Maximize your search for an academic position by developing effective job search skills and compelling job search documents for this competitive field.

This section includes:                                                                        

• An overview of the academic job search process and links to job search resources such as manuals and video series
• Information on creating a strong CV and cover letter
• Materials on getting references and using dossier services 
• Resources to prepare for academic interviews
• Tips on accepting a position 

Overview of Academic Job Search

• An excellent series of short videos based on a presentation by Jan Nolan, Director of Faculty Renewal and Academic Leadership Initiatives, University of Victoria
• Resources for academic job search from the St. George Career Centre 

CVs 

• St George’s Career Centre PDFs guides for CVs and cover letters
• Consult our CVs for Graduate Students tip sheet with an outline on preparing a CV
• The differences between a CV and a resume
•  Academic CV Guidelines from Dr. Karen of the Professor is in

Academic Cover Letters

• More insights from University Affairs
• Cover letter tips from Insider Higher Education
• Sample Cover Letter For an Advertised Position from the Chronicle of Higher Education

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 great primer on academic reference letters and how to manage them
• How to request a reference letter

A dossier typically includes confidential materials such as letters of references 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.

• University of Toronto’s Graduate Dossier Service

Academic Interviews

• Article on academic job interviews with an expert on academic job search
• Primer on what to expect and how to prepare for academic interviews from Cornell University
• CAUT resource on the fine points relating to academic interviews
• Preparing for Academic  Interviews: screening, conference and on-campus from University of Pennsylvania
• University of Toronto’s Academic Administrative Procedures Manual. This is a guide for departments hiring for academic positions. Gain insights into how hiring is done at U of T and possibly other universities. 
• How to prepare for an interview at a teaching university 

Employment Negotiations

• An article advising caution on negotiating for first employment offers
• For information on salaries, see section on Labour Market Information under “Salaries”
• An article on the process of accepting a position

Non-Academic Job Search

• Careers Outside of Academia