“How can I know what I mean until I see what I say?” —E.M. Forster Writers achieve coherence and organization through a process of drafts, feedback, and revision. There are no shortcuts to a polished document.

1. A necessary evil I dread writing. 2. An impersonal checklist of achievements, sprinkled with undefined acronyms. 3. A short, compelling story with all the boring parts left out.

Write down at least three to five aspects of your research that decision-makers (your readers) need to know. Can they all be connected? If not, can you minimize or exclude the least important? Is the story of your research experiences greater than the sum of its parts?

Your writing— Demonstrates a passion for your work. Is specific but selective (sticks to the major themes of your research). Conveys a sense of the future (enables your readers to envision you as a successful colleague).

Learn as much as possible about the academic culture of the institution you seek to join. Find the best fit for your talents: are your research goals aligned to the goals of the institution? Address their concerns and anxieties by persuading readers that you will make an immediate contribution to their on-going research and teaching needs.

Avoid— Overly ambitious agendas. Meandering through your achievements and plans of action. Strong research statements keep the big picture in view but are tailored to the needs and realities (facilities, academic culture) of your reader’s institution.

Make sure that your story does not contradict your advisor’s view of reality. Avoid misrepresenting (over-hyping) your achievements: no brag, just facts.

Writing a strong research statement is a process that through feedback and revision— Eliminates extraneous details. Demonstrates your powers of organization and analysis. Fosters self-confidence. Wins you the job.

“What is written without effort is read without pleasure.” Samuel Johnson