When I was looking for a job I didn’t apply for 1 position for reasons of geography. I have been kicking myself ever since (and my husband hasn’t been very happy about it either), because I have since visited said place to give a seminar and found it really great. My stupid mistake.

Obviously, it’s up to you where you apply- but to maximize your chance of getting a position- including the position you really want its important to have multiple offers. This is not so easy and means going on as many interviews as possible. … even if they are in places where you wouldn’t necessarily picture yourself living.

That’s excellent. Good luck in your search.

I felt the same way about departments that I visited that didn’t look super duper on paper- I always got a much better idea of the possibilities in person!

I have accepted every interview I have been offered, for the reasons stated above. And to be completely honest, I have found myself very surprised at how much I have liked places that, on paper, I wasn’t so excited about. Also, I would say that with each interview, my talk and even my ‘interview skills’ are improving.

administrative staff – I am always very appreciative, thankful and nice in all of my dealings with admin people wherever I go (and also my department). I think it is in part a reaction to how poorly I have seen said persons treated in my various departments.

Academic- Very true. We have administrative staff that run the whole place, they have been around for a long time and know all the ins and outs of the place. They are in charge of many things and can help you around the many administrative messes you will get yourself in to when you are the new kid on the block. I always feel kind of strange telling people to behave nicely- but its continuously shocking to me how many times I witness people behaving badly- especially toward those they perceive to be lower on the totem pole…

Your first job talk is going to suck! You want this to be at your favorite place, or you want it to be at a place that you are ok with not getting an offer from? After a few interviews, you will get dramatically hugely better at giving the job talk, chalk talk, and generally interviewing.