Searching for an academic position is known to be a stressful and often ambiguous process for applicants. During this transition from doctoral students to assistant professors, applicants seek any additional means to increase their chances of securing an academic appointment. This research draws on data gathered from a sample of recently hired business school professors for tenure-track positions in Canada and the United States to develop an inductive model of academic employability. The academic employability model derived from our data consists of four dimensions, three of which have been included in existing employability models (Career Identity, Personal Adaptability, and Social and Human Capital) as well as a fourth unique dimension to this model (Academic Professionalism). In addition to providing an analysis of this distinct and context-rich job market environment, we offer practical advice for aspiring job candidates, doctoral programmes and academic supervisors seeking to improve academic employability of doctoral graduates.