CREATIVE
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Career development questions to consider:
• Do you have a clear career direction in mind?
• Is your career goal realistic? How do you know this?
• Are you well connected in your field?
• How do you rate your chances of securing a job, or a promotion (if applicable)?
• Do you have a well prepared resume that sells you to your full potential?
• How confident do you feel in a job interview?
• Do you know how to present your research to a non‐academic audience?
• If you’re changing career direction, how do you feel about this? Are you confident about how to make a smooth transition towards your new goal?
• Do you have a well‐developed digital footprint e.g. LinkedIn profile, ResearchGate, Academia.edu etc?
If you’re unsure about any of these questions, Curtin Careers, Employment & Leadership may be able to assist
you, through a variety of methods…….....including these workshops
Your Job Search Is Like a Marketing PlanGraphic from: https://www.targetmarketingmag.com/post/6‐ways‐job‐search‐like‐marketing‐plan/all/ (beviepro.com)
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What is your Marketing Plan for YOU?
Interview&
Selection Criteria
(tomorrow)
Resume & Cover Letter(Today)
PersonalBranding‐ Stand out from
the Crowd(Friday,
next week)
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HDR – needs and concerns
Know how & where to look for jobs
• Networking, leadership, developing soft skills• LinkedIn• Elevator pitch – what to say?
• Teaching/mentoring skills –(tutoring, shadowing, volunteering)
• Practical cases and scenarios for transfer into Industry• An Industry panel who share their reasons for needing/not needing PhD students
• Industry based networking (cf Careers 4 Tomorrow)
• Academic job search workshops
https://unihub.curtin.edu.au/students/resources
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• Networking, leadership, developing soft skills
• Elevator pitch – what to say?
• Teaching/mentoring skills –(tutoring, shadowing, volunteering)
• Practical cases and scenarios for transfer into Industry
• An Industry panel who share their reasons for needing/not needing PhD students
• Industry based networking
• Academic job search workshops
Your Job Search Is Like a Marketing Plan
Graphic from: https://www.targetmarketingmag.com/post/6‐ways‐job‐search‐like‐marketing‐plan/all/ (beviepro.com)8
Cover Letter –Your “sales pitch” for you (how you match).
Resume –Your “DL flier/glossy brochure” – evidence to support your application
Today – Resumes and Cover letters
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Today – consider the following:
Resume workbook:
https://unihub.curtin.edu.au/docs/364/Resume_Workbook.pdf
Cover Letter workbook:
https://unihub.curtin.edu.au/docs/365/CoverLetter_Workbook.pdf
NB: Selection Criteria & Interviews (tomorrow): Friday 28th June 2019
Resume & Cover letter writing techniques
Academic CV – points of difference
Chronological or Functional Resume
‐ competency based format may be better for
industry roles
Australia vs Overseas For an Australian audience (if looking for work elsewhere, research local resume writing protocols applicable to the
country in question e.g. ‘Going Global’ Country Career Guides via https://unihub.curtin.edu.au/ search ‘resources’; and seek
advice from mentors/professional associations)
Signpost to further resources / help
Advice is applicable for job search purposes (Career Centre, Building 102)
REMINDER ‐ What employers look for: An equation for your success
Qualification(s)
+
Employability Skills (communication, leadership, problem solving, collaboration & teamwork etc)
+
Career Management Skills (career direction, resume writing, interview skills etc)
+
Industry Experience (fieldwork, placements, labs, work experience, employment)
+
Enterprise and Technology Skills & Commercial Awareness
+
Belief in yourself, ability to articulate all this + BAGS OF PASSION
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Personal Branding – Job Applications
COVER LETTER RESUME SELECTIONCRITERIA
(Not discussing today)
COVER LETTER: Your Job Ad for you…
• Formal introduction to your application
• Express interest in a career opportunity
• Highlights your relevant skills and abilities that would suit the employers’ needs and the position’s requirements
• Captures the employer interest & convinces the employer to read your resume/give you an interview!
