Job Search in Academe: How to Get the Position You Deserve

Building on the success of the first, this new edition has been updated to cover the latest hiring trends, changing economic circumstances, and feedback from readers. The authors have expanded the book to deal with issues faced by minority candidates, and have added contributions from scientists to cover such issues as negotiating faculty contracts to ensure adequate lab space and resources. They give more emphasis to applying for non-academic jobs and offer case study scenarios of candidates who have followed both academic and non academic paths.

The authors urge readers to go develop a philosophy statement for research and service, as well as for teaching. They explain what’s involved in applying for joint positions, offer advice on applying for administrative jobs outside the academy, and prepare the reader for first year academic and corporate performance reviews. They have updated the resources, references, examples and scenarios.

This book covers the process for Master’s- and Ph.D.-level job-seekers of all disciplines: from identifying sources of information about positions, to advising on the preparation of effective CVs and portfolios, through guidance on the process of interview to final negotiation of terms. Its invaluable advice is informed by the authors’ experiences in both academic and corporate arenas, as well as by the narratives of current and recent job seekers.

The authors cover the full spectrum of potential positions--adjunct, visiting, temporary and tenure-track faculty appointments--at-year and 2-year institutions.

This book includes sample application letters and vitae, a model for job search workshop, and a rich list of resources both in print and on-line.

An accompanying Web site offers a wealth of information on locating job postings, complete with hot links to major sites, both general and discipline-specific; presents eight sample application packets by successful humanities, social sciences, and sciences candidates, with accompanying comments on key features by the book’s authors; and an extensive listing of useful books and online resources.

While being realistic about the trends in higher education, the decline in tenure-track positions, and greater competition for available positions, the authors actively combat the gloom and doom approach of competing books by emphasizing that readers have it in their power to adopt strategies, and take actions and choices, that can greatly improve their chances of success. The authors aim to help candidates see what they already have and how to get that across as clearly as possible to potential hiring committees.

Contact the Authors: Share your story! We hope to continue collecting timely narratives to keep Job Search useful, and we welcome your e-mails. Dawn can be reached at dformo@csusm.edu and Cheryl at drcreed@catsforchange.org. We also welcome the opportunity to offer job search workshops and individual coaching in person and online.

Dawn M. Formo is Associate Dean, College of Arts and Sciences and Associate Professor, Literature and Writing at California State University, San Marcos

Cheryl Reed is Assistant Professor, English, Communications, and World Languages, San Diego Miramar College.