The other day, I was reading an author’s newsletter. She was sharing how 1000 people had applied for ONE full-time position she had posted for her business. According to her, out of those 1000 people, only 10 people reached out to her after applying to introduce themselves and share why they were excited to work for her.
Of course, by their actions, those 10 stood out to her amongst the applicants. Ultimately, she chose 1 out of that pool of 10 for the role.
The point she was making in that email was to take the path less traveled, like those 10 people, if you want to increase your chances of getting a job.
I appreciate the lesson. And I personally have done things “above and beyond” in order to land roles. I believe in doing your best to stand out.
But I’m also bothered.
Bothered by the fact that qualified people are passed over every single day just because they don’t “stand out.”
But I’m not one to whine. So I began to think, “How does one stand out in a market that feels so uncertain, even unfair at times?”
The answer? Remember YOU are an asset to any workplace, and play to your strengths.
For instance, I recently chatted with Dr. Juanita Tookes, who had faced multiple rejections – even when she initially applied to a PhD program. By remembering who she was – a smart, capable person – and learning to articulate how her strengths and past experiences make her an asset to any workplace, she now works in a non-academic leadership role at the University of Michigan-Flint. (Watch/listen to that episode here)
I also loved chatting with Dr. Aurellia Whitmore, who was able to transition into a medical affairs role immediately after her Ph.D. because she wasn’t afraid to knock on doors and hear “no” multiple times until she got what she wanted. She knew her strengths, and by attending conferences and listening to hirers talk about what they wanted, she learned to communicate her value as well. (Watch/listen to that episode here)
When you go through the academic process where criticism is often high about the work you do, it’s easy to forget that you’re intelligent, capable, a fantastic learner, and can get up to speed with any job you’re given.
But even that can be easily broken down when you face multiple rejections, even though you did what society told you and stayed in school.
I’m challenging you to remember this today, every time you apply for a role, and every time you get invited to an interview: you obtained real skills and you’ll be an asset to any workplace. Learning how to communicate these can help you stand out. Don’t downplay anything.
A favor
I’m wrapping up a book on navigating career pivots as a PhD. I have two covers and need help choosing one. This link will take you to a Google Form where you can select the cover that looks the best to you. It will take less than a minute. I look forward to your feedback. Thank you!
In the famous words of Bugs Bunny, that’s all folks.
Talk later.
Gertrude Nonterah, Ph.D.