RESUME: Your Marketing Brochure
• Support document to provide background, context and abbreviated examples of your employability
SELECTION CRITERIA: Your Mini‐Interview (on paper)
• Specific detailed examples to support your employability (pre‐interview detail …. STAR/SAO formats)
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Cover LettersCover letter workbook:
https://unihub.curtin.edu.au/docs/365/CoverLetter_Workbook.pdf
COVER LETTER: Your Job Ad for you…
• Formal introduction to your application
• Express interest in a career opportunity
• Highlights your relevant skills and abilities that would suit the employers’ needs and the position’s requirements
• Captures the employer interest & convinces the employer to read your resume/give you an interview!
WHEN & HOW TO WRITE A COVER LETTER
• 4 key points…. (see graphic)
• How long should a cover letter be?Depends! (Follow instructions!!!)
Aim for 1 page
• Is ‘To whom it may concern’ an acceptable way to address a cover letter?
Dear Sir/Madam ― use “Yours faithfully”
Dear Mr Smith ― use “Yours sincerely”
ARTICLE “When (and When Not) to Include a Cover Letter” BY ALISON DOYLE (2019)https://www.thebalancecareers.com/should‐you‐include‐a‐cover‐letter‐if‐it‐s‐not‐required‐2060291
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Cover letters HUDSON ‐ Sections of a cover letter“A good cover letter is your key to an interview”
4 recommendations1. Start strong.2. Do your research3. Choose your best bits4. List your other skills5. Finish with a “call to action”
CURTIN ‐ Sections of a cover letter• Contact details: yours and theirs• Opening: salutation, RE: role, intro/positioning statement • Paragraph 1: Purpose of your letter • Paragraph 2: Why you want this job• Paragraph 3: Sell your specialist skills that are relevant to the job• Paragraph 4” Sell your general skills that are relevant to the job• Paragraph 5: Closing• Close https://unihub.curtin.edu.au/docs/387/Cover_Letter_Template.pdf
https://au.hudson.com/career‐advice/how‐to‐write‐a‐cover‐letterhttps://au.hudson.com/job‐seekers/career‐advice/cover‐letter‐templates
How to Write a Cover Letter in 5 Easy StepsWrite a Winning Cover Letter and Stand out From the Crowd
BY ALISON DOYLE Updated January 04, 2019
1. Analyse the job listing• Identify skills and experience that you best match
and address these. • Aim to meet a minimum of half the company’s
requirements (in the 1 page cover letter)
2. Personalise if possible• Look for a specific employee name• Use Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and even
3. Create a Table or Paragraphs• Use this to highlight/match your qualifications and
skills to their needs
4. Format your Cover letter• Intro paragraph/s• Table (+/‐ borders)• Closing paragraph
5. Finish with a follow‐up/close• Assume follow‐up contact
https://www.thebalancecareers.com/write‐a‐cover‐letter‐in‐5‐easy‐steps‐2060709
Your requirements My Skills and Qualifications
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Cover letter structure(Refer to cover letter template):
Your name
240 Kent Street
Bentley, WA 6102
10th March 2018
Addressee’s Name
Their title
Company Name
Company address
Suburb, State and Postcode
Dear Ms Evans
Re: Application for Trainee Research Executive (Ref 4871)
Cover letter – main bodySource: The Higher Education Academy, UK https://www.heacademy.ac.uk/
Paragraph 1: (intro and context)
I wish to express my interest in the Trainee Research Executive position advertised on your website. I became aware of Vintage as a result of the National Student Survey which creates a high profile campaign at my university each year and have since become interested in the career opportunities a global market research agency can offer.
Paragraph 2: (relevance and match)
The study of Psychology has led me to develop a strong interest in statistics and the analytical process which can be readily applied in a career within Market Research. Units such as Statistics and Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods have provided me with a solid grounding in data collation and strengthened my numerical skills. I am also skilled in the use of SPSS for data manipulation and analysis. Units exploring cognitive, biological, social and developmental Psychology have taken a multidisciplinary approach and emphasised group projects, presentations and small group discussions which have enhanced my communication, team work and planning skills. The opportunity to apply my research skills combined with my interpersonal qualities in a commercial environment that has real impact and influence on today’s society is of primary interest to me. I am interested in the work of the organisation’s Social Research Institute and in particular the opportunity to contribute to social policy on a wide range of issues from education to the environment.
