Which writing sample to use?

In our newest "how can we help you?" thread, a reader writes:

I have a job market question I've been struggling with. So, suppose that I work on X and Y, but my dissertation and best work is mainly in X, but the job is in Y. Do I submit my best work, or the work that falls more squarely within Y (which I think is less good etc).

Perhaps relevantly, X and Y interact a lot throughout my work, and other parts of my file will make the clear. But my best work is more squarely on the side of X.

What have people done in this situation? Also curious about people who have used 2 writing samples to navigate this -- e.g. sending one paper in X and one in Y (and in that case, which would you use as your primary and which as secondary)?

I think we may have discussed this issue once or twice before, but since it often comes up, it's a really good question! I used to think it best for candidates to simply submit their best work, even if it's not squarely in the AOS advertised in the job ad--at least if the rest of their file shows that they genuinely have an AOS in Y. However, now I'm not so sure, for a couple of related reasons:

1. I've heard anecdotally of cases where committees "really want" someone who is a perfect fit for and does excellent work in the advertised AOS. So, if you don't send in a writing sample on Y, then you run two risks: (A) not really looking like a good fit, and (B) looking like your work in Y really isn't excellent (after all, if it was, why didn't you submit a writing sample on Y)?
2. Candidates are so strong across the board (with similar publication numbers, teaching evals, etc.) that small differences between candidates (such as one candidate looking like a better overall fit for the position) can really make a difference in decisions on who to interview or hire. 

These two considerations seem to me to speak to submitting two writing samples (one in X and one in Y). However, I'm not sure how search committees feel about that, as most job ads request one writing sample, and if a candidate submits two they might look like they don't know how to follow directions or are trying to give themselves an illicit advantage over other candidates (who did follow directions). My sense is that search committees can care about evaluating candidates fairly, and so a candidate who seems to be trying to give themselves an unfair advantage could (in principle) have that held against them. But here too, I'm not too sure. How many search committees (and individual search committee members) care about this? I have to confess: I don't know.

So unfortunately, I'm increasingly uncertain abut what to advise here. My gut tells me that, all things being equal, candidates who look like they are a perfect fit for the advertised job (viz. their CV, research statement, and writing sample all focusing on Y) are likely to have an advantage over someone who looks like they do their best work in X. Then again, if the latter person is really spectacular, then all bets are off--as committees can very much be interested in hiring the best person they can get (broadly in the areas advertised). So again, I'm not sure. What do you all think, particularly those of you who have served on search committees? 

Comments

[Tim O'Keefe]

I agree with the reasons not to submit two writing samples, but here is one way to try to still have it both ways. (To be clear, I'm unsure if this is the best approach.)

--Submit the paper on X, as you believe it's your best piece of work.

--In your cover letter, say something like the following: "I am excited to apply for the job at U of Big Square State. As I describe in my research statement, I specialize in both X and Y. But these are not two parallel areas of interest; they interact in my work. I enclose a writing sample on X. However, if members of the search committee wish to look at it, I will be happy to send a writing sample on Y to demonstrate my proficiency in that area."

[G]

I was in a very similar situation, and I chose to use my work in Y as my writing sample.

I have not served on any search committee so I could be wrong. I feel that by having Y as the AOS, they expected me to have research projects In Y. So, I needed to show that I did have such research project(s). I could always *say* that in my cover letter, research statement, and ask my letter writers to say that in their letters. But since my dissertation was not in Y, the only evidence that *shows* my research in Y was my writing sample.

[William Vanderburgh]

I think almost everything Marcus said here is correct. Competition is so high right now that small differences, ones that ultimately come down to fit rather than "quality" (see: ZAMM), are often the deciding factors. If the job is in Y then the department will be comparing other writing samples of Y; submitting a sample of X will make you look like one of those candidates (my god, there are so many) who apply to jobs they don't fit. I wouldn't submit two writing samples. Most committees won't read both, and if they do they might end up saying, "too bad, this one is good in X but not that good in Y." If they choose one, they will read the Y anyway, given the requirements of the job.

The ultimate solution, I think, is to write something better on topic Y. ;-)

[job market]

thanks all - this is very helpful!

[Mike Titelbaum]

Often you are not in a position to know what the hiring department is looking for. They might just need someone who can teach Y, but would be happy if the main focus of your research is in X. Or they might really want someone with a research speciality in Y, who will maintain the department's presence in that area, advise doctoral theses, etc.

If you can find out what the situation is with a particular department, then you can tailor your application strategy for them appropriately. But if you don't know, then you can just be forthright in your cover letter. Say that you've written a dissertation in X, but you have expertise in Y and are prepared to teach it. So you've sent along two writing samples to demonstrate this—or maybe you've sent along one, but point to another on your website they can check out if they're interested. Your research statement will also be an occasion to say how you see these areas fitting together, and where you see yourself going with each in the future.