ABOUT THIS BOOK

Applying for an academic job is a complex process that requires applicants to present their credentials, strengths, and values through multiple written documents. These self-promotional writing genres—particularly research, teaching, and diversity statements—carry different purposes and utilize distinct strategies to portray a job seeker as the right match for the hiring institution. Presentation of Self in Academic Support Genres demystifies these high-stakes genres by analyzing authentic texts and real-world examples. It provides insight into the intricacies and challenges of self-presentation in diverse settings and sheds light on an otherwise hidden discourse community and its conventions. It also includes dozens of engaging activities and tasks, some of which are specifically designed for multilingual writers, that guide readers through composing effective job application materials.

This theoretically grounded but practice-oriented book will be a valuable guide for recent graduates and newly minted PhD holders about to start their careers in higher education and beyond. Readers will gain awareness of job application expectations and best practices, and job seekers interested in pursuing careers beyond the classroom will also learn how to leverage their skills and qualifications for industry jobs. The book will be a great resource in advanced courses on genre-based writing instruction, English for Academic Purposes, and professional communication. In addition, it can be used in graduate professionalization courses, professional seminars, faculty development workshops, or by individuals working independently.

AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY

Mohammed Albakry is Professor of English Linguistics at Middle Tennessee State University.
Clint Bryan is Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Northwest University.

REVIEWS

“Presentation of Self in Academic Support Genres will be useful both as a classroom textbook and as a resource for teachers and administrators at nearly any university or college.”— Lawrence J. Zwier, Michigan State University

“Presentation of Self in Academic Support Genres will be a valuable resource for graduate students and postdoctoral trainees in credit-bearing writing courses, non-credit professional development workshops, mentoring groups, or other communities of practice centered on preparing learners for careers in higher education and beyond. With chapters that break down the rhetorical moves and stylistic features of the major dossier genres—research statements, teaching statements, and statements of diversity, equity, and inclusion—the book presents an analysis of how graduate and early career scholars can construct these genres while situating them in relevant linguistic and rhetorical theories and the authors’ own corpus-based research.”— Katie Homar, University of Pittsburgh

“In this striking sequel to the authors’ first joint book, Writing Recommendation Letters (2024), Albakry and Bryan tackle the remaining—and often difficult—genres of academic support writing that go with the job market. These include teaching, research, and DEI statements, which have become a standard, if somewhat dreaded (or at least mysterious) part of the hiring cycle. Albakry and Bryan not only demystify these and related forms of writing, including material that goes with alternative academic (alt-ac) careers, but make them doable and winsome. I intend to give a copy of their book to my grad students so they’re more equipped than I was when the time comes. Ultimately, Presentation of Self in Academic Support Genres contributes to the wider, and much-needed, discourse regarding the value of identity and the importance of finding purpose in the higher-ed, but also alt-ac, career path.” — Will Mari, Louisiana State University

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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