The Open Secret of Preferential Treatment for Networked Job Seekers

Networking holds a nuanced but very valuable position in successfully changing careers. It's an aspect that's deeply ingrained within the hiring ethos of industry, but for PhDs on an alt-ac path, networking with industry professionals can feel mysterious and intimidating. But there is no better way to build credibility for a job than having another person vouch for you. Job candidates who are referred into a position often receive preferential treatment during the hiring process as a matter of professional courtesy.

THE VALUE OF NETWORKING

Networking, at its core, is about building and nurturing professional relationships. For PhDs changing to an industry career, this is not just beneficial, but essential. Industry operates on the principle of not just what you know, but who you know. Networking provides a platform for sharing knowledge, exchanging ideas, and most importantly, opening doors to opportunities that are not advertised publicly.

For PhDs, networking serves as a bridge, connecting the depth of academic expertise to the practicality of industry. Engaging with professionals within your field offers insights into industry trends, demands, skill sets, and the language used by potential employers. A solid network can make you part of the in-group that receives a leg up during hiring processes.

NETWORKING: THE UPSPOKEN CRITERION IN HIRING

It's an open secret that hiring managers give preferential treatment to candidates within their network or introduced through trusted connections. This practice isn't born out of bias but rooted in the principle of trust and the perceived reduction of hiring risks.

Candidates that come through a network are often seen as more reliable and a safer bet. A referral or recommendation carries weight, serving as a testament to the candidate's capabilities that is based on the borrowed credibility from a known entity, the referrer. For hiring managers, this mitigates some of the uncertainty that comes with hiring someone entirely new and unknown.

In a pool of equally qualified candidates, those with a referral or connection to the hiring manager often have a competitive edge. Having someone refer you offers social proof that you are who you say you are. The competitive edge is not merely about familiarity but about the reassurance that your professional ethos and work ethic are vouched for by someone the hiring manager trusts.

BROADENING YOUR HORIZONS: BUILDING THE BRIDGE

Building a solid network takes time and it doesn't mean going out and asking for referrals. It means taking the time to build real human connections, allowing people to get to know and trust you. It doesn't happen over night and it can't be rushed. But here's how you can start:

1. Start with LinkedIn: Connect with alumni, join industry-specific groups, and engage in constructively with content relevant to your chosen industry vertical(s).
2. Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops: Build your network to extend beyond other academics. Meet other industry professionals, including those without a PhD, and begin to understand how different people with different experiences and backgrounds bring value to the field. Share your perspectives and learn from others to begin building credibility amongst potential colleagues.
3. Ask for Informational Interviews: Reach out to professionals in the roles you're interested in. Learn from their experience about what companies are looking for. If they like you, they may add you to their list of candidates if/when positions open up.

For PhDs aiming to move from academia to industry, understanding and leveraging the power of networking can put you ahead of the game. It's about creating opportunities, forming bonds with other industry professionals, and securing a foothold in your desired field. The strength of your network can significantly influence your career trajectory. As you navigate the transition, your expertise and your network can be the twin engines that propel you forward into a successful industry career.

YOUR NEXT STEPS

• Join our free online community for ongoing support and networking
• Register for our next webinar, “Effective Networking 101 - Build Industry Connections that Matter for Your Industry Job Search”
• Enroll in our online course, Post-Academic.Me, a 5-step course to teach you how to make the transition