(most of this advice is common sense, but in the panic of preparation, often the things we need to be reminded of most are the obvious!)

In and/or by October:

1.  Prepare rough drafts of your vita and job application letter.   Feel free to consult your dissertation director, the graduate studies director, and other mentoring faculty for suggestions before you polish the final copy on disk.   Changes for each job application letter can be made off this master copy.   Final letters of application should be printed on department letterhead.

2.  Sometime before October, ask faculty who think well of your work to serve as references.  Early in September, remind them that they will need to write letters of recommendation.  These letters may make the crucial difference, so choose your referees with care. If you haven't had someone observe your teaching, do so.   Depending on the job requirements, plan on at least three letters for scholarship and one for teaching (unless it is a 4-4 teaching institution).  For scholarship, provide the referees with a copy of your best work, a C.V., etc.  For teaching, a copy of your syllabus and some assignments.  Be prepared for the day of observation, don't wing it.  Choose a day when your best qualities as a teacher can be demonstrated.  Time permitting, it may be a good idea to have a peer observe you first and the faculty member later.

3.  Open a credentials file at the Career Planning and Placement office in the UC.  This should contain your dossier:  finished letters of recommendation and any general material.

4.  Prepare a concise, interesting two-page (single spaced) abstract of your dissertation, discreetly avoiding the future tense.  You want to sound confident and FINISHED, not tentative.  Do not, however, lie about the status of your dissertation.  Since institutions are more edgy about hiring ABDs or even an "almost done," plan on a defense date before taking up the job (usually the following Fall semester).  You might want to mention this date in your letter of application.

5. Select and polish a 20-25 page piece of your dissertation or other work most applicable to the job position.  It should demonstrate your best traits as a scholar, thinker, and writer.  If you need to, attach an explanatory page to contextualize a selection.  You may send an already published piece.  In any case, the writing sample must be finished, complete with bibliography and endnotes even if it is a selection.  Do not send a writing sample unless asked to do so.  Usually the request for additional materials comes later in the season.  This does not mean that you wait until the last minute to prepare the sample.

6.  If your dossier is incomplete at any stage, remind your faculty members again.

7.  Assemble a list of graduate courses you have taken and obtain transcripts if necessary.

8.  Prepare sample syllabi for courses you might teach.  The interview is the best time to hand these out, although some applicants send these out with the writing sample.  You may also send the syllabus of a course you have already taught.

After the Job List is Out:

1.  Analyze the list for the jobs best suited to your talents an desires.  Compose a chart to remind yourself of various deadlines and names since they vary in each case.  You might want to keep a copy of this list by your telephone.

2.  Tell your committee members where you've applied in case they have contacts or in case they get a phone call.  Leave it to the faculty to push your case, though.

3.  PROOFREAD all your written material before sending it off.   Be neat and professional.  The first package that goes out in the departmental envelopes should contain only your letter of application, the C.v., and the abstract.

4.  When a school requires your dossier, go to the Career Center and provide the recipient's name and address.  You will probably be charged for each mailing.  Make sure your dossier is now complete.  Check later to see that the material is forwarded.

Close to mid-to-late November:

1.  Make refundable plane and hotel reservations to the MLA (Dec. 27-30).  Do not register for the conference unless you are sure you are going.   Keep track of the deadlines for refunds in case you cancel.

2.  Prepare a professional voice to handle telephone conversations (smooth and competent).  The chart mentioned above might come in handy now.  If you are going away, keep track of your messages and make sure that potential employers know where they can reach you.

3.  Select a professional outfit for a possible interview either at the MLA or on campus.  If you are called/back for a job talk, note that you will need an additional polished paper to present as your job talk.

4.  Ask for a mock interview if you want the experience.

5.  Even if you are not enthusiastic about the job, never let that show.  BE INTERESTED in your potential colleagues and in the institution that might hire you.

6.  Always carry additional copies of your portfolio.  At the MLA, check the Job Center for last minute messages and job openings.

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