Job Preparation Protocol for Academic Careers

1. Job preparation protocol Dr. Carlos R. McCray

2. Job Preparation Protocol • Decide where you would like to live (City, suburb, or rural area)—When it comes to where you reside, how malleable are you? • Decide what type institution would like to work at (i.e., teaching institution or research institution) • Teaching institutions are heavily vested into teaching with regard to the number of courses/classes. • Research institutions are more geared towards conducting research and writing; there is less teaching. • YOU need to decide whether you would like to do more teaching or research. This is critical for your success.

3. Job Preparation Protocol • Once you have decided where you would like to live and what type institution you would like work at, it is important to present yourself as the best candidate! • COVER LETTER, COVER LETTER, COVER LETTER!! • Ensure your cover letter is well put together and represents who you are and what you have done!

4. Job Preparation Protocol • In addition to a well-put-together cover letter, it is also important to have a thorough curriculum vita. • The cover letter give a synopsis of who you are, what you are seeking, and what you have done lately. • The curriculum vita embodies your entire body of work (i.e., work experience, publications, conferences, service).

5. Job Preparation Protocol • Important information for the curriculum vita. • Name and contact info • Title of dissertation • Any certifications you might have • Work experience (leave out those summer jobs while you were an undergrad!) • Research interest in bullet format (Ideally, no more than three; they should also relate in some way)

6. Job Preparation Protocol • Important information for the curriculum vita. • With regard to your publication record, have four specific categories: • Publication(s) (what you have managed to have published) • In Press (The editor has conveyed to you that your article has been accepted for publication) • Under Review (You have submitted your article to a journal and it is currently being reviewed) • In Progress (Manuscripts you are currently working on)

7. Job Preparation Protocol • For a doctoral student finishing up, it would be great if you had something for each of those four aforementioned categories. • Other info for the curriculum vita: • Conference presentations • Grant writing experiences • Service to the department as well as the field • Workshops conducted • Research projects you are involved in (quantitative as well as qualitative)

8. Job Preparation Protocol • Other info for the curriculum vita: • A solid reference list of individuals who know you and your work!! • Some institutions seek three while others seek five. • It is never too early to identify those individuals who you would like to write a reference letter for you. • To get good references, do good work and cultivate meaningful relationships!!

9. Job Preparation Protocol • Information to consider for the on campus interview: • Why did you choose this particular institution? (Know the history of the university as well as the college of education’s history)? • Have a thorough research presentation prepared as well as sample teaching presentation. • Be personable—know what your future colleagues are doing! • Have a thorough understanding of who you are and what you can contribute to the department as well as the university.

10. Job Preparation Protocol • Once you get the invitation to come for a campus visit, remember the following: • You have been well prepared for the position! • You have chosen the right profession! • You are not alone in the process; feel free to call your mentor, your professors or other colleagues for advice. You can even contact me at carlosmccray@aol.com