Academic Job Search

1. Searching for a faculty position takes lots of energy and time. The academic job search season typically starts in the autumn as announcements are posted. To prepare, you should start to draft your materials in the prior spring and summer. The search season ends in the spring with negotiating the terms of the offer you receive.

Here are things to work on:

• Written elements: Most applications will expect a curriculum vita (CV), cover letter, research and teaching statements. Consider your on-line presence and reference letters. Although you will customize them for each position, get an early start on drafting your materials.
• Spoken elements: Most candidates will interview by phone, Skype, at conferences, and on campus. Campus interviews often include a presentation of your research (job talk), research plans (chalk talk) and perhaps a teaching demonstration. Set up mock interviews and practice talks, and get feedback.
• Negotiation: Gain skills and practice to help you get the best possible offer

A course, Jumpstart Your Academic Job Search, is being offered as part of the Stanford Graduate Summer Institute for students and postdocs going on the academic job market.

Apply for Jumpstart now

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These resources cover topics that span the entire faculty job search process. Check listings for specific session most relevant to you:

• Future Faculty Seminar (Aut Q course)
• Academic Chats (for graduate students)
• Academic Chats (for postdocs)

Written Elements

Courses & Workshops

• Teaching Statement Clinic
• Hume Center for Writing and Speaking workshops

Readings & Other Resources

• PhD and Postdoc Career Guide
• CVs and Cover Letters
• Interfolio (reference letters)

Programs & Organizations

• e-Portfolio Project
• In addition to your departmental resources, Career Counselors can critique your CV and cover letter.
• BEAM, Stanford Career Education (Schools of Earth Sciences, Engineering, and Humanities and Sciences)
• BioSci Careers
• Graduate School of Education EdCareers

Spoken Elements

Courses & Workshops

• ORALCOMM 118: Public Speaking: Romancing the Room
• ORALCOMM 219: Oral Communication for Graduate Students

Readings & Other Resources

• Interview Types

Programs & Organizations

• The Oral Communications program will video and critique your job talk
• The Oral Communications program and BEAM, Stanford Career Education will conduct mock interviews

Negotiating Your Job Offer

Courses & Workshops

• Negotiating Your Job Offer (Quick Bytes)
• Negotiation Matters

Readings & Other Resources

• Dual Career Academic Couples (Clayman report)

Programs & Organizations