Conduct An Effective Academic Job Search

An effective academic job search requires a multi-pronged approach that includes preparation, networking, and strategic application. It's a highly competitive process, so you should start early and be meticulous in every step.   

 

Preparation

Build a Strong Profile

A strong academic profile is your foundation. This means having a solid record of publications, a clear research agenda, and demonstrable teaching experience. Your research agenda should be a concise narrative that explains the significance of your past work and outlines the direction of your future projects.

Prepare Essential Documents

You'll need several key documents, all of which should be tailored for each specific job application: 

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV): This is your comprehensive academic resume. It should detail your education, publications, presentations, teaching experience, and awards.
  • Cover Letter: A crucial document that introduces you and explains why you are a good fit for the specific department and position. It should highlight your research and teaching philosophy, and directly address the job ad's requirements.
  • Research Statement: A 2-3 page document outlining your past research, current projects, and future plans. It should be written for a broad audience of scholars in your field.
  • Teaching / Research Statement: A 1-2 page document detailing your teaching / research philosophy, experience, and the courses you are prepared to teach/ research.
  • Letters of Recommendation: Secure strong letters from senior faculty who know your work well. Ask them well in advance and provide them with all necessary materials (CV, research statement, etc.). 

 

The Search and Application Process

Find Job Openings 

Identify job openings through various channels: 

  • Disciplinary Organizations: Most professional organizations have job boards (e.g., MLA for literature, AHA for history). 
  • University Job Sites: Check the websites of universities you're interested in. 
  • Academic Job Aggregators: Sites like The Chronicle of Higher Education and HigherEdJobs compile listings from many institutions. 

Tailor Your Application 

This is perhaps the most important step. Never send a generic application. Each cover letter should explicitly mention the department's specific needs, faculty members whose work aligns with yours, and how you would contribute to their program. The research and teaching statements should also be adjusted to fit the specific institutional context. 

The Interview 

Interviews are typically conducted in multiple stages. The initial round may be a short phone or video call, followed by an on-campus or virtual "fly-out" interview. Be prepared to discuss your research in detail, articulate your teaching philosophy, and answer questions about your fit within the department. Practice your answers and prepare questions for the interviewers. 

 

Networking and Follow-Up

Build a Network 

Networking is critical. Attend conferences and present your research. This not only builds your CV but also allows you to meet potential future colleagues and mentors. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to senior scholars. 

Follow-Up 

After submitting your application, you can send a brief, polite email to the search committee chair to express your continued interest. Following an interview, always send a thank-you note to everyone you met with, reiterating your interest and enthusiasm for the position. 

CVs 

  • Consult our CVs for Graduate Students tip sheet with an outline on preparing a CV  

 

Academic Cover Letters  

An academic cover letter is your first and best opportunity to introduce yourself to a search committee. Unlike a general cover letter, it is a crucial scholarly document that should synthesize your research, teaching, and professional experiences into a compelling narrative that demonstrates why you are the ideal candidate for a specific position at a particular institution. 

 

1. Structure of the Cover Letter 

A standard academic cover letter should be approximately 1-2 pages and follow a clear, logical structure. 

The Header 

  • Your Contact Information: Include your name, address, phone number, and email. 
  • Date: The date the letter is being sent. 
  • Recipient's Information: Address the letter to the specific search committee chair by name and title and include the department and university address. If the chair's name isn't listed, address it to "Dear Members of the Search Committee." 

The Opening Paragraph 

  • State the Position: Clearly state which position you are applying for (e.g., "Assistant Professor of English specializing in 20th-century American poetry"). 
  • Introduce Yourself: Briefly introduce your current position (e.g., "I am a PhD candidate in the Department of History at...") and mention your primary area of specialization. 
  • Hook the Reader: Briefly state the core of your research and why you are particularly interested in this specific department and institution. This shows you've done your homework. 

The First Body Paragraph: Your Research 

  • Detail Your Research: This is the core of your letter. Describe your dissertation or current book project in a few sentences, explaining its central argument and scholarly contribution. 
  • Show, Don't Just Tell: Explain the methodology you use and the sources you engage with. Mention your key findings. 
  • Outline Future Plans: Briefly describe your next research project. This demonstrates that you have a sustainable research agenda beyond your dissertation. 

