Faculty Search Committees: An Insider’s View Sharon L. Wood Professor of Civil Engineering University of Texas at Austin

Search Process During our last search, we received nearly 200 applications for a single position. Each member of the search committee reviewed the applications and developed a short list. Committee merged the short lists and contacted references for four or five candidates. Interviewed two candidates.

Search Process Your application must catch the attention of at least one person on the search committee.

Application Cover Letter Curriculum Vita Research Statement Teaching Statement

Cover Letter Letter should be specific:  Why do you have the background for the specific position being advertised?  Why are you interested in the University of X? Do not assume that the members of the search committee are clueless. I have six articles that have been or are in the process of being published in refereed journals. Also, eight of my articles were presented in conferences and published in proceedings.

Biographical Information A curriculum vita is not a standard resume.  Do not use the same resume for faculty positions, post-doc positions, and positions in industry.  Know your audience. Career Objective To pursue a career where my experience, background, and education can help advance technology in education.

Biographical Information Skills Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint. Transcript and List of Courses Too much information at this stage.

Curriculum Vita Education Experience – Teaching and Research Honors Professional Activities Funding History Publications – Journals and Conferences Presentations References 2 to 4 pages

Research Statement Summarize current work. Provide ideas for future. Demonstrate that you are ready to write research proposals on your own.

Teaching Statement Summarize experience. What techniques do you want to use in the classroom? What courses are you interested in teaching? Demonstrate that you understand the expectations for faculty members and that you look forward to working with students.