The common wisdom is that academic job markets run counter to the economy, running hot when the broader economy runs cold.
This year, it’s hard to tell if the common wisdom will run true.
While we are seeing robust labor markets, we are also seeing high inflation and stagnant economic growth.
Further, universities in the United States report lower than expected or even declining enrollment.
These factors suggest that U.S. academic labor markets will be unpredictable in the coming year.
We may see the best market ever or we may see a bust.
So why write this? To alarm students?
No.
I write this to encourage students to start planning their job searches now.
Carefully consider when you want to enter the market, what types of jobs that you want to apply for, and what types of jobs can make you happy.
There are several steps that you can take to plan for the market.
First, talk to your advisor. Ask for a candid assessment of your record and ability.
Calibrate where you apply accordingly.
Second, prepare your materials. Every school asks for teaching, research, and service statements.
Many schools ask for diversity statements.
Write and rewrite them now. They need to be as clean, maybe cleaner, than your job market paper.
Third, clean up your CV. Ask your advisor for a review and look around for templates.
CVs are often discipline-specific.
It should accurately summarize your dissertation status, research pipeline, teaching interests and offer evidence of teaching ability.
Make sure you have no typos - they leap off the page and make you look sloppy.
Fourth, develop your list of questions that employers must answer.
Review them with your advisor & your friends that landed jobs.
Ruthlessly cut problematic questions & include some softball questions anyone can answer.
Fifth, do a gut check.
Ask are you ready for the market? And what will you do if you don’t land a job?
Planning helps take some uncertainty out of your search.
If the market is hot, jobs will be easier to secure. If it is cold, no matter your record or advisor, you may need to prepare for another year in school.
Sixth, prepare yourself mentally.
Take time to build your confidence and establish healthy routines.
This will make you robust to the long waits between applications, interviews, and decisions.
If not, the market can be miserable.
Finally, be positive.
No one wants to hire an Eeyore - even if the market is tough - people will be drawn to positive energy.
So work hard on building a positive, forward-looking mindset.
It’ll make the job market a much better experience.
With a realistic assessment, careful planning, and self-care, uncertain job markets can be navigated.
It will take patience, positive thinking, and a little luck, but you should be able to land a job that makes you happy. If not this year, then next!
Best of luck.
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