next »

[saidan]

I am about a month away from defending my doctoral dissertation and am applying to both traditional academic and non-university posititions (the latter require a PhD, but are primarily in historical institutions, research centers, museums, etc). Two months ago, I applied for a position of the second type that was a big reach and coincidentally ran into one of the senior staff members from that institution a week later. We talked briefly and he said that while I was underqualified for that job, there was another position which he expected to open up in the near future. He thought I would be a perfect fit for it and would hold on to my application materials. Given that the latter type of position is not always advertised publicly, would it be appropriate at this point to write a follow up e-mail inquiring about the status of the position and reiterating my high level of interest in it? I do not have another job offer at this time, but do have interviews lined up.

[whynotevolve]

I think it is fine to write a follow up e-mail.  It at least puts you back on the radar and might remind him to get the ball rolling on the new position.

[reener06]

I agree, and if you have a definite defense date, mention that in the email. If you will soon have a date, wait to send the email until you have one.