EileanDonan

Slightly different topic, but I've been applying to research positions starting later in the year, and I'm starting to wonder if the virus will impact new postings (e.g. with availability, funding)?

Looks like the psych program specifically considers the GRE "optional." The question remains, is there still an unstated expectation that applicants will include theirs regardless, and will there be bias against those applicants who don't?

Hello everyone, As I'm working on building up my resume for grad apps, I've been wondering if there are any certifications that anyone would suggest for boosting my future employability/appeal to grad schools? I'm pretty open to suggestions, whether it be research, clinical, coding, or other. Any thoughts appreciated!

I just wanted to say that I'm so sorry this happened to you. I'm quite surprised that his advisor doesn't care (I'm sure he would have a different opinion if he was on the receiving end!). Either way, this sort of behavior can't become common place. Could you bring it to a higher-up? That must be against some code of conduct.

Hello forum, I have managed to gain not one, but two interviews for separate psychometrist positions. I'm applying with my BA (min required) and some experience in scoring (but not fully administering) tests. Being hired for one of these openings would make a huge difference in my life, and I want to prepare as well as I can. For those of you who have psychometrist experience, is there any particular advice you can give here? Any specific questions that I should prep for? Best things to highlight about myself? Any input definitely appreciated!

Great idea! Would it be possible for a forensic-specific section to be added?

A pug cafe? What a glorious establishment!

Just got rejected from my dream lab, after waiting an entire month since the second interview alone. Searching for a research position is one of the absolute most maddening and draining experiences.

Thanks for sharing, that's definitely insightful! I don't have any special tricks really - I just Google psychometrist openings (typically found through the usual job hubs), and I lucked out by finding one in my area. Bachelor's level ones are definitely more difficult to find, but you can occasionally luck, out especially if you're not bound to a specific location. I mostly find RA positions through universities or hospitals. Appreciated

I interviewed for the perfect research job a few weeks ago, and they agreed to reach out to my references. After three weeks, one of my old research supervisors still has not responded to contact requests from anyone, and I'm afraid it will end up costing my this rare opportunity. ?

Hi folks, I've been applying to RA jobs (around 30) the past few weeks, with no real success yet. I've been considering throwing in a few apps to psychometrist jobs, but I've also been hesitant considering these are obviously not research based, and my long-term goal is a clinical psych Ph.D. On the other hand, specializing in assessments is also a particular interest of mine. With that said, would it be worth taking one of these jobs, or should I maintain focus on RA positions? If anyone has worked as a psychometrist, would you be willing to offer insight into the potential value of such a position? Advice appreciated!

I'm not moving there, but I've been quite a few times. The mountains are stunning, and downtown Knoxville is quite fun. I would definitely set aside time to check them out.

I sometimes wonder about this, as it might vary between school. I was looking at the student profiles of those who were attending the programs I had applied to this previous cycle, and they all had directly relevant research/clinical experience. I definitely feel more pressure because of this. Feels like putting my name into the lottery for the Holy Grail. I've started doing this - emailed lab and basically went full circle to "apply on the university site". It's nice to see that this route can work, though, so I think I'll keep at it.

I'm going to second (third?) this as well. It feels virtually impossible to find positions that are specific to my interests, too.

I anticipated that outcome anyway, so it hasn't been a particular shock. At this point I'm focusing on my internship, research with alma mater, and looking for research assistant jobs (here's hoping something will stick).

Ha, don't worry about hijacking, I hoped the thread would be a place for general discussion, too. For what it's worth, I'm interested in time frame as well.

I just wanted to say that I appreciate everyone's advice. I hope to be in a position to pay it forward someday!

Hi folks! I thought it might be helpful to create a place where those of us who are looking for a new position could critique/swap our CVs, resumes, and cover letters as well as discuss other topics related to applying to jobs. (I realize there is a "Jobs" subforum, but I felt like a thread with a psych-specific focus would be beneficial). I'll start! I recently discovered the perfect research position (would be my first paid), so I want to do everything I can to put my best foot forward. Some questions I had: Research fit is absolutely spot on, but my personal research experience so far is not relevant to this particular focus. Should I be concerned? The application is hosted on a portal that only seems to require a resume. However, I know the name of the PI - would it be appropriate to email them in addition to indicate my particular interest and attach a cover letter? Would that likely be seen as welcome initiative, or desperate and not following direction? I would love a critique of my resume! I'm happy to swap with anyone as well. Let's make this a productive year! ?

Thank you everyone for the replies!

I don't have any clear-cut answers for you, but I did want to offer some support/thoughts. You're clearly in a tough position, and I can relate to that as I'm figuring out my plan-B as well. I'm also married, to a spouse who wants to attend a PhD program, so I'm totally with you on that one - it's not just your own desires that matter anymore! Balancing goals is complex, and sacrifice is virtually inevitable on both ends. Speaking from personal experience, I can say that huge student debt is rough, especially if your spouse has some as well. That fear is no joke, and you're right to take it seriously. If there is anything useful I can offer, it is this: you will (ideally!) be age 40 either way. Which version of yourself do you want to be then?

Hello fellow psych nerds, Having recently graduated and the job app season quickly gearing up, the next best step for me is to acquire a (paid) research position. On that note, does anyone here have any advice related to cold-emailing PIs of interest to inquire about a potential position? Best way to present yourself and pique their interest? For context, I have a BA and have been helping with various research projects since Fall 2017. All suggestions appreciated!

Thanks for the input everybody, looks like I was on the right track. ?

Hi folks, Recently graduated from undergrad, and have been working on how to best maximize the coming year for application to clinical Ph.D's. For reference, I'm interested in pursuing forensic psych. I'm currently interning at a local clinic and assisting with a couple research projects at my alma mater. All unpaid at the moment. I would like to acquire a paid position in the near future, ideally in research, as I've gotten the impression that would be more beneficial to my CV. My question is, I've recently learned of two ABA positions open nearby. My thoughts have been that taking one of these positions wouldn't necessarily help me that much, particularly as the population with which I would be working is not relevant to my population of interest (criminals), I've already been getting some clinical experience with my internship, and most of all, taking one of these positions would probably preclude me from taking a paid research assistant job. Am I thinking along the right lines here? What would the perspective of a grad admissions comm be here? Sorry to add to the increasing clutter on this forum, but I wasn't sure if one of the already-present threads would be a good place for this question. Any thoughts appreciated.

Hello folks, I am currently assisting in a project that requires me to cold contact various companies about potentially utilizing their employees as a sample group. I am somewhat at a loss as to how to best professionally phrase this in email form - does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks!

I agree with you regarding research - that has been my primary focus, as I'm aiming for Ph.D. I am currently involved with a couple projects (of varying relevance) which I'm hoping will prove productive over the coming year. My stats are decent, but I've only been doing research since Fall 2017, with no major results to show for it yet. As of now, I'm just trying to determine how I can best maximize my time and energy until the next application cycle. Looks like crisis text lines are something of a love-or-hate topic.