Today's post is a Special Request post for a reader who wishes to know how to construct a course proposal for a job application. This is an element of the job application that, I expect, will tolerate a lot of variability. So I offer the following … [Read more...] about How To Write a Course Proposal for a Job/Postdoc App
Strategizing Your Success in Academia
You’re From Penn State. Now What? (A Special Request Post)
Today's post is a Special Request post for a grad student (ABD) from Penn State who wrote on email to say: "I went to a small conference last weekend and as soon as people found out I was from Penn State the conversation was redirected to the … [Read more...] about You’re From Penn State. Now What? (A Special Request Post)
What UK/Commonwealth-Trained Candidates Are Doing Wrong on the U.S. Job Market (And some c.v. advice for everyone)
[sorry for the inconsistent fonts in this post. I am trying to correct. It's really hard in the theme that I use, and involves html.] One of the unexpected pleasures of being The Professor is the opportunity it's given me to work closely with … [Read more...] about What UK/Commonwealth-Trained Candidates Are Doing Wrong on the U.S. Job Market (And some c.v. advice for everyone)
Dealing With the Informal Conference “Chat”
Today's post is a Special Request Post for Cynthia, who wishes to know how she should deal with an invitation from a search committee member to meet and “chat” informally at an upcoming conference. These invitations are evil. Search committees … [Read more...] about Dealing With the Informal Conference “Chat”
How To Dress for an Interview as a Butch Dyke
[Updated Sept 2021] Today’s post is a Special Request post for Digger, who asks, “how is a butch dyke to dress for a conference or campus interview?” She goes on, “I recently tried to girl-up my wardrobe, and it was pretty much a disaster … [Read more...] about How To Dress for an Interview as a Butch Dyke
On To The Conference Interview!
(This post is an update of an earlier post, "How Not To Fuck Up Your Conference Interview." ) You have submitted your cover letter, your c.v., and your recommendations. And lo! You've been long short-listed, and invited for a conference interview! … [Read more...] about On To The Conference Interview!
Rocking the Phone/Skype Interview
A number of clients have asked me for a post on phone and Skype interviews, and I'm happy to oblige. There are some tricks of the trade for this kind of interview that can very helpful to know. Now, the standard preparation for interviews of … [Read more...] about Rocking the Phone/Skype Interview
Editing Your C.V. and Letter for Teaching/Writing Positions
Today's post is a Special Request post for a reader who shall remain anonymous. Her question concerns how to tailor her letter and c.v. for different jobs. Here's the background: She is a Victorian literature specialist and on the job market in … [Read more...] about Editing Your C.V. and Letter for Teaching/Writing Positions
Job Letter Issues When You’re Beyond the Dissertation
Today’s post is a Special Request post for Amy, who wishes to know how the standard “dissertation” paragraph of the job letter should be adapted when the writer is well beyond dissertation stage. This is a good question! Applying for jobs … [Read more...] about Job Letter Issues When You’re Beyond the Dissertation
The Foolproof Grant Template–Where Did It Come From?
The fellowship season is upon us, and I'm working with clients on all sorts of grants and fellowships. As part of that process I'm spending a lot of time talking people through the Dr. Karen Foolproof Grant Template. I won't repeat the template … [Read more...] about The Foolproof Grant Template–Where Did It Come From?