Job Market TimeWhat to do

When to do itHow to do it

September – November: preparation and dissemination of applications (deadlines in November-December)

December: Scheduling of Interviews at Meetings.

January: MeetingsJanuary – March: Flybacks, round II, etc.

TimeLine

September, October and some November Ads

Deadlines: Early November through Mid Dec Materials

◦ Job Market Paper◦ Dissertation Abstract◦ CV◦ Teaching Materials (Philosophy, evals)◦ Letters of Recommendation

Fall Stuff:The Ball’s in Your Court

Need to have drafts to committee early Polish! Make it look professional. Seminar – by early November at the latestSept 1: First draft (advisor maybe committee)Oct. 1: Main Draft (at least committee,

maybe department)Nov. 1: Distribution draft (everyone)

Job Market Paper

Note this should include past or present tense: (I investigate(d), I find/found, I show/have shown)

If it’s a three essay thesis, it should have at least 3 essays outlined.

Typically one page (3 paragraphs?) Show advisor. Have them read. Need completely polished by Nov 1.

Dissertation Abstract

Make it look like other academic vitas◦ Education◦ Positions (TA, RA etc, not “walmart greeter”)◦ Published papers/working papers/presentations

Short version (for me, by Nov. 1)◦ 1 page

Include contact information

CV

Teaching Philosophy◦ That you’ve thought seriously about teaching◦ That you care and have worked on it.◦ Tie in your academic interests and history.◦ How you have addressed shortcomings.

Evidence of Teaching Ability◦ Course Evaluations. Comments.◦ Present yourself completely, but in the best light.◦ Innovations in which you’ve participated.

Teaching Materials

Contact letter writers in September You need to give a seminar in October or

earlier (make sure your writers attend). Be sure to give them drafts of paper,

abstract, CV and teaching material. Be nice, they are doing you a HUGE favor. It

is time consuming and important. If they ask for something, get it for them.

Letters of Recommendation

Get the ads in September, October and November. Compile list, watch deadlines.

Get hotel reservation for Denver (see AEA web site). Earlier is better, September I think.

Buy plane tickets.

Other Stuff

Jeannie will mail your packets. You need to provide:◦ Materials printed and in envelopes (you may use

the white ones in the supply closet)◦ Address labels (5160) on evelopes◦ Names of letter writers (to me and Jeannie)

Jeannie will add letters (and a cover from me) seal it and mail it.

Things We Do

We send an announcement of our students on the market in early November to hundreds of institutions.

You need to provide me with your 1 page sheet: CV plus short abstract. I will provide guidelines.

I will need this prior to November 1. Web pages, get information to Jeannie.

Job Market Announcements

In December we will conduct Mock interviews.

Take these seriously. Dress as you would for the real thing. ◦ Spiel◦ Teaching◦ Questions

More on that at “Interview” seminar.

Mock Interviews

Done Signal. They want you to be done when you show up in August. (CV, JMP, Abstract)

Letters of recommendation. Are you maturing as a researcher/teacher/colleague.

Your field/topic/interests – compliment/substitute?

Teaching experience Professional: they’ll check your web page.

What they Look For

Faculty will be there and we will provide contact information for emergencies.

We will be available for questions and advice.

Some socializing as well.

Support at Meetings

Early January (as you start to get flybacks) Repeat of seminar, usually smaller audience Not all student take advantage of this. Some flybacks have teaching seminars, and

so it’s not necessary.

Job Market Talk Practice

Be nice Be engaged Be interested Be yourself…only better. Be polite. In short: your mother was right. First

impressions matter.

On the Flyback

Typically ½ hour meetings with faculty and some administration (often the Dean).

Some kind of research talk or teaching. Usually last interview with Department

chair. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Most places bring 3 to campus.

Flyback II

You do not negotiate until you have an offer. Once you have an offer, you should speak

with your advisor (and possibly others). We’ve done this before. We’ve been on both sides of it. We’ve seen many students negotiate.

Don’t be afraid to ask for things. I’ve never seen an offer rescinded because you asked.

Get it in writing.

Advice for Negotiation

Cawley, John “A Guide (and Advice) for Economists on the U.S. Junior Academic Job Market” AEA Web Page

Job Openings for Economists, AEA Web Page Economics Labor Market Surveys (U.

Arkansas, CBER web page) Hamermesh Advice Articles

Web Resources