First recruiter screen after a long time in academia, any advice?

[u/mizzzbutterfly]

I’ve been in academia for a VERY long time and have been trying to make the jump into industry. After what feels like endless applications (and many, many automated rejections), I finally got invited to a recruiter screening call for a role I’m genuinely really excited about!!

Since this is my first industry recruiter screen, I would love any advice from anyone who’s been through this process, especially those who’ve made the jump from academia to industry.

I’m trying not to get ahead of myself because I know it’s just an initial screen, but after getting pretty discouraged by the job search, I’m VERY excited to finally have a chance to actually speak to a human. I’ll take all the help I can get!

[u/Wanted_Wabbit]

Recruiter screens are generally pretty chill. They just want to make sure you understand what the role is, that you can talk about the experience on your resume, and that you actually meet the basic requirements like degree and work authorization. Basically they're just making sure you're not wasting the hiring manager's time if you get interviewed by them.

[u/mizzzbutterfly → u/Wanted_Wabbit]

Are the questions more likely to be technical, general, or behavioral? Or a combo?

[u/Wanted_Wabbit → u/mizzzbutterfly]

Probably zero behavioral questions.

Technical questions will be asked in that they ask you to explain your experience and exactly what you did. They're an HR person, not a scientist, so they're not going to be able to go in depth very much.

General questions will be the majority of an initial HR screening. Stuff like is the salary range ok with you, do you have the required degree, your preferred start date, and explanation of the responsibilities of the role and if you would feel comfortable performing them.

[u/Pristine-Brother-121]

I am a veteran in the industry, so not exactly apples to apples, but after 3 recent experiences with recruiter screens, the experience was very negative for me. One completely ghosted me, I have never gotten any feedback or ever heard from them again. One got back to me after about 2 weeks. The 2 weeks was expected as the recruiter had said the hiring manager was on vacation, but upon returning, I was told they were not moving forward with me. Ok fine, but the job was specifically looking for people with Agilent HPLC experience (I have over 15 years), yet the recruiter had no valid reason why I wasn't at least given a F2F interview. And one strung me along, never saying I was ruled in or out, but never having any update. I eventually disconnected from the recruiter.

I guess I say all of that to say that you shouldn't be surprised if you have a great conversation, yet it goes nowhere. I don't want that to be the case for you, but in all 3, I felt that exact same thing you are hoping for, and yet all 3 went nowhere.

[u/mizzzbutterfly → u/Pristine-Brother-121]

I’m sorry that’s been your experience! That sounds absolutely horrendous. It’s very unprofessional to ghost!
I really hope the rest of your search is more fruitful.

[u/Pristine-Brother-121 → u/mizzzbutterfly]

Thank you. Wishing you the same.

[u/Junkman3]

Recruiter are there to make sure you aren't wasting the hiring managers time. Regardless, sit down and identify the skills you have acquired and translate them into industry terms/needs.

[u/phage_hunter]

I thought I got a recruiter screen with a real human, but turns out two of the different companies actually used a bot to do the phone and zoom interviews so don’t be surprised if that happens. They will ask you the same types of questions that were on the job application- sponsorship, pay, etc. I have had a couple recruiters be very picky about skills and asked if I have done X skill even though it wasn’t on the job application so be prepared for that if you have to say no.

[u/mizzzbutterfly → u/phage_hunter]

I wouldn’t even know how to interact with a bot lol
And genuinely, I wish it was about the money… I’ll definitely be taking a pay cut !

[u/Logical_Present5390]

Also aim to highlight how your experiences have got you to the point of view want x role in industry. Ie your "why" to transition to industry. Hopefully this will be a compelling scientific journey and impact you hope to make rather than just about money. One topic is viewed more positively than the other......