(back to Job Search)

Amori Mikami and Cynthia Huang-Pollock have written a very thorough guide to planning a job search. The following timeline is largely based on their suggestions. Do notice how early it begins, and do not underestimate the amount of time involved! (Note: The following timeline assumes you plan to finish in 4 years. Adjust accordingly.)

3rd year

• Start thinking about the kind of job you would like. Visit the career center, read books about the job search, and browse this year's job postings - just to get a sense of the market.

4th year

Summer

• Decide on your criteria for choosing among job openings
• Start collecting job postings (make a spreadsheet!)
• Prepare your application materials (you will want to get feedback on a couple drafts of your research statement before sending it to your recommenders at the end of August).

August

• Choose and contact 5 professors to write your letters of recommendation

September-November

• Send applications (rolling)
• Continue to sift through job postings
• Send recommenders your second batch of applications

October-February

• Phone and campus interviews
• Negotiate offers

Next step: Find the available openings