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The Academic Job Search: Pre-Interview, the Interview and Beyond

The Academic Job Search: Pre-Interview, the Interview and Beyond. Jose M. Cruz University of Connecticut 02/04/2005. Overview:. Deciding where to apply The application Conference interview Preparing for the interview The interview Life after the interview My new position.

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The Academic Job Search: Pre-Interview, the Interview and Beyond

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  1. The Academic Job Search: Pre-Interview, the Interview and Beyond Jose M. Cruz University of Connecticut 02/04/2005

  2. Overview: • Deciding where to apply • The application • Conference interview • Preparing for the interview • The interview • Life after the interview • My new position

  3. Where to Apply • Finding out who’s hiring • OR/MS ads • Conference job fairs • School web pages • Contact faculty directly • Making contacts • Introduce yourself to people at conferences • Email people • Leverage your contacts to make new contacts

  4. Where to Apply • Deciding what you want • Business vs. engineering • Geography • Teaching load • Caliber of research facilities • KEEP ALL DOORS OPEN

  5. The Application • What to include Definitely: • Cover letter • Statement of interest • CV • References

  6. The Application • What to include Possibly: • Teaching statement • Research statement If You have: • Research papers Customize to schools whenever possible

  7. The Application • How to submit • Triple check cover letter • Have someone else review everything • DO NOT MISS DEADLINES! • Following up

  8. Conference Interview • Con: • You may get rejected right away • Pros: • Quickly get information about range of opportunities • Opportunity to meet and impress some people

  9. Preparing for the Interview • What to wear/pack • Over-dressed is better than under-dressed • Come prepared for emergencies • Umbrella • Extra shirt • Gathering materials • Extra copies of your CV • A few copies of your papers • Information about the school you are visiting

  10. Preparing for the Interview • Preparing your talk • Find out and remember who you’ll be presenting to • Know the time constraints and be ready to meet them • Practice in front of multiple audiences • Bring transparencies as a backup • Learn about the school, department, people, and position

  11. The Interview: What to Expect • Generally lots of talking and chit-chat • Short (30 min) 1-on-1 interviews with faculty members • Relentless schedule: breakfast/lunch/dinner etc. • Job Talk • Meeting school Dean and Chair

  12. Main Hints for Visit • Relax & be yourself • Try to get enough sleep • Be prepared all folks/attitudes etc. • Continue reconnaissance (teaching, research, tenure etc.) • Big questions for you: • How do you fit in? • What are your chances to succeed there? • Try to imagine yourself already as a colleague • You are being evaluated as a person!!!

  13. The Job Talk: Structure • Motivation • Clear formulation of the problem • Main results and analysis • Insights • Main tools used • Closure and hints to future research

  14. The Job Talk : Some Hints • Well rehearsed • Know the literature! (especially that generated by your audience) • Take questions but manage time carefully • Don’t be afraid to show some flare

  15. What the Schools Like to See • Excellent research presentation • Well thought-out research agenda (3-5 years) • Clearly articulated teaching interests consistent with applicant’s skills and interests • Potential to be a good colleague

  16. Making the Offer • Who decides? • Faculty in group/department • Search/hiring committee • Dean (s) • Faculty in entire school

  17. Life After the Interview • Waiting game • Get phone call followed by offer, now need to negotiate… • Salary (summer support) • Research support/startup funds • Tenure clock • Teaching load/specific courses/Grad vs Undergrad • Moving expenses, better ½, other personal items… • Don’t try to negotiate over non-negotiable items, but find out what you can negotiate

  18. Closing Thoughts • Process sounds more complicated than it is… • Cannot really prepare for it completely • Treat the whole thing as a fun ride • Meet lots of nice people • Visit interesting places • Sample good food

  19. More Advice • Recognize that the reasons for rejection may not be related to your capabilities but due to politics, lack of fit, etc. • Try to avoid annoying people by being too aggressive

  20. My new position • Questions?

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