Practical Recommendations for Securing Early Career and Pre-Tenure Academic Positions in the Kinesiology Disciplines

Abstract

ABSTRACTSecuring a first academic job in the United States as a young professional can be a very time consuming and stressful process. Candidates must carefully apply and then typically navigate off- and on-campus interviews. Although there is some literature dedicated to aiding in this process, some areas are not extensively discussed, such as contract negotiation. In addition, best practices for those assistant professors considering moving from one institution to another prior to tenure is limited. This article provides practical recommendations for those seeking their first or potentially second job across the kinesiology disciplines. Although the focus is on tenure track positions, most of these suggestions would be applicable to any candidate early in their career. Using personal experiences as applicants, search committee members and chairs, and upper-level administrators, in addition to the input of other faculty and leaders in the field, we provide contemporary recommendations for cover letters, interview preparation, the interview process, and negotiating contracts, as well as a discourse on the critical elements associated with securing a second job prior to tenure.