At the end of the day, search committees want to see you as a colleague that can fit into and enhance their system. Make sure your app and interview speaks to that. #academicsky, what did I miss? Comment/repost with additions to help future scholars navigate this complex process! #highered #phdchat

13. Send a thank-you email to the search chair or committee members. These matter more than you could know. Don’t expect a reply—silence often reflects institutional policy, not lack of interest.

12. Interviews are marathons. Bring snacks, water, caffeine, or anything else you need to stay fueled.

11. Take notes during interviews. It shows you value their input and helps you remember details later. Notes are invaluable for reflection, especially after multiple interviews and everything is bleeding together.

10. Be confident. Own what is yours to own: “My dissertation,” not “Our dissertation.” Say, “I will graduate in 2025,” not “I hope to graduate.” Confidence demonstrates readiness for the role.

9. Committees potentially won’t ask personal questions due to institutional policies, but can connect better if you share. Talk about hobbies, family, sports—it helps them see you as a well-rounded person.

8. Choose the last interview date, if possible. Committees often meet soon after the final interview (sometimes immediately after), so your impression may be freshest in their minds when they decide.

7. Be gracious and excited about interviews. Nervous? Remember, faculty may be just as nervous—they want to find a great colleague. Enthusiasm is contagious and can ease everyone’s nerves.

6. Got an interview? Congrats! Investigate each interviewer’s work and how it intersects with yours. Prepare conversation points. Bonus points for checking local news about the city or institution and discussing relevant campus or city developments at lunches or dinners.

5. Personal contact matters. Meet a search committee member at a conference or set up a call to discuss the position. Come prepared with thoughtful questions. Dr. Kamp Dush’s list is excellent. She also has TONS of other good stuff on her website: clairekampdush.com/2015/09/22/o...

4. Investigate the position, people, department, and institution. Show this in your materials—highlight specific grants you’d pursue from state/local programs or potential collaborations with faculty. Align your agenda with their priorities and initiatives. Show where you overlap.

For example, is it a tenure-track position at at a R1 university? Do the CVs in your department also reflect high productivity of pubs/presentations as well as large $$$ in grantsmanship? Pretty good chance that is what they will be expecting of you too!

For instance: applying for a research-heavy role? Lead with your scholarly productivity, grants, pubs, and skills. Be specific! If the job description is vague, dig deeper.

3. Tailor your application to the position. Show how you're uniquely qualified to meet the required and preferred qualifications. Avoid a generic cover letter. Rather, your letter should make the committee think, “This is exactly who we need!” Structure it based on the institution’s priorities.

2. Set up a profile on Indeed.com with keywords for academic jobs. You’ll get automatic alerts. Let your professor circles know you’re on the job market and ask about openings—they often have insights on current or potential opportunities.

1. Time can vanish in grad school or a postdoc. Treat the academic job market like a part-time job: set weekly calendar time to find positions, work on materials, and network. This ensures you stay afloat, meet deadlines, and remain responsive.