Read on Twitter
Often people say the econ job market is "noisy", as if its REAL purpose is external validation, to render the ultimate judgment of your abilities. But:
(a) that's wrong, the purpose is to get a job
1/5 https://twitter.com/ash_craig/status/1340004715149611010
(b) hiring committees are trying to evaluate your fit for a job, which is not the same as your ability and usually involves other factors besides the perceived quality of your research
(c) hiring committees do not have time to closely evaluate your research very carefully; they're largely going off what your advisors say. If you're unsure what your advisors think of you, you can ask them! Much easier way to find out than going through the market
(d) research quality is not a well-defined concept. How much people like your research depends on novelty, framing, timing, tastes, culture, not just pure creativity and technical competence. Even if other people aren't excited about your research doesn't mean you shouldn't be
and most importantly:
(e) the quality of your research is not the same as your ability! At most it reflects how you've applied your abilities *up to this point in time*. Ability is not some exogenous primitive waiting to be revealed. You will always continue to learn and grow.
(e) the quality of your research is not the same as your ability! At most it reflects how you've applied your abilities *up to this point in time*. Ability is not some exogenous primitive waiting to be revealed. You will always continue to learn and grow.
