Hi. I'm currently looking at jobs, and I was wondering how to read into some of the job specifications. Some of them mention that a first degree is essential, even with a PhD. Is this something that is still, in practical terms, considered essential or is there some leeway on this? I have a 2:1 from a BSc and a MSc on top of a PhD so I imagine it wouldn't be a probem. However, those of you with experience in this, I'd like to hear from you.

I don't have experience in this, but my advice to you is apply anyway. That seems such a small thing for a potential employer to be hung up on. I think if you have the skill set they are looking for and a PhD, they don't really care about the undergrad result.

I agree with you, and I do apply anyway. I'm just thinking of anything and everything related to having a succesful job application and how to write a better one. So far I've had four rejections out of six applications, and I'm writing at least another three over the next week or so.

There is a difference between a 'first degree' and a 'first class degree' - the former just means that you need to have the BA/ BSc in the subject requested. Many universities use that phrasing in job ads so thought it was worth pointing out.

Very good point bewildered.

And try not to be disheartened frere_damas (I should take my own advice haha). I applied for 7 postdocs and got 1 interview (current postdoc). Recently I've been applying for 20 non-academic positions and had 3 unsuccessful interviews and there's 2 interviews still to go. Your numbers are pretty average at the moment.

I'm fairly sure that when they say you need a first degree they are referring to the bachelors, not the classification. So apply away.

Thanks for the tips, looks like that's the case.

It's a sad sense of reassurance that the numbers are normal! Getting jobs in the field shouldn't be this hard. =/

Indeed, especially if you've done everything right, i.e. you have publications, conference presentations, networking etc...