I just read through a huge stack of applications for an opening at my university. Here are some of my general tips for job hunters. Mostly the don'ts for now, if I think of a do, I'll post it too
- Don't send a cover letter for a job at another university. Yes, it's a cliche. And yes, it happens. And no we're not impressed.
- When formatting your CV, make sure that your PDF file comes out properly. There's nothing like reading a PDF where the fonts weren't embedded and so the formatting is wonky.
- For a writing sample, send a single-author paper. Really.
- Curb the "scare quotes." Please.