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Cover letter – main bodyParagraph 3: Positioning, evidence, and other supporting information
I would bring a high level of initiative, enthusiasm and a disciplined mind to Vintage; qualities which have been demonstrated in my previous experience with an international market research company and which are outlined in my Resume. My role consisted of a variety of duties, from assisting in the development of questionnaires to producing tables for members of the executive team. I was required to assist in numerous screenings and exit polls attended by clients and was also able to demonstrate my skills as a team leader by overseeing groups of coders providing assistance where necessary. At the end of my placement I was invited to continue for a further two months and, two years on, I now work on a casual basis for the company conducting exit polls for newly released films and attending screenings for up and coming titles. The opportunity to develop my career in this field and achieve industry recognised qualifications makes a position with Vintage hugely attractive and a good match for the skills I have to offer.
As requested, I have enclosed my Resume outlining my experiences to date and I am available at your convenience to discuss in further detail.
Yours sincerely
Your signature
Your name
Academic example:
Dear Dr McNulty
Casual Lecturer Position
Further to our conversation yesterday, I am writing to you to express my interest in being placed on your list of casual lecturers available to teach in the Discipline of Economics. Having recently obtained my PhD focusing on International Trade between Malaysia and Australia, I feel I would be in a strong position to teach students at the University of Sydney. A brief synopsis of my research is in the appendix of this application.
I achieved an honours degree (2:1) at the University of Melbourne in 2011 and in my final year tutored first year economics students on a regular basis. Additionally, I have had 18 months experience as a business research analyst with Westpac Bank in Melbourne before coming to Sydney to commence my PhD, which has given me great insight into xxxx which is a key feature of your highly ranked Bachelor of Economics course.
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My key strengths are in my ability to communicate the interface between business and economics, especially in the areas of strategic management and decision making to students. Additionally I have strong skills in detailed analysis, problem solving and meeting deadlines as shown by my promotion within Westpac in the first 6 months.
As discussed I have been tutoring at the University of Sydney for over a year whilst in the final stages of my research and believe that I can bring a skills set to a lecturing role which will complement the overall research, teaching and learning directions within the faculty and university overall. As stated in the University of Sydney Strategic Plan lecturers should be developing and applying the best pedagogical practice at all levels, and our students’ educational experience must be of a consistently high quality. My application seeks to demonstrate that I can contribute to an economics student’s educational experience in a very positive and constructive manner.
Thank you for consideration of my application.
Yours sincerely
James LuJames Lu
Seek article
1. Your cover letter might not always be the first thing I look at, but if your application doesn’t have one you’re putting yourself at a disadvantageBut it’s not just important to write a cover letter; you need to write it well.
2. Keep it briefUsually around four to five short paragraphs will be sufficient for a cover email
3. Get to the point.Be up front and explain why you’re the right fit for the job right away
4. Don’t just regurgitate your resume.A cover letter should expand upon the relevant points, rather than repeat them.
5. Know who you’re talking to.If a job advertisement stipulates exactly who the application should be going to, then use your cover letter to address that person.
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Resume Obstacles
What queries or concerns do you have with resume writing?
What do you find tricky about resumes?
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Resume Basics
Resume specifics ‐Academic vs Industry
How long does an employer) spend reading a Resume?
10 seconds!
Who makes the first decision about the resume?
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RESUME BASICS – 6 steps to writing an effective resume
1. Clarify what the employer wants – skills, qualities, experience, knowledge
2. Choose a format to best showcase your most relevant experiencesReverse Chronological Functional/Skills Combined
3. Decide what to include – focus on the employer needs, not yours
4. Prove your skills – identify accomplishments (enterprise/soft and hard skills), not just job descriptions
5. Make your language effective – power writing
6. One last check
Action Word + Task/Duty + Outcome
Results (Action verb), by …how … Action, resulting in …
Disclaimer – Content heavy
• Refer to details later
• Using now to create context/background to discussion.
• Aim – essential areas, how to write, and differences between ‐ academic, research, industry
‐ Keep in mind how the employer reads these
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27Functional/Skills: http://employmentguide.com.au/Resume/how‐to‐write‐a‐resume‐functional‐skills‐resume.html
(Reverse) Chronological: http://employmentguide.com.au/Resume/how‐to‐write‐a‐resume‐reverse‐chronological‐resume.html
Combined: http://employmentguide.com.au/Resume/how‐to‐write‐a‐resume‐reverse‐chronological‐functional‐resume.html
Resumes – Format examples
Why is it important to submit a well presented resume?
