Getting Started

When trying to decide on the type of work you want to do, it is important to spend time thinking about who you are and what you want in your future work. Consider your skills, interests, personality, values, previous experiences, and any other additional aspects such as family commitments, or personal plans. Armed with this information, you are more appropriately equipped to consider and vet occupational options. For assistance with this process, read the guide entitled How can I move into non-academic settings with my graduate (master and PhD) degree?.

Strategies for Finding Work

Once you have some ideas regarding what type of work you would like to pursue, the next step is to consider how to secure a position. The Non-Academic Work Search workshop can help you understand the best strategies for your situation. To get you started, here are two of the most effective job search strategies:

Networking & Informational Interviews

Networking and informational interviews are both ways of tapping into the hidden job market by identifying people who are in positions and organizations that would be a good fit for you or can provide you with information that can help you make career decisions.

Networking is a process of developing and maintaining personal and professional relationships resulting in sharing of information and knowledge, learning about what other people do, and uncovering job opportunities.

This is not about asking people for jobs or for the sole purpose of, "How can you help me?" Rather, it is a two-way process, where the goal is to get to know other people. It is something that is done continually rather than just once or only during the time when you are looking for work. Each person you meet has the potential to be a contact for you; likewise, you can become a contact for them.

One way of networking is conducting individual networking meetings that allow you to talk to people working in the field that interests you. From the meeting, you can gain up-to-date or specific information, and build contacts.

For information on these and additional job search strategies read the Finding Jobs & Employment guide.

Converting Your Curriculum Vitae to a Resume

Once you are meeting with employers and presenting yourself, you will need a resume. When switching your CV to a resume, you need to remember some key points of difference between the two documents:

CV's

• for academic positions and therefore have an academic, scholarly focus
• do not have any length restrictions; can be multiple pages
• will focus on 3 main areas of expertise – research, teaching and administrative, in addition to other professional experience
• will include teaching and research interests, publications, and references which a resume will typically not include

Resumes

• for non-academic positions and therefore focus on experience relevant to position
• they are typically 2 pages but in some cases will be one page
• will focus on experience relevant to position and any additional activities that demonstrate transferable skills

For a critique, please make an appointment with the Resume Clinic.