Fallen at the final hurdle... again. (Academic job market)

[CityDweller]

Just heard that I didn't get a post I interviewed for. Down to the final 4, but they offered it to someone else. Got a lovely rejection (if such a thing is possible) - implying it was more about areas of specialisation (it was a pretty open position) than quality. But, even so... I would have so loved the job and I'm so keen to get out of my current institution/ post, which I'm fed up with. Same thing happened this time last year, down to the last 4 (for an even more desirable post), but didn't get the job.

Feeling despondent. Not least about not getting this job, but also about being stuck in mine. I know, I know, I need to keep on plugging away and keep publishing, that it's a positive sign that I'm even being shortlisted, etc, but right now I feel like I"m going to be stuck at my current institution for ever :(

At least you're in a post - I have to give the same feedback to many young excellent candidates who are trying to get a job in the first place. It often really is about the right fit for the post between several otherwise equally qualified candidates.

And if I look back on jobs that I was very very disappointed not to get (particularly when my fixed-term contract was running out & I was going to have to sell my house if I didn't get another job - no other support than me) - then I now say "Thank goodness I didn't get X job." I can think of at least two jobs where I now know I had a lucky escape in not getting them.

If the selection committee didn't think you were the exact right fit, you probably wouldn't have been happy. Something will come up for you. Really it will.

I know that is easy to say, and sounds such a cliché, but in my long, I'm old experience, it's true.

I know, I know! My disappointed is less to do with not getting that job (as it was far from perfect), but more to do with wanting out of my current post. I'm ready to make the next move and having come so close, but not making it, for two really great jobs in the last year has been tough. So close, but so far, etc

But yes, I'm aware that my situation could be far worse and I'm lucky not to be starting out now. We hired a teaching fellow last year and had nearly 100 applicants, 75% of whom were over-qualified for the post.

Hang in there!

And think about your 'parachutes.'

I was in a job which was not ideal (great team, appalling upper management) and tried to get out once or twice (I was 3rd time lucky). By the time that 3rd offer came around, I had worked out ways of making my peace with that job. I did a couple of training-for-leadership roles which got me out of my immediate department, and gave me some terrific experience. Which helped when the right get-out job came around.

So maybe have a look about you in your current institution?

what are my 'parachutes'?

It's awful isn't it? I know getting interviews is good, but then it's all so much effort and stress when you don't end up getting anything.

My fixed term post ends at the end of this year and I don't have very much to go to. In a way I'm happy because I'd find it hard to work full time in a new job straight after coming back from mat leave, but it's still disheartening.

I adapt the term made famous by a career-advice book called What Colour is Your Parachute?

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/What_Color_is_Your_Parachute%3F

Plan B, Plan C - what are ways of changing other than the obvious ones ie new job in a new HEI. That's why I suggest a sideways move where you are now - or getting some extra training or taking on more or different responsibilities or roles.

Thanks for the sympathy Lules. And the parachutes link FoggyBottom. Once I've licked my wounds and picked myself back up that sounds like a productive way to look to the future at my current institution. More productive than endlessly scouring jobs.ac.uk

Just wanted to add my commiserations, it's crappy when you get so close but don't get the job. I truly hope the next opportunity is the one to get you into another HEI. Keep plugging away once you have licked your wounds as you say.