Checklist for Academic Archaeology Job Candidates

Before the Process Begins:

Talk to colleagues at your current employer or institution, especially those who have recently been involved with searches (either as candidates or on committees), to inform yourself about the search process and how it works. If you are looking outside academia, try to get advice from someone who is familiar with the norms and procedures in that field (museums, contract archaeology, foundations, etc.) and what employers in the field are looking for. This guide focuses on job searches in academia, but keep in mind that most archaeology jobs are not in higher education. Think seriously about your goals but be realistic about career prospects in archaeology: your first job will very likely not be your last.

While there is a certain rhythm to the academic market, you should be prepared to start looking in the summer before you hope to be employed, and you may not get an offer until the following summer. Tenure-track academic jobs are often posted in the summer and early fall.  Shorter-term Visiting Assistant Professor and lecturer positions are generally posted slightly later, in the winter, spring, and summer.

Before Applying:

1. The year you are ready to look for a position, sign up with the AIA/SCS Placement Service, and check other listings for jobs that may be appropriate for you (see our “Resources for Job Seekers”).
2. If in graduate school and your home institution offers it, set up a dossier with their placement service (which can send out confidential materials like letters of recommendation). Interfolio also provides this service. Ultimately though, application requirements vary greatly so individualized submissions are often the only way to go. Begin to draft the following documents:
   • a curriculum vitae; a statement of your teaching philosophy; teaching evaluations; sample syllabi if you have them; and a writing sample. Many R1 institutions also require a research statement.
   • In May or June before you start applying, alert three to five references that you plan to apply for jobs and supply these references with copies of your materials as soon as possible.
   • Write an academic CV, not a resume. Clarity is better than high design value and puffery. Include contact info, degrees and dates, title of dissertation and advisor, archaeological projects you have participated in, grants and fellowships, publications if any, papers given, and relevant experience (e.g. courses taught, excavation experience, museum internships). There are many examples of CVs on the internet, and your institution may have a career placement center that can help.
   • Do not list hobbies, personal information, or high school attainments.
   • Write a basic cover letter and be prepared to tailor it carefully for each job. You may want to consider creating different templates for different types of institutions such as R1 versus SLAC/undergraduate focused institutions.
3. Proofread everything scrupulously.
4. Have an advisor read your cover letter and CV.

When Applying:

1. Read materials that are online at institutions to which you are applying, such as faculty handbooks, HR websites, and of course the websites of the department and related entities (e.g. the institution’s library, museum, etc). Take into account the different balances between research, teaching, and service that exist among research universities, smaller undergraduate institutions, and public and private institutions. Consider the different resources available, teaching loads, and other factors.
2. Consider your priorities with regards to salary, location, and duties, and do not apply for jobs for which you are unqualified (e.g. if they are looking for someone to teach Maya archaeology and you don’t know anything about the Maya….) or anything that you would not seriously consider accepting.
3. Inform yourself about the institution and department including who teaches what, and any special programs or focus that distinguishes the department. Match your presentation of yourself in your letter to these facts.
4. Do not send materials that have not been requested.
5. Many people choose to come to the AIA Annual Meeting and present their research when they are on the job market. Rehearse any presentation you are giving at the Annual Meeting: make sure you don’t run over time, ensure that your visuals work, etc.

Preliminary Interviews:

1. If you are asked to interview, congratulations! Try to arrange for someone at your present institution or job to do a ‘mock interview’ with you.
2. Almost all initial interviews now occur over Zoom. Be sure to dress appropriately and professionally, without repressing your individuality or making yourself feel uncomfortable. Consider your Zoom background and make sure you are in a quiet place with a stable internet connection.
3. Research the department and the individuals who will be interviewing you – find out about your prospective colleagues and workplace.
4. Be prepared to answer questions succinctly about the following topics and to elaborate if asked:
   • The topic and contribution of your dissertation
   • Future research or publication plans
   • How you would teach courses that the department has indicated they want taught (including how you would structure the desired course, what textbooks or online resources would you use, potential assignments, and how you might incorporate teaching assistants)
   • What you would teach if you could design new classes
   • How you would mentor graduate students (if the department has them)
5. Be interested in the department and express that interest by asking informed questions of your own. At this stage, do not ask questions about when you can go on leave, state a minimum salary requirement, or ask if a course reduction would be possible.
6. Be punctual for your interview and keep your cool if the schedule is running late, your interviewers are tired, etc.
7. If the job requires the PhD in hand and you are not yet finished with your dissertation, be prepared to say exactly where you are in the writing process and when you plan to file. If you will have a defense, know the date. Be sure that you and your dissertation advisor/committee are stating the same expectations (ideally before they write your recommendation letters).

On-Campus Interviews:

You will be one of three to five finalists. The window in which your visit can take place will likely be very small and may come very soon after the preliminary interview. Be as flexible and accommodating as  possible.

1. You may be expected to give a talk and/or teach a class. Make certain you know what is expected.
   • Clarify how long your talk should  be and who will be in the audience (is it open to the department only or to the entire campus community?)
   • Make sure that your media are compatible with whatever system the institution will provide (thumb drive, computer cables, etc.)
   • Rehearse your talk, including any visuals. If you have a handout, ask if you should bring copies or can have copies made where you are going.
   • If teaching, prepare thoroughly and remember that the students are in as odd of a situation as you are: they have never seen you before, and you are suddenly teaching their class. Try to engage the students and not be overly influenced by the faculty observing you.
2. Know who you are going to meet with and when; investigate their roles in the department or institution.
3. Review everything you can about the department, programs, institution and its mission, strengths, and focus.
4. Treat everyone with respect and courtesy, from the department staff to the chair of the department. Be enthusiastic about your research and teaching and familiar with the research interests and courses covered by the faculty. If not told, ask when a decision is likely to be made. Make sure the committee know how to reach you.
5. Consult the Placement Service Guidelines for information on what is expected of those interviewing.
6. Write thank you notes after your visit.

If You Receive an Offer:

1. While notification that you are the choice for an offer may come by phone or email, formal offers should come in writing and should be signed by both you and the employer. You may want to talk to an advisor about the content of an offer. If you have questions or request changes, an immediate answer may not be possible because even department heads often have to consult with superiors. Some things may not be negotiable, such as salary, benefits, moving expenses, or teaching loads, but it is worth asking.
2. You will likely be given a short timeline to accept or decline an offer. You should do so as soon as you are able to. You should be honest if you are expecting another offer or pursuing another position and need more time, but you may have to make a decision about an offer before all your employment options are clear.
3. If required, be prepared to be able to provide proof that you are eligible to work legally in the U.S. If the institution will be sponsoring a visa for you, make sure you have the unexpired documents they will need to process the application.
4. As soon as you have accepted an offer, contact any other employers where you might still be in the running. This may make a difference for someone else.

NB: This is a basic checklist; take advantage of internet resources to develop a sense of expectations and common experiences.