Vlog 281 - Why didn't I get that academic job? (Understanding the academic workplace)

A tough vlog. Success has many origins and outcomes. Failures are forgotten and buried. This vlog explores why applications for academic jobs fail. And what we can learn about universities through this failure.

[@xiaoq8329]

This comes out at the right moment for me, who is just entering the door of academia as a "faculty" and who just experienced what you described (interviews, cheap labor, competition, etc.). So much appreciated!

[@gideonosabutey5474]

Thank you, Tara. Realistic expectations of all work places help in successful career planning and management. Acknowledge the competition. Give your BEST shots. Be kind to yourself. One door closes, another opens. Dare to create some of the doors though.

[@gizeworkkassahundesalegn3448]

Thank you, Tara, it's realistic and very helpful, you are a serious educator as well as an entertainer, bless you !!!

[@SquareyCircley]

Jeez, what a sad world we are getting ourselves into. I appreciate Tara's practical advice. Let's all use it to do our best within the system. But we must also fight to change the system. The university system. The capitalist system.

[@aditigupta3199]

Thanks for this beautiful vlog, Tara. We need the reality check!

[@littlebuttons]

This is such a useful video for the future, thank you. Before I started my PhD, when I was working in an industry position, I experienced all these things too and I would have been really grateful to have seen a video like this then. So grateful to see this.

[@ladydars]

Tara, I so appreciate your honesty. And your example of working so hard to research and write outside of your 'job' is what inspires me most - because what I love about the ideal of university life is the type of work that I don't need monetary incentives to do (though that would be nice). I only wish that our systems valued the work of knowledge production and teaching enough that more people with fabulous potential in these fields could commit their time to it, rather than having to prioritise more secure income due to various social imbalances. Oh gosh I think I just came to the stunning and totally unique conclusion that capitalism is the problem.... 👀

[@toyinomotola6498]

Thank you so much for this, I just went through an interview and the unofficial response I've received haven't been encouraging. Thanks for this

[@richardmansbridge9000]

Tara, I know this vlog was serious, and at times a bit dark, but I laughed out loud more than once. And, exhale, you are deeply respected by those who really listen and see Tara.

[@willpeterson193]

"B and tenure before Christmas!" You just can't make this stuff up. Thanks for sharing tales from the trenches and offering such honest and caring strategic advice. Love, light, and peace.

[@officeofgraduateresearchfl9343]

Will, I can't tell you how much Kevin - my 93 year old father, for those who came in late - still laughs about this. Anything I talk to him about on Skype with so much excitement (!!!!) - he replies with - "sounds like B and tenure before Christmas to me." Thanks for being you. I am so glad that we've had a chance to meet and work together. You remain a bright, bright light. txxx

[@fuzzluvver69]

Another amazing vlog Tara! I wonder if you might consider doing one on a topic I am currently pondering - when is the right time (or are the right circumstances) to bite the bullet and move on to a different institution? From my perspective, I am in the UK, a lecturer, and have been in that role for nearly twelve years. I have multiple publications in journals, chapters in multiple textbooks from recognised academic publishers, have supervised eight PhD students, been a programme leader, have all the right qualifications, have brought in external funding, and in short have a 'model' academic CV. I first applied internally for promotion 8 years into my career and was rejected, then again 10 years in, and was rejected again. Each time for reasons totally unrelated to the actual promotion criteria internal promotion is supposed to be judged upon (in other words, criteria made up by the panel). Under such a circumstance, it felt (and still feels) as though it was becoming a hopeless task. I want to back myself and believe I am worth more than how I appear to be viewed internally to my university, and I believe that this might be in part due to the fact that I was quite young when first appointed (20's), and perhaps some in those senior posts don't quite realise that I am not that young, inexperienced academic any more. So what do you think? When is it time to take that risk and say I'm done where I currently am? When is it time to move on?

[@officeofgraduateresearchfl9343]

You have a deal FL69 - I'll put my mind to that and I'll find some evidence and case studies. On it!!!! txxx PS - you are fabulous. Hang in there...

[@fuzzluvver69]

@@officeofgraduateresearchfl9343 Thank you so much! That would be amazing! Your vlogs are invaluable, absolute must viewing for anybody in HE today.

[@classic7577]

I have very similar experience. The panel kept saying how great I am after the interview then turned me down a week later. So confused 😭

[@michaelsy4448]

I agree, I think I got the job not because I am the best but because my PhD and my expertise is needed by the department/unit at that point in time right after I finished my PhD. I think there were 4 candidates alongside with me but the department is looking for a good fit more than getting the best.

[@thefrancophilereader8943]

I just shouted "Yes Yes Yes" at the computer screen after you talked about the rigorous international search that led to the appointment of the internal candidate. Soooo true! And I 100% agree with giving up on the quest for a dream job. A decent job is more than a lot of people get.

[@officeofgraduateresearchfl9343]

FR - morning. Superstar, I cry with laughter whenever I see these emails. I rarely hear the end of a statement that starts with, "after a rigorous international search...' ;)

[@Robkellysound]

Is there a podcast of the Vlog episodes? These are great to have on in the background.

[@officeofgraduateresearchfl9343]

Hi SS - great to hear from you. SS - I run an independent podcast with different content. But I know a stack of people who play the vlog - with just the audio running. It's always better not to look at me ;) txxx

[@indiraroy5870]

Tara , Really Excellent 👍

[@stacram87]

Thank you

[@PhDCoffeeTime]

Now I am working at a non-academic job, I am almost immune to workplace toxic people (yes they do exist outside of academia!). I think to look at the bright side, my experience from academia is preparing me how to deal with egocentric bullies. My colleagues are often surprised by how calmly and professionally I have dealt with the "difficult situations" they are seeing in the company.

[@reachingforthesun]

Wonderful agency on the topic. Academia is amorphous, hopefully they emailer gets this linked to your reply 🤣🤣☕💯🆘#DarthBrabazon lol

[@dalala9323]

the strategy 😭😂

[@smithsinclairfamily5734]

Hey 👋

[@stefanpreiss2657]

NZ crew checking in

[@officeofgraduateresearchfl9343]

Biggest hug to you Stefan. Biggest wave to the NZ crew - loving your work! txxx

[@stefanpreiss2657]

@@officeofgraduateresearchfl9343 Hi from New Plymouth . Love your work. Straight to the point, no fluff. Regards Stefan