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Job Search

The Doctoral Job Search

Conducting an effective job search in and outside of academia requires uncovering opportunities and presenting your qualifications in a powerful and persuasive way:

  • Make sure your materials are tailored to specific positions, especially they are non-faculty positions
  • Write well-constructed CVs, resumes, cover letters, and other documents based on position requirements 
  • Search for job postings based on keywords that reflect your interests, skills, and values 
  • Leverage career fairs and other career and professional events, especially leverage your network and the greater UMD alumni network
  • Evaluate and negotiate job and salary offers carefully 

 Organize Your Search

Searching for a job can sometimes be an overwhelming and daunting process.  Here are some important steps to take before and during your job search.

  • Make a plan and keep a record of your activities (e.g., a list of jobs and deadlines you want to apply for)
  • Put dedicated time in your calendar for job search and set weekly goals
  • Maintain a database of contact info for those you meet who are helpful to your search
  • Record dates of contact and keep notes and action items from your interactions during networking
  • Maintain a log of jobs you’ve applied for and the status of each 
  • Be sure to send follow up with "thank you" emails for informational interviews and actual job interviews

Job Search Sites with Posted Positions

For jobs that are specifically looking for UMD students/postdocs,

  • Handshake - Handshake is a smart system that connects all UMD students and alumni with jobs, internships and career services.

For tenure-track, postdoc, higher education administration positions and more, 

  • Higher Ed Jobs - HigherEd Jobs is the leading source for jobs and career information in academia.
  • Inside Higher Ed Careers - Inside Higher Ed provides the latest news, analysis and solutions for the entire higher education community, and has a job board for careers in higher education and non-profit.
  • The Chronicle of Higher Education Jobs - The Chronicle of Higher Education presents news, information, and jobs for college and university faculty and student affairs professionals, including staff members and administrators.
  • H-Net (Humanities and Social Sciences) - H-Net is an interdisciplinary forum for scholars in the humanities and social sciences. It is best known for hosting electronic mailing lists organized by academic disciplines.
  • Postdoc Opportunities Board - The Postdoc Opportunities Board lists opportunities for postdoctoral training at 17 universities performing world-leading research and scholarship across 10 different states.

For positions targeting postdocs or if you are looking at postdoctoral positions,

For government positions with government agencies, 

For non-profit,

  • idealist - Idealist includes opportunities spanning a variety of nonprofits, social-impact businesses, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

For business/for-profit sector,

  • Indeed - A useful tool to search for jobs along with the company information and salaries. 
  • LinkedIn - LinkedIn is the world's largest professional network on the internet. You can use LinkedIn to find the right job or internship, connect and strengthen professional relationships, and learn the skills you need to succeed in your career. You can access LinkedIn from a desktop, LinkedIn mobile app, or mobile web experience.

For different disciplines,

  • ScienceCareers (STEM) - Designed to find jobs in science and technology, including academic, government, and industry jobs.

For individuals who are traditionally underserved, such as women, people of color, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities, or older, 

  • DiversityJobs - Specifically designed to search for jobs that are committed to diversity and inclusion.
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