academic js presentation
TRANSCRIPT
Presentation Overview
The job marketCurrent realityConquering, coping and Plan B
Application DocumentsCV, cover letter, referencesTeaching philosophy, research
statement
InterviewingCampus visit, conference , phone,
Skype
% of College Teaching Staffs
1975 2009Full time tenured 29.0% 20.5%
Full time tenure track 16.1% 7.6%
Full time non-tenured 10.3% 15.1%
Part time non-tenured 24.0% 41.1%
Graduate students 20.5% 19.4%
Job Market for PhDs
Shrinking number of tenure track positions, especially in humanities
Generally less pay, less choice in where to live
Community colleges, industry, non-profit viable options
Non-academic career ≠ failure
Job Market for PhDs
Focus on what you control- excellent preparation
Apply to positions that are a good match
Feeling discouraged or frustrated is normal
Conquer feeling powerless with long term planning for other options
Network
Application Documents
CV Follow the conventions of
your fieldTailor to institutionMake it attractive, easy to
read
Application Documents
Cover letterFirst impression to committee Tailor specifically to position
and institution: 2-yr vs. 4-yr, etc.
Specify what you will contribute, why you are a great fit
Application Documents
Letters of referencePlan early to ask
recommenders and make it easy for them
Need at least threePeople who know you well,
can comment on different aspects
Application Documents
Some or all may be part of application
Some may be requested after first round
Prepare in advance regardless
Application Documents
Research statementFollow conventions of your
fieldFocus on your future
research interestsConsider the audience –
expertise in your field, how you complement department
Application Documents
Teaching philosophyTailor to institution – size, missionUse concrete examples including
specifics about teaching your subject
Avoid cliches: “student centered”Who inspired you - not
overconfidentHow your research relates to
teaching
Application Documents
Teaching portfolioUsually requested after first
roundCan include student
evaluation summary, sample syllabi, course descriptions
Interviewing
Prepare and practiceBe well informed about position,
institution, department, faculty research
Be confident and sincerely enthusiastic
Assume some haven’t read your CV
Practice being conciseMock interview or practice aloud
Interviewing
First roundPhone or SkypeProfessional conventions
Campus visit
One or two daysMany meetings over mealsMay include job talk, teaching
demo
Interviewing
Job talkPresentation of your researchUnderstandable by lay audienceAttend any on your campus
Teaching demonstration
Common at small LA or 2-yr colleges
Teach a class, not a theoretical talk
Interviewing
Some sample questionsPlease summarize your
dissertation.What is your next research project?How do your research and teaching
influence each other?How would you teach X course?What course would you most like to
teach?
Interviewing
Additional types of questionsBehavioralInappropriateBelligerent
Do you have any questions for us?Tailor to person askingStudent body, department challenges,
new courses; show knowledge and interest
Why Should They Hire You?
You are confident, enthusiastic, sincere, well informed
You understand their needs and can explain convincingly how you can meet them
The committee, chair, dean, grad students, and others can easily imagine you fitting in
You are someone they would enjoy having around