Recommendations for securing jobs after post-doc

[Therapist4Chnge]

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I thought it'd be useful to start a thread to discuss how to best secure your first "real" job after post-doc. I know it will vary by setting, but given the fluctuating market out there, I thought it could be useful for folks about to venture out into the fun world of managed care and bottom-lines.

I guess I'll start:

Networking! If you don't already have a network of colleagues, mentors, allied health professions, etc...you need to start. The biggest mistake people make when trying to find a job is that they do not let everyone know! You also want to encourage your contacts to let their contacts know that you are in the market. A simple request to the right people can often yield some great opportunities.

 

[Shatani]

I would say use your post-doc time to get as much extra training and certification as you can. I have been able to get my post-doc placement to pay for a huge amount of training in trauma treatment, military and veteran behavioral health, and addictions treatment.

Also, present present present! this piggybacks on the networking suggestion. i've done workshops, trainings and presentations during my post doc year as well. making sure people in your field know you is an invaluable tool!

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Also, present present present! this piggybacks on the networking suggestion. i've done workshops, trainings and presentations during my post doc year as well. making sure people in your field know you is an invaluable tool!

I agree, though for the vast majority of people the "time" for this will come on weekends and after hours. Sometimes you can negotiate for protected time, but it very much depends on your post-doc employer.

 

[Shatani]

I agree, though for the vast majority of people the "time" for this will come on weekends and after hours. Sometimes you can negotiate for protected time, but it very much depends on your post-doc employer.

There have been a couple of times where I took paid time off to present, but for the most part, I do so as a representative of my agency. So, not only do I have the opportunity to network, I also get paid for doing so.

The times I have done so on my own free time, have been less lucrative, but a good networking opportunity.

 

[2012PhD]

Shanti and T4C, what are your plans after post-doc? I was under the impression that you were finishing post-doc in september, unless its a 2 year one. How many jobs did you guys apply to? Do you have to re-locate again?

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Shanti and T4C, what are your plans after post-doc? I was under the impression that you were finishing post-doc in september, unless its a 2 year one. How many jobs did you guys apply to? Do you have to re-locate again?

I have one more year of post-doc, though I'm starting to poke around to see what is out there. I was told that serious job hunting starts about 6 months out, but I should start asking around earlier so I don't feel pressured to take a position. I will most likely relocate for a traditional neuropsych job somewhere in academic medicine, but there are a few VAs that I'd like to check out if a job opens up.

 

[Shatani]

Shanti and T4C, what are your plans after post-doc? I was under the impression that you were finishing post-doc in september, unless its a 2 year one. How many jobs did you guys apply to? Do you have to re-locate again?

I haven't decided yet. I'm wishing to re-locate because...well, I just want to. and I have none of the entrapments that make spontaneous relocation a problem. I'm a psyD, so I've got a LOT of loans....I am interested in figuring out a way to get the gov't to pay a big chunk of that back. So, I am looking at military and VA-type positions.

I don't have a set date when I have to leave my position....it's not a formal post-doc, so I have some time.

 

[ClinicalPsycPhD]

I am officially finishing my post doc at the end of the month, and I started calling counseling centers and clinics in my city about 4 months ago. I sent out a bunch of resumes, and many people told me to call back once I was licensed. I did get an interview at one anxiety clinic and they offered me a job, so I've been working there 1 day a week and taking people who don't have insurance. I'm going to keep working 2 days a week at my post doc for a while and gradually try to get more and more clients at the new place so that I can hopefully be close to full time there in 6 months (it pays way better than post doc!).