I’ve posted on job search a few times. So if you are tired of the topic, my apologies.
It’s on my mind bc I’ve had a couple of conversations with early career faculty - some of whom want to move - but don’t know how to look discreetly.
These faculty want to look discreetly bc they are concerned there will be suspicion, backlash, even peril, if their dept chair finds out.
They worry that looking will jeapordize their opportunity to tenure, if they can’t find a new job.
Knowing the personalities involved, I share their concern.
I have searched for a new job as a tenured faculty member and experienced a backlash when I openly & discreetly searched for a new position.
After both searches, I regretted sharing that I looked publicly and confidentially. Colleagues either binged me for looking or undermined my ability to work while I looked.
So I understand the concen well.
So what to do?
First, your search is your own.
If you are worried about sanctions, you have a good reason. So don’t talk about looking.
Second, don’t change your behavior.
You don’t know if you will land a good job.
Keep doing all the good things you are doing, show up to meetings, & keep advising stufents.
Third, selectively apply.
You have a job. You don’t want just any job. You want a better job.
Fourth, amp up your research pipeline.
Assistant professor hires are usually driven by research. Senior assistants need to have published something, to move up.
If you have not published, do your best to secure a revision or two.
If you don’t have anything, look for a nice place. Nice is better than elite and mean.
Fifth, teaching matters.
As a rookie, no one knew If you were good. As a seasoned assistant, people want evidence you can teach well, you can teach more than one topic, and they can trust you in the classroom.
Sixth, clean up your social media.
Let me say it again. Clean up your social media.
This is a lost cause for me - see LinkedIn - everyone knows exaclty who I am and what I stand for. I may never get another job interview ;)
Early career people aren’t known. Social will tell people a lot about you. Make sure it presents the best you.
Seventh, no one locally should know you are looking. See point one.
Do not even tell your students. Don’t assume people will find out. Don’t tip anything until you have a job offer in hand that you want.
Finally, be prepared for the data breach. If you mess up, or the schools you talk to mess up, & there is a data breach. Think through how you will respond. Keep the response positive & about you. Be nice about the current job. You don’t want this breakup to turn into a hot mess.
If you are discreet, keep working hard, and present an accurate self on social media, you should be ok.
Everyone looks for a job eventually - the senior faculty - if you are discreet - Will understand.
Best of luck.
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