How to Find PhD Positions

Many PhD positions can be found at local community colleges or universities.

Finding a PhD job can be quite challenging, but certainly not impossible. Fortunately, resources exist within your local academic community, online and other helpful places that can make your career search process easier. Discussing your career aspirations with a college instructor is one networking outlet available, among other resources, to assist you in locating jobs requiring a doctoral degree.

Instructions

1. Ask your current or former college instructors for job recommendations. Share your career goals and plans with your instructor to help determine good matches with potential employers. Many college professors are ideal networking resources since they often work alongside other instructors and have first-hand knowledge of job openings.

2. Attend a career fair near your area. Many companies and organizations hold job fairs at local convention centers, universities and other similar facilities. Bring a copy of your resume and speak with several recruiters in attendance. Ask about the availability of PhD positions with their agency.

3. Apply for positions at local community colleges or universities. Many higher-educational facilities have academic instructor positions available for candidates with doctoral degrees. Access the school's website and look for a "Jobs" or "Employment Opportunities" link and search for faculty positions. Some schools even offer job opportunities online for individuals with doctoral degrees. For example, the University of California at San Diego posts post-doctoral positions online through its Office of Postdoctoral Scholar Affairs.

4. Access websites specifically dedicated to PhD job opportunities. Visit websites such as PhDs or AfterCollege and browse through job openings. Each site provides job postings by type, experience or location. Enter the city and state or five-digit ZIP code and keywords related to your intended position into the search fields, to view listings in specific areas. Both websites also provide career tips, resume and cover letter pointers and other helpful information.

Tips & Warnings

• When looking for jobs on university websites, most schools will require you to create a profile and complete a registration process before applying for job listings.

• Review interview pointers, including selecting appropriate attire, before your interview.

References

• East Carolina University: ECU Job Site
• University of California at San Diego: Apply to UC San Diego--Job Applicants
• PhDs.org: Jobs for PhDs
• After College Career Network: PhD Jobs

Resources

• Texas A&M University Kingsville: Interview Tips
• "Marie Clarie" magazine; How To Dress for The Job You Want; Sarah Z. Wexler;