Six months of a futile job search despite having a PhD. Ep 2

How many of you are struggling to get a job right now? Episode 2: Ugly truth of looking for a job as a woman in sciences. The ugly truth and realities of a job seeker.
Today open up about losing my job despite having a PhD and my quest for a job.
I hope you enjoy this heart to heart❣️
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[@wortelsorbet]

They avoid written feedback on why you were not offered the role for legal reasons (any feedback they give you can cause problems for them, so they rather stick with the generic: "We had a better candidate"). Your best chance of getting some feedback is to call them and ask them whether they have some feedback for future applications (avoid the question why you were not offered the job). You made it to the interview stage, which already is a big win (it means that you are a strong candidate for the job). Normally they invite around 3 to 5 people for a job, so 2 to 4 people will be told that they picked another candidate (and sometimes they will decide not to hire someone, for example, due to changes in the budget). It is a numbers game: If you get enough interviews, one is likely to lead to a job offer. You are doing the right thing by tailoring your resume to the job specs.Try to see whether you can speed up this process so that it does not take two full days, but instead around half a day to a day (it will take time, so be selective in the jobs that you apply to). Do not give up hope. It is tough to land a job.

[@TheFramedsolutions]

Thanks for this revelation, I am now learning the ins and outs of the recruitment process. I appreciate your clarification on this matter. thanks again

[@KBlade1]

Imagine having a PHD, and everyone in the house looks at you like "Shouldn't you have a job? Shouldn't you be making more money than all of us? Haha" I can only imagine how much that stings man. I have an Associates, and I still get that sass!

[@TheFramedsolutions]

Talk about it! It’s a great sting that you keep wondering why did I have to go through all this and end up here. 🫤

[@AM-er5vx]

Indeed! Job hunting is a job in itself. Good luck in finding the best-fit job for you. Keep pursuing excellence in all you do. I'm praying that you get your good-fit job by tomorrow. Be courageous. Good luck!

[@TheFramedsolutions]

Thank you. It’s really disheartening to see how job seekers are treated. I know I am not an exception but imagine what everyone else goes through. Employers should do better. Th Thanks for the encouragement.

[@AM-er5vx]

Even when one has a solid job offer, it could be rescinded, or employers could keep pushing back the start date, then ghost the candidate completely, or reply, "We will contact you if anything changes." Employers hope you understand that silence treatment means the "game" is over and no job for you. The best bet is to reduce expectations regarding employers' fair or ethical behavior. This job market is rough, especially since there are often four to five rounds of intense and long interviews. Job hunting is challenging, currently. But stay positive from interview to interview. The power is with the employer. I'm praying you get the best job possible. Good Luck.

[@TheFramedsolutions]

Exactly!! Job hunting is not for the faint hearted. Even looks like everyone( around 20) can be qualified to do one job. But that said, this calls for fair interview processes. Employers need to do better in this aspect.

[@user-gs2jg7fr9e]

I have zero expectations with employers. I've never been butt hurt when I didn't get any feedback. I can read between the lines.

[@PaulaGPDX]

I don’t think that, legally, that man is allowed to ask you about your family. It’s like they can’t ask about your age or ethnicity, gender, or race. Nothing you can really do. If it was an internal candidate interview you would have a case to take to HR. The upside is that if you had to work under this guy, you’d probably be miserable. It sounds like he has a very strong negative bias against female scientists. P.S. In terms of not providing personal feedback, that’s how most North American companies and organizations operate these days.

[@TheFramedsolutions]

Exactly! I felt like I needed to air it out to the HR personnel who sent me the negative feedback. But I was so angry to do so, but hopefully his actions get discovered by the company & some thing is done about his misogyny and prejudice.

[@MissNataliNik]

I have eight years of experience in Tech and have been looking full-time for 4,5 months and several months beforehand while still being employed. I went through several tough interviews that lasted anywhere from 2 to 4 hours including Case Study preparations. Also, some interviews with rude or uninterested interviewers. In 90% of all cases I get generic rejections or no replies. But I know several other former colleagues and friends who are also looking for a long time. It’s just a tough job market with not many positions in contrast to many job seekers. Hang in there, something will work out.

