Applying for academic jobs
Academic jobs are highly competitive so careful preparation for each application is key.
To be competitive you need to have at least some of the following:
- Publications in well-recognised journals
- Experience of securing research funding
- Teaching experience: designing, delivering and evaluating degree level courses
- A profile within the academic community: use conferences as well as publications to raise your profile
- Project management skills required to deliver research projects
- International experience or other mobility
- Understanding the process of quality assessment in teaching and research
- Understanding current issues in higher education
- A network of people who can support and advise you.
Many academic vacancies are advertised with a detailed job description, person specification and list of required competencies on where to find academic jobs. Tailor your CV to match these. Emphasise your academic and research achievements and how they could contribute to the research area.
Become as informed as possible about the department and the research area before you apply. Do you know anyone in the institution you are applying to? Institutions often invite candidates to make contact informally about advertised posts before making applications. Take up this opportunity, it will help you tailor your research statement.
Talk to other academics, especially those with recent successful experience of selection. Ask colleagues to review your application.
