Alex and Abdul return from their holidays in Greece and Barcelona only to dive into a heavier reality: the brutal job market for scientists and grads.
From spreadsheets tracking hundreds of rejections, to AI filters rejecting CVs in minutes, to why personal branding might matter more than your degree.
This episode breaks down the challenges of getting hired today. They also share tips that actually worked for them, and debate how much you should “game the system” vs. stay true to your values.
Chapters & Timestamps
Holiday Recaps: Greece & Barcelona – 00:00
PhD Placement Planning & Career Options – 01:28
The Viral LinkedIn Post: 450 Job Applications – 02:02
Our Own Job Application War Stories – 04:20
Ghosting & The Spreadsheet Method – 05:36
AI in Recruitment: ATS Systems & Interview Note-Takers – 09:47
Doctors & Personal Branding in 2025 – 12:02
CV Tailoring, Keywords & Using AI Wisely – 13:57
Values vs. Branding: Finding the Right Fit – 18:31
Creative Hacks to Stand Out (Assignments, Mock Interviews, Referrals) – 23:01
Final Tips & Wrapping Up – 27:59
Links & Resources
Job Application Tools & Tips
Recommended Reading: So Good They Can’t Ignore You by Cal Newport (career & skills focus)