Academic Job Search

Prepare a Research Statement

A research statement is a clear and concise summary of your research and dissertation with a focus on the future direction of your research. Think about how your research and dissertation will fit into your future experience and institution you are applying to.

• Include a concise discussion of your dissertation, and relate previous research into future projects or related research programs.
• Express the relevance of your work to larger intellectual interests.
• Answer the questions, “Why does knowing about ______ matter?” and “What will that project tell them what they don’t already know?”
• Mention the future direction of your dissertation research and the important and innovative directions your research may take.

Prepare a Teaching Statement

A teaching statement is a personal mission statement for anyone whose assignment is to help others learn.

• Use any specific instructions in the job posting as a guide.
• Length: 1-2 pages
• Use present tense to reflect your experiences and beliefs.
• Include discipline specific standards when necessary (avoid technical terms).
• Make your statement unique and set yourself apart from other candidates.
• Discuss your philosophy of teaching and learning.
• Describe your approach to teaching.
• Provide documentation of your effective teaching strategies.