Good thread. I come from a lower ranked R1, my specialization all but dissipated in my third year when the remaining IR people left. I was done with coursework, had an IR based dissertation and no IR folk to do it with. So I improvised, choose a committee I trusted and liked and got the damn thing done in two years, using a statistical system that was developed by my primary adviser.
It was assumed I would not find a job by the "powers that be". Jokes on them, I am very happy at a small institution that hired me based on my dissertation and my personality and it's worked out for both of us, judging from my semester end reviews.
I am one of two from my cohort that has a job, and the only one I know of to have a TT position.
That should scare you right there. Out of 6 or so, two employed, only one at a TT position. The other fellow who has a lecturer position is quite capable and I am a little surprised he has not translated this into a TT position.
Sure, my school is small, but I have job security, a very good group of co-workers and lots of room for development. Plus, it fits my research interests in a way that would be scoffed at my Phd school (save for my advisor)
I don't think there is so much a huge supply as we are in a depressed market right now. I was lucky, no doubt about that. I also think that name recognition alone is really over-played. I know of better research at small non-ranked schools than many R1s. I compare the current stuff and find that the more dynamic writing is being done at the small schools. Much of the material I see coming out of R1s seems like variations on already done research, like they are desperately trying to not "rock the boat" and get placed at another R1.
I don't know, maybe because it's because we, as Provincial Political Scientists have nothing to lose.
If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy.