Getting a Job
Start Early - There is a lot you have to do to prepare for job applications and it's never too early to start.
Academic Jobs
Academic Jobs
What you need
What you need
- Curriculum Vitae You should already have one of these. Keep it updated as you go.
- Research Statement These should be about 5 pages long for most applications. In your statement give a little background, describe the research you have done and any results you have, then be sure to explicitly describe what you will do next. Employers want to know that you won't turn into a lump after you leave the comforts of you advisor.
- Teaching Statement These should be about 2 pages long. Include your teaching experience and be explicit about the fact that you have in fact TAUGHT a course, it doesn't hurt to say that you "designed the syllabus, lectured in class, and wrote the exams." Most grad students at research universities do not have the experience that we have so hiring committees assume that teaching means TAing. Describe your classroom environment, providing specific examples of what makes you a good instructor. Talk about our teaching meetings and say you find them valuable. If you spoke at Math Circle, play it up.
- Cover Letter An Emory letter template is available below. Start by saying "Hey I'm applying for that one job at your school," and end with "ps I'M DEFINITELY THE PERSON YOU WANT TO HIRE." Be confident, write like you have the job already. For the jobs you really want, add a tailored paragraph about how the school is great. Then CONTACT SOMEONE in the department. Your application is much more likely to get noticed if someone's looking for it.
- Reference Letters You want 2-3 letters from people who can talk about your research and how cool it is. And 1 letter from someone who knows your teaching. Talk to these people early. If you can get at least one from outside the department that's even better.
Other Materials That Some Schools Want
Other Materials That Some Schools Want
- Publication List Include publications, works to appear, submitted paper, and pre-prints.
- Transcripts Download your unofficial Emory transcript from OPUS and find you undergraduate transcript too.
- Teaching Portfolio Compile your teaching evaluation scores and a few of your best handwritten evaluations. Maybe include a syllabus or two.
- Diversity Statement Say things like "Minorities are cool" and "Women rock." But actually put some thought into this. What have you done in your classroom? What have you thought about doing but maybe haven't had the opportunity to do? What have/will you do for the mathematics community as a whole? What have you don in your local community?
- A List of References Have a TeXed list of the people who are writing letters for you, along with their contact information. It's good to have anyway.
- Thesis Abstract Do your best to approximate it until you have an official one.
Where are the Jobs?
Where are the Jobs?
- MathJobs.org Most jobs are posted here. Get an account, and start looking. Postings start in August, then pick up through October. MANY are due December 1st. However, there are plenty due before that.
- HigherEdJobs.com Some schools are so small they don't know about MathJobs. Others want fewer applicants so they don't post on MathJobs. HigherEdJobs is one of the many other resources.
- School Websites If there's a specific place you want to work, keep an eye on that school's website because it should have the most up to date information.
- Word of Mouth Talk to people at conferences, or at your undergrad institution, or in the department, they might have some inside scoop.
Other Resources
Other Resources
- Interfolio This website is great for sending reference letters to the jobs not on MathJobs. They will send letters confidentially by email or USPS. Talk to Terry about getting a **FREE** account the LGS. They will pay the subscription fee and provide a $60 account credit.
- MathJobs Wiki Here they will keep track of available positions, offers, and hires. It's a wiki so maybe it's not always up to date, but can be a resource if that's something you're into. WARNING: This might be demoralizing.
- People Talk to people. They can give you advice, moral support, etc.
- Editors Consider hiring someone to read your statements. This can be incredibly beneficial in making you stand out. They will check spelling, grammar, consistency, etc. Plus, knowing that someone who can write has approved your work can provide a peace of mind during a very stressful time.
- Joint Math Meetings Many smaller schools (non-postdocs) do their preliminary interviews for long term positions at the Joint Meetings. Plan on attending. While you're at it, submit an abstract and give a talk. This is another way to get noticed.
Non-Academic Jobs
Non-Academic Jobs
What you need
What you need
- Resume In addition to a CV, for most non-academic jobs you need a resume. Make sure you are updating that along with your CV. Be sure to tailor your resume for each job you apply to and make sure you are explaining your research in an accessible way.
Where are the Jobs?
Where are the Jobs?
- Versatile Phd has job listings, job ideas etc outside of academia and because you’re an LGS student, you’re eligible for upgraded access. You'll have to take a few extra steps once you’ve signed up, but it's worth it. Start here: http://vphd.info/Emory_go