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Activity ‐ Rate the Resumes
Look at layout:
• Is a photograph required?• Suitable font type and size?• Do the headings stand out / draw the readers eye?• Is it in reverse chronological order?• Are dot points used effectively? Too few? Too many?
• Is it evenly formatted throughout e.g. text alignment, line spacing etc?
• White space – too much? Too little?
• Anything else you like / dislike?
Dr Clare Campbell
Resume Basics ‐ Layout
• Font – sans serif e.g. Arial, Calibri, Tahoma, Verdana, Lucida Sans. 10‐11 main body text; 12‐14 key headings
• Hidden tables – useful to ensure text is aligned (always hide the grid lines though)
• Headings – easy to read – bold/larger font, lines or colour
• Bullet points – useful to keep info concise, easy to over do
• Paragraphs – keep to 3‐4 lines max.
• White space – ensure margins are wide enough, not too cramped
• No photographs (in Australia), no need to write ‘Resume’ at the top
• Consistency throughout is crucial
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*** Possible Resume Sections:
Non‐academic jobs
• Contact Details (no address)
• Career Summary (objective optional)
• Skills Summary – relevant role/industry
• Education
• Employment
• Voluntary Work (optional)
• Professional Development / Training & Certifications
• Professional Associations
• Interests (optional)
• Referees
Academic jobs: (& Research)
• Contact Details (no address)
• Career Summary (objective optional)
• Skills Summary – teaching, research, admin & technical skills
• Education
• Awards / Prizes / Funding / Grants
• Publications
• Conferences / Presentations / Posters
• Employment
• Voluntary Work (optional)
• Professional Development / Training & Certifications
• Professional Associations
• Interests (optional)
• Referees
ACTIVITY – Review Academic/Research Resumes
Prof. Marks
• FYI, my current CV is likely to differ from what would be expected from a recent PhD graduate applying for a postdoc or T&R position; for example, I would expect additional details in places to explain their role in the various components of the CV (e.g., exact role in teaching delivery/curriculum development; collecting data, analysing data, writing contributions to papers). Some of this detail would likely be addressed in the statements against the selection criteria.
• However, given the large volume of applications received for jobs these days (sometimes 100+), it’s important that applicants synthesise this information in a summary section that will standout to panellists (e.g., biographical sketch, cover letter), as well as provide the details in the relevant section of their CV (in case panellists have the time to check such detail).
Prof Gucciardi
Prof. Gucciardi
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Differences between Academic CV & an Industry Resume
www.PhDcomics.com
ACTIVITY – Industry Resume
Context Matters
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Sarah Student112 Leach Highway
Riverton WA 6100
Tel: 0400 999 999
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: http://au.linkedin.com/in/sarahstudent
• Include other relevant social media profiles e.g. ResearchGate,
Twitter etc
• Use suitable email address & voicemail message
• Customise your LinkedIn profile address https://help.linkedin.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/87/ft/eng
Resume Basics – Your Contact Details
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Career Summary (optional/arguably essential)
• Brief statement to advise potential employer the type of position you are looking for to further your career
• Your fit to the organisation / role
• Focus on what you can offer the employer
• Be specific and to the point
• Incorporate context through objective/minimise objections (especially if career change focus)
Example:
A recent University of Auckland PhD graduate with five years’ research experience in environmental waste analysis and two years’ experience in industrial consulting. Add in some soft/hard skill statements that position you for role/type of role/area moving forward. Currently seeking a position in the environmental waste consultancy area.
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Research / Teaching Summary
Research Summary Example:
My research specialisation is in the field of minimising the contaminants produced in the rubber production process and in the development of new techniques for eliminating rubber waste by‐products to reduce environmental damage. Also interested in toxicology of environmental airborne waste products and development of afterburning technology to minimise air pollution.
