So you are thinking about switching jobs? (or things to think about before applying)

Now is about the time that message boards are filled with calls for applications to new academic positions. The positions are varied from tenure track to non-tenure track & from post-doc to endowed chair.

So what to inventory? & what to work on?

First, teaching preps.

This is your most controllable attribute. It would help if you have done more than teach intro to XYZ. You need to have taught courses that the market desires.

You can sort this out by looking at recent job postings. Take some time to look at the past year & the current job announcements.

Second, teaching quality.

No one wants to hire someone with inadequate evaluations. They are hard to justify to your dean. They are also a tell that you will be a problem faculty member.

My view is that teaching evals tell you about conscientiousness. I've rarely seen someone with great teaching evals become a bad tenured faculty member. They are not always productive - but they always contribute to the group.

Third, publications.

After a few years out, you should have refereed journal papers appear on your CV. You should have papers in your pipeline that go beyond what you did with your advisor.

Big research schools will challenge you if none of your papers are published or your advisor is on every single paper.

In contrast, most teaching schools won't care - they will care that you are working & publishing enough to tenure.

Fourth, pipeline.

Hiring a switched faculty member is more of a risk - often, you have less time to assess them before tenure - so people carefully look at the pipeline of revisions & projects with data.

Schools want to hire people that will stay productive.

If you are not interested in building a pipeline, consider a switch from a research school to a teaching school.

But, keep in mind that all schools require some research.

Finally, your attitude.

If you are leaving because you are unhappy, it will show.

I know a candidate who complained bitterly about his current school. He did so in every interview. He complained so much that it got back to his employing institution. It did not end well at either place.

If you are unhappy, take some time to think through why & what you will do differently. Find your peace.

If you project positive energy, you will be more desirable as a hire & make clearer, more rational decisions about opportunities.

I recognize this can be challenging - esp. if you are in a tough spot - but a positive attitude will help you land that next job.

No one wants to sit in the office next to a Gloomy Gus.

If your move is not urgent, take the time to craft a profile that appeals to the type of schools that interest you.

Securing a new position requires showing that you bring a novel competency, body of work, or ineffable element that a university needs. It may also require an attitude adjustment.

Best of luck.

P.S. I could not resist the comic.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jason-thatcher-0329764_so-you-are-thinking-about-switching-jobs-activity-6966451278449098753-UmOL?utm_source=linkedin_share&utm_medium=member_desktop_web