[@TheFramedsolutions]

So sorry to hear that you’ve also experienced this same thing as I have done. I pray your case changes soon. Hang in there too. Those interview processes can be so daunting and very devastating when you don’t land the job.

[@theresalucas9477]

Thank you for sharing this interview ❤. Your high qualifications and expertise is more proof that the BS is real. They knew you could do the job with your eyes closed. People like that will pick someone less qualified and train them (I’ve seen it one too many times). What’s more frustrating to me is that they made you wait for a guy to ask you a bunch of unethical questions and then say you aren’t qualified 😮. My prayer is that a more deserving company requests your expertise and pay you well for it. 😊

[@TheFramedsolutions]

Thank you Theresa, I felt segregated because of my expertise & the fact that I am a parent. These organisations are not about skilled but rather cheap labour. Something worthwhile will eventually show up for me. But this was a great eye opener to not solely rely on my skillset & immense expertise as my future proof. Today, I am looking for consultation roles even above my geographical borders & offering my expertise to the young and early career professionals. The future of work has greatly changed. I have seen many tech companies out sourcing cheap labour from Asian countries because they are not willing to pay qualified individuals in their countries.

[@theresalucas9477]

@@TheFramedsolutions I agree, too many companies are choosing cheap labor over quality. It’s unfair to the people they choose because they are desperate for a job and those they overlook, but are more qualified and should be rightly compensate for their skills. I’m glad you want to consult the younger professionals for a better future.

[@TheFramedsolutions]

@@theresalucas9477 in the result they end up manipulating them because they are desperate for a job. I once watched a documentary on ABC that showed a company here in Australia was recruiting workers from Asia & bring them to work here only to manipulate them & when they raised their complaints, the company threatened to revoke their contracts and deport them. It was until a whistleblower brought this to the light. It’s saddening to hear

[@SKYANDAIRTRAVEL]

You are brilliant and I am so sorry you are going through this. I am rooting for you! Please keep us updated on your process and when you achieve that great job offer.

[@TheFramedsolutions]

Thank you for your kindness. I appreciate. Of course, I will make an update.

[@AM-er5vx]

They most likely already had their candidate, especially since the interviews were uncoordinated with the absence of HR. It's sad, but this happens more often these days. Keep trying for the right fit. May God continue to bless and guide you to success.

[@TheFramedsolutions]

Most definitely that was the reason. A total waste of my time. By the time I left my throat was so dry because of talking for two hours. I also pray this era of job searching ends soon. thanks again 🤗

[@nusulanakato]

When you notice,unparalleled energy and clear red flags..don't just settle most likely the experience will be worse even if you get in.

[@TheFramedsolutions]

Exactly, sometimes its hard to see clearly when you are in a desperate situation such as badly looking for a role. But yeah, this interview was an eye opener. When you see the red flags, believe what you've seen.

[@AryaStarkTheExplorer]

You may want to remove your PH.D to get a lab manager position. It will pay less but you may be able to get a job quicker. Then you can apply for higher level Ph.d positions.

[@TheFramedsolutions]

Thanks for the advice. I appreciate it.

[@yanasosnovskaya864]

I'm in the same boat...I start doing freelance temp projects for companies. And with every new project, I increase pay per hour. =))) If they don't want to hire me for full time job, what to do? Interviews are boring, a lot of rejections got me very low spirit, preparation for interviews is also boring, I'd rather do projects for money. Thinking already even about opening my own consultancy company.

[@TheFramedsolutions]

Wow! I like how you’ve flipped this obstacle for the good. I am impressed with the fact that you are considering starting your own consultancy company Kudos to you🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾. Sometimes we hold ourselves back when we are so capable of so much. Thanks for sharing your story. I am encouraged to also look for some consultant roles.

[@nusulanakato]

Thanks for this video Faith, I learnt that the hard way.

[@TheFramedsolutions]

You are so welcome! I am glad to share the lesson with you.