Teaching Summary Example:
In addition to Course Director and Programme Director duties, I teach on several of the modules comprising the XXXX programme. My teaching subject areas include: project management, risk and value management, supply chain management, organisational structures, project and programme strategies, procurement and contractual claims. I am supervising PhD research in the areas of the effectiveness of network broker positions in design, contractual claims and the effects of document completeness and the use of PFI procurement in China. Currently delivering a training programme to Land Securities project management staff.
Education – version 1
• Reverse chronological order
• Dates, title of qualification, educational institution and location
• State major(s) and any substantial projects completed
Example:
2014‐present PhD
Department of Environmental Science, University of Auckland
Doctoral Thesis: Investigation and development of new technique for the containment of industrial waste in the rubber industry in New Zealand
2011‐2013 Master of Science
Department of Environmental Science, University of Auckland
Masters Thesis: Investigated the effects of industrial pollutants on oyster farming in the Mahurangi Estuary
2008‐2011 Bachelor of Science with major in Chemistry, University of Otago
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Education – version 2
• Reverse chronological order
• Dates, title of qualification, educational institution and location
• State major(s) and any substantial projects completed
Example:
PhD, University of Auckland 2014‐present
Department of Environmental Science
Doctoral Thesis: Investigation and development of new technique for the containment of industrial waste in the rubber industry in New Zealand
Master of Science, University of Auckland 2011‐2013
Department of Environmental Science, Masters Thesis: Investigated the effects of industrial pollutants on oyster farming in the Mahurangi Estuary
Bachelor of Science (Chemistry), University of Otago 2008‐2011
Discussion
Do you have a skills summary in your resume?
Why? What purpose does it serve?
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Skills Summary
• Opportunity to highlight to your potential employer the relevant skills you have developed
• Use evidence of specific skill sets and knowledge developed through study, work placements, employment and relevant interests
Example:
• Databases: SPSS, H1X models, enviroaccess, wasteCOM
• Techniques: advanced spectrometer, particle separator, Manning‐Taylor particulate hydroliser
• Excellent oral communication skills developed as a result of tutoring first year Environmental Science students at university and presenting research in front of peers and academic staff.
• Knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety principles relevant to laboratory environments developed through studies and experience at Pathwest.
Employment• Reverse chronological order (current position first ‐ usually)
• List the position title, company name and location
• Indicate the mode of employment if not full time
• List three to five responsibilities and achievements in dot points
Example:
Sales Assistant Vodafone, Perth WA Jan 2015 – Dec 2017
• Provision of effective customer service by taking the time to identify the customers technology needs. This enabled me to find suitable solutions and build rapport with customers which resulted in high sales.
• Customised my communication style depending on the customer’s level of technical expertise.
• Demonstrated initiative by assisting the Manager with computer system maintenance and software upgrades to ensure optimum performance for all users.
Achievement:
• Consistently exceeded monthly sales targets by between 15 – 20%
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Writing with Power
SkillsInstead of:
• Customer Service skills
• Communication skills
How about:
Customer service: Provided effective customer service at Footlocker by taking time to identify the customer’s needs and being sincere. This resulted in building good rapport with customers and, in return, high level sales.
Refer to Positive action words list
EmploymentInstead of:
Assistant, Foot Locker, Perth, 2009‐2013
• Customer service skills
• Cash handling
How about:
Assistant, Foot Locker, Perth 2009‐2013
• Created successful sales relationships with customers through effective listening and interpersonal skills.
Action Word + Task/Duty + Outcome = Writing with Power
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Projects (if relevant)
• Project work at university / placements can be really valuable experience to include on a resume
Example:Final year Geomatics project:
• Implementation of a GIS to study the impacts of human activities on the Great Barrier Reef
• Project involved combination of Remote Sensing and GIS technologies, and provided practical experience for both research techniques and GIS development using ArcInfo
• Conducted an extensive literature review evaluating past and current contributions aimed at advancing research, development and applications of GIS
• Produced an 8000 word report on research background, methodology and findings using clear, well‐labelled diagrams, tables and equations
• Presented findings in a highly professional seminar presentation using various visual aids including PowerPoint
• Thesis project was considered to be an H1 standard for its excellence in its logical approach to the project work and the thesis presentation
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Scholarships & Awards
• Reverse chronological order
• Include the title of the award & name of the organisation
• Summarise the award if not obvious to the employer
• Awards associated with other key sections of your résumé can either feature in the awards section or elsewhere
Examples:
2016: Dunlop New Zealand Ltd, Industrial Scholarship Award
2013: Dean’s Commendation Certificate, Faculty of Science, University of Auckland
Publications (vital for academia)
• List published works in reverse chronological order according to publication date. Use the reference style appropriate to your discipline. Consider bolding your name on each publication.
