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[wild_rose]

How 'bout we cruise to Bimini first? It's a touch closer.

As long as it's not snowing there.

It has before.

It wouldn't surprise me after the weather we've been having here.  But any weather in Bimini -- barring a cyclone --  is better than beautiful weather in Job Search Land.

Is there beautiful weather in Job Search Land?  According to my personalized Weather Underground webpage, the long-term and short-term forecasts are:  gloomy, with intermittent periods of icy showers and howling, glacially cold winds.   A high-pressure system just went through, and now an arctic depression is setting in, and will stay around for an unforeseen period.

Exactly.  That is beautiful weather in Job Search Land.

[skinnymargarita]

I graduated last year with my doctorate and I am applying for a position as a professor. Well, I have applied for several positions that I didn't get, but never at this institution. They are asking for "work samples" and I am blank on this one. I have my dissertation - no articles that have been published, but one that I have submitted, and that's about it. Suggestions? Thanks for helping with the Newbie question!

[mdwlark]

I graduated last year with my doctorate and I am applying for a position as a professor. Well, I have applied for several positions that I didn't get, but never at this institution. They are asking for "work samples" and I am blank on this one. I have my dissertation - no articles that have been published, but one that I have submitted, and that's about it. Suggestions? Thanks for helping with the Newbie question!

They probably mean the article or dissertation chapter.  If it is a teaching-focused university, a sample syllabus might help too.  I'm a perennial applicant, let's find out what some SC members have to say.

[systeme_d_]

I've served on a good number of SCs.

Work samples, at my place, refer to scholarly work, not syllabi.  I would suggest submitting the article you currently have under submission.  Include a cover page that says that the article is under review at the Journal of X.  I would include a chapter from your diss as well, especially if the article is not reflective of your diss topic. 

Good luck, drs510!

[seniorscholar]

They are asking for "work samples" and I am blank on this one. I have my dissertation - no articles that have been published, but one that I have submitted,

We usually ask for 20-30 pages of "work sample" (though we call it "writing sample") and frequently get a dissertation chapter. This is fine if it also has an introduction (perhaps swiped from your dissertation proposal) that places it in the dissertation's overall plan, and if you don't send more than 30 pages. If your best chapter is much longer, make a sensible and visible cut -- get rid of the 25 pages dealing with the second point in your outline, and insert, in brackets an explanation that you've cut 25 pages about whatever it is. This is plenty to give us an idea of your intellectual quality and writing ability (and your potential for getting the dissertation revised into a publishable book before tenure time, which is a requirement at this R-1 English Dept). A typical grad student "published article" -- often very short and in a 3rd tier journal -- is, in fact, not really as useful for judging your potential.

[skinnymargarita]

They probably mean the article or dissertation chapter.  If it is a teaching-focused university, a sample syllabus might help too.  I'm a perennial applicant, let's find out what some SC members have to say.
[/quote]

Thanks for the suggestion. It is a teaching-focused university. I do have a syllabus from a class I taught last year as an adjunct at a different university.

[skinnymargarita]

I've served on a good number of SCs.

Work samples, at my place, refer to scholarly work, not syllabi.  I would suggest submitting the article you currently have under submission.  Include a cover page that says that the article is under review at the Journal of X.  I would include a chapter from your diss as well, especially if the article is not reflective of your diss topic. 

Good luck, drs510!

Thank you systeme_d! The article was rejected with suggestions, but I dropped the ball on that one. I could re-submit but that would take a lot of time (they want me to put all the info into tables). Or- I could submit to a different journal and try that route. Suggestions are appreciated. Both the diss and article relate to the position. One more thing, the position requires experience in the development and delivery of online coursework, which I don't have. Silly me for applying anyway? The position has been open 14 months. Thanks for your time and insight!

[skinnymargarita]

They are asking for "work samples" and I am blank on this one. I have my dissertation - no articles that have been published, but one that I have submitted,

We usually ask for 20-30 pages of "work sample" (though we call it "writing sample") and frequently get a dissertation chapter. This is fine if it also has an introduction (perhaps swiped from your dissertation proposal) that places it in the dissertation's overall plan, and if you don't send more than 30 pages. If your best chapter is much longer, make a sensible and visible cut -- get rid of the 25 pages dealing with the second point in your outline, and insert, in brackets an explanation that you've cut 25 pages about whatever it is. This is plenty to give us an idea of your intellectual quality and writing ability (and your potential for getting the dissertation revised into a publishable book before tenure time, which is a requirement at this R-1 English Dept). A typical grad student "published article" -- often very short and in a 3rd tier journal -- is, in fact, not really as useful for judging your potential.

