The Academic Job Market in Public Affairs: What Characteristics Are Desired?

This study reports the results of a survey of several hundred public affairs faculty concerning what they look for when evaluating candidates for academic positions. Although fit with program needs is the most important criteria followed by publications, there is a great deal of diversity on what faculty value in job candidates. Faculty from PhD granting institutions place more emphasis on research and publications while those at non-PhD granting programs focus more on department fit and teaching experience. Faculty with greater experience are more likely to emphasize letters of recommendation and the quality of the dissertation.