Develop Your Materials

A man in a suit sits on a wooden bench in a hallway, writing in a notebook with a pen—perhaps outlining notes for an upcoming Landing Page or updating the AJS Guide.

Preparing your application materials is one of the most important stages of an academic job search. Hiring committees rely on these documents to understand your research contributions, teaching experience, and overall fit for the position. While expectations vary by institution and discipline, strong application materials share several qualities: they are clear, well‑organized, tailored to the role, and aligned with disciplinary norms.

This section outlines the core documents you will be asked to prepare and provides guidance on how to present your academic achievements effectively.

Allow More Time Than You Think 

Candidates often spend several weeks to several months preparing academic application materials, particularly when developing documents such as research statements, teaching statements, teaching dossiers, and tailored cover letters for the first time. Building draft materials early on can make it easier to respond to opportunities as they arise.