The Tricks and Traps of Landing a Job in Higher Education

Ron Knorr, PhDMercer University

Lienne Medford, EdDClemson University

Welcome

• The State of Employment in Higher Education

• Who is Hiring? Who are They Hiring?

• Finding Positions

• Getting Through the Screening Process

• Winning and Losing Applications

• Increasing Your Odds

• Questions

The State of Employment in Higher Education

• Fiscal Issues

• Aging Workforce

• Competition for Positions

• Cyclical / Seasonal Factors

• International View

• Trends – Partnerships, Community Colleges

– Venues (S&B, Balanced, Hybrid)

Who is Hiring ? Who are They Hiring?

• Traditional Colleges and Universities

• For-Profit Colleges and Universities

• Community Colleges

• Vocational/Technical Schools

• Educational Service Companies

• Manufacturing and Service Industries

• Military (DOD) and Military Contractors

Finding Positions

• Your Associates

• Faculty

• Contacting Colleges Directly

• Headhunters

• Major Clearinghouses for Positions in Higher Education

Interested candidates will need to complete the brief online application and attach a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy and the names and contact information for three references. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

Typical Ad for A College Teaching Position

The Winning Application Packet

• Letter of Interest and Qualification

• Vita

• Philosophy of Teaching/Research

• Getting Your References Lined Up

• Things to Avoid, Things to Emphasize

Letter of Interest and Qualification

• Hook or Traditional?

• Address Each Criteria

• Do Your Homework

– Website, Mission Statement, etc.

– Google Committee Names

Your Vita

• Playing to Your Strengths

• Minimizing Your Weaknesses

• Honesty

• Candor

What is in a Well-Written Vita?

• Content

• Presentation

• Language

• Spelling and Grammar

• Word Usage

• Consistency

Philosophy of Teaching/Research

• Show points of connection• Consider institution's mission• Use appropriate, common language

Getting Your References Lined Up

• Know your references• Know what they will say• Use connections• Know why you are using that reference for that

job• Consider hidden/secondary references

The Interview

• Consider any interaction to be an interview• Note all contacts• Be honest but guarded

Increasing Your Odds

• Plan the Work, Work the Plan

• Know Your Content

• Know Your Market

• Know Your Competition

• Know Yourself

Questions?