Graduate Studies
Resources for the Academic Job Search
Whether a candidate is close or several years away from graduation with an advanced degree, it's helpful to start thinking about the kinds of documents needed for the upcoming job search. The Web has many sites with helpful information on how to prepare effectively in the search for academic employment. Sample curriculum vitae and job letters are posted on some of these sites. Additional examples can be found by contacting the chair of graduate studies in your department.
Job Listings and other information:
MLA Job Information (information on the application and interview processes)
http://www.mla.org/jil
Chronicle of Higher Education Jobs (a source of job listings)
http://chronicle.com/jobs/
Writing Academic cover letters and/or cvs
There are very specific guidelines for writing successful cover letters and curriculum vitae. First, read the advice and consult the samples on the Web sites. Then create a draft of these documents and have at least one professor read them. Several drafts will probably be necessary before each is ready to be sent out on the job search.
Career Services may have staff counselors who can read and offer advice on curriculum vitae and cover letters.
OSU Graduate School Professional Development
http://gradsch.osu.edu/Category.aspx?Category=2&itemid=3
Preparing a Teaching Portfolio:
Some schools may ask the candidate to send a Teaching Portfolio, including a Philosophy of Teaching Statement, with the application for employment. The following site offers information on how to put together such a portfolio.
http://ftad.osu.edu/portfolio/
Professional Organizations and Conferences: