Conduct An Effective Academic Job Search
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:
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An overview of the academic job search process and links to job search resources such as manuals and video series
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Information on creating a strong CV and cover letter
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Materials on getting references and using dossier services
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Resources to prepare for academic interviews
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Tips on accepting a position
Overview of Academic Job Search
CVs
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Consult our CVs for Graduate Students tip sheet with an outline on preparing a CV
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Academic CV Guidelines from Dr. Karen of the Professor is in
Academic Cover Letters
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 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.
Academic Interviews
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Article on academic job interviews with an expert on academic job search
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Preparing for Academic Interviews: screening, conference and on-campus from University of Pennsylvania
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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.
Accepting an Offer