Dr. Carlos R. McCray

 Decide where you would like to live (City, suburb, or rural area)—When it comes to where you reside, how malleable are you?  Decide what type institution would like to work at (i.e., teaching institution or research institution)  Teaching institutions are heavily vested into teaching with regard to the number of courses/classes.  Research institutions are more geared towards conducting research and writing; there is less teaching.  YOU need to decide whether you would like to do more teaching or research. This is critical for your success.

 Once you have decided where you would like to live and what type institution you would like work at, it is important to present yourself as the best candidate!  COVER LETTER, COVER LETTER, COVER LETTER!!  Ensure your cover letter is well put together and represents who you are and what you have done!

 In addition to a well-put-together cover letter, it is also important to have a thorough curriculum vita.  The cover letter give a synopsis of who you are, what you are seeking, and what you have done lately.  The curriculum vita embodies your entire body of work (i.e., work experience, publications, conferences, service).

 Important information for the curriculum vita.  Name and contact info  Title of dissertation  Any certifications you might have  Work experience (leave out those summer jobs while you were an undergrad!)  Research interest in bullet format (Ideally, no more than three; they should also relate in some way)

 Important information for the curriculum vita.  With regard to your publication record, have four specific categories: 1. Publication(s) (what you have managed to have published) 2. In Press (The editor has conveyed to you that your article has been accepted for publication) 3. Under Review (You have submitted your article to a journal and it is currently being reviewed) 4. In Progress (Manuscripts you are currently working on)

 For a doctoral student finishing up, it would be great if you had something for each of those four aforementioned categories.  Other info for the curriculum vita:  Conference presentations  Grant writing experiences  Service to the department as well as the field  Workshops conducted  Research projects you are involved in (quantitative as well as qualitative)

 Other info for the curriculum vita:  A solid reference list of individuals who know you and your work!!  Some institutions seek three while others seek five.  It is never too early to identify those individuals who you would like to write a reference letter for you.  To get good references, do good work and cultivate meaningful relationships!!

 Information to consider for the on campus interview:  Why did you choose this particular institution? (Know the history of the university as well as the college of education’s history)?  Have a thorough research presentation prepared as well as sample teaching presentation.  Be personable—know what your future colleagues are doing!  Have a thorough understanding of who you are and what you can contribute to the department as well as the university.

 Once you get the invitation to come for a campus visit, remember the following:  You have been well prepared for the position!  You have chosen the right profession!  You are not alone in the process; feel free to call your mentor, your professors or other colleagues for advice. You can even contact me at