Career Services Office

The Academic Job Search Process

Less Common Materials

Academic Transcripts

Some faculty searches require academic transcripts, most commonly in performing arts disciplines. Official transcripts are mailed directly from the registrar's office and may take several days to process. You may be expected to submit official transcripts from your undergraduate and master's degree institutions as well. Most universities require a hard copy of a signed letter in order to process a transcript request, and processing may require several days. Make transcript requests at the earliest possible moment. University of Illinois transcripts may be requested from the Office of Admissions and Records (OAR).

Dissertation Abstract

Some search committees will request a brief description of your dissertation. Standards vary somewhat by discipline, but in general, a dissertation abstract is usually a brief 1-2 page essay. You may wish to begin your abstract by placing it within the context of existing literature and research. It must be clear, easy to understand, and should adequately convey the scope and meaning of your work. The abstract should convey an appropriate authorial voice, helping you establish your role as expert as well as communicate that your research is important and interesting. The dissertation abstract is not only a significant document for the job search, it is also an important part of your pre-interview preparation, forcing you to describe and discuss your research in a brief, succinct way. As you prepare this document, work with your adviser and possibly others in your department in order to observe disciplinary customs.

Statement of Teaching Philosophy

A statement of teaching philosophy is often requested with the initial applicant package, although sometimes it is solicited later. This document is a brief 1-2 page essay that captures your commitment to education and describes your approach to teaching. It may include comments on the goals you have for your students, the ways in which you facilitate learning, and your perspective on the role of the professor in the learning process. It is fine to make general statements, but be certain to support them with specific examples, preferably of things you've already done. In addition to comments about your philosophy, commitment, and style, you should also indicate the courses you are qualified to teach as well as courses you might like to design in the future. Like all application materials, the statement of teaching philosophy also serves as a sample of your writing, so it must be written well. Education specialists at the Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) are available to help you develop your statement of teaching philosophy.

Statement of Research Interests

Many search committees request some sort of statement of "research plans," "research interests," or just "research." Like the statement of teaching philosophy, your statement of research interests should be a 1-2 page essay written in the first person. The scope of this statement varies by discipline, so be certain to talk with faculty within your department. In general, however, you will probably wish to describe your dissertation research, as well as any plans you might have for this research post-deposit (i.e., revise into a book, publish as multiple journal articles, etc.). Additionally, it is advantageous in most disciplines to discuss future research plans beyond the specifics of the dissertation. Indicate any fresh areas in which you would like to take your research, and attempt to convey what is interesting and important about this work. Place this work in brief context and, if considerable resources are necessary for your research, indicate specific facilities, equipment needs, and possible sources of funding.

Teaching Portfolio

A teaching portfolio is a collection of additional materials about teaching that may be requested after an initial review of the applicant pool. A portfolio is not simply an inventory of all artifacts collected during the course of teaching, but it is a thoughtfully prepared compilation of facts and materials that illustrate your teaching accomplishments. It is commonly requested in some disciplines and rare in others. Typical items within a teaching portfolio include:

A list of courses taught (including course titles and a brief description).
A copy of your statement of teaching philosophy.
An inventory of any teaching awards or certificates earned.
Sample syllabi for each course taught.
Sample course materials for one or two courses. This might include course assignments, handouts, reading lists, and exams.
An evaluation of your teaching by a faculty member.
Sample student evaluations.
List of sample courses you are prepared to develop. Include brief descriptions, which might include a proposed course title, a paragraph or two on the content of the course, proposed readings, and a brief statement on how student progress would be evaluated. Note the target audience of the course.

You may wish to organize the portfolio with a table of contents and place it in a three-ring binder. Education specialists are available on campus to help you with your teaching portfolio. For more information, see the Center for Teaching Excellence.

Additional details about developing a teaching portfolio are also available online at:

Writing Sample or Dissertation Chapter

After the initial screening of candidates, some search committees will request a writing sample-usually a journal article or a dissertation chapter. Send a document that represents the quality and content of your work. Be prepared to discuss this work during an interview or on-campus visit.

Videotape of Teaching

Sometimes institutions will request a short sample of your classroom teaching, either on videocassette or DVD. Such teaching samples will usually be requested after the applicant pool has been reduced to a more manageable number, and they are most commonly requested by smaller institutions that emphasize quality classroom instruction. Search committees do not usually wish to view an entire 50-minute lecture, and a shorter, 20-minute presentation is more commonly requested. You may be asked to provide a teaching sample on short notice. Education specialists at the Center for Teaching Excellence work with graduate students to enhance their classroom teaching skills, and you may wish to solicit their advice before preparing your video. Call (217) 333-3370 to make an appointment.