This paper uses a new data set to estimate empirically the optimal job sear
ch strategies for recently non-tenured economists seeking to obtain an acad
emic job. Estimates from a zero inflated Poisson model suggest that a porti
on of interview counts is beyond the candidate's control as age, colour of
skin, gender, and citizenship all play a part in the interview decision. A
candidate can substantially enhance the probability of obtaining initial in
terviews by maintaining quality research and teaching portfolios, however.