Quantitude S7E05 The Academic Job Talk
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Oct 14, 2025 As the academic job season approaches, the hosts share invaluable insights about the job talk. They highlight the importance of making a strong first impression while avoiding common pitfalls. Listeners hear hilarious horror stories from talks gone wrong, alongside practical advice on customizing content for diverse audiences. Gold nuggets like referencing colleagues’ work and managing time effectively are emphasized. With humor and wisdom, they remind candidates to balance seriousness with enjoyment, all while preparing to showcase their authentic selves.
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Hireability Is The Super Goal
- The primary goal of a job talk is for the department to decide if they want you as a colleague.
- Present yourself as the person they'd invite to faculty meetings and socials, not only as a researcher.
Whiteboard That Wasn't A Whiteboard
- Patrick described accidentally writing on a silk-screened backdrop thinking it was a whiteboard.
- The mistaken mark still remains, becoming a permanent humorous souvenir.
Bagel Bar Audience Shuffle
- Greg recalled an early talk with a full bagel bar where attendees grabbed food and left during his presentation.
- Playing to a room with more bagel traffic than listeners made the talk awkward.