[@nuts2559]

instead of getting company feedback, perhaps ask the successful applicant how they reacted or responded to family questions. Regardless of what question is asked and your emotions about that question. The response and method you deliver that response is most definitely relevant to the leadership role that they require.

[@donnaoneill5939]

Ugh oh, red flag to ask about family this is a personal questions not job relayed and not an interview question. If Human Resources person was there this would not have been asked. This question is a way to weed out candidate because they view a person with family as a liability due to her family responsibilities. A whole Phd and they say your not capable. The ignorance, arrogance and stupidity to minimize and insult your intellect. I would respond to that letter or email with the family question you were asked. This is vexing.

[@TheFramedsolutions]

I know!! You ought to know I was boiling with anger 😡! I wanted to badly send a detailed rant as a reply to the email but the GOD in me stopped me. I am glad I did not reply because I would have poured out my gut in that email. But in all intents and purposes, I saw it wasn’t worth it. No one should be marginalised for being a parent. In fact being a parent makes you a better employee, and in this case a being a leader.

[@AryaStarkTheExplorer]

If you had a recording of the interview, you could have sent it to a lawyer and request a settlement with the company.

[@davidrice6724]

I'm sorry....I kept thinking why is walking experience important....you then proceeded to share all of the countries that you walked in....😊.... In any case....I am sure that you will find the work that will be rewarding and profitable for you... You are a determined woman.

[@TheFramedsolutions]

Thanks David, yes, it’s just a matter of time. Everything works out in its due time. But in the meantime, I am monetising my skills & expertise.

[@patoises]

Thanks for sharing. I must agree the question about family does sound a bit odd. On the constructive feedback point, unfortunately this is a standard HR process to not provide that - one, why create extra effort when a company can just use a standard response like "another person is a better fit", and two, why create the risk of a candidate suing the company or complaining if the feedback is not taken positively (lets be honest, for rejected candidates they are more likely to take feedbacks as points to challenge back or disagree about, than something constructive to be applied in the future), therefore companies would minimise any explanation and communication to unsuccessful candidates. You will find this is true as you apply for more jobs. Good luck, I hope you land the job soon

[@TheFramedsolutions]

But if we look at it in an objective way. A generic piece of feedback doesn’t help especially when it’s a robust interview process. On the contrary I am always open to constructive feedback because that’s when I can learn what to do better next time. I have been to some job interviews where the HR told me, the truth such as they already had someone but it was company policy to interview. In that instance I didn’t take it personal because I know this happens but such generic feedbacks do not help the candidate. Thanks for your input in this discussion. Now I can understand that it’s for the benefit of the company to cover themselves & not provide detailed feedback to avoid retaliation & potential law suits.

[@patoises]

@@TheFramedsolutions Yes, It can be extremely frustrating especially if we have spent so much effort with the application and interviews. I learnt the hard way after many interviews that it is how HR works, many just won't provide long feedback to protect their own interest. To deal with this, we just need to be cognizant and therefore not let that grind us down. So I would say continue to do our best but don't expect companies to repay our effort, so we don't get disappointed. if they do provide constructive feedbck, which is unlikely, treat that as a bonus. In this mindset, we will never be dishearten again. Good luck!

[@TheFramedsolutions]

@@patoises I totally agree. I am almost about to quit. If my passions and coaching endeavours start paying off, I will never look back or even look for a job. Fingers crossed. Thanks again for your kind words. I appreciate 🤓

[@DebraJohnson]

5:28 Wrong answer. Never say you haven’t done something in a previous job. Instead share a relevant example of the work you’ve done that relates to the skill. The family question is illegal in the U.S.

[@TheFramedsolutions]

I prefer to say the truth. I had knew the assay & I’ve also taught undergraduates that technique. His question was if I was using it in previous job. I told him no. Yes, I agree, the family question is out of conduct & illegal on a job interview

[@byrndev]

Just my 2 cents companies dont owe me or you anything at the end of the day they are paying for our services. Even if it seems rude, unprofessional, or unfair if we arent even entitled to an interview why do you think we should be entitled to a personalized feedback letter. I've heard of people in tech having interviews that last 12 hours within 6 rounds of people and they get rejected with 0 feedback you cant take it personal its buisness at the end of the day. Love the videos still just my opinion.

