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[jobseeker27]

I'm preparing for a job talk that I have to give, and I'm trying to decide between two topics.  The first topic is one that is pretty straightforward (single methodology and single analysis).  I've presented this topic many times before, and the paper is in press.  The second topic is my dissertation work, which presents a series of interrelated studies using a variety of methodologies, but the paper is still in preparation, and the findings are not as straightforward, though they are potentially more intriguing than the first.  The second topic is also more novel than the first one.  I also will be giving a classroom lecture, the contents of which are based fairly closely on my first topic.  What should I do for my research job talk?  Most of the advice on this site suggests that I should probably just choose one topic.  Should I give the talk on the first topic, even though the classroom lecture might overlap just a bit (the lecture involves an example from the first study, but does not discuss the study itself)? This is what I would like to do, but I want to make sure that this would not reflect poorly on my range. Any opinions are appreciated.

[modmaven]

I'm sure much depends on your field, but in general I'd suggest going with the second topic for a number of reasons.  It's probably closer to your heart; it's more interesting to you -- and this will make for a livelier presentation; and it will show your range.  As far as some things still not being worked out: you can say what  you know as of this point and lay out what is still to be worked out and in so doing you can let them in on what kind of researcher you are, how you are going about solving these puzzles.  My biggest mistake when I was on the job market (way too many times coming in second place for a really top-notch job) was to give a presentation that I thought would interest the department rather than one that really was important and lively for me.

good luck and congratulations for getting this far!

modmaven

[yellowtractor]

This one seems easy to me.  If you already are planning to present much of the material for Option A in the classroom presentation, then go for Option B in the job talk.  Range may indeed be an issue:  if I were on the SC, and both presentations drew on essentially the same material, I would be a little underwhelmed.

If you do go with Option B for the job talk, though, I would strongly encourage you to prepare accordingly.  Meaning talk yourself through the presentation, making sure you can do it with the same degree of elegance you know you've already martialed for Option A.  Borrow a partner, friend, neighborhood child, or at least (I'm not kidding) a tape recorder to use as a sounding board.  Clip all rambling digressions (this is my weakness when I discuss research-in-progress) right in the bud.  Make sure your thoughts are organized and that everything will fit beautifully inside the required time frame.

If this sounds like too much stress, go with Option A for both talks, but make sure you preface the job talk with some brief preface that lets the audience know how the two presentations are alike and different.  Better you stick with what you know (and do it well) than try to show your "range" and stumble badly.

[jobseeker27]

Thanks for your help. I've decided to go with topic B, and now that I've started writing the talk, it seems much easier to handle.