A friend recently asked me to share any advice I had for phone and zoom interviews for academic jobs. I had forgotten that I had kept notes from prior interviews for this purpose, and so I’m sharing them here for anyone who might find them useful. I’ve included a list of questions that I or my friends have been asked in prior interviews.
Preparation Tips
Be ready to answer mainly generic questions about your research, teaching and future plans as well as your interest in the job.
Identify 3 reasons you are excited about this position and express them.
Identify your platform - the 4 - 5 key aspects of your academic profile (research agenda, teaching philosophy, methodology) you want to emphasize - and refer back to these as you answer the questions.If you can, find out who is on the search committee (if you have not already found out) and who will be on the call.
Make sure to have the names of the committee members & their area of research in front of you.
During the interview
Have a pen and paper ready - they may ask compound questions, so you want to make sure to answer all parts. It’s okay to write down questions even if you are on Zoom.
If speaking on the phone especially, make sure to speak so that it is clear when you have finished talking (lower your tone at the end of your sentence)
Generally, do not talk for more than 2 minutes. Some universities may ask you to restrict your answers to 2 minutes, 5 minutes. Interviews generally last 20 - 40 minutes and the committee will be on a tight schedule, interviewing people back to back. They will cut you off if you talk for too long.
ALWAYS have questions ready for them at the end (I’d suggest a list of 4 in case you have time). They will make time for you to ask questions at the end. These are important as they reflect on how you are approaching the job (obviously don’t ask about salary, the location, sabbatical, funding etc.).
Questions should show you’ve done some background research into the department/university and allow them to expand on something.
High risk questions are yes/no questions. For example, if you ask if there are certain opportunities, programs, or resources and these do not exist, they will feel bad and you will be uncomfortable. Ask them about an existing program or initiative they have launched, for example.
Read up on the news of the department or school and show awareness of recent events/changes in governance/new hires etc.
Dress for the interview even if it’s just on the phone.
Be aware that they may ask to record you.
Example Interview Questions
General
Why did you apply here?
Can you tell us 2-3 reasons that you were interested in the position?
Can you tell us about how you see yourself fitting in this department, and your contributions?
How does your research fit the position, and how will you contribute to the department?
Can you tell us about your research and your main findings?
You are coming from [major city/kind of institution]. Why would you want to come here [small town/different kind of institution].
How would you perform campus service?
Teaching
Can you tell us about your approach to teaching?
Can you describe your dream undergraduate course and dream graduate course to teach?
How would you mentor and support underrepresented groups?
How would you teach our introductory course? If the job ad states that you will be expected to teach a class, you should be ready to talk about it.
Which existing classes would you teach, and which would you like to design?
Make sure to read their course catalog and have a list ready; describe one class in detail - title, aims, some themes/readings, modes of assessment.
What is your teaching philosophy?
How do you support diversity?
Research
Can you tell us about your research agenda?
What is the significance of your research beyond [your research site]?
What's your future research plan?
Are you aiming to publish articles, or do you have plans for a book?
We are a policy orientated School. How would you engage with local communities?
Can you tell us about a book or article that was particularly influential on you?
Questions you might ask :
I noticed you made/are making several hires in recent years/this year. Can you tell me about the department’s trajectory for the next few years?
What motivates your students?
What do students do after graduation?
What kind of students does your program attract?
Can you tell me more about XXX initiative/program?