Academic job search for graduate students

• A curriculum vitae, or c.v. is the most traditional document used in an academic job search and provides detailed documentation of all related professional experience. See our c.v. guide
  

• The resume format is typically used for a job search in industry and other non-academic positions.

• Provide current contact information for faculty or employers who can speak knowledgeably and positively about your abilities and professionalism. The number of references required varies among institutions; three to five are typical.
  Note that names and contact information for references are contained within acurriculum vita, but generally not included on a resume (if you use a resume, prepare a separate document with reference contact information). Read more about references.
• Your faculty advisors probably have plenty of experience both writing and reading letters of reference, but if someone needs advice, suggest the NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers): How to write a reference letter. This addresses legal issues, discrimination laws, and FERPA.
  
  

• Guidelines for correspondence in your job search

• Your statement of teaching philosophy should be deeply reflective in nature, and should be closely connected to the institution to which you are applying to teach.
• Ask yourself the following before drafting: 
  • What pedagogical methods influence your teaching?
  • What evidence do you have to support that your teaching is effective?
  • How do you ensure a sense of belonging and inclusion in your classroom?
  • Are there concrete examples that demonstrate your teaching philosophy?
• In order to tailor your statement for each application, research the following before drafting: 
  • What is the institution's mission and how does that align with your teaching philosophy?
  • What are some keywords that stand out from the department’s website?
  • Are there particular strategies or components to their academic experiences (i.e., emphasis on experiential learning)?
• Resources for writing teaching statements:
  • Guide to writing a teaching statement from the University of Notre Dame.
  • Guide to writing a teaching statement from University of Connecticut.

• This document is an opportunity to not only reflect on your current and previous research, but also an important chance to speak to the future of your research interests.
• Consider what your audience - the search committee - wants to learn about your accomplishments and goals related to research at the institution to which you are applying.
• Your statement should be tailored for each academic institution by considering the following: potential faculty collaboration, grants for which you would apply, and how your research can positively impact that particular institution/department.
• Resources for developing your research statement:
  • Guide to writing a research statement from University of Notre Dame.
  • Guide to writing a research statement from University of Connecticut.

• Virginia Tech: University Style Guide for writing
  Clear guidelines on abbreviations, academic degrees, capitalization, proper names for university departments and colleges, and much more. (Example: avoid rampant capitalization.)

The job announcement is often the first formal information you have about the position. That job description is a general introduction to the position, but may not provide a thorough picture of what the department seeks in a candidate. Research both the institution and the department thoroughly to determine your fit with the culture and mission. Review their websites and talk to people you know who have contacts or relationships with the institution or department.

Apply for any positions where there is a potential fit. Accept interviews to judge if the environment is right and allow the department to clearly define its goals and learn more about you. The department may visualize additional goals after seeing what you have to offer.

The typical search committee consists of four to six members who review applications and narrow the candidate pool. Applications that pass this initial screening may be presented to the entire faculty in the department. The entire department may have input on which candidates will be invited for an interview.

In The Chronicle of Higher Education:

• What search committees wish you knew
• The 'secret' members of search and tenure committees

Search for this topic on The Chronicle to find more.

Professional conferences may present interview opportunities, allowing you to present yourself to representatives of multiple institutions, and for those institutions and departments to screen many candidates in one location. Your conference website should provide instructions.

This could be the initial interview you experience. Interviews might take place in a large ballroom with many tables set up for individual interviews occurring simultaneously. Generally expect your interview to last about 30 minutes. Your goal in this interview is to get an invitation to visit and interview on the campus.

In The Chronicle of Higher Education:

• Minding your manners for the conference interview

Zoom and phone interviews may replace or supplement a conference interview as a screening interview, or serve as a follow up. Your phone/video interview could be with one individual, or include two or three faculty or staff members. Expect this interview to last 30-45 minutes; however, don't assume. If you are not informed, ask about the expected length when this is scheduled.

In The Chronicle of Higher Education:

• Zoning out on the interview - pay attention to the time zone.

Campus interviews can last one day or more days. You may be evaluated during meals, during travel to and from the airport, and at other informal times. A series of interviews will occur with different faculty and staff or groups of people throughout your time on campus. You are likely to be asked to make a presentation about your research, pedagogy, or vision of your role at the institution. There may be an open invitation for many interested individuals to attend your presentation. Plan ahead and inquire about equipment needed for your presentation (what you should bring and what will be provided), and have a backup plan in case of equipment problems. Your schedule should include time for you to visit the city or community and look at residence possibilities.

In The Chronicle of Higher Education:

• Dos and don'ts for the in-person interview
• Grim job talks are a buzz kill - Mistakes candidates make in the presentation.

Your host should explain what expenses and covered (hotel, airfare, car rental, cabs, meals, etc.), and whether these are paid directly by your host or if you make payment and are then reimbursed.

In The Chronicle of Higher Education:

• Reimbursement reminders - Issues related to interview travel expenses.

• Acknowledging an offer
• Salary information sources
• Salary questions and negotiating

In The Chronicle of Higher Education:

• The etiquette of accepting a job offer
• Non-negotiable - Don't negotiate unless you are prepared to walk away.
• The best problem: Dealing Wwth more than one job offer