by Yasmeen » Mon Mar 27, 2006 9:19 pm
As a very recent PhD who got 2 job offers in industry, this is just my 2 cents and my history: I started looking last May for industry positions and post-docs. I had about 10 of those people playing at being headhunters call me and it never led to anything so don't waste your time on them. It's better to just apply to positions you like, write a good cover letter and talk to as many people you can at your school, at career fairs, and in informational interviews.
I got a few interviews and in Jan/Feb. I got my first job offer, in late Feb. I got my 2nd offer at the job I really wanted. I had applied to both in December. So it takes time and patience and alot of work. For career counseling, go to a bookstore, read What color is my parachute to make sure you are doing what you truly want to do, read over the extensive posts on this forum for advice and personal stories to see where you fit. And in the end, realize that it takes alot of hard work to find a good job but it is possible for a new Phd, it just isn't going to happen in a month or two (unless of course you are one of those people who went to a top 5 school in your area of research and your boss is so well known, people will be impressed that you were in the same room as him/her).
Lastly, I didn't get either job because I knew someone on the "inside", both were dependent on being open to areas outside of my locality, good timing, and showing them that I had a great deal of interest in the work and in the company.
I wish you the best.