Examples:
• E. Smythe and M. Feline “The impact of feral cats on native flora and fauna in the Australian Capital Territory” Journal of Wildlife and Social Spaces 42, no. 3 (2015): 11‐21.
• E. Smythe and P. Davis “Feline Immunodeficiency Virus: A Literature Review” Feline 5, no. 2 (2015): 14‐26.
• B. Cat and E. Smythe “Trust Behaviours in British Short Hair Cats” Pet Life 6, no. 2 (2014): 34‐67.
• C. Meow and E. Smythe, 2014, “Age versus stage: cat behaviours over a ten year span”, vol 13, issue 9, International Journal of Cat Psychology, United Kingdom, pp. 399‐507.
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Conferences, Posters, Presentations (important for academia)
Example:
Conference Proceedings
• E. Meow, M. Feline and E. Smythe, 2015, The impact of feral cats on native flora and fauna in the Australian Capital Territory, Proceedings of the 99th annual PATS conference, 1‐3 December 2015, Pedigrees and Tabby Association of Sweden, Stockholm. Sweden, p. 11.
• Presented poster at the University of Tooloomba’s Annual Zoology Conference, Perth Australia, 2015
Don’t forget administrative experience (useful for both academia and industry)
For instance:
• Responsible for managing laboratory consumables for our current research group. Ensured stock was ordered on time and within a budget of $50,000
• Organised and chaired meetings of up to 15 academic and research staff working on biodiversity issues during my PhD
• Conference Organiser – University of Perth. Organised event promoting the work / interaction of early career researchers. Secured sponsorship, speakers, publicity and entertainment for the event. Positive feedback obtained from all conference delegates.
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Volunteer work
• Structure similar to employment
• Include details of any leadership roles or key projects
• Explain your role so the employer understands your contribution
Example:
Student Mentor, Curtin University Mentor Program Jul 2014 – Present
• Supervised first‐year students with the transition to university by communicating useful information via email and social media, administrating a Facebook group, meeting with students individually to solve problems and referring students to support services for any additional assistance.
• Facilitated campus tours and group icebreaker activities to enthuse new students during Orientation Week, demonstrating strong presentation and communication skills.
49
Professional development
• Shows commitment to your field / career intent
Memberships
2016‐present Student Psychology Council Representative
2015‐onwards Australian Psychological Society (Student Member)
Training & Certificates
2018 Mental Health First Aid Course ‐ Curtin University
2018 First Aid Certificate
2018 Working with Children Check
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Other Sections:
Professional Development‐ if relevant to target job, or “adds to your skills”
Memberships
Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology 2015‐onwards‐ Member of Student Chapter
Training & CertificatesMental Health First Aid Course ‐ Curtin University 2017
First Aid Certificate ‐ HSE Training Company 2017
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Awards / Achievements / Prizes
• Don’t be afraid to shout about your achievements!
• Weave them into existing headings, as applicable e.g. put academic achievements into your ‘Education’ section etc
• Or, consider a separate ‘Awards / Achievements’ section if you have 4 or more ‐ make a feature of them
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Interests ‐ Optional
• Can be useful to indicate you have skill, personal quality or knowledge in an area related to your career i.e. further evidence of your suitability for a role
• Designed to demonstrate you have interests outside of work and study i.e. ‘well‐rounded’
• Not just a dot point list – short paragraph, description of how you are involved and what you are gaining from this
53
Referees
• Common for employers to ask for 2 employment related references
• Ensure you ask a potential referee first
• Current or previous employer
• Lecturer, tutor, thesis supervisor
• Community group leader
• Work experience / internship supervisor
Professor James Wu
PhD Supervisor
Curtin University, School of XXXXXX
Tel: +61 8 9266 1111
Email: [email protected]
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If in doubt, remove these from your resume:
• Images or visuals
• Weird fonts / colours / clipart
• Badly done infographics
• Cliché or vague phrases e.g. ‘results driven’
• The phrase ‘References upon request’
• Full paragraphs or anything that looks like a cover letter
• Personal social media accounts
• Inappropriate email addresses e.g. [email protected]’t impress!
