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[Joseph Beacon]

I am struggling to generate my research statement. I worry that a statement that's too generic may not give a good impression of my work, while one that's too specific may be outside a department's research interests.

I am trying to find the fine line, but in the meantime I want to get my applications out. Do search committees really read these statements or do they just breeze over them?

Thanks.

Joseph

[Dr. D]

Remember, the search committee is made up of a group of scholars who, for whatever reason, are interested in the search (they may be in the general area, they may be out of the area, but they have an agenda for the position, they may be the _____ representative (minority, woman, etc.), they may be jr. or more sr.) or they are appointed, and therefore may be interested or not, so each one will read with their own eyes and expectations.

My advice is to have an overview statement, with two or three subpoints, which can then be further delineated. So, those who are out of the field, but interested, can read the more generic statement (intro) and those who are more interested, knowledgable, etc. can read the detailed one.

[Inivisible Adjunct]

Yes, they certainly do read the statements. How closely and carefully will obviously vary from one place to the next.  

You don't mention what field you are in. I'd say that the tighter the market, the more these application parts matter (the more qualified applicants there are competing for any given job, the more necessary it is to find ways to eliminate candidates). As a rule, you should assume that if they have any interest in your candidacy, they will go through every item in your application with a fine-toothed comb.

Good luck with your search!

Invisible Adjunct
http://www.invisibleadjunct.com