[@TheFramedsolutions]

This is the sad reality. Thanks for the clarification. I appreciate your opinion and it is very insightful.

[@kdi17il]

People don't owe you anything that's true. But we don't owe them anything either. It's a power struggle and one side has too much. Employees will never have as much power as an employer so why do we live in a society where employers are given all the advantages? Where are the laws against posting fake jobs, or doing vast layoffs to get money for shareholders? Where are the protections for workers? This view is rather weak in my opinion. Because it goes both ways but one side is being bullied.

[@faithlizscorner]

Its absurd to hear the ordeal you've gone through. May something work out for you soon. Otherwise, keep at it.

[@TheFramedsolutions]

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[@andrewoods6742]

Okay, i see what’s missing.. just put on your job app that you are artificial intelligence knowledgeable. Watch videos on open AI medical industry.

[@TheFramedsolutions]

Thanks Andrew, yes. I have been using open AI for a year now. So I will add this on my cv

[@AleksandraKuliczkowska]

how about postdoc? or teaching on a university? lab jobs? CRA/CRO jobs, JUST temporarily? temporary QA in major drug company? biostatistics/bioinformatics temporarily?

[@TheFramedsolutions]

Thanks for this, I have been a post doc for a biotech company, that’s what I love. I am not keen on traditional university postdocs because I feel academia is toxic, you know the publish or perish lingual? CRA/ CRA jobs are great too & I am applying to many. My career goal is in translational research/ clinical research not basic research. Teaching yes & I am actively looking for these options but not the traditional postdocs

[@Hometeam683]

I’m not sure where people got the idea that they’re owed something because they interview with a company no matter how long the interview is. We’re not owed anything. And having a PhD and of your caliber has nothing to do with what you deserve over someone else. The simple fact is they told you someone else was better they said it wasn’t you it was because someone else they liked better. There’s nothing more they can really tell you because there’s too many people looking for the same jobs. that’s the problem. Maybe they sensed your entitlement during the interview

[@TheFramedsolutions]

I appreciate your opinion. To you it seems I am entitled and that’s ok. To me, I was highlighting the untold realities of job searching. That said, thanks for airing your opinion.

[@jb44448]

Having a PhD and being better is exactly why you would be better qualified than someone else. You just sound privileged.

[@dionbrooks4981]

You sound very entitled.... humble yourself nobody owe you anything go into thoseinterviews with a open mindset

[@TheFramedsolutions]

Thanks Dion for this comment. You will see it as being entitled but I see it as knowing your worth. I have a very open mindset & I shared my story to highlight what most job seekers will experience. I didn’t share to look for a pity party but to talk about topics that are not often discussed. As you might know, the era we live in only highlights great & social media curated things. I hope this shows you my intention

[@musabarnabas7628]

Nothing wrong at all with the questions you were asked. You are a scientist, so I believe you are cognitively intelligent. The questions you were asked by the lone interviewer were your chance to show that you are emotionally intelligent too. Emotionally intelligent people are able to see and articulate how their personal life positively affect their job. They are a great fit to lead teams.

[@TheFramedsolutions]

@@musabarnabas7628 I love your feedback. As I mentioned, I stated being a parent has enabled gain more empathy, trust my intuition, become a better leader of my home and other aspects of my life, build more resilience etc. But in the process of the interview the questions got more personal that I left uncomfortable. Great Leaders lead by example and I have shown this in my last capacity as a product development manager. So I hope my answer clarifies this more. Thanks again for your insight.

[@Flourish_today]

​@@TheFramedsolutionsYou replied that comment with a Bridgeton intelligence. Bravo!

[@TheFramedsolutions]

@@Flourish_todaythough, I still have to watch the new season. We all have our vantage point, and most times clarification helps. 🤗