|
|
Post by question on Sept 8, 2011 11:42:32 GMT -5
Sometimes you just know you shouldn't apply for a job. I mean, when it's clearly out of your area of expertise. But what about when it's less obvious? How do you decide whether to apply?
Some job ads ask for someone with expertise in a certain area, but do so by indicating that "preference will be given to candidates" in that area. Does that open the door a bit for strong candidates in other areas or less strongly related areas? Or is it just a waste of everyone's time?
There is likely to be only a handful of openings in my area of expertise, but some of secondary areas are in fairly high demand. So, it puts me in this situation in which I'm trying to decide whether to apply for some of these "stretches."
|
|
|
|
Post by veteran on Sept 8, 2011 12:21:09 GMT -5
Its really a matter of whether or not you want to put in the time and effort to apply. I'd worry less about fit and more about whether you want to work at that school or live in that area. The only thing you lose by applying is, again, your time and energy. You could apply to every job if you wanted to. And of course you'll never get the job you don't apply for. But its not like applying for a job that isn't the best fit will hurt you in some way.
When it comes to judging whether you want to apply or not, my advice is that if it is truly a secondary area of expertise and not just a matter of "I've used that variable as a moderator/mediator in some of my analyses" then of course you should apply.
No one can tell you what is or is not a waste of your time...only you can make that decision. If you want to apply..apply. If you don't... don't. This entire job market is a crap shoot anyway. I've seen people get jobs they barely fit and seen people who fit job descriptions perfectly lose out to candidates who were as you say a "stretch". Point is sometimes the job ad isn't really what the department wants or there are disagreements among the faculty as to what qualities they are looking for in a candidate...so, if you think you'd like to work somewhere, apply for the job.
|
|
|
|
Post by also on Sept 8, 2011 12:33:46 GMT -5
I am no expert on this but of my ASA interviews, over half of the schools suggested that what they wrote in the job description was by no means written in stone... Departments don't always agree on what they want in a candidate so it doesn't hurt to apply if you overlap at least some! Good luck!
|
|
styles
Junior Member
Posts: 61
|
Post by styles on Sept 8, 2011 14:23:18 GMT -5
"veteran" is right on the money!
|
|
|
|
Post by my2cents on Sept 14, 2011 18:31:36 GMT -5
Remember that all they can do is say no--you won't be penalized for applying.
On the other hand, you might land a great job if you apply.
I was on the market for a long time and landed a great job on the 3rd round. I only applied because I thought the job seemed "okay". So far, as far as salary, the dept., the institution(both students and faculty/admin), AND location are concerned, this has turned out to be an absolutely magnificent career move and I feel extremely lucky and grateful to work and live where I do. I took a shot and it paid off. Persistence pays off! Hang in there and good luck to you and all the soc job seekers!
|
|
