This month's column is written by Mikaela L. Marlow, who began a tenure-track position at the University of Idaho this fall. In this column, she shares what she learned on the job search.

Many graduate students are absorbed with daily activities related to school, teaching, and research. Yet the time will come for most to seek out a professional position. This article presents some issues to consider when initiating a scholastic position search and preparing for the employment interview.

First, candidates should conduct a general survey of institutions seeking applicants. This can be aided through journals like the Chronicle of Higher Education, or Communication Spectra, which regularly publish such information. After identifying possible organizations, some background research about the institution, department, and specific faculty you may be meeting or possibly working with is highly recommended. Such research may include (but is not limited to) the institutional philosophy, departmental focus, relevant curriculum, and research orientation. Sometimes, this kind of information may be referenced in the personal statement that candidates will prepare as part of the application process in order to demonstrate initiative and genuine interest. Moreover, serious candidates will want to research the surrounding community to determine appropriate fit in the economic and social environment.

During the application process for academic positions, candidates will typically compose a personal statement of intent, a current CV (Curriculum Vitae), a writing sample, and three or more letters of recommendation. When writing personal statements, strive to be genuine, accentuate the positive, and discuss your research and career goals. The CV should address your education, work experience, publications, community service, references, and relevant honors or awards. Finally, in selecting recommendations, be sure to choose mentors and professors who know you well, are reliable, and understand the criteria of the position to which you are applying.

When invited to a job interview, you will want to prepare the research talk or class lecture. Consider how you expect to contribute to the department, and define the issues about which you want more information.Try to remember that this type of interview is a two-way interaction where both principals are attempting to assess whether the employment would be a good fit. Do prepare supplementary presentation materials for your research lecture, in case you run into technical complications - which happen more frequently than expected. Also, anticipate that you will probably be meeting with the Search Committee, the departmental Chairperson, and the Dean. Consider what issues they may want to discuss and have a well-defined statement of how you may be able to contribute to the goals of the department in terms of curriculum, advising, research, and community service.

Finally, when you actually receive a position offer, there are additional steps to consider. First, make sure that you have an official offer in writing before you turn down other possible positions. A recent article in the Chronicle of Higher Education discussed a new Ph.D. who was offered a position by the Chair of an established university through e-mail. After declining several additional offers from other schools, the original and preferred offer was rescinded when the Dean of the school decided they could not afford the position. Obviously, salary and various benefits need to be clarified and possibly negotiated prior to accepting a position in addition to job criteria. The negotiation process should be anticipated prior to the interview. This means that the wise candidate will have researched salary ranges in the department and the university prior to negotiations.

Other issues include whether the institution has a faculty union, association or other representative bodies that may influence the negotiation process. How does the institution receive funding? Is it a privately or publicly funded source? Depending on your specific career goals, you may want to inquire about research, conference, and resource funding. Tenure requirements should also be clarified. For example, what are the publishing, teaching, and service expectations for the typical tenured faculty member? What kinds of mentoring or support are available to assist new academics in achieving career goals? What percentage of new faculty actually attain tenured positions? These are sometimes sensitive topics that should be thoughtfully reviewed. They could be important in terms of long-term career goals.

To conclude, consider researching these topics when pursuing an academic position. Research the institution and department so that you are able to articulate how your skills will contribute to departmental goals. Prepare thoroughly for presentation and interview interactions to develop confidence and poise. Attending to specific employment and salary details will ensure that you find and accept a position that is personally and professionally meaningful.