Making Sure the Light at the end of the Tunnel is not a Train: Securing a Faculty Position by Harry Young, Ph.D.

After more than six years as a graduate student, and having survived the rigors of academic life including assignment deadlines, student teaching, qualifying exams, proposal defense and drafting my dissertation, the end was in sight. What followed in quick succession was the realization that I needed a job! Of course, not just any job but a faculty position where I could engage young minds and pursue my other academic interests.  This is a time consuming process and one requiring your attention while in the final throes of completing your dissertation. Neither can be neglected. During a five-month period, I submitted 67 applications. I received four invitations to interview which ultimately led to two job offers. Here are some salient points that will make your job search less stressful and help you land a faculty position.

1.   
        Start early as possible. Consult your Chair before entering the job market.

Consider the following to determine the scope of your initial search:

·         Research or teaching?

·         Instructor, lecturer, adjunct, non-tenure or tenure track?

·         Size of school, department, classes?

·         Region of country?

Time is precious: Based on #2, do not apply for positions you do not plan to seriously consider if contacted or to an institution in a location where you are not prepared to live. Respect your time, your committee and that of the institution.

Register for job sites: highered.com is good start and your may want to join APSA for access to ejobs. (Editor’s Note: A list of open positions is also available on the MPSA homepage.) While job alerts can be useful, I found it rewarding to personally review postings as they appeared. I, therefore, checked the job sites daily which brought to my attention other positions within my preferred framework.

Prepare your resume: research an appropriate format. You need a format tailored for a new graduate on the job market. Remember that this is the first “view” the search committee has of you. A well presented resume increases the odds that your application packet is immediately put in the “consider box”.

Cover letter: One crisp and clear page is preferable. Certain applications may ask you to address something specific in the cover letter so an extra half page may be appropriate. Review carefully to avoid unnecessary verbiage

Letters of References:

·         Identify at least 5 references (sometimes called referees) as early as possible. Discuss with them what your goal is and share your resume.

·         Get accurate names, address, e-mail, phone number, and work titles of each person and create a List of References.

·         Pay close attention to applications that require Letters of References along with application. Some institutions only ask for letters if you are selected for an interview. Do not send documents not requested unless the application has accommodation for “other documents”. Note, however, that some applications will specify what can be submitted in that category.

·         Check with your Chair about whether the Department has a staff member who coordinates those letters that must be sent directly to the institution.

o   Some institutions ask that you submit the letters yourself. If that is the case, then identify the portal and ensure the referees are prepared to give their respective letter to you for submission.

o   Be sure to provide your referees with the appropriate portal when necessary.

Transcripts: Have all transcripts on hand. Be prepared to provide any of the following in specified format:

·         PHD coursework.

·         One version with all other tertiary transcripts.

·         One version containing all transcripts in a single document.

Statement of Teaching Philosophy: Identify specific goal(s) and objectives.

1   Statement of Research Interest: Identify your current work and topics of future interest.

1   Teaching Evaluations:  teaching evaluations by students are testaments to your skill and knowledge. Nevertheless, do not ‘edit’ out unfavorable comments.  Search Committees keep such evaluations in perspective.

1   Create a spreadsheet to track applications:

·         Name and address of school

·         Specific point(s) of contact

·         Application due date; date when review process starts as you want to get application in by that date (even if job announcement says reviews continue until filled).

·         Minimum requirements

·         Description of position

·         Prescribed path for delivery of Letters of Reference, if required.

1   Before submitting every application, carefully review to ensure you have followed all instructions. Many institutions do not allow you to edit the application once submitted. In those cases, if you delete the application, you cannot resubmit for the position.

1   Keep your cell phone charged. The last thing you want is for a Research Committee Chair (or a representative) to call offering you the opportunity to interview and your cell phone battery dies during the call. Also, be prepared for teleconferenced interviews (Skype or similar platform).

1   When you get “the call”, prepare for the interview:

·         Review institution’s website and the department’s pages.

·         Prepare to respond to questions based on your application. You should have an “elevator blurb” prepared about your dissertation topic.

·         Prepare questions you want to ask the committee. Don’t ask about money at this point.

·         Do not “wing-it”!

1   Be patient and flexible.  Try to work with the schedule and constraints of the research committee.

Success in landing an interview that will lead to an offer ultimately may depend on five factors: your resume, application package, presentation, attitude, and, of course, luck. Work as closely as possible with your Chair, put your best foot forward in each application and prepare to shine in interviews!

About the author: Harold Young is an Assistant Professor at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee. His research area is Public Law and examines an American and comparative perspective on judicial institutional changes and decision making. In his previous life he was a health communications project manager, a social worker and an attorney-at-law. He can be reached via email at youngh@apsu.edu.

https://blog.mpsanet.org/2016/08/17/securing-a-faculty-position/