Friday, July 17, 2009

**As We Prepare for the Next Round of Academic Hirings**

I have found this letter to be a great template for responding to those pesky job rejections. It has floated around the Internet for several years at least, but I highly recommend it as a template easily customized to any institution. Microsoft Word can even set up a macro that will drop in all the names of search committee chairs, making the job search paperwork process just that much easier.




_________________, Chair - Search Committee
0001 Old Hall,
No Name University
Some town you didn't want to live in anyway, IA

Dear Professor ________,

Thank you for your letter regarding my application for the tenure track opening. After careful consideration, I regret to inform you that I am unable to accept your refusal to offer me an assistant professor position in your department.


This year I have been particularly fortunate in receiving an unusually large number of rejection letters. With such a varied and promising field of candidates, it is impossible for me to accept all refusals. Despite No Name University's outstanding qualifications and previous experience in rejecting applicants, I find that your rejection does not meet my needs at this time.

Therefore, I will assume the position of assistant professor in your department this August. I look forward to seeing you then.

Best of luck in rejecting future applicants.

Sincerely,

Your name here

1 comment:

Leann said...

How funny!