The academic job market is notoriously competitive and unpredictable, especially in the current climate. However, understanding what goes on behind the scenes in a faculty search can help demystify the process and give you a valuable edge. On October 8, a panel of seasoned faculty and administrators convened to share their insights in a session titled The View from the Search Committee.
Our featured speakers:
- Emma Dench, McClean Professor of Ancient and Modern History and of the Classics and Dean of Harvard Griffin GSAS
- Charrise Barron, PhD ’17 African and African American Studies and Assistant Professor of Music at Harvard University
- Farshid Emami, PhD ’17 History of Art and Architecture and Assistant Professor of Art History at Rice University
- Maria Lehtinen, PhD ’06 Neurobiology and Hannah C. Kinney, MD, Chair in Pediatric Pathology Research at Boston Children’s Hospital
- Jessica Pesce, PhD ’15 Higher Education Administration (Boston College) and Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs, Development, and Planning, Harvard Graduate School of Education
Harvard Griffin GSAS Dean, Emma Dench, set the tone for the conversation by acknowledging how competitive the academic market is, while also encouraging candidates applying for faculty positions. “One of the most important things to realize is that you need to understand your audience,” said Dench. “By and large, search committees have the best of intentions, as they are looking to make a great hire and add an exceptional new colleague to their department.”
Crafting a Standout Application
The first step in landing an academic job is getting your application noticed and selected for a first-round interview. All of the panelists agreed that the two most important documents in your application package are the cover letter and the CV. These are the first items most committee members review, and they serve as your introduction to the department.
Charrise Barron emphasized the importance of using the cover letter to explain why you are the right person for the job. “The cover letter is your chance to highlight what gap you’ll fill in the department and school, and what’s special about you.” Farshid Emami agreed, stressing the need to follow a clear structure when writing your cover letter. “Everyone reads the cover letter carefully, and it’s important to follow the expected format: summary, dissertation, next project, teaching, and conclusion.” Jessica Pesce added: “You don’t want the committee guessing why you’re interested in the position. You need to make it easy for us to see why you’re a great match.” Maria Lehtinen added that publications are key in the sciences. “Publications are currency,” she said. “You need to show that you’re productive and that your work is moving forward.”
One question that frequently comes up is whether it’s okay to repeat information across different parts of the application package. The consensus from the panel was yes. “Don’t worry too much about repetition,” said Farshid Emami, “The cover letter is so important that it should include all the key points…just don’t repeat paragraphs verbatim.” Maria Lehtinen noted, “We’re reviewing so many applications, and repetition helps us remember key details. Don’t worry about repeating important points.”
Navigating the Interview Process
Once you’ve made it past the initial screening, the next big hurdle is the interview. This typically involves both a first-round virtual interview and a campus visit, during which you’ll give a job talk, meet with faculty and students, and potentially lead a teaching demonstration.
Panelists emphasized that preparation is key, not just for your job talk but for every interaction during the interview process. Farshid Emami advised, “Do your research about the faculty and the department culture.” He also highlighted the importance of engaging with everyone you meet, including graduate students and staff. “At a liberal arts college, they’ll evaluate not just your research but also how you interact with students, especially undergraduates. Don’t be dismissive—take their questions seriously.”
Charrise Barron offered similar advice: “Make it clear that you’re excited to be there. Be prepared to engage with faculty about their research.” She also cautioned that your behavior during informal moments—such as when you’re being escorted to meetings or having lunch—can be just as important as your formal presentations. “From the moment you arrive in the city to the moment you leave town, consider yourself on the job interview.”
Jessica Pesce recommended preparing an “elevator pitch” so you’re ready to succinctly summarize your research and teaching in 30, 60, or 90 seconds, depending on whom you’re talking to, either as part of the formal interview process or in an informal interaction. She also emphasized the importance of being kind and respectful to everyone, including administrative staff. “They all talk to each other, and your behavior will be noticed.”
When it comes to the job talk, Maria Lehtinen advised science candidates to also prepare for a “chalk talk” component, where faculty may ask in-depth questions about the next steps in your research. “You need to show that you have a clear plan for the first few years of your research,” she said. “Talk about the experiments you plan to conduct and how they will lead to your first major grant.”
Asking the Right Questions
At the end of every interview, candidates are expected to ask their own questions, and this is another opportunity to demonstrate your interest in the position. Emma Dench recommended asking about intellectual community and opportunities for collaboration. “Questions about co-teaching, joint projects, or working with other departments show that you’re thinking beyond just your role and are interested in being part of the broader academic environment,” she said.
Charrise Barron stressed that at the end of the first-round interview, you should ask about the next steps in the process and when you can expect to hear from the search committee again. She added that asking about the living situation or community during a campus visit can signal that you’re seriously considering the move. “It implies that you’re envisioning yourself being part of the institution.”
Jessica Pesce suggested asking about mentoring opportunities and the logistical aspects of the position, such as teaching load and service expectations during the campus visit: “These are practical questions that show you’re thinking about how you’ll integrate into the department and succeed.”
Preparing for Negotiations
In preparation for the happy possibility of a job offer, the panel emphasized the importance of doing your homework before embarking on negotiation. Jessica Pesce pointed out that salary information is available for public institutions, which can give you a starting point for negotiations. In addition, the AAUP publishes an annual salary survey that also includes private institutions. Pesce relayed the story of a candidate who set the tone for the conversation with: “What do you have flexibility on and what’s non-negotiable?” Some things may surprise you. Maria Lehtinen reminded scientists to think seriously about the cost of establishing and running a lab and to be ready to discuss start-up costs.
Final Thoughts
The academic job search is a long and often grueling process, but with preparation, self-awareness, and persistence, it’s possible to land a role that’s a great fit for both you and the institution. But, rejection is also part of the process. The panelists urged candidates not to take it personally. “Try not to internalize rejection,” said Charrise Barron. “Treat a rejection as a ‘not yet’ and keep going.”
As Maria Lehtinen wisely put it, “Be open-minded. You’ll learn a lot through the process—not just about the institutions, but also about yourself and your field. Even if the first job isn’t perfect, it’s a steppingstone to where you want to be.”
If there’s one takeaway from the panel, it’s that success in the academic job market requires not just academic excellence but also strategic planning, flexibility, and resilience.
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For help navigating the academic job market, check out “A PhD Student’s Guide to Academic Job Market Resources at Harvard.” Harvard Griffin GSAS students and recent alumni/ae are welcome to schedule an advising appointment with Laura Stark, Associate Director for Academic Careers at the Mignone Center for Career Success.
Finally, a special thanks to the Harvard Griffin GSAS students who provided notes from the event upon which this article was based.
