Good Grape Wine Company

The authors describe options I hadn't thought of, and ended up having to think about. There's specific descriptions of what happens in interviewing, in different types of institutions, and suggestions for writing up the documents needed for the dossier.

I felt I had the comfort of someone knowledgable with this book when sending out my application packets, preparing for the interviews, during the interview, and after. I even knew to write thank you letters. No faculty ever mentioned that to me! Faculty were giving me advice, but very minimally, I found after reading this book and going through the whole job search process.

All I know is that I found AND landed a job beyond my dreams, even making more money than I ever thought I would in the teaching field, and I start soon!


It is really helpful   May 3, 2003
 8 out of 12 found this review helpful

It is a must-read book for any academic job applicants. Make sure you read it before you prepare your application materials. It will surelly save you a lot of time. It is really helpful in my job searching.


Essential guide & companion for those on the market   August 16, 2002
 25 out of 25 found this review helpful

The earlier in your graduate career you obtain this book the better, since the section on planning your job search gives great advice about positioning yourself as an attractive candidate well before you start applying for jobs. I found the guide an invaluable companion over the seven month period that comprised my job search. The sample vitas, cover letters, and statements of teaching philosophy were especially useful, as was the extensive section on interviewing at conferences, on campus, and by phone. The tone was reassuring but realistic, and the advice was helpful both in conceptualizing aspects of the search (e.g., think of the interview as a conversation in which the evaluative aspect is made overt) and as a series of friendly, pragmatic tips (e.g., don't check luggage when flying to an interview; bring an escapist novel to read at the hotel). The book also contains sensible discussion of how to negotiate an offer, how to handle illegal or simply bizarre interview questions, what to wear, issues surrounding dual-career marriages, and after you've gotten a position, how to handle your new academic responsibilites and secure tenure. I recommend this book to everyone who aims at an academic position, and in the future, I will recommend it to my students!