An expanded and updated version of this post can now be found in Chapter 23 of my new book, The Professor Is In: The Essential Guide to Turning Your Ph.D. Into a Job. I am keeping a shortened version here, but for the complete discussion including … [Read more...] about Tailoring a Job Letter, Beginning and Advanced
Productivity
Should I Do an Edited Collection?
No. Let me say it again: No. Let's put it a different way: You: But, it's just the papers from a conference panel. Is it ok then? Me: No. You: But, I'm co-editing it, so I don't have to do all the work. Is it ok then? Me: No. And, … [Read more...] about Should I Do an Edited Collection?
Is Your Writing Better Than Waffles?
Last week, I was working on a client's materials. We were on something like draft #4 of her dissertation abstract, following on weeks of work on her c.v. and job letter. She'd been working hard, and her materials showed it. It was Sunday morning, … [Read more...] about Is Your Writing Better Than Waffles?
Should I Send Out a Book Proposal Before the Manuscript is Completely Finished?
This is a Q and A that arose on the blog this week, following the blog post, How To Write a Book Proposal. I've been asked this question many times. This is my answer. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Q: Karen, can I ask you to … [Read more...] about Should I Send Out a Book Proposal Before the Manuscript is Completely Finished?
How Do You Make a “Short” CV?
Today’s post is a simple one, responding to many queries: How do you make a “short CV”? A short, or two-page, CV is often required for grant applications and the like. The point here is to sketch the main highlights of your record without … [Read more...] about How Do You Make a “Short” CV?
What American Idol Tells Us About The Job Market
We watch a lot of American Idol here at The Professor's house. We have strong opinions. Personally, I'm a fan of Joshua. I know that Jessica has the best voice. But she just doesn't "connect" with the audience, as Randy Jackson constantly … [Read more...] about What American Idol Tells Us About The Job Market
What To Do Now in Grad School (Special Request Post)
Apologies for missing Tuesday's post and then delaying on Thursday's post. I had a family health crisis (thankfully, fully resolved) that kept me away from the computer this week. Today's post is a Special Request post for K, who asks, what can a … [Read more...] about What To Do Now in Grad School (Special Request Post)
What Inside Candidates Persist in Doing Wrong
Today's post looks directly at the question of the inside candidate. It goes without saying that most people on the job market fiercely resent the inside candidate, assuming that he or she has endless advantages over external applicants. I am here … [Read more...] about What Inside Candidates Persist in Doing Wrong
The Perils of Publishing Your Dissertation Online
[July 2019 Update below by Jacqueline Barlow, Open Access Officer at The University of Winchester in Winchester, Hampshire, United Kingdom--please read] Today we are honored to have a guest post by Kathryn Hume, Edwin Erle Sparks Professor of English … [Read more...] about The Perils of Publishing Your Dissertation Online
Using Rage to Stay Motivated, Part Two
(Tuesday Post Category--Strategizing Your Success in Academia) Last Tuesday I wrote Part 1 of "Using Rage to Stay Motivated," a Special Request post for Allen. He asked how to stay motivated while writing his thesis. Staying motivated through the … [Read more...] about Using Rage to Stay Motivated, Part Two