The AMS Standard Cover Sheet is a required document for anyone applying for academic mathematics positions. The American Mathematical Society created this form to bring consistency to the hiring process. It is used by PhD graduates, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty candidates who apply through MathJobs.org. The form helps hiring committees compare candidates quickly, since everyone provides their credentials and background in the same format.
The cover sheet asks for six main types of information. First, you will list your personal and contact details. Second, you will include your current position and institution. Third, you will provide your PhD year, granting institution, and advisor name. Fourth, you will describe your research interests in plain text without mathematical symbols. Fifth, you will choose up to five Mathematics Subject Classification (MSC) codes from the standard numbering system, which has more than 60 top-level subject categories. Sixth, you will list your professional references and the type of position you are seeking, such as a tenure-track role, postdoctoral position, or visiting appointment.
One important rule: this cover sheet must not be sent to the AMS itself. It belongs in your application packet and goes directly to each employer you apply to. Many candidates complete this form alongside other application materials, including a research statement, teaching statement, CV, and professional reference letters. Most mathematics departments require all of these materials to complete a job application.
The form is not difficult to fill out, but accuracy matters. Department committees review dozens of applicants, and a clear, complete cover sheet helps present your credentials effectively to hiring committees. Double-check your MSC codes, confirm your advisor name is spelled correctly, and make sure your reference contact information is current before submitting.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Form Name | American Mathematical Society Cover Sheet Form |
| Form Length | 1 pages |
| Fillable? | No |
| Fillable fields | 0 |
| Avg. time to fill out | 15 sec |
| Other names | ams american academic sheet form, ams standard cover sheet, ams employment standard sheet form, ams mathematical employment standard form |