I am about to finish a PhD in Business Information Systems and looking for a job. I am not interested in an academic job at the moment. However, as I do not have any prior industry experience all I am being offerred is a grad job (to work with undergrads - no offence) on a crap salary. In this part of the world, PhDs aren't as recognised as in many others. I do have part-time lecturing and tutoring experience of 3 years. Any suggestions on how can I best capitalize on my existing skills? I am aiming for Tech consulting/management consulting firms.

Try to apply for a job you want instead of waiting to be offered it...when applying demonstrate how skills you have acquired as a PhD could be as well used in your job.

Register with a good recruitment agency that is specialised in your subject area and hires good recruitment consultants who come from your field instead of random areas. You can then get them to create a profile that highlights your experiences and skills from your PhD and combine that with your previous qualifications.

The skills you've gained through tutoring/part-time lecturing should be sold as 'transferable skills'.

As the others have said, register with a good recruitment agency, but be prepared to start on a rubbish salary (although I'm sure you'll progress up the ranks quicker than someone coming in with no qualifications).

Get careers advice on your CV, covering letters, how to sell yourself and wear a nice suit. I presume most people don't understand what I did. I stress the equivalent skills I have to experience. I'm now bringing out things like I did work in a shared office, work with other students, academics, do collaborations=teamwork. Teaching=management.
I say that I managed a consummables budget=ordered lab equipment, booked conferences. I answered phone/talked to suppliers/photocopied/greeted visitors. There's project management from working independently setting deadlines yourself, planning work. There's problem-solving, initiative.
As it is business-based surely all the generic office agencies should be able to find something good? How are your IT skills, do you understand finance? These 2 areas will be better paid. You could get on a graduate training scheme e.g. in finance/managemnt which could be £20k.

You should network with people in roles you would like and find out how they got there, write to potential employers on the off chance they have something. You might consider choosing another job in the type of company you want to you can apply internally.

thanks for the reponses. i have taken a time to meet the career counsellor tomorrow and will discuss this further. I am in agreement that i need to highlight on my transferable skills. need to update my resume to reflect the experience. will keep u guys posted.

Do you have a skills section on your CV? I have one between my education and employment so the employer get to that first.
Good luck, I'm currently temping and trying to move into industry without any previous experience.

Look for temporary jobs with agencies, of the type and organisation that attract you. It’s much easier to move on when you have a foot in the door. I got a 20K temp job and, five months later, got taken on in a 30K permanent role. I can tell you similar stories of other graduates/PhDers I know.