Feeling overwhelmed about how to even begin your job hunt outside academia? You’re not alone. Transitioning from a PhD or postdoc into an industry career can feel like standing at the edge of a vast, unknown landscape. In academia, career steps are relatively structured (finish dissertation, apply for postdocs/faculty, etc.), but in industry there’s no single roadmap. It’s normal to be unsure where or how to start.

The important thing to remember is that thousands of PhDs have successfully made this jump – and you can too. In fact, nearly 75% of science and engineering PhD graduates now move into non-academic careers insidehighered.com. The tide has turned: industry is the norm, not the exception, for STEM PhDs. Yet universities often do little to prepare doctoral students for this reality, leaving many floundering, unsure where to look or how to transform their CV into a résumé insidehighered.com.

This guide will break down the process into clear steps. Think of it as a roadmap to kickstart your industry job search, specifically tailored for PhDs:

1. Reflect on Your Interests and Skills

Before you dive into job listings, take a step back and assess what you want to do and what you’re good at. Your PhD journey has given you a unique skill set – maybe you’re a wizard at data analysis, or you have deep knowledge of a niche scientific technique, or you’ve honed project management and teaching skills. Brainstorm how these skills could apply in various industries or roles. Also consider what interests you outside of your specific dissertation topic. Do you enjoy coding? Explaining science to others? Working in a team on fast-paced projects? This reflection will help you identify possible career paths (for example, data scientist, R&D scientist, consultant, product manager, UX researcher, etc.). It’s okay if you don’t narrow it down to one dream job immediately, but you should have a few directions in mind.

Pro Tip: It might help to talk to a career counselor or use a self-assessment tool to map your strengths and work preferences. Some PhDs find that their passion isn’t doing bench research 8 hours a day, but perhaps communicating science or applying it to real-world problems – that realization can open up new career targets you hadn’t considered.

2. Convert Your CV into a Resume

Academic CVs and industry resumes are very different beasts. Your multi-page CV with every publication and conference talk won’t impress a hiring manager who just wants to see if you have the key skills for the job. Now is the time to create a concise, focused resume (typically 1-2 pages) tailored for industry roles. Highlight your technical skills, significant projects, and any quantifiable achievements (e.g. “developed a new analytical method that improved data processing speed by 30%”). Remove or downplay academic details that don’t translate well, such as coursework or niche theoretical publications, unless they’re directly relevant.

If you’re unsure how to create a PhD resume for industry, look up examples online or your university’s career center resources for PhDs. Some quick pointers: include a strong summary or profile at the top framing your value proposition (e.g. “PhD in Chemistry with 5+ years’ experience in nanomaterials research, now pivoting to industrial R&D – skilled in analytical instrumentation and cross-functional collaboration”). Emphasize teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and adaptability – qualities that ease any concern that you’re “just an academic.” And don’t forget to tailor this resume for each application later on.

3. Update (or Create) Your LinkedIn Profile

In industry job searches, LinkedIn is as important as your resume. Recruiters will look you up, and a strong profile can even attract opportunities to you. Make sure your LinkedIn is polished and up-to-date: use a professional-looking photo, write a headline that goes beyond just “PhD Candidate at University X” (for example, “Data Analyst | PhD in Physics leveraging statistical modeling and machine learning”), and fill the “About” section with a concise summary of your skills and what you’re seeking. List your education and relevant experience (you can summarize research under your PhD as a job, focusing on skills and outcomes). Add any internships, consulting projects, or technical volunteer work you’ve done.

Crucially, turn on the “Open to Work” setting specifying roles you’re interested in. Start connecting with people (peers, alumni, recruiters, etc.), because a robust network boosts your profile’s visibility. A complete LinkedIn profile will also serve as your public face; many advice-givers say a good LinkedIn profile is non-negotiable for PhDs entering industry linkedin.com.

4. Start Networking Early

Don’t wait until you’ve applied to jobs to begin networking (as covered in detail in the previous article). Even at the start of your search, begin reaching out to contacts and scheduling informational interviews to learn about different roles and companies. Networking can actually guide you on where to apply – you might discover through a chat with an alum that a certain field or company is a great fit (or not for you, which is also valuable knowledge). Additionally, letting your network know you’re looking can lead to referrals. As career experts often note, sending out cold applications should not be your only strategy linkedin.com. At least 70% of professionals hired had some connection at the company apollotechnical.com, so building those connections now will pay off when you start applying.

