ACADEMIC CAREERS: PLANNING FOR THE MARKET

Prepare yourself mentally:

• Think of the job search process as an adventure and a learning experience
• Realize that the job search will consume a huge chunk of your time over the next year
• Develop strategies to manage your time and stress, and to keep your energy level high
• Understand that you may not secure a position the first year
• Practice detachment. Everyone gets rejected. Also, much of what happens during the job search process is not about you. Maximize control over the aspects that are in your control.

Create a support network:

• Maintain regular communication with your advisor and faculty members who may be writing your letters of recommendation
• Connect with other graduate students who are on the faculty job market (both in your department and in other departments). Consider starting a job search group – meet together, help each other with application materials, and provide support.
• Talk to recent graduates and new hires.
• Seek support from partners, parents, and friends outside your discipline

Prepare your application materials:

• Faculty job postings usually ask for a variety of documents, such as:
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Cover letter (aka Letter of Interest, Letter of Application, etc.)
  • Transcripts (sometimes from all undergrad and grad degrees)
  • Letters of recommendation (usually 3-5 letters) or a list of references
  • Research statement (aka Statement of Research Interests)
  • Writing sample(s) (usually publications or chapters from your dissertation)
  • Teaching statement (aka Teaching Philosophy)
  • Teaching portfolio
  • Sample syllabi of classes you have taught or classes you want to teach
  • Teaching evaluations
  • Diversity statement (required for some positions)
• Attend Career Center seminars on faculty job search application materials
• Start working on your documents early because they take time to prepare
• Finish general drafts of your application materials and seek feedback on them
• Provide documentation (CV, typical job description, research statement, etc.) to letter-writers so they can
• start drafting their letters of recommendation
• Consider creating a personal website and posting your job search materials on it

Find job postings:

• Start perusing job postings months before you are ready to apply
• Always be on the lookout for jobs – not just during the peak cycles
• Ask your professors to keep their eyes and ears open for job possibilities.
• Look at the job boards on professional association websites
• Check out the conference interview possibilities
• Look at many different faculty job boards (not just The Chronicle)
• Read job postings carefully. Figure out what skills and specializations are being sought.

Apply for jobs:

• Don’t apply for a position if you wouldn’t seriously consider accepting it
• Thoroughly research the departments to which you are applying
• Revise your materials for each job posting
• Have somebody carefully edit your materials before you send them!
• Remind your references that you need their letters of recommendation
• Request multiple copies of your transcripts
• Find a way to stay organized, especially if you’re applying for multiple positions. Consider creating a spreadsheet and/or clearly-labeled electronic folders.
• Keep your advisor and other supporters informed of your progress

Prepare for interviews:

• Continue applying for jobs
• Attend the job talks of prospective UW faculty hires
• Attend Career Center seminars on the faculty interview and negotiation processes
• Read literature on faculty interviewing
• Start preparing answers to potential questions
• Participate in mock interviews with peers, faculty members, or career counselors
• Prepare a job talk and practice it with peers or faculty members
• Research the departments with whom you have (or hope to have) interviews
• Write a list of questions to ask prospective employers and keep it handy so you are ready when they call to invite you to interview
• If you haven’t already done so, buy at least one nice interview outfit
• Write thank you notes to departments who interview you

Get ready for negotiations:

• Read information on faculty negotiations
• Talk with faculty members about what and how to negotiate in your field
• Decide what you need in an offer
• Always negotiate

If you get a satisfactory offer:

• Weigh your options if you have multiple offers, and potentially use as leverage against other offers.
• Accept it. Sign your contract. Don’t turn back. Celebrate!
• Let other schools know that you are no longer on the job market

If you don’t get a satisfactory offer:

• Don’t despair. Continue looking.
• Ask faculty how to make the best use of your time until you do secure a position
• Have your mentors help spread the word that you’re still on the market
• Thank everybody who helped you during your job search

Start your new job:

If in another location, plan to pack up your things, sell your house, and say goodbyes

• Seek support during the transition
• Investigate new faculty resources at your new place of employment (mentoring programs, orientations, social support networks, etc)
• Enjoy your new life as a faculty member!