Interviewing Successfully for Academic Positions: A Framework for Candidates for Asking Questions during the Interview Process

The interview perhaps is the most influential factor in the academic employment process. Although curriculum vitae, cover letters, and recommendations are essential aspects that typically determine whether the candidate will be invited for interview, the on-site interview typically is the final determining factor in the selection process. Hence, during the interview process, candidates should convey not only academic/professional strengths but also collegiality in an appropriate manner. Asking appropriate questions during academic interviews is essential in that it allows applicants to detect what is expected from departments or units and also provides applicants with valuable information to assess the best fit. However, an extensive review of the literature revealed no work that discussed explicitly the types of questions that interview candidates should pose. Thus, the major purpose of this article is to provide a framework for candidates who seek academic positions for asking questions during the interview process. In particular, typologies of interview questions are provided. Additionally, numerous questions are presented that are classified as being related to teaching, research, and service. Further, these questions are sub-divided into questions for search committee members, the department chairperson/unit leader, dean, and vice president/provost. Although the list is by no means exhaustive, it is hoped that it will help candidates view the academic interview as a two-way process in which both parties assume the joint role of interviewer and interviewee. 

The interview perhaps is the most influential factor in the academic employment process. Although curriculum vitae, cover letters, and recommendations are essential aspects that typically determine whether the candidate will be invited for interview, the on-site interview typically is the final determining factor in the selection process. Hence, during the interview process, candidates should convey not only academic/professional strengths but also collegiality in an appropriate manner. Asking appropriate questions during academic interviews is essential in that it allows applicants to detect what is expected from departments or units and also provides applicants with valuable information to assess the best fit. However, an extensive review of the literature revealed no work that discussed explicitly the types of questions that interview candidates should pose. Thus, the major purpose of this article is to provide a framework for candidates who seek academic positions for asking questions during the interview process. In particular, typologies of interview questions are provided. Additionally, numerous questions are presented that are classified as being related to teaching, research, and service. Further, these questions are sub-divided into questions for search committee members, the department chairperson/unit leader, dean, and vice president/provost. Although the list is by no means exhaustive, it is hoped that it will help candidates view the academic interview as a two-way process in which both parties assume the joint role of interviewer and interviewee.