• Lies / exaggerated statements
• Outdated skills
• Irrelevant awards e.g. ballet certificate aged 6
• Jobs > 5‐10 years ago (unless you’ve had a career break, or they are relevant)
• Controversial interests
• Broken links
• Acronyms
• Typos
• A biography
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Linked In Post• Australian and UK story
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/putting‐realism‐academic‐careers‐harald‐h‐h‐w‐schmidt/
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MUIREANN IRISH: Make peace with rejection
Cognitive neuroscientist at the University of Sydney, Australia.Because preparing a publication represents years of hard work, rejection often feels like a personal attack. In my field, journal acceptance rates hover around 20%, and success rates for the two major national government funding bodies are no better. Statistically speaking, rejection is the norm.I’ve developed methods to process rejection and learn from it. First, I give myself time. Some scientists — myself included — will need to read the letter, get angry and then complain privately and bitterly about the reviewers until they feel better. After that, I do nothing for at least a week — I simply try to let the dust settle and wait to review the comments when things are calmer.Rejection is not personal. Perhaps we misjudged the suitability of a paper for a particular journal, over-interpreted the novelty of our findings, or attempted to publish prematurely. There are similar reasons for rejections of funding applications.Once the emotional reaction has subsided, discuss the review with your peers. In my lab group, we share our peer-review experiences, which helps to normalize the rejection. By openly sharing that my papers have been, and will continue to be, rejected, I hope to send a clear message to my students that rejection is part and parcel of academia and the world does not end when a paper is rejected.Finally, never allow your self-worth to be determined by metrics. Academics by nature ascribe to high standards, and to be informed that your work is not good enough can feel like a personal failure. So many factors influence decisions on papers and funding applications, including timing, journal space, funding priorities and, sometimes, just pure luck.Rejection is the norm, but it is not the end.https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586‐018‐06873‐5?error=cookies_not_supported&code=e70b2950‐75f4‐401c‐9db3‐9b47226e2521
PhD student moving out of Academia
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Are you a PhD student moving out of Academia?
• Content & style of resume will depend on whether the role requires your research background & specialist knowledge OR your transferable skills
• For industry roles, when your research is of relevance, emphasise the practical application of your thesis to the job / organisation in question…i.e. how will what you have found out through your research be of use to that organisation
• For jobs unrelated to your research & subject knowledge, focus on the transferableskills you have gained through your Masters or PhD and provide clear examples of how and why you meet the selection criteria e.g. project management, team work, communication skills, analytical skills etc
• Emphasise collaborative work, project work etc if this was a feature of your research to show you can work with others
• Commercial awareness may be important for industry roles – how will you evidence this (funding you have secured, innovation in your research etc)?
• Don’t forget to sell all relevant experience – including previous professional employment, voluntary work, part‐time jobs etc
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Are you a PhD student moving out of Academia?
“This is why translating your skills for a non‐academic audience is key to your success in the private sector job market. You cannot simply list intellectual accomplishments and knowledge sets and expect the individual reviewing your resume to equate these abstract skills with the more applied work that they often require”.
Source: Reframing Doctoral Skills ‐ Articulating Academic Experience for the Non‐Academic Workplace. Danielle J. Deveau, Pop Culture Lab. April 26, 2013.
