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Tips for TT faculty applying for non-TT jobs?

In our most recent "how can we help you?" thread, a reader asks:

Could members of search committees for non-tt positions weigh-in on their reactions when they see an application from someone in a tt position come across their desktop? How much rationale do you care to see in the cover letter as to why such a candidate might be applying too your job? I ask because as someone in a precarious tt position in a red state who has already made cuts (maybe you can guess which one), I am interested in applying to attractive, stable non-tt teaching positions when they pop up; in fact, I've applied to such positions, but have had no luck. So I am looking for tips.

Good questions. My sense is that some kind of explanation like the above in a cover letter may help.

What do other readers think?

Posted in

6 responses to “Tips for TT faculty applying for non-TT jobs?”

  1. Anony

    I would guess that search committee members would easily understand why you want to LEAVE. But they might be more worried about whether you want to STAY.
    They could be worried that someone who already has a TT position might be using the non-TT position as a temporary step to another TT position. Given the difficulty in getting searches approved, they might shy away from candidates viewed as potential flight risks.

    Reply
  2. Paul

    First, I’m sorry you’re in this position. Second, good luck in your search. I hope you find a good place to land. I’ve been on search committees for both TT and permanent lecturer (non-TT) searches. For me personally, I think in this case, honesty would go a long way. Normally, yes, I would see your app and I would have a lot of questions, and I know many of us would wonder why on earth you would make such a move. But in this case, a simple 1-2 sentence, clear and honest explanation would go a long way towards appeasing me. And possibly even another couple of sentences explaining why you think you would be happy in this position in this department at this school for the long term.

    Reply
  3. Assistant Prof

    I was just on a search committee that hired a TT faculty member for a non-TT job. They had perfectly compelling reasons for making the move, so nobody batted an eye.
    I think that some (not over-the-top) degree of explanation is helpful. In your case, everyone can see why you would want to get the job, but they might want to hear a bit about why you would want to keep it.

    Reply
  4. Bill V.

    We haven’t done any long-term-non-TT searches, but a similar thing to what OP is talking about is when a tenured person applies for an TT asst prof position. I think the key thing in either case is to demonstrate that you fit the required and preferred qualifications, and explain what about the new place makes you want to be there specifically (rather than anywhere but your current location). The fact that you want/need to leave your current role is not a reason for any other place to hire you, of course. So I’d say keep any explanation of your rationale very brief, except a sentence or two to the effect that you recognize it is a decrease in status and pay and you are nevertheless eager to take the position. If they invite you to interview, that might be a time to give more detail. (OP might also consider community college positions.)

    Reply
  5. NTT search committee member

    I second Marcus’ advice. I would also add that you should try to answer this question: Why should we think that you will not immediately go back on the market looking for re-entry into the TT? I.e. why should we think you would be genuinely happy with a teaching-heavy career?

    Reply
  6. Why?

    We haven’t had this particular situation, but we have had a similar one – our past couple of TT assistant professor hires have been filled by people who had tenure elsewhere and gave it up to come to us. Indeed, we had a surprising number of tenured faculty applying for the position. Some of the things that concerned us are likely the things that would concern the committees you are trying to convince including:
    1) do you really understand that there is no way that the position can be switched from how it is described. Are you really willing to give up tenure/tenure line positions, or are you applying in hopes that you look so interesting that the dept/Dean will change the line for you. If there is any suspicion of the latter, your file will be tossed.
    2) Are you really willing to accept the position if offered it, or are you trying to negotiate a better offer at your current place (or elsewhere)? Give the committee clear reasons to think that you would come if offered the position. Again, if there is doubt here, your file will be tossed early on.

    Reply

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