To get an Academic Job. Part 1.

1. You should read this book as well as the blog:

The Professor is In

If you are in grad school, and you have the tiniest kernel of thought in your head that you may want to become faculty: read this book ASAP. The context of the book is the humanities, but it has broad applications to other fields. 

Make sure your application package, interview skills, etc. are all targeted for the academic market. 

The Chronicle of Higher Education is also a good resource. It also helps you stay in the know as far as academic trends, etc. 

There is more specific job search information, which I will write a blog post in more detail later. 

2. If your school has professional development classes or workshops then take them. For instance, ASU has the Preparing Future Faculty program. I would strongly advise a program such as this. While again, these programs are generalized (e.g., the one at ASU probably could be stronger in it's relevance to fine arts and music), they are still incredibly valuable

The argument against programs like these is that they take time away from research, and ultimately one's career is determined by research strength. I would say that the majority of one's career is dependent on research but there are a ton of other factors which tend to be make or break. They can't make you on their own, but the lack of skills in practical job searching (& related) skills will definitely break you. AND they can save you, if you're a borderline case. And if you're borderline, maybe all you need is that foot in the door and the resources to become a star, if that is your goal.... Plus, it will help you understand what being faculty is actually like and give you a better idea of what will be expected. That's actually pretty damn important.

3. Ask for honest feedback from your advisor. This is obvious, but if you think you are not competitive (or you don't know) it is good to know. They will have good ideas, generally (but not always)  on how to help. Do it early. Ask this question way before the year you plan to graduate.  

Also, ask your advisor about how to do things in your career. Ask them to look over your job materials. Ask former advisors and professors. You can always ask. Even great advisors will be 500% more useful if you ask the right questions. But don't only depend on your advisor. Advisors will vary in how well they perform particular tasks, like most people, and they also only offer one perspective. Don't only depend on the professors in your department for information. 

4. Do a comparative CV search. Find all the CVs of assistant professors in your field. Get an idea of the outcomes you need. Nothing will substitute for this step, I don't think.  I've been doing this since I graduated with my Master's. This can be really stressful and ego threatening if you are far from where you want to be. It is still worth it for the information. You will not even have an idea of what outcomes you need until you do this. Its all smoke and rumors otherwise.

Also, make sure you look at more than just high prestige places. If you are not at a top 5 or top 10 school, you will probably not start out at a top 5 or top 10 school. You may eventually still end up there, who knows? Or maybe you are that awesome & it is your first job! But man, look at every level. Even if you do come from such a school, you can't really count on it so look at a variety of schools.

This process will also give an idea as to acceptable CV formats. There's a lot of advice on this (see links in #1) but its good to look at what works for your particular field. There will be tweaks.

5. Ask successful peers for advice. Have them look over your portfolio. Have them read your papers. You ask people who are in the same situation / career level as you or even people who are behind, but you can't ONLY ask them. You have to ask your peer who is more successful. They will know things that others don't. They may have tricks, short-cuts, etc. that they will share. They are doing something that works. Also, they are still emerging, like you, and so their feedback applies to people like you. (as opposed to established professors, artists, etc.).

Cont. in Part 2.