http://jobsontoast.com/applying‐for‐jobs‐outside‐academia‐from‐phd‐to‐fellow‐professional/
Transferable skills
PhD task / activity
• I wrote a thesis, various journal papers, progress reports
• I analysed lots of data
• I completed my PhD in 3 years
• I conducted interviews for my research
• I organised a conference
Skills / competency
• Ability to present and organise large amounts of information in a clear manner. Fluency in Microsoft Office packages
• Analysis of complex data and presentation of emerging conclusions and concepts
• Ability to plan a project and deliver it to agreed timelines. Able to work with minimum supervision as well as part of a team
• Questionnaire design. Experience in qualitative/quantitative analysis. Sensitive to the needs of others. Diplomacy and confidentiality
• Event planning skills
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Resume – Industry
Complete Industry Resume Guide for PhDs_Cheeky Scientist.pdf
Cheeky Scientist
1. Innovators ‐ Expert innovators, have to discover new information, not just regurgitate old information
2. Conflict Resolution – regularly have to use logic to present, defend and discuss research work on a regular basis, and are better off for it
3. Learning ‐ PhDs are literally doctors of learning (a PhD means Doctor of Philosophy, and philosophy means knowledge and the ability to ascertain knowledge)
4. Problem Solvers ‐ adept at problem solving. eg; go from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm and can deal with the uncertainty of tackling the worlds biggest questions.
5. Competitive collaborators ‐ self‐starters who work well alone but also work well on teams and often collaborate to get large projects done, hence why most academic publications have multiple authors
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IS5EwdB3mo0
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The 7 Essential Transferable skills all PhDs have
• Written communication
• Research
• Public speaking
• Project management
• Leadership
• Critical thinking
• Collaborationhttps://academicpositions.com/career‐advice/the‐7‐essential‐transferable‐skills‐all‐phds‐have [accessed 23.10.18]
Strong Examples(achievements)
Changing to IndustryCheek Scientist’s recommendations
Networking—it should be your top priority.Everything else should come second.
Your thesis should come second.Getting published should come second.Keeping your PI happy should come second.
If you’ve made a decision to transition into industry, you must make networking your top priority.You must also make creating a job search strategy a top priority.
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Source: Complete Industry Resume Guide for PhDs_Cheeky Scientist.pdf
Final Resume tips:
• Logical structure – tell the story, clear headings; don’t just ‘bolt on’ your PhD
• You MUST tailor it to each position ‐ consider grouping together all relevant work experience under one heading to make a feature of it
• Have a master version – cull/tailor/edit, make fit for purpose or role• Give important information plenty of space – ideally on page 1 (prime real estate). Edit ruthlessly. Include LinkedIn profile/own web space etc so the employer can find out more
• Perfect grammar and spelling – get someone to proof read for you• Resume length: 2‐4 pages. Can/will be longer for academic CVs• If emailing, save as ‘John Smith Resume.docx’ to help recruiters, not ‘My Resume’
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Learn More: • Online e‐GradLEAD modules:
https://www.atn.edu.au/industry‐collaboration/e‐grad‐school/online‐modules/
• Useful resume template:
http://www.hr.uwa.edu.au/__data/assets/word_doc/0009/2895651/Academic‐Resume‐Template.doc
• Sample resumes:
http://www.monash.edu/career‐connect/jobs/apply/resume‐samples
• Online portfolios (for creative industries)
http://www.careersfortomorrow.com.au/2016/03/online‐portfolios‐creatives‐1‐job‐search‐asset/
• Academic Curriculum Vitae resource (UK):
http://www.imperial.ac.uk/media/imperial‐college/administration‐and‐support‐services/careers‐service/public/resources/handouts/series/How‐to‐write‐an‐academic‐CV‐no‐cropmarks.pdf
• Vitae (UK):
https://www.vitae.ac.uk/researcher‐careers/career‐management‐for‐researchers/creating‐effective‐cvs‐as‐a‐researcher (for non‐academic and academic positions)
• Academic CV advice (Canada):
http://www.studentlife.utoronto.ca/cc/resumes
Individual Appointments
45 minute, 1:1 appointments can be arranged at the Bentley campus (Building 102, Curtin Connect), Skype or Phone to assist with:
• Career direction and decision making • Mock interviews • Job search strategies
To arrange an appointment, please visit Careers, Employment & Leadership in Building 102, Curtin Connect, phone 9266 7802 or email [email protected]
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Resume & Cover letter feedback
Face to face:
Drop In to Building 102, Curtin Connect (entrance near koi fish pond) with a hard copy of your draft resume/cover letter for a 10 minute review
Monday‐Friday 8.45am‐5pm
Online:
Or, upload your resume/cover letter to UniHubhttps://unihub.curtin.edu.au and we will provide you with our feedback via email (please allow at least 7 working days). All our services are free!
