In a recent Friday Forum, Dr. Laura Border, Director, Graduate Teaching Program, discussed one of the most nerve-wracking—and important—components of an academic job application: the on-campus interview. Before we look more closely at Dr. Border’s tips and recommendations for the on-campus interview, it is helpful to first take a step back and review the application process.
Preparing for the interview
Academic job applications begin with a letter of application that includes your teaching statement and CV. Tailor each application to the institution you are applying for. This will require more research than simply reading the job posting. Look into the department and the larger institution as a whole. You want to convey—with every part of your application—that you are a good fit. This is also helpful for you. If you find the institution is not a good fit (for whatever reason), do not apply. While putting together your application materials, make an appointment with the GTP office for additional help!
After you have submitted your application, the next step in the hiring process is the phone interview. When preparing for the phone interview, it can be very helpful to practice with a colleague. Thinking through your answers might help identify areas to work on. In terms of logistical considerations, be sure to prepare a quiet space for the interview. If you are conducting an interview over Skype, consider reserving a room on campus (just give yourself a thirty-minute cushion on before and after the interview). Also note that at this time some institutions may also conduct phone interviews with your references.
Next step: the on-campus interview!
What to expect
Again, it is important to research the institution well in advance. Get familiar with the department. Who are the faculty members? What do they teach? What do they research? Recognizing a link between your research and that of a faculty member helps establish your position as a colleague. Familiarity with the broader institution will also prepare you for what to expect when you actually arrive on campus.
It is important to note that the interview begins as soon as you are picked up from the airport. Even if a student picks you up, you have to be “on.” The process can be a bit exhausting as your time at the institution will be completely booked with interviews, meals, and talks. Take advantage of the scheduled “downtime” (informal meetings with faculty and students, etc.) to make connections with the department. In terms of what to wear, it is preferable to overdress—just make sure that you wear clothes that you can comfortably walk in.
The interview(s)
Most likely you will have more than one formal interview set up during your on-campus visit. Expect to meet with department faculty, members of the broader institution, and (potentially) students. During formal interviews it is appropriate to take notes. Try to engage directly with the interviewers, addressing them by name. It is also important to tailor your answers and questions to the audience. For example, if meeting with a dean or provost you may ask questions regarding the department from the strategic view of the institution. What are the department’s greatest strength? Greatest weakness?
If you do get the opportunity to interview with students think about the institutional culture (the cultures are, for example, very different at Metro State, the Air Force Academy, CU, and Colorado College) and how you might be qualified/prepared to teach these students. Ask the students what they would like to see you add to the major curriculum.
More generally, it is important to always ask questions during an interview. One or two authentic and directed questions is appropriate. Questions should focus on how you--as a scholar--will collaborate with the department. Examples that Dr. Border shared include:
- “I was looking at your website and I was wondering X about X…”
- Describe the research environment in your department.
- The teaching environment?
- Does the department offer extra-curricular seminars?
- What are the opportunities for collaboration?
- What are the expectations for grant-writing by junior faculty?
After the interview, be sure to always follow up with a thank you note. Sending notes by email is fine, but it is also nice to send individual notes to everyone you meet.
Waiting to hear back
Interview timelines are slow. Be aware of this and plan ahead. Once you get to the final stage of the on-campus interview, you may expect to hear back from the institution in about two weeks. If you are offered the position, clarify the amount of time you have to decide whether or not to accept.
Resources
The Chronicle of Higher Education recently released an excellent new resource: Vitae. Vitae is, essentially, a LinkedIn for academics. You can build a profile on Vitae and use it to connect with other academics in your field. In addition, you can search for job postings by position type. Signing up is free!
The Graduate Teacher Program is another great resource. Make an appointment to come by!
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