Academic interviews
Purpose
The academic interview is a comprehensive process whereby an institution gets to know a faculty candidate more fully, while at the same time, the candidate begins to get an impression of the setting in which they may be working as a faculty member. It is designed to be thorough, to cover a wide array of experiences, and to introduce the candidate to many individuals at the department, college, and campus levels.
Phone Interviews
Before you are even invited to campus many institutions will conduct a phone interview with you. These are typically an hour in length and give the institution a chance to see how prepared you are, and whether or not you might be a good fit for the position, before they bring you to campus.
What to expect on campus
A typical interview may span two or more days, involves campus tours and introductions to staff, faculty colleagues, and administrators, and includes multiple meals with groups of campus personnel as a means of interacting informally. The more formal side of the process often involves a research presentation, an interview by the selection committee, and may include a guest teaching experience. Meetings are typically set up with campus administrators, human resources, and centers of interest. There may also be tours of the area, meetings with realtors, and events at local places of interest. It is a good idea to ask to sit in on a few classes if that is not an activity included in the formal itinerary.
How to prepare
The academic interview is an opportunity to let others know who you are as a professional, while at the same time “trying on” the campus for size. It requires professional dress, demeanor, and behavior at all times. As you prepare for the interview, keep in mind these four points:
- Look your best
Dress in professional attire with a different outfit for each day. Be well groomed, clean, and well rested.
- Know the campus
Complete a full search of the campus, the college, and the department before visiting the campus. It is essential to check the website, read the mission, follow links to documents, find out who is on the search committee and read their publications, read any campus initiatives, and have an answer to the question, “Why are you interested in this campus in particular?” Search academic programs and courses you might be teaching, and look for sample syllabi online.
- Present your qualifications
Be sure to have copies of your CV and examples of your accomplishments that may include a sample syllabus, a funded grant proposal, or a writing sample with you if any opportunity arises to share them. Prepare a presentation ahead of time and practice it until you feel comfortable. If asked to teach a class, choose a lesson you have had success with, and be interactive with students.
- Ask questions
The questions you ask tell as much about you as a professional as the materials you bring. It is important to demonstrate an interest in the campus and the individuals who work there.
Academic Interview Advice
The Academic Phone Interview
Henrik Schatzinger, The Academic Phone Interview
This article describes for Political Science students the sort of questions that might be asked during a phone interview and how to best prepare.
How Skype is Changing the Interview Process
Stephen Winzenberg, The Chronicle of Higher Education
This article describes the process of having an initial interview via webcam. The author makes suggestions on how to prepare for this exeperience.
The Academic Interview Revisited
Johnson, M. D. (October, 2004). Chronicle of Higher Education
This article reviews how to prepare for commonly asked questions and how to answer them.
Preparing for an Academic Interview in the Geosciences
Science Education Resource Center, Carleton College
This website is prepared by a professional development organization for faculty in the geosciences.
Interview Tips
Donadey, A., European & Women’s Studies, San Diego State University
This is part of a larger website that Anne prepared about the CV, publications, syllabi, etc.
Job Search in Academe: Strategic Rhetorics for Faculty Job Candidates
Formo, D.M. & Reed, C. (1999). Stylus
This book contains advice on writing the letter of interest, and effective ways to respond to interview questions.
