How to work better with your PhD supervisor

Most PhD students expect their supervisor to be their biggest ally - but sometimes, that’s not how it feels.

Whether it’s vague feedback, long silences between replies, or totally contradictory advice, your supervisor can feel like a barrier rather than a guide.

The truth is, supervision is a skill, and not every academic has mastered it. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck. You can’t change your supervisor’s habits, but you can change how you interact with them. Here’s how to make that relationship work for you, not against you.

Tip 1: Be specific with what you ask for

One of the most common mistakes PhD students make is sending a draft and saying, “I’d love your thoughts.”

That’s basically an invitation for confusion. Some supervisors send your work back covered in 143 Tracked Changes. Others say things like, “Needs more depth” - which helps no one.

Instead, send clear, narrow questions. For example:

“Could you comment on whether my argument flows logically?”

“Should I expand this theory or move it to another chapter?”

“Does this method subsection read clearly?”

When you focus your questions, you make it easier for your supervisor to give feedback you can actually use and avoid the overwhelm of endless comments.

Tip 2: Summarise their feedback in your own words

Supervisors often drop cryptic feedback bombs like “tighten this section” or “be more critical.” Instead of guessing what that means, write back and summarise what you think they meant.

Try:

“Just to confirm, you’re suggesting I expand the literature on X and move this section to chapter two - is that right?”

This one small step makes your communication more efficient, builds respect, and gives them the chance to clarify. No more decoding riddles.

Tip 3: Build a wider PhD support network

Even with better communication, your supervisor won’t meet every need. That’s okay - because your success shouldn’t depend on one person. Find allies:

Secondary supervisors or postdocs who’ve worked with your supervisor before

Fellow PhD students in your department or online

Academic communities like my Degree Doctor membership

Talking to others reminds you that your struggles aren’t personal - they’re normal. Support from peers can fill the gaps your supervisor can’t.

The Bottom Line

A tricky supervisor doesn’t mean a doomed PhD. Learning to ask better questions, clarify feedback, and diversify your support will save you years of frustration.

Remember: You can’t control your supervisor, but you can control how you respond - and that’s what moves your PhD forward.

Want some quick wins to help with all things PhD, including supervision? Check out the Cheat Sheet Library! It’s full of on-demand, 24/7 cheat sheets, templates and planners to get you unstuck and making progress again - especially helpful for when your supervisor is off the grid! Tap here for more details.