The Interview Process

October 31, 2003

Prepared by Nicole Engelke

On October 31, the PFMF group joined the greater university PFF group to get tips on interviewing and observe some mock interviews.

The session began with tips on how to make sure your vitae is read and given the proper consideration, and thus hopefully leading to an interview.  Tips were then given on how to have a successful phone interview and campus visit/interview.  It was also discussed how the general guidelines are different when applying for a community college position.  The session concluded with two mock interviews one more science oriented and one more liberal arts oriented; the former was given by the math department's own Dr. Armbruster and Tim Lant.  The following is an outline of the critical components of the vitae and how to have successful interviews.

Vitae:

Teaching

• Show a range of courses taught

• Evaluations

• Sings of change/improvements to the department

• Dream course

• Workshops

• Technology

Resarch

• Conferences - attendance and presnetations

• Promise

• Collaboration

• Applying for grants

Supporting Details

Involvement in the Department

Good Communication

Phone Interview:

• Reflective but informative
• Seeks clarification - ask questions
• Forthcoming - admit when you don't know the answer
• Well informed about the institution

Campus Visit:

• You are always "ON" - drink iced tea, soda, etc. - looking for a colleague for next 20 - 30 years
• Teaching/research presentation - be prepared
• Meeting faculty/graduate students - never be too at ease, back to point one

Community College:

• Research is an "extra"
• Focus on teaching - should have a passion for teaching
• Teaching online courses a plus
• Back up words with actions - state that you use projects in class, better do it in teaching presentation