The Academic Job Search

1. The Academic Job Search Marianne Green Assistant Director MBNA Career Services Center

2. Researching Institutions • Types of institutions • Private • Public • Religiously affiliated • Geographic location • Size

3. Researching (continued) • Issues to consider: • Institutional focus • Focus of department (external grants, community service, etc.) • Expectations of faculty • Work load • Student demographics • Financial state of institution

4. Researching (continued) • Categories of institutions • Community/Junior colleges • Prep Schools/Secondary Schools • Private liberal arts colleges • Four year public institutions • Doctoral degree granting research universities

5. Getting Ready for the Academic Job Search • Documentation and other job search “tools” • CV; cover letter, abstract of dissertation; teaching and/or research statement. • Dossier- Credential File • File in Career Center or department containing letters of reference and other pertinent information • Imperative for you to obtain positive letters and waive your right to see them • Discuss procedure for having your dossier sent to employers; take necessary forms with you when you graduate!

6. Getting Ready (Continued) • Preparation for interviewing • Research the institution, programs, and faculty • Types of interviews/communication • Screening interview- preliminary interview; tends to be shorter (one half hour to one hour) • Conference interview. • Be ready for less than optimal environment. • May be as short as 20 minutes. • Dress professionally. • Possible opportunities to socialize- informal forum to get to know faculty and students and particular institutions..

7. Getting Ready (continued) • Conference interview (continued) +Prepare answers to key questions. +Prepare questions to ask. +Polish your meal time etiquette; you may be invited to join faculty for lunch, dinner, etc.

8. Getting Ready (Screening interviews continued) • Telephone interview • Keep notes by the telephone • Smile: put energy into your voice • Speak clearly; enunciate! • Use cell phone to maximize privacy • Email question/answer • Proof/spell check before sending. • Use proper grammar and full sentences. • Use “emotocons” sparingly. • Err on the side of formality.

9. Getting Ready (Selection Interviews continued) 2. Selection Interview - guidelines • Campus Visit/Interview- BE PREPARED! • Read over catalogue and information packet • Review the position requirements, your CV and other pertinent materials. • Know which faculty are involved with your research topics; prepare specific topics for meeting with students, search committee, deans, provost, etc. • Rehearse your talk; assess technological requirements • Check over interview attire

10. Getting Ready for Campus Interview (continued) • Check over interview attire • Wear dark colored suit for more authoritative look during interview. Choose conservative accessories. • Bring business casual attire for informal receptions and meals. • Arrive looking professional; first impressions do count! • Avoid flashy jewelry and scents.

11. Getting Ready for Campus interview (continued) • 6. Prepare questions to ask: chair, students, faculty, dean, etc. • 7. Review questions you may be asked; prepare answers based on examples of past behavior. • 8. Carefully assemble information on travel arrangements and itinerary so that you are prepared and early for everything.