Drs. Strangelove or: How We Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Job Search Process

The purpose of this paper is to provide prospective job applicants in higher education and others interested in the job search process with an account of three individuals' job search experiences. First, we outline our experiences and career goals as 'all but dissertation' (ABD) candidates. Second, we sketch the steps that we took in the job search process: applying, interviewing, and receiving and responding to offers. Third, we compare and contrast our successful (received an interview) and unsuccessful (did not receive an interview) applications in ways to help understand the job search process. These comparisons include the level at which positions were advertised, percentage match for advertised positions, reasons for submitting applications, and time variables for the job search process. Finally, we offer suggestions for prospective applicants and search committees.