What is a Talent Draft?

Our talent drafts are cutting edge events designed to bridge the gap between qualified PhD-level job seekers and forward-thinking companies with open positions. These events blend the competitive excitement of a sports draft with the professional needs of the job market, creating a unique and efficient hiring experience.

How Does it Work?

Our talent drafts mirror the activities you would see in a professional sports team draft, including everything from scouting to the combine, followed by the draft and post-draft free agency. We start each event by scouting our audience for 30 of the most talented job seekers. We then invite companies with open positions. During the scouting period, we offer training for PhDs and webinars for companies to help them make the most of the event.

The Combine

Prior to each draft, we hold a 90-minute meet-and-greet between our invited participants. PhDs each have 90 seconds to introduce themselves and the unique value they bring to potential employers. Company representatives will each have 90 minutes to introduce their companies, what they are looking for, and why they make great employers.

The Draft

After the Combine, the drafting process begins. Companies will receive a draft order. The draft is conducted in three rounds with companies selecting their top candidate to interview each round. These selections grant companies an exclusive opportunity to conduct in-depth interviews with their chosen candidates over the following week. This exclusivity ensures that both parties can engage meaningfully, understanding each other's needs and value without the pressure of competing offers during draft week. Companies can "trade up" to get a higher draft order by committing to a higher level of post-hire professional development for any hires.

Post-Draft Free Agency

Candidates who do not receive a job offer during draft week enter the free agency pool, where all companies with remaining job openings will have the chance to review their profiles and reach out for potential interviews or direct job offers. This ensures that every candidate has the opportunity to connect with interested companies, maximizing the chances of successful placements and allowing companies access to a broader talent pool.

What's in it for Companies?

These events are a unique opportunity to access a pool of talented PhDs ready to bring fresh ideas and cutting-edge knowledge into the practical realm. The structured format of the Combine and Draft, followed by free agency, ensures a highly efficient and targeted recruitment process, allowing you to quickly identify, engage, and hire candidates who can drive meaningful value in your organization.

What's in it for PhD Jobseekers?

Our talent draft offers a streamlined path to engaging with top companies, bypassing traditional application barriers. It's an opportunity to stand out based on your unique skills and potential impact, directly connecting with employers who are actively seeking the innovative thinking and specialized knowledge you bring. You will also have free access to our 5-step course, Post-Academic.Me, and free workshops prior to the combine to help you update your resume and prepare for the combine and interviewing process.

What Does it Cost?

For PhDs

$0. Our drafts are entirely free for invited participants.

For Companies

$12,500 for each hire, which includes three months of professional development for your new hire. If you don't make a hire? The event is free.

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