MahtaniJobInterview2 005

Preparing For The Job Market:Keys to Success: 

Preparing For The Job Market: Keys to Success Minelle Mahtani, PhD Department of Geography and Program in Journalism University of Toronto

Outline:: 

Outline: Prepare, Prepare, Prepare Play to your strengths Apply for postdocs Act as if the job is yours to lose

My experience: 

My experience Interviewed in Canada, America, Australia, England, New Zealand Offers at five schools (two in Canada, New Zealand, Australia, America) Positions at New School University, University of Toronto

Before you even apply...: 

Before you even apply... Start thinking about where you want to be What kind of environment are you looking for? Interdisciplinary? Small? Rural? Urban? Work out decisions with spouses/family Look at your own priorities Will you apply everywhere or will you be specific? Consider your family and friends: what kind of communities matter to you?

Checking out the options: 

Checking out the options Broaden your horizons Move beyond geography journals Chronicle site (www.chronicle.edu) Tell everyone you know you’re looking (like dating!) Start thinking about referees (and let them know - maintain those relationships) Make sure you keep them on your side

Deciphering the job ad: 

Deciphering the job ad CV (clear, concise, readable and not too long) Research interests (one page) Examples of publications (less is more) Read between the lines Ask if you don’t understand

Replying to the job ad: 

Replying to the job ad Get examples of cover letters (advisors, friends who have jobs) Get examples of CVs Be careful about how you rank your publications (submitted, collaboration, papers presented) Get it vetted (by at least five people) Get it in on time!

Writing your cover letter: 

Writing your cover letter It’s a cover letter for a reason Keep it short! Three pages maximum Cover history, teaching interests, present and future research interests, and why you’d contribute to the department

Great lines in your cover letter: 

Great lines in your cover letter I consider communicating research to a larger public audience an important part of my role as a social geographer. My teaching experience is diverse and I welcome teaching in the substantive areas of economic sociology, I would also enjoy drawing on my experience with an array of quantitative and qualitative approaches to teach courses in research methods. I believe I can bring both innovative research and dynamic teaching to UBC in ways that will enhance and complement the department's emphases. I would value the opportunity to contribute my experience and expertise to your department. I look forward to hearing from you and thank you for considering my application.

Writing your cover letter: 

Writing your cover letter Exploit your networks (friends of friends) Write it specifically (have a template but cater it) Cover your history (where you went to school; your research interests, grants) No more than 3 pages

Congrats! You got shortlisted!: 

Congrats! You got shortlisted! 1/5 or 1/4 (good odds) Two day event 2/3 scholarship, but 1/3 collegiality Do they want to have lunch with you?

Preparing for your interview: 

Preparing for your interview Have a job interview notebook Research the entire department One page per person (college graduated, major research interest, point of connection) Read all their work! Have a package ready (gum, water, cheerleading notes, comfortable shoes) Get your job talk title out ASAP

Preparing for your interview: 

Preparing for your interview Get your schedule and see who you will be meeting with Ask to meet with people who particularly interest you outside of your department (Women’s Studies, Forestry…) Prepare your syllabi (have at least four courses ready) Read the newspaper (be up to date on current affairs)

Preparing for your interview: 

Preparing for your interview You will always get asked the same questions Why do you want the job? (not because you can ski there - what do you bring to the position?) Where would you go with the job (play to your strengths) Which geographers have influenced you the most?

Questions you WILL be asked...: 

Questions you WILL be asked... Who would you work with (potential collaborations) What is your teaching philosophy? (encourage intellectual growth of my students; do research on the student body) Know your playing field How do you teach large lectures? How do you teach small seminars?

Questions you will be asked...: 

Questions you will be asked... What is your philosophical framework? (contesting old categories and creating new cartographies of identity…) Courses you would teach (old and new; undergraduate and graduate) What are your career goals? Why are you a geographer?

What do you want to ask them?: 

What do you want to ask them? They watch carefully to see if you have questions - you better have them! Five year agenda for the department How are new professors mentored? Tenure clock Has anyone been denied tenure? Show interest - do not be complacent!

Other points to remember: 

Other points to remember The most exhausting two days of your life They cannot ask you questions about your personal life Take bathroom breaks (and breathers) Conversation starters Get sleep beforehand Do not drink too much!

Your schedule: 

Your schedule 7-8 am: breakfast meeting with Dr. Doolittle 8-8:15am: Meeting with the Dean of Graduate Studies 8:30-9am: Meeting with Head of Department 9-11am: Job talk, room 2212 11am-12pm: Campus tour 12pm-1:30 pm: lunch with grad students 1:30-2pm: Meeting with Dr. Smith 2pm-3pm: Meeting with Dr. Matthews 3pm-4pm: Meeting with Dr. Adams 4pm-5pm: Drinks at Hair of the Dog 5pm-8pm: Dinner at Luigi’s

Your job talk: 

Your job talk 40-45 minutes Practice, practice, practice (in your department, in your living room) Ask your advisor for advice Use PowerPoint Good snapshot of your research Implications Trajectory of your research

Your job talk: 

Your job talk It may be a hostile environment Take a deep breath, a sip of water and then respond accordingly They are watching you to see how you react Think of your worst case scenario questions Be confident, clear and precise

Your job talk: 

Your job talk Overview Theory Your unique perspective Method Findings Conclusion (where are you going?) Point out research trajectory Work in progress

The importance of diversifying your options: 

The importance of diversifying your options Apply for postdoctoral fellowships SSHRC, Killam but also others Develop relationships with geographers at other institutions Ask to see successful postdoc applications Think about how your current research can be extended Community partnerships

You got the job…now what?: 

You got the job…now what? You don’t negotiate until you get the offer Be very careful with your offer Negotiation takes time Check with people you trust Ask for a drop in your teaching first year Startup funds Salary (women and men) Don’t take too long...

First year responsibilities: 

First year responsibilities Develop your long term goals and make sure that your year works towards those goals Publications? Teaching? Identify gaps and fill in accordingly Don’t do too much committee work Listen a a lot Find some good colleagues and mentors