Thread by @ah_ra_cho

Trying to be open about my job search process to normalize that the (eventually, if it happens) "I'm thrilled to announce my position at ___" involves many things beforehand/in the background: (a thread)

The process of the job search is discouraging, disappointing, mentally taxing, exhausting, and so many other emotions before then. Increasingly, candidates start out hopeful, but rejection after rejection wears ppl down.

Job search application systems are not that efficient. Asking applicants to upload CV/Resume then type it up that info again in the application is redundant and unnecessary. There are some places which are fine w/ just the CV/Resume upload which I'm thankful for.

In academic hiring, it really DOES matter where one got their degrees/who their academic circles (advisors, colleagues, etc.) are, even as much as hiring committees/'the field' say it's not true. Talented ppl come from different institutions/programs, but seems it doesn't matter.

In administrative (higher ed) hiring, it can be a mixed bag. I think the job market is faring slightly better than academic jobs, but there are fewer openings, due to the pandemic, budget constraints, etc. So more applications per job opening, making it difficult to land one.

In corporate hiring (for ppl w/ HE background), it is about who you know & if you've been in their field before. Confusing, as ppl from traditional HE circles could contribute so much to the corporate world, but very hard to even get past the application screening.

For screener (initial) interviews, one of the things I've really appreciated is if I'm told what the timeline is. Yes it's frustrating to not hear back at all, but at least I know if I don't hear back w/in 2 wks for invite to next rd(example), know I have not progressed & move on

For screener (initial) interviews, it really does matter what hiring committees say at the end. Please do not string candidates along saying: "we will be in contact soon", "we really enjoyed chatting w/ you & moving forward" and then silence...

In interviews (both screener/on-campus-finalists), if you have an uneasy or "something is not right" about this place, trust it. In a search yrs ago, I withdrew from search & later on I hear it is a toxic environment, institution has really bad issues, etc. Trust your instincts!

In interviews (especially: on campus) I think the non-verbal cues you get during the interviews (interactions b/w ppl, the vibe of dept/office) can speak more than what's being told to you verbally. Keeping an eye on them gives one more perspective about culture/environment.

In on campus interviews, it's really important on how candidates are treated, even if there's someone else that you're going to hire already. Let them leave w/ a positive sense of your org/dept/office. Thankful for many on campuses that did treat me well, but I didn't get hired.

In on campus interviews, the ppl who interview you, it is not the time to show off on how much better than you are than the candidate is. One place (not HE field but adjacent) yrs ago, I left and cried in the airport going home for how extremely awful an interviewer made me feel.

In on campus interviews, ppl who interview you... positive memories stick. Still have really positive memories by leading scholars in Higher Ed having so many other responsibilities/lack of time/busy & but seemed to genuinely listen. I didn't get job, but left feeling valued.

The "we want to hire a diverse candidate!" (w/ many definitions of diversity) w/ only using that to use diverse candidates as screening interviews to check off that box, & not actually wanting to hire them is real. Please don't advertise if you aren't going to follow through.

On the wanting "diverse job candidates" search that isn't actually going to happen, if hiring committees think they are fooling candidates, they aren't. Those on job search from marginalized identities/backgrounds can usually tell if the call for "diversity" is real or not.

For those which their offices/depts are hiring, but you're not on hiring committee, & know the open position is intended for a specific person/internal hire/etc., please don't advertise position widely. Save the job seekers interest, time, energy, resources to apply elsewhere.

Having colleagues to talk to, if their offices/depts are hiring can be helpful. Interested in a position so reached out & was told they are hiring for something very very specific. Didn't meet my qualifications/interests so didn't apply. So grateful to that colleague for insight.

Having colleagues to talk to, about other places, esp. if they've worked there in the past is helpful. Provides an insider's perspective on culture, environment, colleagues, institution, etc. Workplaces can be shiny on outside but not a good place. Some, are diamonds in the rough

The realities of sham searches, internal candidates, positions just to promote from within, etc. do exist but so do "you were our second choice", "we lost funding for line", etc. do exist too. One has to consider other circumstances that can happen while pursuing a job.

A thing that really bothers me in the job search is stringing candidates along. The "We still have in mind!" "The process is taking so long", "Reach back to you soon." etc. when there's no intention of any of that or actually moving them forward. Please don't string candidates.

I really do want believe that the job search process is based on luck. Composition of hiring committee, pool of candidates, what is needed by dept/area, how interviewers were feeling that day, etc. One yr, might be top candidate, one yr, might not even make it past app.

I really do want believe that the job search process is based on fit. Positions that are meant to be will be a relatively smooth process from start to finish. They will be excited to want you for all that you bring, offer the job, & you will be excited to accept the position.

I really do want believe that the job search process can change. It may just take one person (search chair, committee member, HR) to challenge existing norms on hiring and make it a more humane process in higher ed. It will be slow, but some change is better than no change.

To add, promise I'm not a disillusioned grumpy person just complaining @ job search. I'm actually the opposite: a kind, optimistic, compassionate person who tries to see the best in ppl, things & situations. But it's important to be open about how rough the job searching is now.

I've had friends and colleagues, really brilliant, smart, talented people be burned on the job search. My heart aches for them, even more than my search issues. Too often we have to sit in silence thinking "I must be the only one feeling & experiencing this". But this is not true

I have to give a shoutout to many others before me who have been open & honest about their job search on twitter & other social media outlets. It's important that not just securing a job be celebrated, but voice that the job search process is extremely rough right now.

Also, not here to discount the experiences of those who had an extremely easy time getting a job. Really happy that you did and not have to deal with any issues. I do I think this is the exception and not the norm of the job search nowadays.

Thankful to my friends and colleagues that have reached out to me in wanting to help or commiserate. Glad I'm not alone in feeling all of this during the job search process, and hopefully you feel less alone in your search too.

Always been fascinated in the higher ed job search process, particularly looking at admin/staff/student affairs positions. (Brilliant ppl are already studying faculty searches!) Maybe one day I can pursue this line of research soon. I think it's an important topic to study.

Areas of research on higher ed job search process (specifically: admin/staff/student affairs) from both on the hiring committees perspective, and job candidates perspective. Maybe others are already studying this topic?

I deeply care about my friends, colleagues, students' successes & wellbeing. It's authentic. Mentoring, listening, and collaborating w/ them beyond a job search. Perhaps a place will find value in helping foster this environment in their area/office/dept, and I'll find it soon.

Wary of doing self-promotion, as not my intention of thread, but think I need to: Currently looking for non-tenure track positions in higher ed (primarily/prefer), admin positions (director & above) in inst. effectiveness, accred., evaluation, research & similar, pass them along!

As I end this tweet thread, I wish the best for all that are currently on the job search journey (including me). Yes, it's really tough, discouraging & all the feelings, but hopefully we will all find our place soon in the world. You are more than a job & have value and worth. ❤️