Job Market
The job application process is basically the same as applying to graduate school with these two key differences. Whereas graduate school applications require a statement of purpose, the job application requires a cover letter, curriculum vita, and often teaching materials. Whereas most graduate school applications are due between December 1 and January 15, the job market is open nearly year round with the bulk of due dates between mid-October and mid-April.
This handout outlines the steps undertaken to apply for a job, with supplement information about doctoral applications. If you are applying for creative writing fellowships and residencies, certain aspects of the timeline and materials may be slightly different but the process and bulk of the materials essentially the same. See creative writing faculty for information about fellowships and creative writing curriculum vita.
Job Search Timeline
- September
- write and workshop both cover letter and curriculum vita; create different cover letters for different jobs such as creative writing vs composition job and research institution vs teaching institution
- collect and polish documents for application materials such as teaching statement and samples
- [graduate school applicants: workshopping and revising documents is good practice regardless of what you are applying for, be it a job or a PhD program]
- October
- check job listings and set up spreadsheet for due dates, addresses, and application materials
- set up dossier service like Interfolio and request letters of recommendation (traditionally, recommenders post and email individual letters graduate school applications around December 1; however, the number of job applications as well as the spread of due dates between October and April suggests that job applicants should use a dossier service rather than requesting letters throughout the academic year)
- here's an example of what professors need to help them write a recommendation
- [graduate school applicants: if you are only applying to graduate school, then you probably will not need a dossier service as your letters of recommendation will also require forms for your recommender to fill out]
- make copies of as many fixed application materials as possible
- November
- first round of applications due November 1
- [graduate school applicants: first applications due December 1]
- If you plan to apply for jobs or programs only in the spring, time your request for letters of recommendation and feedback on application materials (cover letter, vita, teaching statement) so they do not occur during your recommender's winter break.
Job Search Documents
- included in all applications
- obtain feedback on these documents from a few people—professors and fellow job seekers (I am happy to look over any documents you show me)
- cover letter
- while the graduate school statement of purpose focused on your research and/or creative accomplishments and probable future interests, the job application cover letter should introduce your research and/or creative work, your teaching experience, and your service interests
- compose a master template that
has highlighted or blank places where you can discuss why you want and why you are qualified for the particular job at the specific institution
- example 2003/2008 (see Alex Blazer for password)
- compose two cover letter templates, one for composition jobs and one for creative writing jobs
- while other application materials can be printed on normal paper, you should print your cover letter on the departmental letterhead of the institution you are affiliated with; if the application is electronic only, email me or University Communications for a letterhead template in Word format
- curriculum vita
- included in applications or requested after the first round
- statement of teaching philosophy
- either compose two different statements, one for creative writing and one for composition positions, or clearly distinguish creative writing from composition pedagogy in the single teaching statement
- current example
- example 2003/2008
- writing sample
- required for tenure-track research and creative writing positions
- not typically required for limited-term composition jobs
- 4-6 confidential letters of recommendation (use dossier service like Interfolio)
- although the minimum is usually 3, include 4 just in case
- at least one letter should address your teaching
- at least one letter should address your creative and/or scholarly work
- graduate school transcripts
- copies or official
- teaching portfolio, or "evidence of excellent teaching"
- sample teaching evaluations
- either one good set of quantitative and discursive surveys, or a summary of evaluations from a number of surveys
- sample syllabi
- sample assignment prompts
- sample graded assignments
- example
- Creative writers and teachers sometimes use professional websites to highlight their work. Should you wish to create a website, here are five good hosting services.
Job Postings
AWP Job List (see Marty Lammon for passwords)
MLA Job Information List (see Alex Blazer for passwords)
Fellowships and Residencies
Marty Lammon: 2010 Compilation
Timothy L. Marsh: 2011 compilation
Poets & Writers: Residencies Database
Links
ADE and ADFL Online Job Counseling
Chronicle of Higher Education: First Time on the Market
MLA: Checklist for Job Seekers