Thank you seniorscholar!

Your reply makes a good point as to the reason they want the sample in the first place. My article is not currently under review, it was rejected with suggestions. Maybe that is further reason not to include it at this time. I have not worked on the article since then so it would take some doing to re-work that piece and re-submit. The job has been open for 14 months, so I am guessing they are really picky about who they choose. I think the dissertation sample would probably serve me best. I have discussed the possibility of submitting my dissertation results to a journal with one of my committee members and he agreed that because there were no significant results, that it would not make a good submission. Also, the position requires experience in developing and delivering online coursework -which I don't have. But - I have taken a lot of online coursework and have a lot of experience with technology...

Have a wonderful day!

[vickie_lloyd]

I would like to add one thing to your list about the resume and cover letter.  I am an instructor at a community college and have been on several search committees.  I want so badly to grade some resumes and cover letters and send them back to the applicants.  In these tough economic times, every applicant needs to send out excellent resumes.

I have one right now and the applicant used a bizarre stick-like font in 14 point type.  Her cover letter looks like she may have used several different fonts.  I know she may have been trying to send the message that she is creative, but the message I get is "frivolous."

I have another cover letter that is two pages long and the applicant adds every detail of her life, including the fact that she has very little experience with construction equipment.  (Not exactly a skill we're looking for in an English teacher.)

At the opposite extreme I have a resume from a young man that tells which jobs he has had, but list no skills gained in those jobs nor his position at those jobs.  He lists three references with nothing but a name and phone number.

There is a wealth of information on the internet and in Tech Writing and Business Communication textbooks on how to write good resumes. I would like to remind people, to please please make use of those resources and work on that resume and cover letter.

[rodentmind]

I'm surviving! Hallelujah.

[born2late]

My mother asked my wife last night about what kind of second career she think's I'd do well in. My wife "lovingly" responded, "I'm still waiting for his first one."

[quiggs42]

So, I'm trying to make the switch from the "real" world to the world of teaching.  I got my MS in natural resources last spring, and have spent a year as a forestry consultant.  In that time I've realized that I chose poorly - teaching is what I'm really cut out to do, and I'd specifically like to work at a community college or similar where I can focus only on teaching etc etc.  Unfortunately, I don't really have any mentors in that area to give me advice on how to approach the job search, as all through graduate school I pursued a research-based program (Advisor's reaction to hearing I want to teach:  'What the hell are you thinking?').  I'm getting pretty worried about the state of the job market, and about competing for positions against PhDs, not to mention Masters-holders with community college teaching certificates and the like.  Right now my only teaching experience is as a teaching assistant for one year, giving historical tours for a boat company, and some other "sharing information with the broader community" stuff.  Not so great.  So, I've listed some questions -- I know you're thinking "yeah, you want a job and so does everyone else," but please consider taking the time to share what you know with me!!  I'd be forever indebted! 

1)  What chance do y'all think someone with a general MS degree has in the community college setting against a candidate w/ a PhD or a certificate in CC teaching?

2)  Are there any particular techniques someone with my level of experience could use to "sell myself" and get to the interview stage against higher-credentialed competition, short of bribery?  I have faith that in the interview I can do a fairly good job demonstrating my skills and dedication to teaching...

3)  Right now not many natural resource-related job postings seem to be popping up.  In terms of the ebb and flow of academia, do more listings appear as it gets closer to the end of the summer, when departments are panicked about filling available spots?  Or in my particular field might the pickings just be slim?

4)  I've heard that adjunct experience is a great way to get your foot in the door.  Unfortunately, the CC institutions in my area don't seem to have programs in my field, so adjunct jobs here are few and far between.  In your experience, if you have to move to take an adjunct position, is that the prudent thing to do?  Or will you just end up lonely and broke with only one class to teach and no more job opportunities than you had before?

