Notes for Ph.D. Job Interview Experiences 02-21-2020

Are you a budding academic embarking on the journey to secure a tenure-track position in your field? The path can be challenging, but learning from the experiences of those who have successfully navigated it can be immensely helpful.

Here is a brief summary of insights and advice shared by three scholars, Dr. Leila Hosseini, Dr. Sameer Mehta, Dr. Murat Tunc during a panel discussion at the JSOM IS Seminar in 2020.

I really appreciate the generous and comprehensive sharing about their job seeking experiences.
I also want to thank Dr. Varghese S. Jacob to host this panel.
These seasoned professionals offer invaluable guidance to aspiring tenure-track job seekers.

Before the Interviews: Preparing for the Position

The journey begins between July and October when academic institutions typically start posting tenure-track positions. The exact timing may vary depending on your field, so stay vigilant. It’s essential to have your application materials ready before the hiring season kicks off. These materials typically include:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV): A well-organized document highlighting your academic journey and achievements.
2. Teaching and Research Statements: Clear and concise statements outlining your teaching philosophy and research interests.
3. Teaching Evaluations: Evidence of your teaching effectiveness, if available.
4. Recommendation Letters: Strong letters of recommendation from reputable sources.
5. Paper Copies: Copies of your publications or research papers (requirements may vary by institution).
6. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Statement: Outlines of your commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in academia.

Remember, only include projects and papers that you’re well-versed in. Additionally, be prepared to succinctly discuss the content of your CV within two minutes. Collaborating with your PhD colleagues can also be beneficial in this preparation phase.

Interview I: The Initial Encounter

The first-round interview, whether conducted online or in person at a conference, usually lasts around 30 minutes. This interview typically follows a structured format:

1. Introduce Yourself: Begin by succinctly presenting your research focus and its relevance.
2. Research Landscape: Discuss your research topics and methodologies.
3. Research Details: Articulate why your research is significant and provide specific insights into your work.
4. Additional Research Questions: Be prepared for philosophical inquiries about the Information Systems (IS) field. Share your future research plans, including topics, domains, and methodologies. Familiarize yourself with the faculty members you’d like to work with (at least two).
5. Teaching Questions: Expect questions about your teaching experience, teaching philosophy, and your plans for specific courses.
6. Ask Your Questions: Use this opportunity to inquire about the timeline for decisions.

When managing your time during this interview, allocate approximately 90% to research-related topics, 5% to teaching, and 5% to your questions for the interviewers. Use your limited time to convey the key points of your research convincingly and demonstrate why you’re the right fit for the position.

Remember to establish connections between your teaching and research. Articulate clear motivations for your choice of teaching domain rather than merely discussing a topic. Avoid making unsupported statements; always provide reasons and justifications.

If you’re attending a conference, it’s not only an opportunity to network and make connections but also to prepare your application package. You might find universities actively hiring at these events, so having your materials on hand is crucial.

For international institutions, be ready to explain your motivation for seeking a position there clearly.

Interview II: The Campus Visit

Typically, you’ll receive campus visit invitations after the first-round interviews. Some schools may offer direct invitations without the initial interview, although this is less common. During your campus visit:

• Dress professionally, adhering to a business suit dress code, especially in a business school setting.
• Remember, they’re not just looking for a researcher; they want an engaging colleague. Don’t immediately dive into your research; make it exciting and memorable. Incorporate anecdotes, jokes, or stories relevant to your presentation to captivate your audience.
• Prepare for questions about how your research theory relates to practice and vice versa. Practice answering questions, manage your presentation time effectively, and remember that practice makes perfect.
• Customize your questions for each institution to demonstrate that you’ve done your research. Familiarize yourself with the faculty’s work and connect your research to their contributions.

After the Interviews: Making the Right Choice

After all the interviews, when you’re faced with multiple offers, consider the following factors to make an informed decision:

1. Know Your Goals: Define what you want from your career. Is it the best business school, a strong IS department, productive faculty, or opportunities for collaboration outside IS?
2. Salary and Benefits: Consider the financial aspects of the offers, including salary, benefits, and any additional perks.
3. Culture, Geography, and Personal Factors: Reflect on the institution’s culture, location, and any opportunities it may offer for your spouse or family.
4. Teaching and Service Load: Assess the teaching and service expectations, as well as any requirements for assistant or tenure-track professors.
5. Tenure Criteria: Understand the specific criteria and expectations for earning tenure at each institution. This includes research productivity, teaching performance, and any service obligations. Ensure they align with your career goals and capabilities.

Summary

In conclusion, maximizing your research potential and ensuring your happiness are keys to success in securing a tenure-track position. It’s a competitive journey, but with careful preparation, thoughtful presentation, and consideration of your personal and professional goals, you can increase your chances of landing your dream job in academia. Good luck!

thumbnail by Maranda Vandergriff