Tips on Applying to Tenure Track Positions in Religious Studies, Part I: Important Resources

Last updated on: February 13, 2017 at 3:38 pm by smallaxe

Tips on Applying to Tenure Track Positions in Religious Studies, Part I: Important Resources 2017-02-13T15:38:20-05:00 smallaxe

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We’re expanding the Tips on Applying series to move beyond applying to graduate programs in religious studies. The next series of posts will focus on applying to tenure track positions in religious studies (or related) departments. To start I’d like to point out some useful resources:

1) The Academic Job Search Handbook by Julia Miller Vick. From the back cover: “The book begins with an overview of the hiring process and a timetable for applying for academic positions. It then gives detailed information on application materials, interviewing, negotiating job offers, and starting the new job. Guidance throughout is aimed at all candidates, with frequent reference to the specifics of job searches in scientific and technical fields as well as those in the humanities and social sciences. Advice on seeking postdoctoral opportunities is also included.

Perhaps the most significant contribution is the inclusion of sample vitas. The Academic Job Search Handbook describes the organization and content of the vita and includes samples from a variety of fields. In addition to CVs and research statements, new in this edition are a sample interview itinerary, a teaching portfolio, and a sample offer letter. The job search correspondence section has also been updated, and there is current information on Internet search methods and useful websites.”

The Handbook is particularly helpful in getting a general sense of the application process. It does, however, contain limited examples of candidates applying to positions in religious studies (or related) departments.

2) The Chronicle of Higher Education. The Chronicle originated as a bi-monthly periodical dedicated to issues in higher education. Since going online the Chronicle publishes content more often, including advertisements for tenure track, non-tenure track, and administrative positions (see their job center). The postings, truth be told, are kind of hit or miss for religious studies.

Perhaps even more important is the discussion forum, which includes several areas for examining the job application process. As of today there are over 18,000 discussions started on the topic (for a recent discussion about applying to BYU as a non-member see this). Some of the best threads on the job application process can be found here.

As with any discussion forum, not all advice is equal. You’ll find a wide variety of views on almost every topic, but also a strong majority opinion on most topics.

3) American Academy of Religion and Society of Biblical Literature job postings. Only recently have both job listings become freely accessible. These are probably the most important sources for job listings.

4) Humanities Net job listings. The H-Net database will give you access to job postings in a variety of other departments in the humanities.

5) The Academic Job Wiki. Job candidates will want to bookmark this site. Fellow candidates on the job market visit the Wiki and update it as they receive information about a particular job. Updates tend to occur when first round and final round interviews have been scheduled, as well as when an offer has been made. Since rejection letters aren’t usually sent out until an offer has been made and accepted, the Wiki is a good place to find out ahead of time if you’re still in the running for a particular job.

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