Typical Academic Search Timeline

Because of the structured nature of academia and the academic job search, you may not have much flexibility in your time line. While the timing of a search may vary by discipline, a typical hiring cycle usually begins around October and concludes by April or May.

One major issue to consider is the timing of your search in relation to finishing your dissertation. In a tight labor market you may be competing against candidates who have finished their degrees, and perhaps even have some teaching or research experience. Thus you may be at a competitive disadvantage if you cannot give at least reasonable assurance that you will be finished by the time the job begins. In addition, you will need to think realistically about the time commitments required to finish the degree. In any case, you will want to be discussing your options with your advisors.

Below is a typical time line for an academic job search. Keep in mind that you may set up an appointment with a Career Center counselor to talk about these and other issues.

Summer, Fifteen Months Prior to Job

Plan to finish dissertation summer before job begins Discuss plans with advisors; solicit feedback on timing of search Renew contacts with others in your job search network Explore post-doc options; begin to collect applications Begin planning your references; establish file at Career Center Reference Letter Center Prepare vita and additional written material If you are considering nonacademic options, be aware of time lines and requirements.

Watch for job listings and post-docs, and apply Register for relevant professional association meetings Finalize vita and written material Prepare for conference interviews Check with department about the help they provide to students on the market Check the status of your recommendations

Fall, Twelve Months Prior to Job

Eight Months Prior to Job

Attend conference meetings – screening interviews, networking Prepare advisors to serve as advocates on your behalf Begin preparing for campus interviews, which may begin now Prepare and practice job talks Keep applying for jobs and post-docs

Keep looking for late job and post-doc options Continue campus and other interviews Negotiate job offers If you are not getting the offers you want, assess your fallback options Notify your network once you have accepted a job offer

Four to Six Months Prior to Job