5)  In y'all's (?) experience, is it worth the $$ and time to go back to school and pursue a PhD to be better prepared for jobs in the CC system, even if you'll have to focus again on research to get your PhD done?  Maybe a PhD in education would be a good compromise?  Or not?  What about the Masters-level teaching certficate?  I've found several of those programs but they all seem to be designed for taking at the same time as your Masters...so it's possible I just missed the boat.

I'm looking forward to what y'all have to say.  Thanks so much, and let me know if I should have posted this in a different forum or something...

[mouseman]

So, I'm trying to make the switch from the "real" world to the world of teaching.  I got my MS in natural resources last spring, and have spent a year as a forestry consultant.  In that time I've realized that I chose poorly - teaching is what I'm really cut out to do, and I'd specifically like to work at a community college or similar where I can focus only on teaching etc etc.  Unfortunately, I don't really have any mentors in that area to give me advice on how to approach the job search, as all through graduate school I pursued a research-based program (Advisor's reaction to hearing I want to teach:  'What the hell are you thinking?').  I'm getting pretty worried about the state of the job market, and about competing for positions against PhDs, not to mention Masters-holders with community college teaching certificates and the like.  Right now my only teaching experience is as a teaching assistant for one year, giving historical tours for a boat company, and some other "sharing information with the broader community" stuff.  Not so great.  So, I've listed some questions -- I know you're thinking "yeah, you want a job and so does everyone else," but please consider taking the time to share what you know with me!!  I'd be forever indebted! 

1)  What chance do y'all think someone with a general MS degree has in the community college setting against a candidate w/ a PhD or a certificate in CC teaching?

2)  Are there any particular techniques someone with my level of experience could use to "sell myself" and get to the interview stage against higher-credentialed competition, short of bribery?  I have faith that in the interview I can do a fairly good job demonstrating my skills and dedication to teaching...

3)  Right now not many natural resource-related job postings seem to be popping up.  In terms of the ebb and flow of academia, do more listings appear as it gets closer to the end of the summer, when departments are panicked about filling available spots?  Or in my particular field might the pickings just be slim?

4)  I've heard that adjunct experience is a great way to get your foot in the door.  Unfortunately, the CC institutions in my area don't seem to have programs in my field, so adjunct jobs here are few and far between.  In your experience, if you have to move to take an adjunct position, is that the prudent thing to do?  Or will you just end up lonely and broke with only one class to teach and no more job opportunities than you had before?

5)  In y'all's (?) experience, is it worth the $$ and time to go back to school and pursue a PhD to be better prepared for jobs in the CC system, even if you'll have to focus again on research to get your PhD done?  Maybe a PhD in education would be a good compromise?  Or not?  What about the Masters-level teaching certficate?  I've found several of those programs but they all seem to be designed for taking at the same time as your Masters...so it's possible I just missed the boat.

I'm looking forward to what y'all have to say.  Thanks so much, and let me know if I should have posted this in a different forum or something...

quiggs42,

first, welcome!  Second, check if there is a previous thread on the subject.  Now, the search function being what it is, you may not find the thread even if it exists, which brings us to:  third, this thread is more about issues of surviving, so you may want to start a new thread with these questions.  A lot of people with knowledge on the subject will miss your questions here, since they are not searching for jobs.  Finally, good luck!

[polly_mer]

Quiggs42,

Mouseman gives good advice.

However, since I'm here and you're here, I'll respond to one of your questions.  If your degree is in a field not commonly taught at community colleges, your chances of getting a job teaching at CCs are very small.  If you can sell yourself as capable of teaching classes that are usually taught at CCs (e.g., chemistry, biology, physics, geology instead of natural resources), then perhaps you could get a position.  In addition, yes, many people with Ph.D.s or significant work toward one are applying for these positions, thus further decreasing your possibilities.

[quiggs42]

Mouseman and polly_mer,

Thanks very much for your advice, both on posting to the forum and my specific questions.  I appreciate it!!  I will try moving my post to a new thread so it gets more visibility. 

Also, trying to sell myself more more broadly than just as a natural resources instructor is a good idea.  I'd actually been thinking of it the opposite way - that competition would be greater in more generalized fields.  But it can't hurt to try multiple strategies...