Who is Successful on the Finance Ph.D. Job Market?

We examine the attributes that contribute to a successful placement of first time finance Ph.D. job market participants. The results of a survey of 237 former job market candidates suggest that while the ranking of the Ph.D.-granting institution plays a significant role in candidates' success at all stages of the job market (candidates from higher ranked schools receive more conference interviews, fly-outs, job offers, and secure higher salaries), other factors also contribute. Prior publications or invitations to resubmit a paper to a journal, experience of presenting at academic conferences, and prior work experience positively affect marketability. Younger candidates, Caucasians, and graduates of higher ranked schools secure placements with higher research requirements and higher salaries. The quality of the hiring institution plays a central role in the candidate's overall satisfaction with the job market outcome. Additionally, we collect and summarize recommendations of survey respondents to future first-time job market participants