Write towards the future!

As though working on your thesis or dissertation weren’t writing enough, the job search requires a great deal of writing of various kinds. There is the writing you expect: crafting your C.V., writing different versions of your application letter for different positions. This work of selling yourself is difficult for most people who do not have an ego as big as all outdoors. Luckily, much of the writing about how wonderful you are is done by your references.

Other types of writing will be required with most applications, depending on your discipline, the type of institution you are approaching, and specific requirements of the position. The portfolios required by the arts and business are examples of discipline-specific documents. A job at a research university may require samples of your research writing, while liberal arts schools are particularly likely to require a philosophy of teaching statement. However, any school may ask for a “statement of professional vision and goals,” a separate statement of your research agenda, syllabi of courses you have taught, or copies of teaching evaluations. Finally, there may be unique job requirements which prompt specific writing tasks, such as your vision for a new program of undergraduate research.

Before you send any of this off, have others look at it! We know you’re all independent, creative intellectuals, but this is probably not writing you have much experience with. Show it to people who know you well, and to people who know your field. Hopefully, your advisor is both. Also, the Writing Center in the English department works with students on career-related writing: call 263-1992. Consultants at EPCS are also available to help. Make an appointment with us at 262-1755.

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Send comments or questions to ah@education.wisc.edu

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