Special Session: Tackling the Academic Job Market: Advice from Search Committee Members: An Abstract

Abstract

The academic job market poses numerous obstacles, challenges, and opportunities that often requires in-sight knowledge to successfully maneuver its many intricacies. As a result, entering the job market remains one of the most stressful times for doctoral students and professors trying to find a suitable academic position. Preparing for the job market requires managing several responsibilities, such as creating application materials, completing lengthy interviews, and visiting multiple campuses. While each job market experience is unique, the process includes a variety of common steps that everyone has to master. This special session offers guidance on these various aspects of handling the job market. This special session is designed to discuss the various aspects of the academic job market and answers a fundamental question, “how can candidates be more successful and prepared in the job market?” Specific topics covered during this session include job application packages, how to find and apply for jobs, phone call interview etiquette, preparing for job market conference interview questions, thriving on campus visits, tips on staying calm while waiting to hear back from schools, and maintaining momentum on a dissertation. In addition, the unique experiences of international applicants are a focus during the panel. Panel participants will provide first-hand experiences from being part of search committees and provide advice on the do’s and don’ts from a search committee perspective. Furthermore, advice based on the experience of maneuvering the job market is shared. This structure allows for an interactive exchange of information, experiences, and advice across the panel as well as attendees.