Launching Your Academic Job
Search:
Understanding the Job Search Process
and Creating Your Application Package
Bill Lindstaedt, Director
UCSF Office of Career and Professional Development
bill.lindstaedt@ucsf.edu
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Seminar Agenda
• Overview of Academic Job Search
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Academic job market in US
Academic job search process/calendar
The process from the search committee side
Application components
• CV and Cover Letter Basics: Definitions and sections,
format, layout
• Tips for CV’s and academic cover letters
• Review of Application Packages:
You are the search committee!
• Tips for teaching statements
• Tips for letters of recommendations
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Academia in the US
Doctoral/Research Universities “R1”
261
Local: UCSD
Nationally: UC System, Ivy League; Flagship campuses within state university
systems such as UW Madison, UI Champagne; Texas at Austin; Large Private
Universities with large gov’t funded research programs such as Vanderbilt, Emor
Rice, MIT
Master’s Colleges and Universities “Masters Granting”
611
Locally: SDSU, Cal State Pomona, Chapman University
Nationally: Cal State System; CUNY system; Former state teachers’ colleges
(“normal schools”) such as Bridgewater State (MA), UW-Stevens Point
Baccalaureate Colleges, “Primarily Undergrad Inst, PUI”
606
Locally: Claremont Colleges
Nationally: Generally, privately funded colleges, sometimes with selective
admissions programs such as Williams (NY), Amherst (MA), Oberlin (OH)
Associates Colleges
1669
Locally: City Colleges, Community Colleges
Nationally: Generally 2-year colleges often state funded, sometimes former
vocational schools
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Source: The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, 2000; http://www.carnegiefoundation.org
Academia in the US
More reading:
Carnegie Foundation
www.carnegiefoundation.org
Chronicle of Higher Education,
careers section
www.chronicle.com
Science Magazine’s Nextwave
www.sciencecareers.org
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Academic Job Search Calendar
Before Sept.
-Previous February – all pubs submitted
-Make choices on types of positions and
institutions to pursue
-Assemble application materials
Sept. – Nov.
-Update CV, reference list
-Have CV reviewed
-Seek advice, support of advisor(s)
-Request letters of recommendation
-Look for postings weekly; begin to apply
Nov. – Jan.
-Continue applying
-Prepare for screening interviews
-Prepare for job talks
-Ask advisors to call on your behalf
Feb. – May
-Campus interview visits
-Negotiate offers
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How do I find out about faculty
openings?
Major scientific journals such as Science, Nature
Specialty journals in your field
Chronicle of Higher Education
Individual institutional websites
Meetings/conferences
Your network
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Academic Job Search Materials
Application elements requested in survey of 30 life science-related faculty
postings from Science Magazine and the Chronicle of Higher Ed:
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Curriculum Vitae (30)
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Letter of Application (30)
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Description of future research plans/interests (21)
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Letters of reference (17)
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List of references (12)
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Statement of teaching philosophy (8)
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Representative reprints (7)
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Description of research accomplishments, abstract (5)
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Transcripts (4)
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Descriptions of possible courses (2)
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Summary of career/professional goals (2)
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Academic Job Search Materials
What do search committees do with these materials, and when?
-Not always a rational, organized process; apps reviewed
individually, consensus in committee
-Not all documents are read before the interview
Pedigree: CV
Publications: CV
Fit - teaching/research: CV and Cover Letter
Reputation, Ability, Collegiality: Letters
-You have the ability to control the first impression w/CV
Formatting
Order of sections
Size of sections
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What is a CV?
Curriculum Vitae – (approx.) “the course of one’s life, or career”
Document used to apply for teaching or academic research positions
Complete professional history
Other uses for your CV
Supporting document for grant proposal
Required document for departmental reviews
Audits or accreditation reviews
Guide for introductions at conferences
KEEP IT UPDATED!