The Second Body Paragraph: Your Teaching 

  • Describe Your Philosophy: Articulate your teaching philosophy and how it aligns with the department's mission. Do you favor a student-centered approach? What kinds of learning outcomes do you prioritize? 
  • Highlight Experience: Mention specific courses you have taught or are prepared to teach. Be specific and tie this back to the job ad's requirements (e.g., "I am prepared to teach the introductory survey course on X and would also be eager to develop a seminar on Y"). 
  • Mention Student Engagement: Discuss how you engage students, such as through innovative assignments, technology, or public-facing projects. 

The Third Body Paragraph: The "Fit" Paragraph (Optional but Highly Recommended) 

  • Explain Your "Fit": This is where you connect your work directly to the department and university. 
  • Mention Specific Scholars: Name faculty members whose work complements your own and explain how a collaboration would be mutually beneficial. 
  • Connect to the Institution: Mention specific programs, resources, or centers at the university that would support your research or teaching. This shows a deep and genuine interest. 

The Concluding Paragraph 

  • Reiterate Interest: Briefly summarize your qualifications and express your strong enthusiasm for the position and the institution. 
  • Call to Action: State that your CV, letters of recommendation, and other materials are enclosed. 
  • Closing: Use a professional closing such as "Sincerely" or "Respectfully." 

 

2. Key Strategies for Success 

  • Tailor, Tailor, Tailor: Every single letter must be customized. Use the specific job ad as a guide and address its requirements directly. 
  • Professional Tone: Use formal, professional language. Avoid slang or overly casual phrasing. 
  • Proofread Meticulously: A single typo can signal a lack of attention to detail. Read the letter multiple times and ask a trusted colleague to review it. 
  • Be Confident: Use confident, declarative sentences (e.g., "My research makes a significant contribution to...") rather than hedging language ("I hope my research might..."). 
  • Keep it Focused: Stick to the essential information. Don't rehash your CV; instead, use the letter to tell a story about your academic career and potential. 

 

Academic References and Dossiers  

This section contains information on how to secure faculty/chair references when applying for academic-related work. Also, see previous sections on working with your supervisors and networking as references are based on relationship-building over the course of your graduate studies.

A dossier typically includes confidential materials such as letters of reference and copies of transcripts, however, other ‘non-confidential’ material may also be required to augment your application package. Each school will have different requirements for their applications. Some will ask for a teaching dossier, which is a set of documents summarizing your teaching experiences and instructional accomplishments. Some institutions may ask for a research prospectus or a research dossier. If it is unclear what the search committee requires, ask your faculty mentors and referees or seek clarification with the search committee contact.  

 

Academic Interviews  

Preparing for an academic interview is a critical step in the job search. Here's a breakdown of how to approach it. 

1. Research the Department Thoroughly 

  • Before the interview, you should be an expert on the department. 
  • Faculty Research: Read the recent work of the faculty members you'll be meeting. Be ready to talk about their scholarship and how your work connects to theirs. 
  • Departmental Needs: Understand what the department is looking for and how your skills can fill that need. 
  • University Context: Be aware of the university's broader mission, its student body, and any specific programs or centers that are relevant to your work. 

2. Prepare Your Interview Materials 

  • The on-campus interview often involves a public presentation. 
  • Job Talk: This is a 45-60 minute presentation of your most significant research, usually a chapter from your dissertation or a new paper. It should be engaging, accessible to non-specialists, and demonstrate your scholarly contribution. Practice this talk extensively. 
  • Teaching Demonstration: If you're asked to teach a class, prepare a clear and interactive lesson. This shows the committee what you would be like in the classroom. 

3. Anticipate and Practice Questions 

  • Prepare for both research-focused and general questions. 
  • Research Questions: Be ready to discuss your research, its methodologies, its broader significance, and your plans for future projects. 
  • Teaching Questions: Expect questions about your teaching philosophy, how you handle a diverse classroom, and specific courses you'd like to teach. 
  • "Fit" Questions: Be prepared to explain why you want to work at their specific institution, how you would collaborate with current faculty, and how your presence would benefit their students and department. 
  • General Questions: These can include anything from your service commitments to how you manage your time. 

4. Prepare Your Own Questions 

  • An interview is a two-way street. Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the committee and individual faculty members. This shows you are seriously considering the position and gives you valuable information. Ask about things like: 
  • Mentorship opportunities for junior faculty. 
  • Resources for research and teaching. 
  • The department's priorities and future direction. 
  • Finally, practice, practice, practice! Doing a mock interview with a trusted colleague or mentor can help you feel more confident and polished. 

 

Accepting an Offer  

 

 

updated August 2025