When to apply?

When to apply?

JobSearch2016 29 Jul 2016 16:38

Given that a lot of the positions say that the "formal review" won't begin until September/October, is it worth waiting to apply (since some under revision manuscripts, abstracts, etc will likely get accepted between now and then) or just applying now when your materials are ready (and then possibly sending an updated CV down the road if things change)? Basically, do you think there's any advantage to getting materials in well before the "formal review" begins, or best to hold off since your CV might continue to improve in the meantime?

Any thoughts/advice are welcome!

Re: When to apply?

DocJ 29 Jul 2016 17:08

In my search experiences and having been on search committees, it really won't make a big difference. Most faculty are plenty busy and won't look at the application materials until the formal review begins anyways. If you have several publications or conference presentations in the pipelines, I'd wait until those go on the CV before submitting the application.

Re: When to apply?

(account deleted) 29 Jul 2016 17:21

I've been wondering about this also. I have asked a few different people, and of course gotten different responses. One person who has chaired search committees before told me that people can and do start looking at materials early and "a consensus begins to form around some individuals" that is then hard to override if you don't get your materials in until later. So he suggests getting in a month in advance. Others have said that sending an updated CV later may not even make it into your file or someone has already looked at your file and they won't go back to look at the new CV, so if you have things under review it is best to wait for them before submitting. I have one big paper I am waiting to hear back on and have to decided to wait if I can, but I know that I am unlikely to hear about it before the Sept deadlines, so I am going to go ahead and submit those in August. I would say that if it is just conference abstracts that is probably not worth waiting on, but if there are multiple papers that you could reasonably hear back about soon then it may be worth it to wait.

Re: When to apply?

anonym0use 29 Jul 2016 19:54

I agree with DocJ—I haven't known it to make a huge difference, but I'm sure it varies by department. What I will say (and others might disagree) is that you should submit your best work when you are submitting a writing sample, even if that work is under review. I think this is especially true if your previously published work does not accurately represent the future/most up-to-date direction of your research. Two of my writing sample papers were under review when I first went on the job market, and I had a lot of success (7 on campus interviews, 5 offers).

Re: When to apply?

Happy in the UK 30 Jul 2016 13:37

Not much of a difference but as said above, people do start looking at applications early in some places. If you are a strong candidate that can play to your advantage as you stand out. Remember that many places get just few applications early so there is more time to read yours (for good and bad). Otherwise, you can prepare you materials and just update the CV later.

Re: When to apply?

DocJ 30 Jul 2016 15:29

I'd like to add a quick comment re: anonym0use's notes about writing samples.

If sample manuscripts are an option (or required), you should submit at least one published or "in-press" empirical article, even if you're not the lead author. Otherwise, I concur that submitting pieces that are under review can be a good option, primarily for those early in their careers.

One more comment about application timing, during each of my successful academic searches, I submitted my materials to places that hired relatively close to their academic deadlines. In general, if you're a strong enough candidate, it likely makes no appreciable difference as to when you submit. Focus on accumulating worthy lines on the CV and merely be sure to submit before deadlines and follow the application instructions. Good fortune to all who are searching!

Re: When to apply?

cogwheel 30 Jul 2016 19:36

I want to underscore this excellent point by TTunsure: people can and do start looking at materials early and "a consensus begins to form around some individuals" that is then hard to override if you don't get your materials in until later

Combine that with a sometimes insanely fast turn-around time between the deadline and the creation of the short list. In one case my colleagues and I had 24 hours from deadline to short list, but we'd had access to all of the applications for an entire month as they were tricking in. A consensus had indeed formed.

Also keep in mind the timing of the letters of rec. Depending on the interface being used, the automated requests for letters may not go out to your advisers until the rest of your application is complete.

Bottom line: If you are delaying simply because you are hoping for one more in-press paper, I wouldn't do it. Better to be a week or two early with a complete application and increase the chances that it is fully considered. You can let them know about that in-press paper later.

Re: When to apply?

anonym0use 01 Aug 2016 15:25

Regarding what DocJ said:

If sample manuscripts are an option (or required), you should submit at least one published or "in-press" empirical article, even if you're not the lead author. Otherwise, I concur that submitting pieces that are under review can be a good option, primarily for those early in their careers.

Absolutely! That's a great point.

Re: When to apply?

JobSearch2016 05 Aug 2016 22:35

Thanks all! This has been a super helpful discussion!

Re: When to apply?

juniorfaculty 10 Aug 2016 14:50

I would apply early unless you have a lot under review, especially revisions under review, and your c.v. could look much stronger in a month. You can always e-mail in to update your c.v. It is absolutely the case that some people will look at applications early (especially if they think they'll have less time when the semester starts, and/or they're procrastinating course prep), and it is also absolutely the case that people can start to get excited about a particular candidate. It's really hard to make an impact when you're one of the ones who drops into the pool at the last minute like everyone else.