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CV vs. Resume
Curriculum Vitae/Academic
Resume/Business and Industry
-Unlimited length
-1-3 Pages, plus pubs
-Complete history;
changes little
-Selected history;
changes to target position
-Just the facts
-Self-promotion expected
-Strict organization
-Organized to manipulate reader
-Cover letter and
references: Critical role
-Cover letter and
references: Important role
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Sections of a CV
• Name, address, phone, email, website
• Education
Graduate Degree(s)
-University, Degree, Field, Date of completion (or date of milestone)
-Concentrations or other relevant information
-Dissertation: Title, name of advisor(s)
Refer to abstract if you include one
Undergraduate Degree(s)
-Degree, University, Major, Date of completion
-Honors
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Sections of a CV
• Licensure, Certification, Registration
• Research Experience (ok to include thesis research with others)
-University, Location, Department, Date
-Your title, Laboratory
-Brief research project statement(s) - sentence fragments,
verb first, may include original objective and result
-Patents may be sub-category or go under Publications
• Teaching Experience
-University, Location, Department, Date
-Your title, Course Title
-Description of course accomplishments, size, may include your
responsibilities and scope
• Training, Mentoring, Advising Experience
-Structure each listing as in Teaching Experience section
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Sections of a CV
• Other academic-related: Research Interests, Collaborations Developed,
Areas of Expertise (Skills), Prepared to Teach, University Service
Leadership Experience
• Grants and Fellowships
• Honors and Awards
• Publications: Follow format used in your field
-Refereed Articles
-Book Sections
-Abstracts
-Invited Presentations
-Posters
-Lectures
• Other (Relevant): Memberships or Professional Affiliations,
Ancillary Positions Held, Languages, Community Involvement
• References: Name, Title, Institution, Address, Phone, Fax, Email
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Formatting and Tips
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Direct the reader with consistent formatting
Dates: Place on right of page; line up in column down right of page
Publications: Most recent first; categories ok; bold your name
Change layout to target position
Number each page at bottom, beginning with 2
Same font throughout, conservative
Laser print original; copy professionally; white paper
Proofread; get help from a colleague and lay person
Do NOT include personal information, “Curriculum Vitae” if CV is
being used alone, “Name”
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Formatting and Tips
MOST IMPORTANT DIVIDER
Next Most Important
Next Most Important
Least Important
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
University of California, San Francisco
Postdoctoral Fellow, Laboratory of Dr. R. U. Ready
2005-Present
-Developed novel…
Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH,
PhD Candidate, Laboratory of Dr. I. Rule
2000-2005
-Initiated discovery of…
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Formatting and tips and samples
www.ucsf.edu/pff
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Describing your research
The 3-bullet format:
1.
What’s the big question you’re trying to answer?
2.
How are you trying to answer it? What methods? What
approaches are you taking?
3.
Accomplishments…What interesting things have you found?
Might you find? What are the potential applications of this
research?
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Academic Cover Letters
Academic cover letters for faculty positions are different
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Postdoc cover letters
•
Industry cover letters
1-1.5 pages in length; perfect grammar and sentence structure
Conservative sales document tailored to each position
No bullets or other organizational formatting; writing quality important
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Academic Cover Letters
Sections of an academic cover letter:
-Contact information: Date; recipient’s address; left justified
-Salutation: “Dear Dr. Smith:” or “Dear Members of the Committee:”
-Opening paragraph: Why you are writing; how you heard about job
-Middle paragraphs: Focus on past accomplishments in support of
your “fit” for the position; explain interest in the position and/or
the institution (depends on the school)
-Closing: Explain enclosures; offer to provide additional info
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Academic Cover Letters
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Assistant professor
As seen in the 9 November issue of Science:
QUANTITATIVE BIOLOGY Bard College's Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics is
seeking a colleague who will complement our existing strengths in molecular biology,
biochemistry, genomics, and ecology. The successful candidate will be involved in
developing an innovative curriculum in which Bard undergraduates develop a strong
foundation in the traditional fields and become proficient with the computational methods
employed in those fields. Preference will be given to candidates interested in involving
undergraduates in an ongoing research program and in developing collaborative
connections with members of the Bard faculty. In addition, opportunities exist for
developing collaborations and undergraduate courses and programs with the faculty
at Rockefeller University. The appointment will be made at the ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
level starting July 1, 2004. Applicants should submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae,
statements of teaching and research interests, and three letters of recommendation to:
Robert Cutler, Biology Search Committee Chair, c/o Human Resources, Bard College, P.O.
Box 5000, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504-5000. Start-up funding is available.
