Academic job interviews occur in multiple stages and begin the academic year before you would start the position. Typically, these start with a virtual preliminary screening interview. If selected to continue, you would then be invited to the institution’s campus for the next phase. The on-campus portion is typically multiple days and includes several interviews and presentations. 

Preliminary Interview

Preliminary interviews are typically conducted through video conferencing. Prior to the interview, ensure your technology is working and that you have a quiet space to meet with the search committee. These interviews are usually 20-30 minutes and ask questions regarding your understanding of the position and institution in addition to details of your experience. There is also typically time for you to ask them one or two questions. This is a good time to ask about the culture and specific projects or programs happening within the department. If you continue in the interviewing process, you will have another time to ask about specific benefits and logistics.    

Schedule an appointment to practice for the preliminary interview with an advisor at the Career Center.

On Campus Interview

The on-campus interview is actually several interviews and also includes time for you to present on your research and provide a teaching demonstration, depending on the focus of the position. The department will assist with travel accommodations and provide an agenda. If anything is unclear, such as expectations for a seminar, ask the search committee chair for clarification. 

Your interview starts as soon as you arrive at the institution’s location. If you have to fly there, a search committee member or other faculty will likely provide transportation to where you are staying or to the location of a meal. While not the formal interview yet, you may be asked questions to get to know you, which can be considered when assessing your collegiality later.

For the majority of your time on campus, you will be meeting one-on-one with departmental faculty. Prepare for this by learning as much as you can beforehand. It is okay to bring notes to your interview. We recommend noting each faculty member’s ranking (assistant, associate or full professor), research interests and notable achievements. This will help when discussing how your work will complement others in the department and show your investment in the institution. In addition to faculty, you may also meet with administrators and students.

The other bulk of time you are on campus will be dedicated to presentations. At minimum, you will be expected to present a seminar about your background and experience, commonly called a “Job Talk.” As a part of the Job Talk, you should detail your expertise through previous work and intentions if granted the position. The search committee will usually give you parameters on what they would like to see included in your talk and the amount of time allocated. Practice your presentation several times and with different audiences before the interview to ensure you are providing adequate detail on each aspect and can present the information within the allotted time. There is usually also time dedicated for questions after your seminar, so be prepared to discuss your work and future plans in more detail.