How to foster a connection with a department in hopes of a future job ad

Summary:

I met some great faculty from the same univ/college at a conference and found myself hoping that they might be hiring down the road in my specialty. Are there any strategies to foster a connection with a department you hope to eventually join? Is it unethical or "bad form" to simply email them and say "you know, I think you are great, please tell me if you all are ever hiring in my specialty."

How to foster a connection with a department in hopes of a future job ad

wishin 03 Mar 2017 16:56

I met some great faculty from the same univ/college at a conference and found myself hoping that they might be hiring down the road in my specialty. Are there any strategies to foster a connection with a department you hope to eventually join? Is it unethical or "bad form" to simply email them and say "you know, I think you are great, please tell me if you all are ever hiring in my specialty."

Re: How to foster a connection with a department in hopes of a future job ad

anon_dev 04 Mar 2017 17:20

I don't really think you should write that or say that. That will make your networking seem strategic, rather than genuine. Instead, continue to foster the connection, collaborate with them, catch up at conferences, and do as much as you can to make yourself a presence among them. Maybe down the line it's worth mentioning you'd love to be there if the right job opens up, but at this point, it's premature and will be poor form.

Re: How to foster a connection with a department in hopes of a future job ad

DocJ 05 Mar 2017 15:26

When I was a PhD student getting on the job market, I'd simply note my seeking a position to people I met at conferences. Some said they might be looking and handed me their card. Nothing came from that, however. A stronger approach is to utilize your advisor's connections. If she/he knows people in hiring departments (or if anyone who recommends you does), then having them reach out might be appropriate. The other place your idea can work is with cover letters - specify having met these faculty and as a result of those meetings, learning about how great their university is, etc., makes the college/university you're applying for particularly attractive. In short, customize your cover letter and add the details about the people you met in there.