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My first time on the job market was brutal.

I was still mourning my mom's death. I didn't have a community of alt-ac folks around me. I was entirely unprepared. And it showed in the results.

But after I dusted myself off from over 200 rejections, I decided to do things right. I followed the obvious steps that I had been ignoring all along.

Recruiters won't just hire you because you have a PhD. You have to align yourself with what they are looking for. And doing that is simple but not easy.

This week, I'd like to share with you six easy steps that will prepare you to get your first industry job.

If I had taken them the first time I went on the job market, I would have saved myself so much time and effort. And I would have started earning a great salary much, much sooner.

So here we go!

Step 1: Identify Possible Career Paths

The first crucial step in your transition is to identify possible career paths if you haven't already done so.

Rather than relying solely on Google searches or advice from academics, I recommend getting your hands dirty with real data.

Do that by diving into LinkedIn and discover what jobs that PhDs in your field are getting in industry.

Keep track of the job titles and names as you'll want to later conduct informational interviews with these professionals to gain insights into their roles and the industry landscape.

Remember, networking is key to making informed career decisions! Don't just read a blog to find out what job you should get. You'll use that knowledge (and those relationships!) to move forward. 

Step 2: Build Your Professional Network

Once you've identified potential career paths, it's time to start building your professional network.

While in-person events and business cards have their place, informational interviews (via your favorite video chat app) are a game-changer.

Connect with professionals on LinkedIn, request video chats, and ask questions about their jobs.

These conversations will not only expand your network but also provide valuable real-world information about potential jobs.

Step 3: Select a Career Path

Now that you've gathered insights and expanded your network, it's time to select a focused career path.

Don't scatter your efforts by applying to various job types.

Instead, prioritize what matters most to you: salary, work-life balance, and career satisfaction.

Also, consider your likelihood of landing a particular job, as overreaching can be counterproductive.

Remember, your first industry job doesn't need to be perfect; it's a stepping stone.

Step 4: Create Your Materials

As you prepare to apply for jobs, you'll need to create essential materials: a resume and a LinkedIn profile.

Model your resume after successful industry professionals' examples you've encountered during informational interviews.

Focus on quantifying the impact you've made as an academic (read this post for more tips and some examples).

Your LinkedIn profile should complement your resume, showcasing your professional narrative and skills (check out mine if you want an example).

Also, feel free to sign up for my free upcoming workshop-style webinar on how to use your CV to make your first industry resume!

Step 5: Bridge Gaps in Experience

If you identify gaps in your qualifications, don't panic.

You can bridge these gaps through upskilling.

Consider online courses, books, or YouTube tutorials to acquire the necessary skills.

Certificates are nice, but what truly impresses recruiters is a portfolio project that demonstrates your competence.

Be proactive in addressing these gaps to increase your chances of success.

Step 6: Apply, Apply, Apply, and Continue Networking

Now comes the application phase.

I recommend you track of your applications so you can compare your results against this standard:

On average, it takes about 100 job applications to secure 10 interviews.

From those 10 interviews, you will get (on average) one job offer.

So 100 Job Applications = 1 Job Offer.

Stay persistent and maintain a balance between applying and networking.

Spend as much time networking as applying to jobs if possible. 

A referral can get you a job quicker than pretty much any other advantage. 

Though don't worry if you don't have a referral - the job I eventually obtain I got the old fashioned way: simply applying and fighting my way through the interview process.

Is It Time to Go Industry? 

Transitioning from academia to industry can be a challenge.

But by following these six steps, I think you'll be much more well-prepared to make a successful leap than you would have been otherwise.

Remember: networking via informational interviews is your secret weapon, so make the most of it.

And if you are in the social sciences and wanting to get your first industry job in the next 12 months, then check out my industry social scientist boot camp.

Plus, sign up for my free upcoming resume workshop!

I wish you the best of luck in your industry career journey :)

-Matt