Candidates must have a Ph.D. Applications will be reviewed as received and interviews will
begin in November 2003. Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Academic Cover Letters
November 22, 2003
Dr. Robert Cutler
Biology Search Committee Chair
c/o Human Resources
Bard College
P.O. Box 5000
Annendale-on-Hudson, NY 12504-5000
Dear Dr. Cutler:
I am glad to have the opportunity to apply for a faculty position in the Biology Department of Bard College. I
am writing in response to your advertisement in the November 9 issue of Science Magazine, which announced a
position vacancy for a Quantitative Biologist. I am Molecular Biologist using quantitative methods to examine
the relationship between…. I am currently finishing a postdoctoral fellowship in the laboratory of Ima Goddess,
at the University of California at San Francisco.
My approach to teaching undergraduates and conducting research with undergraduates has developed over
several years, through my experience developing and delivering innovative course materials to
undergraduates in both laboratory and classroom settings. In my experience, the best teaching is done through
hands-on experience, so I will try to engage students in my courses by encouraging the maximum possible
laboratory participation…
The research project I would like to pursue at Bard College involves the development of… This is a project
which I feel will interest and inspire undergraduates while allowing me to continue to produce the high
profile work together with existing and new collaborators.
Included in this packet, please find my curriculm vitae, statements regarding my research and teaching in…
I appreciate being considered for your faculty position. Please let me know if I can provide additional
information in support of my application…
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Teaching Statements
What do they ask for?
Teaching Philosophy Statement?
Statement of Teaching Interests?
Visit website www.ucsf.edu/pff for articles and samples
Appropriate length – 1-2 pages max
Support “philosophy” with examples from teaching
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Teaching Philosophy Statements
What is it?
1.
Personal narrative using accessible language; not an article
about teaching; tailored to the setting where you are applying
2.
YOUR beliefs about teaching and learning, with evidence to
provide support
3.
A place to showcase your teaching strengths
4.
A document that paints a positive picture for the reader of
you as a teacher
5.
A document where you can point to directions where you will
grow as a teacher
**Adapted from Washington University Teaching Center
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Teaching Philosophy Statementsuse as checklist
Five main questions addressed:
1.
Why is teaching important to you?
2.
What are your objectives as a teacher?
3.
What methods will you use to achieve these objectives?
Examples.
4.
How do you assess and evaluate your effectiveness in
achieving these objectives? Examples.
5.
What will your teaching be like in the classroom or other
teaching/learning environments? Examples.
**Adapted from Washington University Teaching Center
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Teaching Philosophy Statements
A. Possible outlines – approach to a course
1.
Theoretical framework
2.
Goals
3.
Design and Implementation
4.
Assessment and Evaluation
5.
Documentation and Reflection
** From Brian Coppola article – visit www.ucsf.edu/pff, today’s
event, to link
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Teaching Philosophy Statements
B. Possible outlines – Narrative, general
1.
Title
2.
Quote, metaphor, opener, relevant attention grabber (optional)
3.
Thesis statement – 1-3 sentences, your principles
(questions?)
4.
Narrative to support thesis points
5.
Summary
** From Brian Coppola article – visit www.ucsf.edu/pff, today’s
event, to link
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Teaching Philosophy Statements
C. Possible outlines – categories of courses taught
1.
Introductory undergrad
2.
Upper level undergrad
3.
Undergrad research
4.
Graduate-level courses
5.
Graduate-level research
6.
Postgraduate teaching and mentoring
** From Brian Coppola article – visit www.ucsf.edu/pff, today’s
event, to link
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Research Statements
RULES:
Know the institution
Know the department
Know the position
READ MATERIALS on research statements:
Linked from Scripps Postdoctoral Services website
“Toolkit: Writing a Research Plan” by Jim Austin at
www.sciencecareers.org
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Research Statements
IDEALS/FACULTY QUOTES:
“…a readable, compelling agenda that fits well with the needs,
facilities and goals of the department and answers the question,
‘Why must this work be done?’”
-Jim Austin article on Nextwave
“The best plans build on the promising experience of the applicant
but are not a direct extension of their postdoctoral work.”
-Jim Austin article on Nextwave
“I don’t read it until just before I interview the candidate.
