I have submitted my thesis in biological science for PhD study last month. Now I am jobless without any income. I already went for several interviews but got turned down because they don't want to hire people who wait for viva voce. Has anyone had any experience? What do you do when waiting for viva voce?

EDIT: I don't have Masters degree and all employees were looking for employee who can stay for long term period

This post has been edited by pixie1989: Apr 7 2017, 09:15 AM

Nonsense. I got hired before my viva, with a full contract to boot. Keep applying elsewhere.

The thing is all of the interviews I went to didn't want to hire me as the employees were looking for someone to stay with them for a long term. Maybe I should lie about my 'waiting for viva' next time. Btw , I don't have Masters

Neither did I. I was a fast track student. I applied and was given a Masters level salary with a clause for an increment upon issuance of my PhD conferrment letter.

Just be honest, it isn't an issue. Maybe that specific employer had prior issues with graduates who bolted as soon as they got their degree.

How about part-time teaching?

care to explain more? I am currently doing home tutor for SPM. But it requires a lot of commitments and teaching is not my strength

This post has been edited by pixie1989: Apr 10 2017, 01:57 PM

One semester usually just lasts about 4-6 months. It's just nice while waiting for your viva.

Home tutor is a good option anyway.

I was doing home tutoring and part-time teaching at a University when I was waiting for my Viva.

Unfortunately this sort of apprehension appears often amongst employers. Too many "what-ifs", and so they prefer to wait out for candidates who have completed the whole thing. Just hang in there till you complete and chances would be better.

I would reckon that you opt for sales or tech support-based job. Usually these posts are readily available essentially the former.

It helps to build relationships, and of course expose you to different kind of research, thus, not limiting urself to a specific industry only. This also helps to explore for a postdoctoral position.

I have many friends that have done that, and now they are either a lecturer or a postdoc, some may have made into the ministry.

Yeah me too. It sucks because most employers turned you down. We shouldn't disclose about our phD thing

They decided not to consider you for positions because you mentioned you are doing phd?

Most of them think I am overqualified or think that I will resign after getting my degree

What kind of jobs did you apply for?

A lot of jobs ranging from sales to lab works. Still they decided I am too overqualified for the job. Now I am considering part time jobs/ contract-based job while waiting for viva

Sometime a white lie helps. Do not disclose your qualification too much. Only reveal up to the expected level might help in the case of over qualified.