Occasionally you will know the person running the search, or someone in the department who may be on the search committee. Let them know you are applying. And keep in touch with everyone you know who might hear about openings: for example, former fellow graduate students or former fellow postdocs who have already found jobs, former professors at other institutions, and people you have met at conferences. Let them know when you are beginning your job search and nearing the end of your dissertation or postdoctoral research. Be sure to thank anyone who notifies you of a job opening, even if it doesn’t work out or is not a good fit for you.
Part III
Written Materials for the Job Search: Suggestions and Samples
Chapter 8
Responding to Position Announcements
When you apply for any college or university teaching position, you will be asked to submit a “curriculum vitae,” a “vita,” a “CV,” or occasionally a “resume.” These terms apply to the same document, which is a summary of your education, experience, publications, and other relevant data. In addition, some other common materials you may be asked for in applications include a research statement, a statement of your teaching philosophy, a writing sample that could be a chapter of your dissertation or an entire published research paper, “evidence of successful teaching,” a diversity statement, and a dissertation abstract. Even if a website is not a required part of an application, members of the hiring committee may check your presence online. Some colleges and universities may require that you complete an online application form via the institution’s human resources website to accompany your other materials.
Interpreting the Announcement
As you start to read announcements from institutions that interest you, you will find common terms you should be familiar with to best understand what is being requested and the conditions or context of employment. Terms such as “Open Rank” or “Evidence of Excellence in Teaching” should not be mysterious in their implications for your potential candidacy. At the end of this chapter are annotated announcements with descriptions of commonly used terminology.
What is required of an application package varies from field to field and type of institution. Check with your department to make sure that what you are sending is within the conventions of your field. Occasionally, job announcements ask you to “send dossier.” This term does not have a standard meaning. You can usually assume that what is required is a cover letter, CV, and letters of recommendation. Sometimes a list of coursework or an official transcript is also required. Be guided by your department’s advice about what is usual in your field. Probably the only way to be absolutely certain about what is desired by a given department that has used a vague phrase in its ad is to contact the administrative staff person for the department with your direct inquiry.
Sometimes application is a two-stage process, in which applicants initially send basic information and some are further requested to send additional materials, such as a dissertation chapter or letters of recommendation. Use discretion in sending supporting materials that have not been requested. If you send extra materials explain in your cover letter why you have done so.
The sample job descriptions provided here come from a range of fields in order to give candidates a sense of how search committees express their needs. Just as individuals vary in their goals, strengths, and values, so do institutions and departments. In the sample job announcements below, you will see the wide variety of calls for faculty hires: breadth in the types of institutions, missions, and even documents requested to evaluate candidates. Introductory commentary is provided to clarify terms and point out unique features, as well as to give advice.
Sample One: History Postdoctoral Fellow Position
This advertisement for a humanities postdoctoral position offers the opportunity to conduct research, teach, and lead faculty workshops at a small, private liberal arts institution. It specifies that innovation in teaching is expected, and that candidates should explain how their research would complement the existing work of the department. Candidates are asked to speak to their ability to contribute to campus goals of diversity. Applications are to be submitted directly to the department, not to the institution’s website.
The Department of History, M College, in City, State, invites applications for a two-year postdoctoral fellow, with a particular emphasis on pedagogical innovation. The fellowship is funded by the XYZ Foundation and begins August 1, 20XX. Candidates must complete the Ph.D. by September 1, 20XX, and should be no more than three years out of their doctorate. This is a half-time teaching position with salary and benefits of a full-time assistant professor. The fellow will teach three courses during the academic year 20XX–20XX and two courses in 20XX–20XX. The reduced teaching load is designed to support innovation in teaching and on-going professional research. Some funds to support scholarly work are also available. M College is a highly selective liberal arts college and will provide an excellent climate for professional development and scholarship.
We seek historians of the western Mediterranean between 300 and 1650 C.E., with strong preferences for those who study Spain before 1500. The following areas of specialization are of particular interest: interfaith relations, the Mediterranean world, and/or the Atlantic world. We anticipate a close integration of this position among programs in History and Classical and Medieval Studies, so applicants should explain how their own work might complement some of the work of relevant members of these departments. The successful candidate must be interested in, and will conduct faculty workshops on, innovative teaching and research. The department recognizes that innovation can take many forms. Some possibilities could include techniques in the digital humanities; methods for attracting diverse groups to the study of history; pedagogies focused on different learning styles; creative ways of structuring assignments and the use of classroom time; techniques for connecting student learning to wider local and global communities; or creative approaches to promoting student engagement and interest in History at College M. The college, the History Department, and the Classical and Medieval Studies Program are committed to enhancing the diversity of the campus community and the curriculum. The search committee expects candidates who can contribute to this goal to identify their strengths and experiences in this area.
Applicants should submit electronically, in PDF format, to __________, Project Specialist, at [email protected], a letter of application, C.V., writing sample, teaching statement, and three letters of recommendation. Please include your last name and Job#__________ in the subject line of all submissions. Consideration of applications will begin on March 17, 20XX, and continue until the position is filled. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. For more information about the college, please visit our website: __________.
Sample Two: Anthropology Assistant Professor, Tenure-Track Position
Below is an advertisement for tenure-track assistant professor in social science at private research university. Field research and the ability to “complement” or bring something new to the department’s areas of expertise is stressed. This announcement is very specific about the requirements for written materials, including writing samples. Note: a précis in this context is a summary or abstract. Candidates must apply through a website to be considered, and that “early application is encouraged” suggests that applications will be reviewed as they come in.
The University of Z, Department of Anthropology intends to add a faculty member in sociocultural anthropology at the rank of Assistant Professor (tenure-track). The appointment will begin in the fall term of 20XX. We seek a scholar with an active, ongoing program of field research that complements our current departmental strengths. Ph.D. must be in hand prior to appointment. Applicants are required to apply online at the University of Z’s website at __________. Applications are required to include: (1) a current curriculum vitae, including the names and contact information of at least four referees; (2) a cover letter that describes your research and teaching profile, as well as your professional plans for the next 3 to 5 year period;