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Pursuing a tenured faculty position is like no other job search. It is time and labour intensive. If you’re completing a PhD, and seriously contemplating an academic search, the best time to start is before you’re ready to go on the market. Passed your comprehensive exams? Successfully submitted your dissertation proposal? If you are considered a PhD Candidate, rather than a student, you might want to start prepping your application package.
An academic application includes numerous documents that should be edited to within an inch of their life. The curriculum vitae is the easy part, since you should already have one in working order from conference and funding applications. You’ll also need a Statement of Teaching Philosophy, Statement of Research Interests, and a Letter of Intent or academic cover letter. Don’t forget the other things you need to collect, such as sample syllabi, teaching evaluations, writing samples, and letters of reference. Compiling an effective application package requires time, and that’s before you even look for openings.
Faculty roles are changing, and this means that you have some decisions to make before you go on the market. Are you looking for teaching or tenure track? Research-intensive or teaching-centric university culture? University, college, or community college? It doesn’t sound as simple as it first appeared, does it?
In a tough market, information is the best strategy for dealing with a complex application process. I can help with that. Contact me at cmcoachingservices@gmail.com for a free custom quote on delivering a session to your student group or institution.
