The Job Search period can be so daunting and stressful. To break away from the monotony of scouring job sites such as jobs.ac.uk, here are a few other activities that may spice up one’s day, as well as support towards the end goal of securing a job.
1. Blog
Blog about topical events related to your field of expertise. You can do this by publishing guest contributions on other platforms or starting your own blog.
This keeps you informed, refreshed, and your mind active; suffice to mention that you will be honing your ability to write for an audience outside academia – a remarkable skill. See some posts on my Stylish Academic blog about being a digital academic – part 1, part 2, & part 3.
2. Network
Networking is time consuming. On the PhD, it was tricky to balance this important task with others on my to-do list. Beyond visiting job sites, it will be good to spend some time building networks — e.g taking already established online relationships offline by asking to meet for a chat over coffee. The dream job can appear out of the least expected places, we just need to keep trying.
3. Take a break & breathe
The job search season does not have to be a depressing period in one’s life. Receiving rejection emails back to back may take its toll, but remember that the best job for you is yet to come. Don’t give up. Live a little and visit that city you’ve always dreamed of for instance. When the job comes, there will probably be no time to entertain such delights in a long while. Between marking scripts and writing conference papers, you’ll be lucky to visit Malaga via Netflix on your couch.
4. Develop ideas for journal articles and write up
If you would like to build a career in academia, the job search season puts less pressure on your time. It’s the best time to get creative with potential paper ideas. Writing them up and submitting them for publication also increases one’s chances of clinching that job. As at this moment, I am working on two papers full time – no time to waste.
5. Tell everyone that matters you want a job
If people don’t know, they can’t help. Someone may have heard of an opportunity somewhere that would have been perfect for you. It may very well pass you by because you didn’t speak up. I let everyone that matters know that I am job searching, and my networks have been incredibly supportive. Unexpected opportunities have been popping up to me here and there, and I believe it’s only a matter of time before I find a base.
If you’ve competed your PhD and are job searching, what activities are you up to in-between? Please share in comments.
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