I chaired a search committee for an open Asst/Assoc Prof. We did 15 zoom pre-interviews. We had 7 questions that lasted 25 mins, w/ an opportunity for the candidates to ask questions at the end. Here are my tips from that experience, themed around song lyrics! Enjoy!
I don’t belong here. If they selected you for an interview, they thought you were qualified. Do not question if you are qualified as that will only lend doubt. Use the time to convince them further you are qualified for the position. Be confident that you were selected!
The movement you need is on your shoulder. Don’t be too discouraged if your application does not advance. Not every university is a fit for you or a place you can be successful. Academic searches are highly competitive & sea multifaceted and complex. Ask for feedback if you can.
There I go, turn the page. You can have notes prepared, but make sure you are engaged & not only reading off notes. Most won’t let you use slides, but a lot of these questions will be the same across different universities. You can even use ChatBots to develop & prepare
We didn’t start the fire, its been always burning. Your research may be unique, but chances are there are others who did fundamental research in the field & similar FDA approved products that treat your disease(s) of interest. You should know this background & their limitations.
I just hope you understand, Sometimes the clothes, Do not make the man. Diversity is not solely engineers & scientists. They are people w/ different lived experiences. They are individuals who have experiences (including prejudice or hardships) unique from your lived experience.
I want it all (yes, I want it all) Have an idea of what big equip & perhaps small equip you will need. What core facilities does your research need? If they are at the uni you are interviewing, make sure & highlight that you know that!
A 7-nation army couldn’t hold me back. Genuine enthusiasm will go a long way. Committees are always questioning if people will accept the position. Show you are enthusiastic & knowledgeable about the position, location, university, & opportunity
We can’t go on together w/ suspicious minds. Say why you want to leave if you are currently a prof. Do not continuously bash your current unit but discuss what would improve w/ the move. Focus on the + not – of the current situation so not to be perceived as a poor colleague.
You only get one shot! These are carefully crafted questions. They are only going to ask a question once. Likely the first question will be related to you, your training, & your research achievements. The answer to this question can be easily prepared in advance.
You oughta know! About the dept/uni & make it known you know. e.g., who you would collaborate with (which should include individuals in the interviewing unit) & resources @ the uni. Showing preparation in this way helps to inform that you are interested in the position.
All this science I don’t understand. It’s just my job 5 days a week. Give ~2 mins each on your past & future research at an audience appropriate level – this is a teaching position you need to be able to explain things well. Tie in potential collaborators in the unit & uni!
