I have a friend of mine who was adjunction for 7 years before he got a tenure track job. 7 years is a long time. But he kept at it…and also did self-assessment.

Self-Assessment Question 1) Why was he not getting jobs?
The answer, in his case, was that his specialization was one that was not appreciated in his field. So…now what? He didn’t abandon his specialization, but he developed a secondary field that he enjoyed, but that was also a bit more marketable. He also really cultivated those other sorts of things that help: interdisciplinary, the ability to teach writing focused classes.

Then he really worked on his conference presentations and staying connected to his advisors–to make sure that he was still getting networking in.

Then he really worked on publishing. He got articles out and got his book out.

He was strategic about his teaching. He made sure he taught some courses more in the mainstream of his field as well as his less mainstream specialty.

He kept honing his interview skills. I personally watched his job talk and have him feedback…which he incorporated to improve it.

He did some things to make sure that the letters of rec he sent out were stellar and not lukewarm. This is vague…I know…but the sort of thing I’d say in private rather than public.

And most importantly? He didn’t give up. He kept at it.
Universities value research, teaching, and service…so he did research, teaching, and service all the while adjunction. And now he’s got a really cool job…and will be able to go up for tenure early to boot.

So…if it means that much to you, then keep at it and continue to make yourself attractive. Work on the things you are deficient at (no publications? awkward at interviews? need more teaching? need more networking?) in the mean time and keep plugging away.

Good luck!

Oh! And work on being a good colleague. People end up hiring people they want to work with…so be a person someone wants to work with (positive, friendly, interesting, interested).

And apply for Post-Docs!