A year ago, I went on the academic job market for the first (and last) time. It was a process that pushed my anxiety to its limit. I’m so glad I never have to do it again.
Here are a few things I wish I had really internalized before I applied: 1/
Here are a few things I wish I had really internalized before I applied: 1/
1. Academia is not a meritocracy.
Your CV may be amazing, but that doesn’t matter. You may get shortlisted, but then you are subject to the whims of a hiring committee. Who knows what they will care about in any given year! Don’t ever get your hopes up about a job. 2/
Your CV may be amazing, but that doesn’t matter. You may get shortlisted, but then you are subject to the whims of a hiring committee. Who knows what they will care about in any given year! Don’t ever get your hopes up about a job. 2/
2. If you’re geographically restricted, you probably won’t get an offer.
Since hiring decisions are random (& biased), you need to apply to as many places as possible. Not willing to live in >50% of states cause you’re a queer person with a uterus? Guess you won’t be a prof! 3/
Since hiring decisions are random (& biased), you need to apply to as many places as possible. Not willing to live in >50% of states cause you’re a queer person with a uterus? Guess you won’t be a prof! 3/
3. Be prepared for the anxiety.
Few times in my life have I experienced such chronic anxiety (& I was taking meds for an anxiety disorder at the time!). I couldn’t imagine going through another job cycle like this. It’s just one more way that academia pushes people out. 4/
Few times in my life have I experienced such chronic anxiety (& I was taking meds for an anxiety disorder at the time!). I couldn’t imagine going through another job cycle like this. It’s just one more way that academia pushes people out. 4/
4. Job market support groups are great, in theory.
I joined a group of folx all applying for (often the same) TT jobs. Unsurprisingly, hearing about their interviews actually made my anxiety worse. Some people get a lot of value out of these groups. Do what’s best for you. 5/
I joined a group of folx all applying for (often the same) TT jobs. Unsurprisingly, hearing about their interviews actually made my anxiety worse. Some people get a lot of value out of these groups. Do what’s best for you. 5/
5. Apply for non-academic jobs.
There are hundreds of phds applying for a handful of TT jobs. Math says you won’t be one of the “lucky” ones. So start looking outside of academia too.
It’s a big, beautiful #altac world out here with cool research, work-life balance, & $$$. 6/
There are hundreds of phds applying for a handful of TT jobs. Math says you won’t be one of the “lucky” ones. So start looking outside of academia too.
It’s a big, beautiful #altac world out here with cool research, work-life balance, & $$$. 6/
In short, the academic job market sucks. I don’t have advice for making the experience better, other than to consider alt-ac jobs as well.
In my case, I had no interviews for TT jobs, but 5+ interviews for companies within weeks of applying.
Go where you are valued. I did. 😁
In my case, I had no interviews for TT jobs, but 5+ interviews for companies within weeks of applying.
Go where you are valued. I did. 😁
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