Tips for finding a tenure-track faculty position

In July, just before my dissertation defense, I announced a new direction for my blogs, a focus on the life of an assistant professor. Since then, my wife and I—with MacDuff, our Australian Shepherd and co-navigator—drove across the country. While our stuff is not quite unpacked and our furniture not yet shipped, we made it to Brooklyn. And, as of a few days ago, I am a newly minted assistant professor at St. John’s University. 

Because the search to find a job is not always clear (or stress-free), I am writing to share my experiences. My job search began after I finished my dissertation proposal and started data collection. I set aside time at the end of each day to view postings, write cover letters, send emails, and submit applications. I kept a spreadsheet with faculty positions, links, requirements, dates, and contact information. The most postings occurred from October to January. 

To find openings, The Chronicle is a job-seekers best friend. I also subscribed to Academic Keys’ e-mails and routinely checked HigherEdJobs. Job searches begin with those websites but they certainly do not end there. Research organizations like ASHE and AERA—the Divisions, in particular—often send emails with job announcements. At the most basic level, universities and research centers advertise on their websites. Are you considering non-faculty positions? Check sites like Rand, SRI, and WestEd. Eduwonk is another good site for K-12-oriented job postings.

To apply, universities often require a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and either references or letters of reference. They may also ask for a one-page teaching philosophy, one-page statement of research interests, and/or writing samples. Before applying, you ought to have between three to five professors who have already agreed to write a letter for you. Before completing the cover letter and supplemental materials, ask colleagues for examples. Search committees receive hundreds of applications; carefully craft a cover letter that is logical, concise, and typo-free. When applying, make sure you send application materials to the correct recipient and address. It seems like an obvious statement, but information on job postings varies widely. Some search committees ask for materials to be submitted online; others require physical and digital copies; and, a few only accept physical copies.

Those are the first steps to getting a job. 

Here are a few final thoughts: First, the most important person during the job search is your advisor. From requesting letters of recommendation to preparing for a job talk, your advisor will provide invaluable guidance and feedback. Second, the supply of doctoral candidates and recent graduates exceeds the number of tenure-track faculty positions. Prepare accordingly. Apply to every opening. Apply to positions in related fields. Apply to postdocs. Accept every offer to interview—its good practice. And, create a back-up plan. Last but not least, relax. Don’t worry about the parts of the process that you have no control over; save your energy to complete the best possible dissertation.

A tenure-track professor in NYC

Nearly three years ago, Bill and I began 21stcenturyscholar.org. When we started, Bill wanted me to focus on my experiences as a Ph.D. student. How does a student make sense of the first year? What is it like to attend a conference for the first time? How does a student manage his time? 

When I answered those questions, I moved on to new questions. What are my research interests, and what are the linkages between research, practice, and policy? Since then, the blog has been a forum where I have explored issues such as neighborhood-based reforms, innovative qualitative methods, and the relationship between qualitative research and public policy. 

I am now at the end of my time as a Ph.D. student. In a few days, I will defend my dissertation. Afterwards, while my wife studies for and takes the New York State Bar, our dog and I will pack up our apartment and look for a place to stay in New York City. In September, I will begin as Assistant Professor of Administrative and Instructional Leadership at St. John’s University. 

In the fall, my blogs will return to a familiar motif: What does it mean to be new at something? In my case, what does it mean to be an assistant professor in the city that never sleeps? What is the tenure process like? What is the relationship between research, teaching, and service? How important are grants? How does an assistant professor balance the myriad demands and uphold the fundamental principles of a changing profession? And, on and on and on and on…

This is a time of exciting change. As a researcher who studies neighborhood-based reforms, I am moving to the center of the universe. As an east coaster at heart, I cannot wait for four seasons and good pizza.

Have a great summer, and stay tuned.

Interviewing for a job and asking the right questions

In my last blog, I discussed finding and applying to faculty positions. Today, I continue to the interview stages of a job search. Typically, the process includes two parts: a phone interview and a campus visit. The campus visit consists of informal and formal meetings with faculty, administrators, and students. The meetings take place in a range of locations including offices, classrooms, restaurants, conference rooms, and even elevator rides and walks from here to there.

We often think of job interviews as one-way interactions; however, each meeting provides an applicant several opportunities to ask questions. In doing so, he or she has the chance to learn about the school and make a positive impression among the faculty. Of course, asking questions is as much about impression management as answering them. Be informed. Search the web prior to the phone interview and then again before the campus visit. What is the mission and vision of the school? What types of degrees does the school or department offer? What are the degree requirements? What does the school’s website highlight? Students? Programs? Faculty research? Who are the faculty members? What are they researching? 

Below, I provide some questions to consider:

Research

•     How does the school support new faculty?
•     What sorts of university grants are available?
•     What are the major foci for tenure?
•     Where do faculty members publish?
•     On what types of projects are faculty members working?
•     What is the vision for the school in the next ten years?
•     Are graduate assistants available for research?

Teaching

•     Do new faculty members receive course reductions?
•     How many classes do faculty members teach?
•     Which classes do new faculty members teach?
•     Are the classes on the main campus, satellite campuses, or online?
•     What are the students like?
•     What sorts of technology do classrooms include?
•     Does the school provide professional development?

Service

•     What service opportunities are available?
•     How many doctoral students do faculty members advise?
•     On what types of committees do faculty members serve?
•     Does the university provide outreach to neighboring communities?

The questions will vary based on what is important to you and also what you know about the university. Each school has its own distinct culture(s). The best advice I can offer is to talk to a range of individuals. Talk to your advisor. Talk to your committee members. Talk to newly minted assistant and associate professors. 

At the end of most interviews, someone will likely ask, “Do you have any questions?” You will be surprised how much you learn about a school during the course of an interview or series of interviews. But, sometimes you don’t know until you know. That’s why one question, above the others, will be useful: “I have heard a lot of great things so far and I do have questions. But, I’m also interested in your perspective. Based on your experiences, what do you think I should ask?”