If you feel you “don’t know anyone,” use the tactics from the networking tips article – alumni networks, LinkedIn groups, professional associations. Even attending a virtual panel for PhD careers can spark new contacts. The sooner you begin, the more warm leads you’ll have when you’re ready to apply in earnest.

5. Identify Target Roles and Companies

As you gather information from your reflections (step 1) and networking, start zeroing in on a few roles that excite you. It’s okay to have a primary plan and a backup plan (say, aiming for industry research scientist positions but also exploring data analyst roles). Research companies that hire PhDs in those roles. Make a list of target employers – consider big industry players, but also smaller startups or government labs if applicable. This targeted approach will help focus your applications later and tailor your resume and conversations to those contexts.

For each target role, read multiple job descriptions to spot common requirements. That way, you can address those in your resume or even pick up certain skills before applying. For example, if many data science jobs want Python and you’ve only used R, you might do a quick Python course now to bolster that area.

6. Upskill if Needed (Fill the Gaps)

Speaking of courses – if your dream industry role demands something your PhD didn’t provide, consider taking short courses or certifications. This could be technical (learning a new programming language, using a specific software, certification in project management) or soft skills (leadership workshops, business fundamentals). 2024–2025 trends show many PhDs learning data visualization, product management basics, or regulatory affairs knowledge to become more well-rounded candidates. You don’t need another degree; just identify the top one or two skills that would boost your profile and work on those. It not only strengthens your resume, but shows employers you’re serious about transitioning and proactive about learning.

7. Start Applying Strategically

With your resume ready, LinkedIn polished, network warming up, and a clear idea of what you’re aiming for, you can begin the actual applications. Remember to prioritize quality over quantity: apply to positions that genuinely fit your skills and goals, and take the time to tailor your application to each one. Use the 70-80% rule – if you meet most requirements, go for it (you don’t need 100%). For each application, adjust your resume keywords to match the job posting and write a fresh cover letter that shows you’ve researched the company. This significantly improves your chances of getting an interview versus mass-applying with the same generic materials.

Keep track of applications in a spreadsheet or a tool (job title, company, date, contacts, status). This will help you follow up appropriately and not lose momentum. It’s wise to set a goal like “apply to X jobs per week” but make sure X is reasonable so you can put effort into each.

8. Use Tools and Support

Remember that you don’t have to do all of this alone. There are resources and tools designed for PhDs in your exact position. University career centers can offer counseling, resume reviews, even practice interviews. Professional societies often have job boards or mentoring programs. And new tech solutions are emerging to guide job seekers. For instance, HirePilot is a new AI-powered job search assistant that specifically helps advanced-degree holders organize their search and even reach out to employers. HirePilot’s beta lets you import your CV, tracks your applications like a pipeline, and can draft outreach emails to hiring managers – acting like a personal career coach in your browser.

Stay connected to communities of PhDs in transition (online forums, LinkedIn groups, etc.). It’s encouraging to share experiences and tips with others who understand the unique challenge of leaving academia. You might hear about job leads or simply get moral support on tough days.

Embrace the Transition

Starting an industry job search as a PhD is a learning process. You’re essentially teaching yourself a new skill: career development in the non-academic world. It might feel uncomfortable at times, but remember that your training has given you the ability to learn new things, solve complex problems, and persist through challenges – that applies here too!

Every step you take, whether it’s converting your resume or reaching out to a new contact, is progress. Celebrate the small wins, like positive feedback on your resume or a good networking chat. These build momentum. And if something isn’t working (no responses at all, for example), step back and adjust your approach – just as you would troubleshoot an experiment.

Most importantly, keep an open mind. The first industry job you land might not be your “perfect fit” or lifelong career, and that’s okay. It’s a stepping stone that will give you new skills and expand your network further. You can pivot later if needed. The key is to get that first opportunity and transition out of academia; from there, you’ll learn the ropes of industry and discover new paths.

Call to Action: Ready to kick off your industry career journey with confidence? HirePilot can be your co-pilot from day one. Our platform is built for STEM PhDs navigating the job market – providing structure for your search, tools to save time on applications, and AI guidance at each step. Don’t wander the job search alone. Sign up for the HirePilot beta and let it guide you through those crucial first steps, from creating an industry-ready resume to landing your first role. Your next career chapter is waiting – let’s launch it together with HirePilot’s help!