On October 9th, the Center for Latino/a and Latin American Studies hosted a workshop to help prepare graduate students for the academic job market, providing valuable insights and practical advice for graduate students and early-career academics navigating the competitive academic job market.
Led by experienced faculty members, Chris Chávez (SOJC), Lynn Stephen (Anthropology), and Lara Bovilsky (College Scholars, English) the workshop offered a comprehensive guide to successfully securing tenure-track positions. The workshop covered essential topics, from crafting a compelling dossier to navigating campus visits and negotiating job offers. Below are digital versions of the packets that were provided by Dr. Bovilsky during the workshop.
Key Takeaways
Below is a summary of key takeaways from the workshop, providing a valuable resource for those who missed the workshop or are seeking to refresh their understanding of the academic job search process.
- Crafting a Strong Job Application
- Tailor applications to each job posting
- Use clear, concise language
- Emphasize research and teaching connections
- Showcase unique skills and experiences Dossier Components
- Cover letter (2 pages max)
- CV (with relevant headings)
- Teaching statement (outline philosophy, challenges, goals)
- Research statement (1-2 pages, dissertation, future plans)
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) statement
- Preparing for Interviews
- Research department, faculty, and interview committee members
- Practice answering common questions (research, teaching, departmental life)
- Prepare for different interview formats (Zoom, phone, in-person)
- Interview Tips
- Listen to the full question
- Answer concisely and clearly
- Look at everyone, not just the questioner
- Don’t take illegal or intrusive questions personally
- Set boundaries politely
- Campus Visits
- Endurance event (multiple days, various activities)
- Remember: they want you to succeed
- Be polite, open, and professional
- Research people you’ll meet
- Activities may include solo meetings, group interviews, teaching demos
- Campus Visit Tips
- Ask people about their experience and work
- Show interest in students and department
- Prepare talks and presentations carefully
- Practice timing and clarity
- Bring necessary materials (e.g., business cards, extra copies)
- Negotiating Job Offers
- Express gratitude for any offer; negotiate creatively but reasonably
- Ask for time to think about offer and consult with your team
- Seek advice from multiple faculty members before accepting the offer
- Consider factors beyond salary (teaching load, summer funding)
- Potential requests: credit for prior publications, higher salary, teaching releases, spousal accommodations
- Key Takeaways
- Prepare thoroughly for interviews and campus visits
- Build a support team for negotiation
- Consider multiple factors in job offers
- Negotiate creatively but reasonably