-UCSF senior faculty member
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Research Statements
OUTLINE SUGGESTIONS:
• Have one. Make it obvious: use explicit headings.
• Topic sentences! Use funnel approach within paragraphs.
• Chronological
-Intro/Abstract/Exec Summary
-Graduate research (project by project)
-Postdoctoral research (project by project)
-Future research (project by project)
• Topical
-Ex: Two different areas of interest described in two different
“chapters”
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Content Checklist for “Future
Research” Section of the Statement
• Is it sufficiently different from your past work? Advisor’s work?
• Is it sufficiently important? “This work must be done!”
• Is it sufficiently novel?
• Is it too ambitious? Too broad? Ambitious enough? Too
narrow?
• Is it customized for the position? Can it realistically be carried
out in the department/school?
• Does it convince the reader that it is fundable?
• Detailed enough to be convincing? (Yet not boring?)
• Are backup approach(es) described?
• Does the overall document convince the reader that the writer
can complete the strategy laid out in the Future Research section?
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Writing and Layout Checklist for
Research Statements
• Is it too long? (1-3 pages generally)
• Is there a clear, logical outline and roadmap?
• Is it divided into short sections focused on major themes, with
headings? Plenty of white space between sections?
• Should lists be bullet pointed?
• Are sentences easy to read?
• Is there good flow between and within paragraphs?
• Is data presented in an easy to review format?
• Are graphs/pictures used to maximum advantage?
• Is the “attitude” right? (i.e., Not overly hyped language? Others
credited? Focused on contributions/accomplishments, not
experiences/skills?)
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Letters of Recommendation
Hugely important in many search committee formats!
Generally 3: PhD Advisor, Research Advisor, Collaborator or
Research Mentor
OFFER to begin your own letter!
“I’d be happy to provide a template”
List: What points do I want to stress about myself?
List: What will be perceived as the weaknesses of my app?
Divide up between recommenders based on their ability to
address those issues or counter particular weaknesses
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Letters of Recommendation
How do I ask for a letter?
The initial ask, to ensure a positive letter
“…Can I count on you to provide a positive letter of
recommendation for me?” (or phone reference)
Take to a follow-up meeting:
Job posting(s)
CV
Research statement
Paper(s)
Key items to address
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Letters of Recommendation
TIPS:
• PI says, “Write your own letter” -- On opportunity!?
• What do I do if they ask for “Evidence of excellence in teaching”?
Recommender #3 is who best knows your teaching
Follow up meeting: Include teaching evaluations, teaching
philosophy statement
• Timeline: Several weeks minimum, plus reminders
• What do I do about negative recommendation letter?
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NEGOTIATING: What items might be
negotiated?
• Personal: Salary and compensation, moving, housing
assistance, day care, parking, salary advance,
spouse/partner appointments or other dual-career couple
issues, individual institutional issues
• Start-up Funds
• Space
• Start date
• Departmental/institutional support items
• Release time
• Teaching load requirements; teaching assistants
• Service requirements
• Tenure clock, contract renewal dates
• Graduate program affiliations
• Training grant “slots”
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NEGOTIATING: HOW should I negotiate?
1. Know what you must have before you interview
2. Get the job offer; respond positively but do not commit; ask for
something in writing
3. Decide if it is a good overall fit. Can you succeed in that
department? Do you want the offer? Is it a top choice?
4. If so, expect to ask for more but choose items wisely
• It’s a conversation about how you will succeed…“It’s not
good for either party to only go back and forth once.”
-Senior research faculty, large biomedical instiution
• “As a rule of thumb you can expect to win roughly four
important points of negotiation in your final offer.”
-Boss and Eckert, Sciencecareers.org
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NEGOTIATING: HOW should I negotiate?
5. Prepare private list: Make a prioritized list of what you want
that is not provided in the offer. What are the deal-breakers
without which you will fail?
6. Prepare public list: If asked to provide a detailed budget
• “The more detailed the budget, the more credible”
7. ASK ABOUT limitations and customs in the process
8. Begin negotiating: Start out with positive and enthusiastic
comment, then ask for what you must have
9. As you go back and forth, ask about or suggest win-win’s
• Equipment: “If you buy it, I’ll maintain it and manage
it”
10. Negotiate with integrity – this is not an ego trip
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